Basic tools and materials that you will need include side cutters, cement, tweezers, files, and scissors. There are many more tools that you will need and won’t realise that you want them until the need arises. On this page I will be listing tools and materials that I have tried and tested and giving my unbiased opinion.
- Side Cutters. The first tool that you will need is a pair of side cutters for removing plastic parts from the sprue. These will need to be of a good quality
- Files. A small set of files are needed to file off burrs and smoothing down plastic parts.
- Glues.
Glue or plastic cement is definitely a must, and one of the most popular is Tamiya Extra Thin Cement and one that I have been using most often. It has a built-in applicator brush for easy application. This glue works by melting the plastic parts together, rather like welding.
It has a capillary action, which means you can dry fit two parts, then run the applicator brush along the join, and it will run into the join and glue the two parts together.
It is also very good for cementing small parts together with pinpoint accuracy and is quick-drying.
- Plastic Putty. After glueing your plastic parts together, you are going to need a good plastic putty to fill those gaps.