The generic tools thread.

[Brandlin]

Dedicated to all those useful gadgets, tools and gizmos that you've just found and can't figure out how you managed without.

The "Why do I not already own this...?" Thread.

Just add your own finds below.

To start the ball rolling I'd like to offer this range of magnetic clamps to the group.... I just found them online here... http://yorkmodelmaking.co.uk/useful-bits



Magnetic clamps for assembling 90degree angles and holding while the glue dries. Check out the website, lots of sizes. I'm imagining these with a steel base plate.

[Mason]

Brilliant find!
 

Cheers!
 

[Brandlin]

I'd like to propose a new sticky thread for the workshop area.

Dedicated to all those useful gadgets, tools and gizmos that you've just found and can't figure out how you managed without.

The "Why do I not already own this...?" Thread.

Just add your own finds below.

Well I guess that didn't get a great response....

[Daeothar]

It's the miniature hoarder mentality; everything worth having (Right Now!), we already have.

You're trying to freeze that infinitesimally small moment in time it takes from this face: to credit card abuse.

And let's face it; most of us would not be able to stop themselves to post in this thread before throwing their moneys at the item in question, at which time one would be beyond the scope of this thread... 

[Brandlin]

It's the miniature hoarder mentality; everything worth having (Right Now!), we already have.

You're trying to freeze that infinitesimally small moment in time it takes from this face: to credit card abuse.

And let's face it; most of us would not be able to stop themselves to post in this thread before throwing their moneys at the item in question, at which time one would be beyond the scope of this thread... 

I was meaning it more as a resource for others. Cool tools gadgets n stuff.

[snitcythedog]

ooooooh  The inner tool whore in me is all excited.
Snitchy sends.

[zizi666]

Well, since noone else is, I'll bite.

Meet the tube cutter :



Creates perfect perpendicular cuts on tubes and rods, and can be used to create tin cans :
cut some grooves in a tube then cut the desired length off, glue a disc on one or both ends et voila :

[tin shed gamer]

All that glitter's is not gold.
I followed the link and thought these are great! then I looked at the price.
How often would I use them? They even look cramped on the model in the photograph,so there no use on smaller buildings.
Most of us use super glue for quick pinning and cutting mats with grids on.So a 90° angle isn't that hard to achive or hold while superglue dries.
I make models for a living,and for me these are up there with rowing machines and wieghts.There bought with good intentions.Then after a couple of tries end up gathering dust,or littering up car boot sales,and Bring and Buy tables.
So for me a thread like this works.Because if I'm honest after hitting the bar at the York show I would have bought a set or two.Then on Monday morning sat down in my workshop and thought 'you idiot'and'I hope I can claim the tax back on these before I bin them'.

[Brandlin]

Well, since noone else is, I'll bite.

Meet the tube cutter

Now I have plumbing tube cutters, but I've never thought of using them on styrene tube that small. I'm surprised they work well. Thanks zizi666

[snitcythedog]

Some tools that I did not know I needed until I got them. 
The rivet master.

http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/product_info.php?cPath=21_22&products_id=1322
The hex punch.

http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/product_info.php?cPath=21_145&products_id=1870
Clamp handle.  I found mine in Harbor Freight for about $10.00.

http://www.micromark.com/universal-clamp,6743.html
Snitchy sends.

[OSHIROmodels]

Stickied and title change.

Any tool is a go, links to where purchased would be good etc but let's keep it on track 

cheers

James

[zemjw]

Magnetic clamps for assembling 90degree angles and holding while the glue dries. Check out the website, lots of sizes. I'm imagining these with a steel base plate.

I normally just make up a lego form when I need to hold something at 90 degrees. I like the idea of the magnets, though, and now find myself wondering if I can magnetise lego

Sticking with generic tools, I find these multi-clamps useful for clamping irregular shapes. The tops are surprisingly flexible and work in places where normal clamps wouldn't

[YPU]

The rivet master.

Clamp handle.  I found mine in Harbor Freight for about $10.00.

Both of these are common goldsmith tools and anybody looking for these or similar tools might do well to look for goldsmith specialist stores. Tough with the caveat that anything "professional goldsmith" related tends to be at least as expansive as "hobby" tools.

[Mindenbrush]

I was just looking at a gaming store newsletter and a UK company is now marketing plastic corrugated iron sheets for 28mm.

Looking around the web I came across this corrugating machine
http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Tube-Wringer-reg-Corrugating-Tool/
which could be used with this
http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Aluminum-Sheet/Aluminum-Sheet-24-Gauge-6x6.html

[FramFramson]

The thing about using real corrugated metal or other real metal plates is... they have sharp bloody edges when scaled for 28mm!

Which is not to say that you can't, but you need to be aware of this so as to avoid making terrain that's effectively covered in razor blades.

It does make overhanging corrugated roofs tricky, if not impossible.