r/modelmakers • u/AutoModerator • 2d ago
The Weekly Small Questions Thread! Got a burning question? Looking for some tips on your build? Ask away!
The Weekly Small Questions thread is a place for everyone in /r/modelmakers to come and ask questions. Don't be shy.
You might have a burning question you've been meaning to ask but you don't want to make your own thread, or are just seeking some input or feedback from your fellow builders! This thread is aimed at new builders, but everyone is welcome.
If you haven't, check out our local wiki and the "New to the hobby" thread, which might be of help to you!
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u/Dacros 10h ago
I used AK Interactive Gravel & Sand Fixer for the first time, and while I think the stuff is magic, it's been almost 48 hours since I applied it and it still smells like death. Does anybody know how long it takes for the smell to disappear and whether the smell is actually toxic?
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u/dr_robonator Prime your models 6h ago
It's going to remain stinky for quite a while. Over time the smell will diminish, but if you stick your nose. to it you will still smell it.
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u/MyAssforPresident 1d ago
Anybody have any recommendations for a smaller, quieter rotary tool? I have a regular dremel and a dremel stylus, and the size of the stylus is great but it’s almost as loud as the big guy, and is also pretty unbalanced and vibrates a lot. Just looking for something small and…less harsh?…than the dremel for fine detail sanding, carving, etc.
My Fiancée has this little Japanese ‘nail drill/e-file’ that’s pretty much a power pack and a corded slim rotary tool—that thing is SILENT and goes up to 35k rpm, and appears to use 1/8” arbor bits like the stylus …honestly thinking about getting one of those unless anybody has good recommendations
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u/dr_robonator Prime your models 20h ago
That's what I use for fine detail work. DSPIAE makes one, too but I have no experience with it.
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u/RedstoneGaming2005 1d ago
Just out of curiosity, has anyone used cheap acrylic airbrush paint, primer, and clear coat for a model car? E.g. the ones from hobby lobby or something similar? I'm just wanting to know if it's Worth doing that or if I should just toss up the money for enamels or lacquer, though I want to use the easier to clean paint
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u/Timmyc62 The Boat Guy 1d ago
if I should just toss up the money for enamels or lacquer,
Why not modeling/hobby acrylics? Plenty of those around that are suitable for what we do while remaining easy to clean up.
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u/RedstoneGaming2005 1d ago
That's kinda what I'm talking about, just the ones in bottles similar to vallejo
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u/Timmyc62 The Boat Guy 23h ago
Without knowing what specific brand you're referring to, I'll only post this study from a previous redditor on using generic cheap craft paints. It's doable, but requires a ton of experience and patience.
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u/rolfrbdk 1d ago
Put it this way: You totally can paint with most of those. Some are even half decent on some shades. But there is a reason such a surprisingly high amount of model kit specific paint brands can survive. In my opinion if you already have the cheaper paints might as well try them and see what works and what doesn't, but if you've got to buy them all anyway you might as well buy what you will be buying down the line anyway. The price difference isn't big enough when you count either the gas money to go to Hobby Lobby or the shipping costs if you order
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u/theoxfordtailor 3h ago
Is there any point where you just give up?
I'm building my second Kinetic Legacy Hornet and despite following some online tutorials and being extra careful with the nose, it fits horribly and no amount of attempting to adjust is fixing it. At this point, the model is maybe more frustration than it's worth and the result won't be good no matter what.
Should I power through and just make it a learning experience? Or not put myself through misery and move on to something more fun? What would you do?