October, 2002 - RC Soaring Digest - RCSoaring.com

Major tools
I don’t see how any shop can be put
together without a 16 variable speed
scroll saw. These usually run around
$140 from Sears or other hardware
stores. If you go this route, be sure it
has variable speed, takes pin end or
pin less blades, a tilt table and has a 16
or so reach.
Second item on this list is a combination
belt and disk sander. The smaller
ones from Dremel are fine but mines
from Sears and has been very rugged
and reliable for years. Usually < $100
unless you go for variable speed.
Finally, the most useful table saw I’ve
got is the Tilting Arbor Table Saw from
Micro-Mark. This is a little pricey at
$329.95 but is the best tool in my shop
and comes into play for almost every
project. You really need to get on their
website or get a catalog so you can just
daydream all day long about all the
hobbyist items they’ve got for all skill
levels:
Scrollsanders
www.micromark.com
1-800-225-1066
If you go for that scroll saw, you’ve
GOT to try some of Chris Adams’
scrollsanders. Every time I start a
project these little gems find another
way to be handy. Check out Chris
website for dealer or ordering information
as well as links to a number of
soaring related sites. Scrollsanders
come in many grits and combinations
but are typically in the $10 - $20 range
for a variety pack:
http://www.scrollsander.com
Postal Scale
If you’re into small models, and DLG
in particular, you’ve got to have a
reasonably accurate scale. I found a
good one recently at Staples. It’s a top
loading postal scale (digital, battery
operated) that’s good for up to 5 lb. (~
2kg) but is accurate to within a gram at
light weights. It reads in lb., oz. or
grams and has a tare capability (very
useful!). Reasonable priced at around
$45. Its by Royal Scales and is the EX5
model. Beats the socks off my old
mechanical gram scale.
Small Tools
What every modeler needs to have is
the MicroMark catalog. This is a
GREAT source for hard to find modeling
tools. There are just too many
things here to mention so go to their
website and you’ll find more neat stuff
than you can imagine in all sorts of
price ranges:
www.micromark.com
A sampler of some
of my favorites
Just about any Dremel attachment, bit
or fitting you can think of. In addition
to the router and shaper table, they
also have the drill press accessory.
PanaVise ($39.95), pin vise set ($9.95),
surgical (straight or curved - $6.95
each), tool makers angle plates ($9.95
to $19.95), angle setter for cutting any
angle in 3 or 4 wide sheet ($10.95), steel
machinist squares ($9.95 to $12.95
depending on size), complete set of
micro drill bits with case (#61 thru #80
- very hard to find - $18.50), drill and
tap set for 00-90, 0-80, 1-72 and 2-56
(also very hard to find - $19.95), just
about any type of inside, outside, right
angle, deep reach, etc., clamp (many
sizes and prices), just about any size or
type of jewelers file, rasp and other
hand finishing tool, and many, many
more neat hobby tools and supplies.
October 2002
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