Recommended First Machine

[vvvjames]

Hello all, 

I have been yearning for a tabletop machine to help with modeling, and have narrowed the search down to a few options (proxxon table saw or disk sander).  I wanted to come hear and ask a few questions before I committed to either. 

 

I imagine there is a "big 3" machining tools for models ships, those being a table saw, a disk sander, and a mill(?). Please add to that list if I'm wrong, I am definitely over generalizing based on what I've seen. I was also considering a drill press, but I feel ok with my drill vice at the moment. 

My question is, what would be a good first machine for someone who's only really used hand tools/Dremel? 

What machine (excluding CNC and 3-D printer) do you get the most use out of? 

My reasoning for wanting the sander and/or table saw is to make planking easier and smoother, I have struggled with clean, square cuts and tapering with just an exacto knife. 

Would love to hear your opinions!

Edited December 28, 2025 by vvvjames

[tmj]

What's your budget for said 'machine'?

[hornet]

As the owner of 10 Proxxon tools, I’d go with the disk sander. 

[vvvjames]

12 minutes ago, tmj said:

What's your budget for said 'machine'?

Under $400 if possible!

[Y.T.]

Disk sander is more important for wood ship modelling. I have no doubts. Table saw is complimentary especially if you are not going to manufacture your own wood planks from scratch. 

[palmerit]

Have you considered the Ultimation tools - sander and slicer : https://ultimation.ca

 

They’re high quality but non-motorized. They both small and light enough that you can easily take them on and off a workbench. Lots of uses of a power sander are easily done with the Ultimation sander and the slicer is great for cutting planks. I use both of them all the time. 
 

The total for both tools I think is around your budget and worth it I think. 
 

This set solves the problems you highlighted about keeping your part cut and sanded at 90 degrees. I’d recommend these first and then move on to power tools that will need a dedicated area. With the Ultimation tools I can do everything from my work table in the house, keeping the slicer and sander right under the table. For me, a power sander (or mill or lathe or table saw) would have to be down in the cellar. 

Edited December 28, 2025 by palmerit

[TannumIan]

While not a machine I have found the mini block plane excellent for tapering planks.

[Ronald-V]

14 hours ago, hornet said:

As the owner of 10 Proxxon tools, I’d go with the disk sander. 

 

13 hours ago, Y.T. said:

Disk sander is more important for wood ship modelling. I have no doubts. Table saw is complimentary especially if you are not going to manufacture your own wood planks from scratch. 

This! 🙂

 

Ship modelling would be much more less enjoyable without a disc sander in my opinion.

 

I use the Proxxon one and I am pleased with that one 🙂

Edited December 28, 2025 by Ronald-V

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

Don't forget a jigsaw ... and you don't need an expensive one.  Mine is a handed-down Dremel mini jigsaw.  Its  noisy, but does the job cutting out small parts.

[RossR]

You will use a disk sander for every phase of a build except rigging.  Can't go wrong with that choice.  

[Pfälzer]

This question should not even arise.
We build ships from centuries ago when there was no electricity. That's why there are deliberately no machines at my shipyard; here, we build ships just like they did back then.
Especially since you have to bear in mind that with a Dremel and its 10,000 revolutions, you can cause a lot of damage if you use it incorrectly.
I'm pretty sure I'm alone in my opinion, but I'm still proud of it.
Take care, you engineers.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

[Y.T.]

I use this disk sander for years and am very pleased with it. It is four times cheaper than Proxxon and does same job.

 

https://www.amazon.ca/Vibration-Free-Bench-Disc-Sander/dp/B07SFZGHVQ/ref=asc_df_B07SFZGHVQ?mcid=939201fb73b2384da47191e8a4656ceb&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706725384462&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16140153878231337219&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9189954&hvtargid=pla-2245741550629&psc=1&hvocijid=16140153878231337219-B07SFZGHVQ-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1

 

 

[chris watton]

If it's for mainly period ship modelling, I think a small lathe would be very useful for masts and yards. A Dremel type multi function drill is always useful, as is a belt sander and electril sanding mouse.

[druxey]

No-one has yet asked exactly what kind of ship models you want to make! Depending on your answer, you may get better advice.

[Mike Y]

One more vote for the disk sander (model TG 125/E). It is so valuable that it is the only tool that I keep permanently on the table.

Regardless if you build from a kit or scratch or in between.

 

And Ian has a good point, that miniature Veritas block plane is another go-to tool involved in most of the operations  

Edited December 31, 2025 by Mike Y

[Admiral Rick]

If you are looking at a Proxxon table saw very pricey. The Micromark Microlux is the same table saw only cheaper. I got mine on eBay used for $130 and it works fine. The tool I use the most is the engraving drill pen which sells for about $19 on eBay and comes with micro drills and about 15 diamond bits for shaping etc. When I was assembling the guns for U-47 I drilled parts to pin that were smaller than 1mm on diameter and the drill performed fine. Mine is 4 years old and still works great.