Thread: Essentials for toy making

Originally Posted by bj383ss

Jim,
I think they would be awesome for making your own dowles in whatever species and whatever size. Wheels, tires, fuel tanks, air horns, lights, gearshifts, driveshafts. The possibilties are limitless. The reason I am wanting one or should I say needing one is for the train I have started. There is alot pieces that will be much more accurate and faster if made on the lathe.

P.S. I feel like we have hijacked this thread.

This is what I was thinking of using the lathe for.

If you can get a variable speed lathe much better.

As for highjacking the thread I don't think you are it's still tools needed for the hobby of model making as Original poster I don't mind

I disagree that a scroll saw is not high on the list of needs for a toy/model maker..
The band saw or jigsaw can certainly do some of the work but for the more intricate work that is required on a model or toy, a scroll saw has no substitute. A coping saw can do the work but of course as already mentioned is slower work.
Some find a coping saw difficult to control to achieve the desired finish.
I would hate to cut out some of the small stuff that I need for some of my toys on the band saw or jigsaw, there is no real comparison between these tools,
I would certainly dismiss a jigsaw as being an ideal tool for intricate work and in my thinking would be dangerous. The jigsaw would be the last item on my list.
I have 2 or 3 jigsaws and never use them other than for larger work. Just my two bobs worth.

John,

You know you are right. I dismissed a tool that I have not used nor owned. I do know this though you need at least a mid priced one as the cheap models vibrate alot and are not as smooth cutting as a mid level. I almost bought one last year. I hope to add one soon, but a lathe is first.

Bret

Originally Posted by munruben

I disagree that a scroll saw is not high on the list of needs for a toy/model maker.

Thank you for disagreeing and stating your experience on the matter.
That is exactly what this thread is about I feel.
Getting the views of those who actually do it.

Just my two bobs worth.

And as such, your two bobs worth is actually priceless.

G'Day Grandad,
This is a great thread full of very hep info from the blokes that are and have been doing & using the tools;
well done everyone for the input, it's a great read.
I'm a sucker for good tools and properly have too many for the size of my shed;
oh well only 55 and a heap of learning years ahead of me.
Cheers, crowie

1 bandsaw
2 holesaw,whether chucked in a drill press or drill,i used a drill for a long time
3 sanders,personal fave,belt,disc and spindle in that order
4 jigsaw
5 tablesaw
6 lathe,when one can afford one..i paid 100 dollars for mine..they are all over craigslist..like bret said,wheels,tanks, horns,cannons the list goes on and on
7 planer,i hardly use my planer now that i have a good bandsaw,resaw and remove teeth marks with belt sander
My own opinion,scrollsaws are junk..i have had mine for 8 years,honestly never hardly used

Don't forget the hammock to have a snooze when things get a bit hecktec
colbra