Scratch building must have tools

Well, it depends what you scratch-building, but I use:

X-Acto knife with #11 blades (by them by the 100).

Pin-vise with a set of very small drill bits

Razor saw set. 

Pliers and such - have a set of about 8 from tiny to big

clamps include 90 degree clamps - various size binder clips from work 

screw drivers, files

Bench vise (two sizes)

A Dremel rotary tool and big set of "bits for it" - I use a #99 and #115 cutters a lot

sandpaper

Various small needlenose and similar pliers

I also have a small bandsaw, drill press, and bench belt sander which are not ncessary but sure make life easier. 

Lee's list is a great start.

Add devices (see Micro-Mark catalog) to square up walls, etc.

Steel straight edge with non-slip backing.

 

Please chime in, the rest of you guys!

Hello

A good work bench and with lighting,and a good chair to work in.

 

You need one of those self-healing cutting mats with a grid on it.  Also, a piece of window-glass to give you an absolutely flat surface to assemble stuff on.

O Scale ruler and hand calculator to convert dimensions to O Scale, sources for O Scale windows, doors, lumber, siding, etc., supply of scale lumber or plastic sheet, structural shape, Plastruct or Evergreen good sources for plastic, printed documentation for modeling in wood or plastics, usually styrene, types of adhesives to use for wood or plastics, if possible make a full size sketch or drawing on what you are building(inexpensive drafting kit) and a good lite work area already mentioned.

What are you thinking of building?

 

Digital calipers and machinist squares haven't been mentioned yet. The list could get long.

Not essential, but these make life easier:

Rite-Way clamps

 

NWSL Chopper 2 or 3 (3 allows longer duplicate cuts)

 Bob

 

 

ALL of the above. You will always have a "wish list" for more tools, no matter what you already have. Case in point- NWSL has a sanding jig that is real nice, but I haven't found one yet that allows one to sand a 45 degree corner on a styrene wall joint. I am planning on building my own. If I do, I will share the pics.

If you are going to do small details and/or LEDs, magnification is a tremendous help... especially for us older folks. Paint, chalk, etc.

 

Check out the Sierra West website. Brett gets as detailed as you want on some topics and has an excellent list of tools, etc.

Thank you all for your input.

 

 I have most of the small hand tools that Lee recommended, and calipers and cutting mat.  Things like the corner clamps I need to get and I would have never thought of using a piece of glass as a good flat surface to assemble on.  

 

James

hot glue gun and lots of Clamps of all sizes

paints and stains

Grandt Line windows

 

Lots of patience

Here is one thing YOU DON'T NEED:  Never use a PLASTIC RULER.  They are a real menace to cause the blade of a Exacto razor knife to snag and jump out and cut your finger...bad.    Odd-d

For one thing, you don't need a calculator if you use an architect's scale. That has 1/4', 3/8', 1/2', 3/4', 1-1/2" and 1' scales on it plus more...  no need to convert! Then a package of single edge razor blades. I use these instead of an X-Acto. They're thinner and cut better. A small, accurate table saw and a 10" grinder really help. A bug sticker for scoring styrene (available in art stores) - it looks like a long needle and costs about $2.00. Then you should make some sanding blocks - bits of wood with paper of different types bonded to them. Plastruct plastic cement with the bottle set in a large, deep lid full of plaster so you don't dump it! A palette knife with the tip cut square and Spackling Compound - the heavy kind, not the whipped. Etc...

I agree on the calculator.  I just constantly chant "1/4 inch is a foot, 1/4 inch is a foot...".  

 

I also find myself using single-edge blades more and more instead of xacto knives.  Not only do they cut better, they last longer, and they are much cheaper if bought in bulk.