Basic Needs

[Paul D Hall]

Looking around my bench I can identify a number of items that are always present (or possibly on the floor): (1) A 6" metal Ruler (inches and millimeters); (2) A 0.5mm pencil; (3) Knife handle(s); (4) Forceps: (5) #11 Blades; (6) Glue(s) and Accelerator; (7) Glue cups; and (7) Micro Brushes. I have already noted my preference for CA glues but I do use other types.

For those that wish to save $$$$, I purchase my Knife handles and Blades (in packages of 100) from a surgical supply house (unsterilized) far cheaper than through a hobby outlet. Likewise, I get my Micro brushes (hundreds at a time) from a dental supply company. I collect used forceps and scissors from a local orthopedic doctor's office (my own doctor), which would otherwise be thrown away after being used only one time to simply remove stitches. I have been unable to find a cheap source for the micro cups that I use to hold the small amounts of glue that is applied with the micro brushes so I continue to by 200 micro cups at a time from Micro Mart.

I tend to change blades quite frequently since my cost is so very low. One additional item you will also find in my shop is a "sharps" disposal box. I would never think of putting a used blade or other sharp in the trash basket.

 

[Senorbob]

Looking around my bench I can identify a number of items that are always present (or possibly on the floor): (1) A 6" metal Ruler (inches and millimeters); (2) A 0.5mm pencil; (3) Knife handle(s); (4) Forceps: (5) #11 Blades; (6) Glue(s) and Accelerator; (7) Glue cups; and (7) Micro Brushes. I have already noted my preference for CA glues but I do use other types.

For those that wish to save $$$$, I purchase my Knife handles and Blades (in packages of 100) from a surgical supply house (unsterilized) far cheaper than through a hobby outlet. Likewise, I get my Micro brushes (hundreds at a time) from a dental supply company. I collect used forceps and scissors from a local orthopedic doctor's office (my own doctor), which would otherwise be thrown away after being used only one time to simply remove stitches. I have been unable to find a cheap source for the micro cups that I use to hold the small amounts of glue that is applied with the micro brushes so I continue to by 200 micro cups at a time from Micro Mart.

I tend to change blades quite frequently since my cost is so very low. One additional item you will also find in my shop is a "sharps" disposal box. I would never think of putting a used blade or other sharp in the trash basket.

Thanks for mentioning the sharps container. I have one but have been disposing razors and such by wrapping with duct tape and cardboard (stupid)

 

[Senorbob]

Thanks for mentioning the sharps container. I have one but have been disposing razors and such by wrapping with duct tape and cardboard (stupid)

Btw the needle nose pliers made for bending wire are nice to have

 

[Corsair]

Btw the needle nose pliers made for bending wire are nice to have

Round nose pliers too.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

I found nice round pliers in jewelry section of hobby shop that work well.

I have used old soda bottels for sharps container, kind of recycling them.

 

[Alan Smith]

I have been unable to find a cheap source for the micro cups that I use to hold the small amounts of glue that is applied with the micro brushes so I continue to by 200 micro cups at a time from Micro Mart.

I buy disposable plastic sauce pots like these. Paper ones are also available, but I haven't tried them yet as they are probably plastic or wax-coated anyway.

100 x 1oz Hinged Lidded Plastic Sauce Pots

100 x Hinged Lidded Plastic Sauce Pots - Multiple Sizes Plastic sauce cups or dip pots with integrated hinged lids. These pots are suitable for holding hot or cold sauces and dressings and are suitable for microwaving with the lid released from the pot.

www.wfdenny.co.uk

 

[Paul D Hall]

Thanks for the lead but one oz pots would be far too big for my use. I suspect that the cups I now use are about 5ml. Just use for a few drops of CA at a time and then apply with dental applicators. After about ten refills, they crud up so that I replace the cup. I probably use 50 - 100 for each project. Thanks again.

 

[Paul D Hall]

Round nose pliers too.

Yes indeed! I have a many miniature pliers but none that are of particularly high quality and which I bought at stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby. I recently replaced my cheap set of diamond files with a set made in Germany and another set of regular files made in Israel -- difference is astounding! My cheap pliers seem to last and do the job, probably because I am only using annealed brass wire. I do periodically replace my side cutters (Xuron?) which I use for not only cutting wire but for cutting rigging rope. These pliers, which exhibit a strong mechanical advantage, a long reach, and spring retraction, also seem to be among the best available at a reasonable price. They can easily be use with gentle pressure between the thumb and forefinger.