I had occation this week to build with popcycle sticks. I found the grain straight, the wood strong, and in short very easy to work with. And really cheap!
I was able to cut them smoothly with my new MicroMark saw.
I can’t find a downside.
What am I missing?
Hey Mouse, your not missing anything. [:D] I use them all the time for scratchbuilding. The workbench on the right is made out of them:
as is the horse shed, portions of the Icehouse, the loading dock, and the fence:
I think they are great for scratchbuilding projects! How do you like the Micro Mark table saw? I don’t know how I did without mine.
First of all, let me say that as a general contractor of 15 years, I can say I have a certainknowledge of tools.
The MicroMark Saw Flat Out Rocks.
Hi SpaceMouse
What did you say the problem was[swg]
The secret is not in the material used but knowing how and when it is of use it
regards John
Plus it gives you an excuse to eat popsicles![:D]
Hi yaz Chip,
I use wooden coffee stirers from a gas station,for my scale lumber use’s. I bought a whole box of them from the attendend.Works great,if I need them cut down to HO,I simply cut them to length and width…and presto HO scale lumber. Anyone else use these ?
Patrick
Patrick - that’s a great idea! The really cheap ones are probably thin enough to use as is. I cut popsicle sticks to length and scored them for walk ways on bridges and next to track, but the stirrers might be even better and no cavities from getting them either. J.R.
I would love to be a fly on the wall of your daughters class room as she explains the “monster” this project has created out of that loveable guy she used to call “Dad”.
Thank her for pointing out this excellent building material to us. With the proper selection of flavors, this raw material comes pre-weathered, just needing final sizing!
No drooling!!
Will
Exactly which Micro Mark saw are you talking about, Chip?
Chip that looks like a nifty tool . I just ordered the WOOD STRIP CUTTER from the same place can’t really afford the miniture table saw [:)] I often thought about using stir sticks and popsicle sticks … amazing how your eyes open up to differnet alternatives for building [:)]
Chip:
Thanks a lot![:(] I have to have one - now[:-,] But how do I get the CFO to agree when she already agreed to an airbrush compressor for Christmas?
I love this hobby, I love this hobby, I love this hobby, I love this hobby, I love this hobby…[banghead]
sigh…
KJ
Hey, I just got my first star![:p]
Theres all kinds of nice tools out there that the CFO will probably never agree to especially if you already have yur christmas list mailed away. Do you have any kids that would maybe benefit from that beauty tool of Chips or better yet get it for the Wife [:)]
I myself have no idea what the stars mean … must be a promotion thing maybe LOL[:)]
Don’t forget the tongue depressers that you occasionally see for sale in craft stores if you need something a little bigger.
Then then are those rolls of veneer you see at the hardware store.
Have fun
Hey Chip, you got the very same model I got! [:D] If you don’t have them yet, MicroMark also sells some brass guages that make it easy to set the saw where you want it for ripping material. Micro Mark Item Number: 70224
Chip, the only downside I can see from using the popsicle sticks on the layout is a small possibility of staining your scenery with popsicle drips. Same thing applies to stir sticks. Make certain the stick is completely dry and warp free. Some also end up with chew marks on them…those you can not use for the “finishing” touches you need on any scratch built project, but you could use them for rough fence pieces, or perhaps in a scrap lumber pile. Oh, almost forgot…if the stick is used and won’t wash clean, you may not want to use it. Then you could just use it for a chewstick during your next planning session or perhaps you could make an uncoupler stick out of it…!!! [:-^]
Have use ever heard of this tool a Northwest Shortline Chopper II
I’m trying to find one preferably in Canada[:)]
Wickman,
Here you go. I believe this is what you are looking for.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=82439
HD
Popcycle sticks–cut off about 1/2" from the end and paint em granit gray and you have grave markers for your church yard resting place!!! RIP Another food product is them bamboo scewers cut to length, weathered and strung with a platinum thread and ya can fence in all yer farm critters. I used to be one of dem farmers. Oh yeah, to be real prototypicle (almost ryhmes with popcycle), ya can use a paper punch and punch a bunch of holes in brown construction paper of the right shade and bingo— instant cow patties for your barn yard!!![:o)][:O][(-D][(-D]
MicroMark sells it.
