Ideal Tools and Items For Building Dollhouses and Miniatures

View PDF | Print View
by: Lily Morgan
Total views: 10
Word Count: 526
Bookmark
Keywords:

With the hobby of dollhouses and miniatures gaining momentum with enthusiasts all over the world, many people are becoming interested in constructing their own buildings, dolls, furniture, and other appliances and accessories. However, to build these items, you must have the right types of tools on hand. You may already own some of these items in your tool collection. If you do not have them all and are interested in buying certain tools, it is a good idea to check out hobby magazines, clubs, as well as stores that deal in miniatures and dollhouses to find the ones you need. Many of these tools are used by most hobbyists and you should purchase them as they are needed. Some of the basic items that are useful for making all types of miniatures include the following: toothpicks, matches, paper clips, rags, paper towels, wire, string, tape, small scissors, and small containers and cartons.

These are a few of the most commonly used tools include:

Hobby Knife or X-Acto Knife

This type of knife is ideal for cutting just about any type of thin material such as wood, Styrofoam, plastic, and cardboard. You can buy replacement blades which can be bought separately. Be certain you pick a handle that feels comfortable in your hand. Some of the knives come with retractable blades. The knives are typically available and hardware stores, hobby shops, craft stores, as well as online. They are relatively small and light and not very expensive.

Box Cutting Knife/Stanley Knife

These knives come with retractable blades and are good for cutting thicker materials such as wood, foam, and carpet. You can get them at hardware stores and smaller models are ideal for cutting lighter materials.

Pliers

Small pliers are ideal for holding and bending things such as wire etc. Smooth-jawed pliers are the best as serrated jaws sometimes leave marks or cuts on wood, paper, and plastic. These are also relatively cheap and available at hardware stores and electronics shops.

Cutting Mat or Board

It is a good idea to have a surface that you can cut materials on without causing any damage from knife cuts. Some models come with a self-healing type of surface. This means the surface can close over any cuts and it will not affect the mat. However, make sure you do not drill or saw any items on top of the mat. Kitchen-counter style mats are also ideal and can be found for low prices at bargain/dollar shops, hardware outlets, and kitchen supply retailers.

Steel Ruler

A ruler is ideal to use for a straight edge when you want to guide knife cuts and can also be used for measuring. It is a good idea to get a ruler that has both imperial and metric measurements. These are very cheap and can be found at all hobby and craft stores as well as at stationery stores. If possible, buy one that has a base made of cork as it will not slide away from you on the surface when using it.

Wire Cutters

This tool is ideal for cutting wire as well as small sections of extra plastic and metal from moulded items in kits. They are available at most hardware and electrical shops.

About the Author

Make your doll house a home with miniature dollhouse furniture. Choose from living rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, kitchens and nurseries in many different colors and styles at The Magical Dollhouse.
Source: www.isnare.com
EXO spy - articles

---

Rating: Not yet rated

--Choose-- 0 1 2 3 4 5

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

Enter the code shown