Tools Needed

[Ed Gibbons]

I am new to this and am ready to embark building a Catboat from a kit. Can anyone recommend the tools I will need?

 

 Thanks 

[Charles Green]

Ed:

 

In the category of power tools - none are needed - look at what the modelers of antiquity accomplished without them!  Power tools are time-savers, no doubt about that.  And, if your set-up is wrong, power tools will also allow you to ruin amazing amounts of wood in no time at all. 

 

Uniform widths and thicknesses can be achieved by making a sanding or scraping jig to stop the process when over-sized, hand-sawn parts reach the proper dimension.  A jig will also allow uniform spacing of holes or making multiple parts that must appear identical.  A high quality dial or electronic caliper will let you know when you have reached the dimension you are looking for.  Even with power tools, there will be times when a jig will be necessary to get what you want from them.

 

Sanding or filing surfaces flat can be made much easier by counting a number of strokes, turning the work 180 degs., and then using the same number of strokes.  Then repeat the process as often as necessary. 

 

While shaping a part, always secure it in a vise or clamp it down or temporarily glue it to a substrate.

 

Making jigs is a problem-solving endeavor.  It also takes time way from actually assembling your model.  But, with or without power tools, your modeling prowess will increase with your ability to make jigs and I believe it is a necessary skill to possess.   After a while, you will be confident in your ability to make anything. 

 

Hand-tools: a down-sized version of the coping saw, the jeweler's saw, with appropriate blades, will allow cutting the finest of scrolls and curves.  I prefer coarse-cut jeweler's files over sanding sticks for most small-scale finishing.  

 

Don't try small scale detail with a type of wood that isn't up to the task.  Pear (or other fruit wood), box or holly are well suited for this purpose.  Pear (as well as box and holly), has uniform color.  The grain/color contrast of other fruit woods may be a detraction.  

 

       

[Gregory]

11 minutes ago, Charles Green said:

- ..look at what the modelers of antiquity accomplished without them! 

 

I'm confident if the modelers of antiquity could have got there hands on a laser cutter or a Byrnes saw they wouldn't have hesitated to use it..😁

 

It also makes a difference if it's a full time, paying job.

[Bob Cleek]

3 hours ago, Charles Green said:

In the category of power tools - none are needed - look at what the modelers of antiquity accomplished without them! 

True enough in a sense, if you are talking about electrically powered tools, but let's not get too romantically nostalgic about it. The master modelers who turned out the wonderful Admiralty Board models and the like certainly did have sophisticated tools. Eighteenth Century instrument makers and miniaturists in most instances had machines equivalent to, and in some instances better, than our selection of modeling tools today.

 

This lathe is a very rare treadle powered 1854 ornamental turning lathe.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/392694015715?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=392694015715&targetid=1262749490302&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9032112&poi=&campaignid=11612431626&mkgroupid=121090480206&rlsatarget=pla-1262749490302&abcId=9300456&merchantid=113615460&gclid=CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21m5tmu2GPv40iTAylAgSca21eIDvBUuiiXSNJWab0_Q6zys0_i2rhVRoCgkUQAvD_BwE

 

 

They had powered scroll saws, too!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/745428861/antique-1800s-treadle-jig-saw-36x14x29?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-a-craft_supplies_and_tools-tools_and_equipment-tools-other&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21myP675yEwWCgTQAQfy_o6Wot148Le0jyKTtecLdxM1UuuTYkidE9IxoCeHMQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_12565278184_123210950767_507187537626_pla-295604191622_c__745428861_111184285&utm_custom2=12565278184&gclid=CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21myP675yEwWCgTQAQfy_o6Wot148Le0jyKTtecLdxM1UuuTYkidE9IxoCeHMQAvD_BwE

 

A ship modeler could certainly find a use for this 1800's hand cranked watchmaker's lathe.

 

https://www.carters.com.au/index.cfm/index/3930-watchmakers-equipmment/

 

"He who dies with the most tools, wins!" but, when buying tools, choose wisely, Grasshopper.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 3, 2021 by Bob Cleek

[mtaylor]

Ed, obsidean12 gave sound advice on the article.    Once you have the basics, buy tools only as you need them.  In other words,, no need to jump in buy a table saw, milling machine, etc.  

[druxey]

Kits are generally designed so that a minimal number of hand tools are needed. Here is a typical example:

 

https://modelexpo-online.com/assets/images/MS1471 Norwegian Sailing Pram instructions rev 3-29-21.pdf

 

Pages 40 to 43.

 

[rlb]

Charles Green above said:  "In the category of power tools - none are needed".  This is true.  The trade-off is time and and patience.  I speak from experience.   A jeweler's saw, files, sandpaper, pliers, tweezers, eye magnification (if you are over 45), and glue can do a lot.  Unless you have money to burn, the first power tool I would recommend is a dremel/proxxon rotary tool.  They can be "spring-boarded" into many uses.

 

Ron

[Jaager]

One tool not often listed is a piece of scrap leather and a stick of green or gold or rouge polishing compound. For knives and chisels, frequent stropping intervals can keep a sharp edge, and reduce the need for honing on a "stone".

[Charles Green]

To all above:

 

In the past, had I not used all the methods (and more) I mentioned, when working on projects on a board in my lap, I would not have put myself in the position to advise them to anyone.  The point not stated is, the lack of a tool has never stopped me from getting from point A to B.  Much time and patience was used in stead, but I always got what I wanted.  I enjoy the many diversions into the part making process as much as the build itself.     

[NenadM]

On 7/4/2021 at 12:12 AM, rlb said:

Charles Green above said:  "In the category of power tools - none are needed".  This is true.  The trade-off is time and and patience.  I speak from experience.   A jeweler's saw, files, sandpaper, pliers, tweezers, eye magnification (if you are over 45), and glue can do a lot.  Unless you have money to burn, the first power tool I would recommend is a dremel/proxxon rotary tool.  They can be "spring-boarded" into many uses.

 

Ron

I agree !!!

Maybe - just start with your work, and your model will show you what tool you need in exact stage of build