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Newbie learning: random thoughts

I'm learning a ton as I get back into modeling. I thought it'd be wise to capture some of my learnings. I've already captured a few on photoetch and resin construction. General points Buy a shop apron, the kind that velcro to the edge of the table. I can't tell you how many times this thing has saved me from getting on the floor with a flashlight to find some part that flew off with the wrong pinch of the tweezers. Even with that apron, it's not going to save everything… try to work in an area without carpet, and with nothing around you. I'm reorganizing my home office-based workshop to pull everything from the milk crate that holds my solvents to my compressor to my computer cords up off the ground. This will better allow me to see small parts because they won't have random areas to hide in any more. [...]

Newbie learning: Resin

As I learn to work with resin parts, I thought I'd share a few of the tips I've picked up along the way. Resin You've probably read this a hundred times before, but I'll share it again: resin dust is nasty, stinky, and dangerous to your lungs. Use water when you sand to keep the dust to a minimum. I use beauty store washable sanding boards. I have an old plastic container with a lid that sits on my workbench that I can dip the sanding boards in from time to time, or even the part itself to rinse off the dust and/or mud that I'm creating by sanding. I also use a respirator. The easiest way to separate the casting sprues from the part is simply to score slowly and gently in the right place. Take a few passes with medium pressure and it'll snap right off with a little [...]