I'm reviewing two items I recently found that help me hold objects securely while I'm working on them. A Micro Mark magnetic gluing jig and a cell phone holder for an automobile.
You can mount the phone holder on the metal sheet for using magnets to have a larger work space too. Maybe just velcro would be sufficient. The small detachable piece could be screwed or glued to it for permanent use; still detachable if desired. Thanks for idea.
Micro Mark is way to expensive on many small things for me. I should buy stock in the company, will be a millionaire in a couple of years. The closest Hobby Lobby is 45-50 miles either north or south so it is ebay to the rescue. Great vids Ted. Thanks
I've just gotten back into the hobby, and there are so many things out there now it's mind boggling to help with building more realistic models! Thank you Ted for putting these out there!
Thanks for watching. I was just in a Dollar Store and I found a cleaner, to remove paint and chrome, that was recommended by Lee Salisbury that I want to try. It's LA Amazing cleaner in a small yellow spray bottle. I'll let you know how it turns out.
This may sound hokey, but I use rubber bands to attach clothes pin 'feet' to mediums size parts. Then I have a clip board covered with 15 rubber bands that I can attach the feet to while i do scratch detailing. It gives pretty stable/portable work surface. And makes for safe/easy storage for parts your working on..
@TheRocketSilo - Thanks for the idea. I looked at the Panavise and those that Micro Mark sells. I almost bought the Dremel Multi-Vise for its maneuverability. For my use, the jaws in these devices were too limited or constricting. I even took off the tabs that were on the cell phone holder in order to have an open platform. This way I can attach almost anything. I'm always open to new ideas for making modeling easier - thanks again.
Nice. I thought I was the only one that used a cell phone mount for model building. Hahahaha, I fabbed up a mount that would hold my phone to my camera tri-pod because I don't have a camera anymore. Great vid, nice finds.
I bought Tamiya's (2) piece 360 degree rotating model stand kit, appx. $24.00. I then cut (2) short 2" sections of straight 1/2" pvc plastic pipe and glued one end of each of the pvc into a 1/2" 45 degree elbow each. Those 2 small 45 degree elbow asms. will fit into the Tamiya stand studs on either stand that come apart, and allow me to have my model pieces turned around in any 360 degree angle at a 45 degree angle facing me, rather than always being at a flat angle on the bench. Cost me about $1.75 for the (2) complete 45 degree attachments! and I already had a 2 foot piece of 1/2" pvc in my shed. Best thing that I could have done for that Tamiya paint stand. Works great with the clips that come in the Tamiya kit, or you can just use velcro strips to hold things in place!
Hi Ted, I have only just found your pages and have been watching your videos today, thank you for some great hints, tips and techniques... If you have some old hard drives for a desk top computer, take them apart and they have a couple of really strong magnets... John...
@jmarksberry - The only hobby shop in my area wouldn't have lubs. They barely have models and supplies. I'll have to look around and give it a try. Thanks.
Seems like your a pretty smart guy great tips. One tip for you if you see something that you wanna try like the cell phone thing check amazon I find most things alot cheaper there. I'll be watching your past vids for more knowledge thank you
@robertzebbug - @robert - I'm sure the heat method worked for you and your purpose. I don't feel comfortable doing it without practicing on something first. I used Armor All after using the silicone spray (both plasticizers) and the movement is better. It's still tight, but I also don't want it too 'sloppy lose'. I'm happy with where it is now. Thanks for your suggestion.
Thanks, Neo. I shop alot at Amazon and eBay, but I don't always search for items that I'm looking for. I'll keep this in mind. Sometimes I need to hold something in my hand (I'm being nice here) to see if it will work like I intend. Thanks for watching and commenting.
i don't suggest to use wd40 or other silicone. they are not a good match with paint. i suggest start heating it by moving the torch around the place required, try not to leave it on one place. Do so for few minutes and than try to rotate it to loose it.
@robertzebbug - I'd like to try this, but I don't understand the principle behind it. What is the outcome of the heat and how? I guess I like to understand the theory in order to apply the process properly. Thanks for keeping up with this.
@faithfulcmm1972 - I was disappointed at first, but the more I use it the more I like it. I find myself using the flat top and not the underside, with the sides. I can see where tthe 90 degree corners on the underside could come in handy though. I've already made a few 'accessories' that use the magnets to hold smaller items. I'll make another shorter video later that shows them. Once you guys see them, you can let me know how to improve on them. Thanks for the feedback.
@robertzebbug - Well, I certainly didn't think of that one. I have a large butane torch and a really small 'pencil' type. I don't know that I can heat it up enough to loosen it without melting it. A match, lighter or candle may not be hot enough. How would you suggest doing this? I'm reluctant to use an oil, like WD40 or something, for fear of gumming it up. That's why I tried the silicone lube.
I made an update video to this review, but I can't seem to make it a 'response video' without making it public. I didn't want to make it public because I wanted it linked to this video. Does anybody know how I can do this? RU-vid won't allow me to enter the link for it, either.
Sorry for the delay Ted. For some reason, Google didn't send your reply through to my address. But, to answer your question,... yes...what I do is just cut a short piece of masking tape just long enough to stick, and hold the bottom of the base tight to the floor of my spray booth. So that it won't try to rotate while I'm using my airbrush to spray parts. It's a very super cheap, and simple idea, but hey,..for a couple of bucks, it sure makes things a lot easier.
Ted you can always get a Panavise Jr.with Vacuum Base for $28.00 shipped from amazon. than you could add any attachment , including your phone pad to it. like you I'm not not impressed with the micro-mark fixture,,for the cost. plus they obviously don't know the difference between a "jig" and a "fixture"
Thanks, Kerry. It has actually loosened up enough now and I almost wish it was just a little tighter again. I sprayed silicone lube on it at the start and that didn't really make much of a difference. I was reluctant to use too many lubes for fear it would attack the plastic and melt everything together. Otherwise, I still love this cell phone holder. There are less expensive ones out there now. Thanks again.
Ted Bowe Hi Ted, Just a thought, if it has gotten to loose, maybe you could drill a small hole into the side and pop in a small screw just to lock it into position... John...
