hopefully this finds you all well. Trying to put together a MUST HAVE tool list, for scale model building. Just the basics that one would need to get started. Assuming that I already have a Xacto with no. 11 blade and an airbrush and compressor, what else is in your MUST HAVE list. Lets say the 10 to 20 tools you cannot live/build without.

I try not to be a huge "tool nerd", so here's the basic list that I use.

tweezers: 3 sets. 2 'normal' and 1 cross-lock
scissors: small ~2" blade
set of mini files
variety pack of sandpaper, from ~250 grit to 1200.
pliers: small needlenose, small flat end
sprue cutters
sticky-tack
round toothpicks
piece of glass/tile... something to cut PE against
cutting mat
pin vise and drill bits
blue painter's tape

Beyond that is various glues/adhesives, putty, solvents, decal solutions, paints, brushes, etc.

Much like Jesse, here is my basic "must haves". Instead of listing them out, I just took a picture of mine:





Cabela's had these tackle boxes on sale last year. I got four of them for $10.00 in a pack. Three of them have tools (the other two boxes of "speciality" tools are in an IKEA cabinet). The fourth holds my airbrushes/hoses/parts for the brushes not currently hooked up to my compressor.

To the list, I'd add Q-Tips of various sizes, Micro Brushes (I use the black and white handled ones constantly, for Tenax and Gator's Grip application mostly), a stainless steel ruler (6 inch would probably be enough for most 1/35 stuff), and a small LED flashlight, for WHEN (not IF) that part goes flying into oblivion, it's easier to find with a nice white light shining into the depths of your man cave's carpeting.

Hope this helps.

Matt

Matt

Damn, that is awful clean and organized.....LOL

But I have to concur with both of you, but also, depending on the media you are working with will change the tool set.

For me tools I could not live with out:

All the basics +
CMK Razor Saw
Sanding Sticks
Sticky Tack
Files
Gorilla Super Glue
Tart Tins
Cutting mat
Good variety of brushes
and my computer (research and all)

Kevin

How about Glue....
CA at a minimum
Tenax
2 part epoxy
Testors

As well to all that has been said, I use an opti-visor for all the close up work. Very handy when tieing up 1/35th scale boot laces


cheers

Here is what I came up with for just the basics for beginner and intermediate modellers:
Xacto or hobby knife
Sand paper or sanding sticks or emory boards
Glue, liquid cement and cya glue
Snippers for spruce and photo etc
Tape, for masking and holding
Tweezers
Brushes for hand painting
Airbrush and compressor
Tissue
Latex gloves
Paints, acrylics and oils (for weathering)
Pin vice and bits
Cutting mat
Tooth picks and Popsicle sticks
Clamps spring loaded and c type
Razor saw
razor blade for photo etch bending

For the more advanced modeler a photo etch bender would be useful as well as an extra airbrush
Anything that I am missing?

A dark colored t-shirt to drape across your lap while building to catch parts before they get to the carpet monster...