[964rh]

Morning all

Probably opening a can of worms here but what tools/kit would you not be without for scratch builds?

My builds mainly consist of converting die cast to slot and kits like mrrc. Plus fettling with older cars to try and improve them so looking for recommendations to build a kit up in addition to my screwdrivers, pliers and dremmel!!

Cheers

Rob

[Anthony B]

Absolutely without doubt is a Dremel moto tool.

I used it in every single car that I make in some way or other. And if you work with fibreglass bodies - you cannot be without it.

Will be interesting to see what others think on this

[Gordon Steadman]

Scalpel, superglue, plasters to stop the blood letting from the scalpel.

[964rh]

Scalpel, superglue, plasters to stop the blood letting from the scalpel.

  and from stopping the cutting disc with the Dremel (don't ask!!)

[chrisguyw]

Morning all

Probably opening a can of worms here but what tools/kit would you not be without for scratch builds?

My builds mainly consist of converting die cast to slot and kits like mrrc. Plus fettling with older cars to try and improve them so looking for recommendations to build a kit up in addition to my screwdrivers, pliers and dremmel!!

Cheers

Rob

Hi Rob, Sounds like you have a few tools already,....while you have not mentioned files, scalpels etc., I assume you already have these, so I will not include them in my list.


 In no particular order............and I am only mentioning smaller/less expensive tools...(drillpresses/lathes etc. are not on the list)

Soldering iron, flux, solder
Chassis jig 
set-up wheels
Hole punch
wire bending jig
clamps
reamers
assorted glues (CA, Epoxy, styrene weld, rubber etc.)
bench vise

And the list goes on......

Cheers
Chris Walker

[KensRedZed]

Hi Rob,

Scratch building can be overwhelming at first. It really depends on how deep into building you want to go.

The best advise I can suggest is let each challenge answer the question. Simply buy a static kit and get started on planning how you want to make the car. You will quickly look for tools to solve build issues along the way. Ask questions as you build.

There's no point in buying an "unobtainium flux capacitor installer" if you don't need one.

By the time you get through your first build, you'll quickly figure out what you need to make it easier to complete the rest of the cars in your dream fleet.

Don't forget you'll also need an area for your tools and parts. They need to go somewhere.

   

Best of luck!

Ken

[964rh]

Thanks for all the replies, appreciate you taking the time to do so.

Files and scalpels I don’t have, used nail files for the last build but they’re on the list now.

Glues I’m fine for I think, have numerous types in the kit so far

As for somewhere to store, that’s a struggle. Every bit of space in the house is full of baby paraphernalia so on the must have for our new house is a garage or decent sized shed that I can hide in??

[KensRedZed]

Rob,

You also have child proofing to do. I have seen closets converted into workshops. What you see on my bench will fit in a 2 foot by 4 foot closet. Install a shelf as a bench so you can sit in front of the closet and work. Below the shelf is regular closet storage space. You can install shelves all the way up the back wall. The top shelf can also be regular closet space so the better half is okay with the loss of part of the closet. Install proper lights and the room will glow with that precision look.

Setting things up on the dinner table is fine right up until you need to pack up half way through a project. Or little hands come wandering in. It's nice to be able to drop what you're doing and close the door in an emergency. Everything will remain as you left it until you return.

Ken