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Lee Valley Tools

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Roger Pellett

Joined
Jun 29, 2024
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In using sheet brass for making 1:96 scale brass fittings I was looking for a very small triangle/square that would not slide on the brass when marking out layout lines. I found what I was looking for at Lee Valley Tools: a triangle 1-1/2” per side with “feet” on two sides to prevent slipping.

As a Canadian company, I was hesitant to order it because of American/ Canadian customs issues but I went ahead. Long story short, it didn’t arrive so I notified the Company. They told me that UPS had reported delivering it but they would send another at their expense!

It arrived today. A nicely made tool and GREAT SERVICE from Lee Valley Tools!

Roger

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Kurt Konrath said:
I have bought may things from them in past, always great service.
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I agree they have a great inventory and knowledgable staff. Their range of catalogues and the web site are fun leaf through, especially the wood working related items. The Veritas miniature tools are worth looking at for uses in our hobby. I've purchased a few over the past couple of years.
 
I've been buying tools from Lee Valley for over 25yrs. As well as Starrett, for both modeling and professional custom woodworking.
Since you bought a triangle. We called them "speed squares". You don't need to necessarily buy a Tri-Square. But I highly recommend you buy a (quality) 2inch or 4inch Double Square at some point. Lee Valley has a nice one. There is always eBay too. Why pay brand new, full-boat retail pricing? Pun intended. Hah!
Lastly, you might also want to check out Starrett's No. 166A pin vise w/ black octagon handle. And yes, it will hold #80 drill bit. Plus, octagon handle chucks nicely in a drill press chuck. Make sure you get A. Not their B, C, or D sizes if you require smallest drills for your modeling. I love them so much I bought 3. Saves me change-out time. But I digress. Again.
I see there's one on eBay right now (9/27/25 1:45PM EST) for $12.99.
Happy Saturday. Happy Modeling!
 
Thanks for your tool recommendations. I have recently been buying Sterrett tools since needing a quality dial indicator to reset the knives on my jointer. I had an el chepo one that kept falling apart (The dial indicator, not the jointer!). It’s a luxury but it’s just nice holding a well made tool.

I do have a 4” well made sliding square bought in the distant past when Brookstone sold tools. I use it all the time.

The need for the triangle arose when I needed to accurately lay out 45 degree angles on small brass tubing. My 12” combination square was too big for the tiny parts that I have been making.

Thanks again, I’ll check out the pin vises.

Roger
 
Roger Pellett said:
In using sheet brass for making 1:96 scale brass fittings I was looking for a very small triangle/square that would not slide on the brass when marking out layout lines. I found what I was looking for at Lee Valley Tools: a triangle 1-1/2” per side with “feet” on two sides to prevent slipping.

As a Canadian company, I was hesitant to order it because of American/ Canadian customs issues but I went ahead. Long story short, it didn’t arrive so I notified the Company. They told me that UPS had reported delivering it but they would send another at their expense!

It arrived today. A nicely made tool and GREAT SERVICE from Lee Valley Tools!

Roger

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Here's my Lee Valley story. When I was building my model of the Golden Hind, I wanted to add the typical geometric design on the hull but did not want to use paint. At the time (decades ago) Lee Valley had found a small supply of antique banding made by Bouffard Brothers in Paris pre WW1 (all gone now). I bought a small piece and think it came out just as I had hoped.IMGP1639.jpeg
 
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