I have recently returned to more active modeling and am presently working on a modest HO layout. With respect to building kits, such as plastic ones, of various railroad structures, the biggest problem I have is finding a way to keep parts together to allow model glue to set- especially when putting together subassemblies into larger final form. Is there a best resource for making permanent jigs or recommended additional techniques (as similar to woodworking jigs and clamps) that can help me- a book, series of articles, etc.??? Thanks for any response.
Hi and welcome to the forum[#welcome]Micro mark sells a magnetic jig that holds pieces at right angles. Aside from that I have a series of weights salvaged from old solenoid coils. They are square and heavy.
A couple of years ago we replaced our kitchen counter-tops with pseudo-stone. In the process of trying to select colors & textures, we got a bunch of samples that are about 4" x 2" x 3/4". I have found these are pretty useful for letting square-corners set up. Incidentally, we saved the piece of the counter that was cut-out for the kitchen sink, and I use that as my modelling surface. You can cut, glue and paint on it. It doesn’t scratch and the glue or paint scrapes right off.
I have been going to buy one of these magnetic square-up jigs from Micro-Mark but have never gotten around to it. In the meantime I make do with a number of glue-up jigs which are miniaturizations of woodworking glue-up jigs. I even have a couple of miniaturized carcass square-up jigs.
How do you clamp those things. Buy yourself some of the old-time screw on earrings; piece-of-cake!
If you have a tool store in your town they usualy have some nifty small clamps for squaring wood shop projects, Also those old wooden clothes pins work pretty good, just reverse it in the spring so that the long end clamps.
I use a pane of glass with a grid under it for laying out and glueing up…John
Actually, I have the square-up jig with the magnets, it works great for parts that are less then 8" long. And as stated by others Micro Mark has many of these items.
I also use a set of 12" long clamps, and a pair of corner clamps I got at a train show a couple months ago.
Hey, I was cleaning out my work bag and found a business card from The Tool Man. I bought some clamps and a set of digital calipers at their display at the GATS train show in Winston-Salem, NC a couple months ago. While their site is minimal, they do have a large selection of tools and such. Here is their site http://www.hobbytools.com
I found the Micromark Magnetic Jig, while a little expensive, works really great. Until then, I too had trouble getting sound 90 degree corners. Welcome back to modeling and bring your questions on when you need help… and share what your learn with us too.
Just went through a forum search here on building a jig for trestle construction,found a site with “details” and drawings, well, try as I may I couldn’t make any sense out of it, and of course others on the forum said how easy it was to understand, WELL, I decided to make my own with no idea what I was doing, in 1/2 hour I had a workable jig made from 1/16’’ card stock and it worked. Many home made jigs work like a charm. Any hints I find I will pass on to the forum.
