How to Buy Basic Tools for Building a Model Airplane

Constructing and flying radio-controlled model airplanes can let your imagination soar, but your enjoyment will depend on having the right tools handy for building and repairing your miniature aircraft.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sealing Irons
• Airplane Glue
• Gripping Straight Tweezers
• Hobby Clamps
• Superglue
• Single-edged Razor Blades
• C-clamps
• Dremel Rotary Tools
• X-Acto Knives
• Clamps For Woodworking
• Electric Drill/assorted Bits
• Handheld Vises
• Jewelers Screwdriver Sets
• Lockable Toolboxes
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Nut Drivers
• Pliers
• Razor Plane Sets
• Razor Saw Sets
• Wet And Dry Sandpaper

1. Set your mind on buying only the basics as you get started in this hobby.
2. Realize that your interests and skill levels will change and increase as you grow in the hobby. What you think you need now may not be useful later.
3. Join a radio-control enthusiasts club. You'll quickly learn what's important in a basic tool and supply chest, and you might find opportunities to buy used equipment.
4. Visit hobby stores and dealers in radio-controlled model equipment. Ask questions.
5. Read about the hobby at your local library or on the Internet.
6. Remember that the fundamental steps in model construction are cutting, shaping and assembling.
7. Plan to gather basic tools for each step: knives, razor edges, small saws, sandpaper, small filing edges, planes, glues, clamps, rubber bands, screwdrivers, nut drivers and wrenches.
8. Invest in a solid, lockable toolbox of sufficient size.
9. Keep your tools clean and organized. You can't use it if you can't find it or it's broken.

Tips & Warnings

• Get started in the hobby by heading to your local airfield, meeting fellow enthusiasts and learning from them.
• The most common adhesive used by modelers is a cyanoacrylate compound. It comes in different consistencies to join parts, depending on thickness.
• Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays are a good time to scatter hints among friends and relatives.
• Razor edges, knives, glues and other tools can be harmful in the hands of small children. Keep them secured.