"Scratch Building Tool Information" Topic

Many years ago, I used to enjoy building my own wargaming structures. I built Rorke's Drift, a large Sudan fort, many Sudan and SYW buildings, all in 25mm. They were very simply made and would not hold a candle to what we do now. I want to try building some structures again. However, I know I don't have the proper tools. I have some exacto knives, a small metal mitre box, and lots of boxes filled with construction materials I've picked up over the years. I want to build some 25mm Sudan/India buildings, small outposts/forts, 28mm Russian/Central Asian Russian Civil War structures and maybe some 15mm Sudan items. I need to know what tools do I need. The more specific, the better as I am a dunce when it comes to tools. I am thinking of using balsa wood, MDF, floor cork, etc. Can you help me out? Thanks a lot! Hal Thinglum

Dremal tool, assorted bits. You might cOnsider foam core as it's light weight and easy to work with. If so there is an excellent work book on how to do foam core on Wargamevault for free. Not at home so I don't have the link just now.

Otherwise you seem to have the tools you need.

I use foam core boards bought from artists stores, along with thick artists mounting board.

For cutting tools, I visit the DIY store for disposable knives.

For texture, I have a big pot of textured masonry paint.

Other than that, MDF, balsa wood and so on.

Cutting mat (artist or model store) and a steel ruler.

Multiple kitchen roll pack and universal clean up towels (DIY store) plus a lot of newspaper.

Large scale brushes, again DIY shop purchase to reduce costs.

Similarly sand can be bought for peanuts from a DIY shop to decorate the bases.

Sprays from motor shops especially blacks and brown, much cheaper than model or arts shops.

Oh, and again visit the DIY store and get them to mix up tester pots (or larger) for paint – saves a lot of £0.00 GBP

Some things which have been very useful for me (granted, I generally do sci-fi):

Xacto miter box: link

Chop-It cutter: micromark.com/Chop-It

Nibbler: link

Bending tool (mine's a little different, but this is the same idea): link

Pounce wheels (good for making strips of rivets in plasticard, which may not be of much use to your Sudan/India buildings but are awesome for steam ships, boilers, armored cars, etc.): link

A hot-wire cutter would also be helpful if you're cutting foam board.

A good square to make straight cuts. And lots of exacto or
similar blades. All of the above materials dull them pretty
fast

When I make buildings from foam core I use coarse thread hex head screws to bind the wall sections together until the wood glue cures. Various sized clamps are useful too for securing pieces till the glue dries.