jazzchip

Grant,

Thanks. A number of people agree with you about the Proxxon. I'm thinking that's the way to go.

Jazzchip

Thanks for the link, Mike. 

You're great! Thank you.

Seventynet,

Please let us know what you think after you get it. I'm not going to buy anything until I hear from you.

Thanks,

Jazzchip

This is great advice for me and everyone else who is looking for a vise. Mike, which Panavise do you have? Mark, I have had several positive comments on the Proxxon FMZ also. Thank you

Two more possibilities, thank you both.

Thanks grsjax. I will check this out. Lowe's has a small vise that I'm told is rated highly also.

There are a few vacumn base vises out there that work pretty well. After all we're not doing blacksmith work on em. Should suck down on a table without harm. Bill

Jack,

Thanks for the information. I'll check it out.

Hi,

I think I need a bench vise but I work on a table not a bench which means that I can't drill holes to secure the vise. The reviews that I've read on bench vises in general have not been particularly positive. Are there any that you'd recommend?

Thanks,

Jazzchip

I recently read the instruction manual for BlueJacket's Yankee Hero. It is a beginner model and one that I think I'm going to do. Instructions were clear, specific and they walked you through the task at hand. As a beginner, I need a lot more direction than those of you with experience. For me, an entry level has more to do with the quality and quantity of direction than anything else. A year from now I'll need less help, I hope, but for now I need steps for each task. 

Thank you. What I hoped we would get is the collective experience of the modelers to pass on information on positives and negatives of the ships they've made as a way of advising all of us in choosing our next build. Thanks for your contribution.

It would be valuable to find out which ships were most enjoyable to build and why just as it would be which one was least enjoyable. We all will be making choices for new projects. This kind of feedback would make the decisions on what to buy or avoid easier. 

I would agree with Probablynot about the varying degrees of ability and knowledge. I have never worked with tools but I have an interest in learning to build ships. My need for explicit instruction is far greater than someone who works with tools and now wants to build a model. My need is greater now than it will be after I complete one or two. There probably should be more practicums for even the most basic models. If I want you to develop an interest in my hobby, I'm going to work hard at helping you to succeed at your first few attempts. 

 I'm doing a very basic model and in the first 11 steps I've found poorly worded directions, technical terms but no glossary and plans that assume the builder has some basic knowledge or has someone helping who has basic knowledge. 

I don't know how many people are in this hobby or the average age of the shipbuilders but I'd assume that it's an older group. How do you get younger people interested especially when there are so many other options that they can choose? Maybe hobby shops could offer workshops for new builders.  Local clubs could offer mentoring for new builders to get them off to a good start. In short, the manufacturers, the retailers and those who want to see the hobby grow have to get more proactive.

You're all quite ingenious. .

brilliant!

Druxey,

Thank you very much.

This is going to sound terribly basic but this is where I am. What do you use to apply glue to the pieces of your models? I have heard of everything from toothpicks to makeup brushes. I realize small pieces of the ship will need smaller amounts of glue and that will determine the applicator used but would you mind giving me some suggestions as to what you use for various tasks in building your ships. I have the model kit on m dining room table and I have visions of going through life with one of the dining room chairs stuck to my hand.

I appreciate your help.

Thank you, GRSJAX. I bought one from Micro. I couldn't find one that didn't have some quality issues per the reviews. If it doesn't work out, I think I'll buy one without illumination and a good lamp. That would be easier to find.

jAltduck,Thanks for the lead. I'll check it out.

Jazzchip

thank you, I'll check it out.

No, I haven't Mark. Thanks for the suggestion.

Jazzchip

I've been looking for a quality lighted magnifier and I'm coming up with nothing below $120. Has anyone found a lighted magnifier that he/she is happy with? I'd prefer one that sits on a table not clamped to the table.

Thanks,

Jazzchip

I'm in awe of what you all have done and the work shown as well as your interest in my plans.