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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.

Professional Self Healing Cutting Mat 18x24 Inch. Re-Seals After Every Cut - Strong, Durable and Long Lasting

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

Phive LK-1 Metal Architect Swing Arm LED Desk Lamp / Table Lamp with Clamp (Eye-Care Technology, Dimmable, 6-Level Dimmer / 4 Lighting Modes with Touch Control, Memory Function) Task Light

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 Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive - 24 fl.oz./ 16.75 net weight oz. (1 Can) - AB-530-4-77 (1 Can)

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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Stay tuned for more posts like these!

Have a suggestion for a future blog post? Please let me know:

info@thedesignbloc.com or www.instagram.com/designlifesmart


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