The Ultimate Must-Have Model Making List
Just to clarify:
Not this type of model.
Want to master your model making skills? Want to have your work stand out?
If you were hoping to become a Model, I'm sorry this won't be the most helpful post. BUT, if you're into cutting up pieces of paper, wood, or foam, and making really cool miniature things out of them... This is the post for you.
Get Excited.
Here is My List of The Top 50 Essential Model Making Supplies!
I remember while I was in architecture school a lot of people hurt themselves by mistake because of the wrong tools or using them incorrectly.
I want to avoid as much trial and error for you by making this supplies list that every design/architect/student needs to have.
Enjoy! Be sure to Follow @thedesignbloc and @thedesignlifesmart on Instagram for more design, architecture, interior design, and art tips!
Self Healing Folding Cutting Mat
The best mat for cutting and model making. Folds to throw away scraps easier.
X-ACTO Knife Set
The must have tool for model building.
X-ACTO Compression Basic Knife Set
Cell Distributors
Easy Cutter
The perfect tool for cutting bass and balsa wood for model making.
Midwest Products Hobby & Craft Easy Cutter
Midwest Products
Retractable Knife
Use for thicker model materials like foam board and cardboard.
Darice Retractable Razor Knife Set, Assorted Color (2 Pack)
Architect's Scale
High-quality, black anodized aluminum scale. An essential tool for every architect.
Alvin 98/ARC 12" Black Aluminum Architect Triangular Scale
National Cellular
Metal Architect Swing Arm LED Desk Lamp
Modern design, redefined, architect desk lamp
3D Printer
Take your model making skills to a whole new level. Create limitless forms and geometries.
FlashForge 3D Printers, New Model: Finder
ZHEJIANG FLASHFORGE 3D TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD
Feet-inch-Fraction Calculator
A Huge time saver for adding and subtracting fractional dimensions while you're adding lengths and distances needed for your model/site model.
Calculated Industries 4065 Construction Master Pro Advanced Construction Math Feet-inch-Fraction Calculator for Contractors, Estimators, Builders, Framers, Remodelers, Renovators and Carpenters
Calculated Industries
Electric Foam Cutter
Great tool for cutting foam for quick massing models.
GOCHANGE Foam Cutter Electric Cutting Machine Pen Tools Kit, 100-240V/15W Craft Hot Knife 10CM Styrofoam Cutting Pen with Electronic Voltage Transformer Adaptor
GOCHANGE
Small Mitre Box Kit
Perfect for cutting small scale wood pieces for your models.
Excel Blades Small Mitre Box Kit with Heavy Duty K5 Handle and Razor Saw Blade
Excel Hobby Blade Corporation
3M Super 77 Spray Glue
The best glue for attaching paper or card for presentation boards or models.
3M
Gel Super Glue
The best, fastest-drying glue for making models.
Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue 4-Gram 6- Pack (1363589)
Loctite
Metal Rulers
Essential when cutting a straight line. Plastic or wood rulers can't stand up to a knife.
Mini L-Square
Perfect for cutting small model components.
Zona 37-434 L-Square, Stainless Steel, 3-Inch x 4-Inch
Blackstone Industries, LLC
Laser Cutter and Engraver
Cut through up to 3mm wood or acrylic in any shape imaginable.
Orion Motor Tech 12"x 8" 40W CO2 Laser Engraving Machine Engraver Cutter with Exhaust Fan USB Port
Orion Motor Tech
Clear Ruler with Metal Edge
Great for model making. See what you are doing while cutting along a metal edge.
Creative Impressions Metal Edge Acrylic Ruler 12 Inch
CREATIVE IMPRESSIONS
Cut Resistant Gloves
Save your fingers from a meeting with your Exacto knife when model making.
NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves - High Performance Level 5 Protection, Food Grade. Size Medium, Free Ebook Included!
NoCry
48" Metal Ruler
Keep your fingers safe when cutting large sheets of material.
Securcut 48.5 Inch Safety Ruler
SIMI CREATIVE PRODUCTS
12" Paper Trimmer
Perfect for trimming small scale drawings.
Modeling Clay
I once saw an amazing topography model made with this clay. Worth a try!
Sargent Art Plastilina Modeling Clay, 2-Pound, White
Sargent Art
Drafting Chairs
Stay comfortable while making those models in these chair selections. Try not to fall asleep though!
Modway Veer Drafting Stool-Chair (26L x 26W x 49.5H), Black
Modway©
Herman Miller Classic Aeron Task Chair: Tilt Limiter w/Seat Angle Adj - Lumbar.
The most comfortable chair you could ever make a model in. Timeless design, and excellent ergonomics. Pad - Fully Adj Vinyl Arms - Standard Carpet Caster by Herman Miller
Architect Lamp
The classic architect lamp design.
BYB E476 Metal Architect Swing Arm Desk Lamp, Dimmable LED Task Lamp with Clamp, Eye-care Drafting Table Lamp, 4 Lighting Modes, 6 Level Dimmer, Touch Sensitive Control Panel, Memory Function, Black
BYBLIGHT
Well, That’s all for now!
Always remember to be safe while making your models. Check back often to see what more we have added to this ever-growing list.
Take your time, don’t just try to cut corners (pun intended) …Model making is a process. Also don’t force yourself to work while you’re tired. Breaks are a must 😊
I hope you found this list of supplies helpful.
Good luck!
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