Beyond The Sprues
Modelling => Tips, Tools & Techniques => Topic started by: ChrisF on July 29, 2013, 06:51:20 AM
-
Need to create an extra bulkhead for example ?
This i found while surfing the web is fantastically simple im really annoyed i didnt think of it myself... Its brilliant !
http://www.fcmodeltips.com/2013/07/copiar-la-forma-interior-de-un-fuselaje.html (http://www.fcmodeltips.com/2013/07/copiar-la-forma-interior-de-un-fuselaje.html)
Oh dont panic if you dont know (Im assuming) italian... There is a english translation there too :)
-
That IS rather clever! :)
-
The solder wire idea is great but if you want to do that on a larger subject it will be a bit of a challenge. For situations such as that you can purchase what is called a Contour Gauge.
Example of a metal pin contour gauge in this YouTube video:
12 inch Contour Gauge @ Trick Tools (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AKAHYWJntY#)
There is also a plastic version of the contour gauge that is slightly less expensive:
(http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/58992-03-200.jpg) (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10668)
Plastic 10 inch Contour Gauage (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10668)
There is also another contour tool that you might want to check into that is used by people for the purpose of draughting and mechanical drawing called a Flexible Curve Drafting Tool (http://www.amazon.com/18-Flexible-Curve-Drafting-Tool/dp/B001DT3HCK). An example of this can be seen in the image below and the html link to the item at Amazon.com.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512Kv%2BOTyLL._SX385_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/18-Flexible-Curve-Drafting-Tool/dp/B001DT3HCK)
I have all three of these contour gauge/drafting tools and they all fill a particular role depending on the type of surface to be worked on.
-
Ive seen contour gauges before but the ones ive seen have all been very expensive and lets be honest for MOST of us how often will it be used ?!
For most uses this idea will suit most of us for the occasional time its needed :)
-
Ive seen contour gauges before but the ones ive seen have all been very expensive and lets be honest for MOST of us how often will it be used ?!
For most uses this idea will suit most of us for the occasional time its needed :)
Chris, the smaller plastic and metal contour gauges are quite affordable. I don't believe either of mine were much more than six dollars and that was twenty years ago when I purchased the things.
True about not using them often but a tool in the tool box waiting to be used is better than having the need for said tool and not have it in the tool box. :)
-
The problem I've always had with using contour gauges on very small things is that the pins tend to deflect around small, sharp features rather than being pushed up by them, so a degree of fine detail is lost.
I've got a copper ruler on order from Hannants which is sold as a scribing aid, but may well have applications for this too. I'll report on it when I get it.
-
I have a couple of the items mentioned, the flexy-rule though I've had since the 70's. It was an invaluble tool when I was doing technical drafting at college (and after and still have it in the top draw of my desk). I use the profile gauges more often than I thought I would for my models, I started with a very cheap one from a hardware store which is all metal, but last year I got one just like that red and black one Jeff posted further up. It was under C$20 but the bonus with this particular one is you can join other ones to it to make a much longer one. Perfect for checking long fuselage kitbashes like the Avro Atlantic I'm building.
-
If you have the room for this, I made this work:
Plastiscene rolled into ropes, gently applied inside the subject, then placed the whole shebang in the fridge. Chill for a while and remove from fridge, then gently remove from subject. Plasticene hardens up quite nicely and can then be traced around gently go give you an accurate contour.
Alvis 3.1
-
VERY true Jeff ! Exactly the reason i have a rivetter tool ! :D
If you have the room for this, I made this work:
Plastiscene rolled into ropes, gently applied inside the subject, then placed the whole shebang in the fridge. Chill for a while and remove from fridge, then gently remove from subject. Plasticene hardens up quite nicely and can then be traced around gently go give you an accurate contour.
Alvis 3.1
Also Genius !!! I love such left field thinking ! :D