That "Timber" chest you see is actually an "Oak" machinist chest made by Gerstner for Sears "Craftsman" circa 1967 I have TWO of them ... both FULL of modeling tools as well as 4 Much larger Gerstner oak Machinist chests full of Toolmaker and Machinists tools .... Cheers !
So handy going thru school! No one I’ve found is as professional in showing us their process start to finish. I hope UA-cam compensates you well, this is time consuming
Just found your site. Nice to see so many tools so well organized. Love the vintage flavour to things that your grandfather left to you. I have the roll around metal chests (mechanic style) and some IKEA drawer units as my storage. I do model cars mostly but like to add scale humans and a structure as required, therefore I am modelling variety. Thank you for sharing, Cheers Eh!
You have done an amazing service mate, one of the best series I've watched on modelling. Going into my second year this is gonna help me so much from last year. Thank you
The tip about the clip on the edge of the triangular scale rule - why didn’t I think of that (so simple). 🙄. So many other tips and tricks too. Thank you. I, too, have sliced the inside of my left hand index finger when I was at Uni! All of your videos are fantastic to watch. Kudos to you 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you for your pro demonstration videos! I have been a model maker and sculptor for years, but I love to review these youtube tutorials. You are articulate and clear in your presentation, and obviously have a very developed skill set. Nice tool collection too!! Thanks again ~Willy Whitten \\][//
As a student of architecture I really didn't like making models as I loved drawing so much. But model making is an excellent tool to explore and develop space. it was the first thing I had to do when I did working experience with the Japanese architect Hiroshi Hara: making a 3 meter long model of the Kyoto station's space frame that we were working on. Tedious work! But crucial in developing the design.
For me the best part of designing, ie drawing is being able to realise the drawings in scale model form so everyone including myself can fully envisage my designs.
I'm only a second year architecture student, but I quickly discovered that bricks are remarkably useful in studio. I have three bricks and a test cylinder under my desk, and a lot of the other students have asked to borrow them at one point or another. You can use them to flatten curved cardboard while gluing for a site model so they dry flat, or as a weight while gluing anything else for that matter. I've used them to hold my phone at a certain angle while taking orthographic photos, and to hold down rope while measuring the topography of a site. They have many other uses, so I highly recommend students bring a few bricks to the studio.
Fantastic video Eric I love to see all that passion and knowledge you have about the topic. One thing about knives. I used some of those in architectural school. All of them seemed to rattle. Some less, some more Presently my preferred knife is the carpenters/utility knife with trapezoid Stanley blades. For fine model and craft work the old style Stanley works best for me - bought for ₤1 on flee market. It has smaller oval handle working for hammer or pencil grip. There is a modern one with massive handle so it's less tiring while heavy cuts but less handy for detail work. Both are fixed blade style -retractable blade system is less rigid and tend to fail after time Those knives has blade storage inside. Blade seems to be more heavy duty than craft knife. Lately I started to sharpen them before every use. Just for fun, but it ended to become a habit. Similar to your exacto habit, I would have a few blades in various level of wear in the knife storage. I change them accordingly to the job. One bashed blade for scraping rough surfaces. One resharpened blade for all general work. Few new blades... Just in case. Hope you find it useful. Good luck with your projects and thank you for sharing
Great video series. BTW I learned that cutting the side of your finger off while using a straight edge and exacto blade lesson the hard way back when I first started too.
Seems like the adhesives could be done with the materials on an episode all by itself. Still, this is the most informative resource that I've come across!
Have you tried a surgical scalpel with the corresponding "#11" blade? The handle is flat, the blade snaps in place. The blades are extremely sharp ( I tell friends not to look at them too long or their eyes will start to bleed). The only draw back I have found with the surgical blades is the they do not take twisting very well, they seem to be of a harder metal, more brittle and will break with too much torque on them, they must be made with a drawing type cutting motion in mind. I'm nowhere near your skill level and I am approaching 70 so my hands shake quite a bit and my eyes arn't what they used to be, so I only model when in the mood. I now understand why years ago my Dad had me do the keen eyesight stuff. Really enjoy your videos, thank you, hope you continue to make more.
My experience with model making is extensive, having built a 15-block model of San Francisco's Financial District some 15 years ago. That model was about 5 feet long. I'd like to say that those light blue plastic X-acto clamps break very easily. I have never been happy with those. I've switched to using the small ones made by Irwin, which work great.
The 55 spray adhesive is better for pasting plans over materials to guide, and easy remove them afterwards. The 77 is more for when you want something fixed or glued permanently.
If you need to glue clear plastics, Humbrol ClearFix is designed to not fog or leave marks on plastic. Another clamping solution for tight confines are rare earth magnets. You can get assortments of sizes on Amazon, and they'll hold thin materials tight while your glue dries. Nail files are your best friend when it comes to sanding fine materials. As cheap as sandpaper, but in a much more useful form for precise work. Small metal files are fine, but I find them to be a pain to keep clean and not really better for this sort of thing.
I always create when I have time some trees and people. I look for magazines with people oriented the way I like and put them on some kind of cardboard or plastic and mount them to a base. When the time comes I make a figure and store them with 1/8. 1/16 or even 1/4" scale parts.
I was told that back before Sept 11, 2001, the Michael Graves office used to fly the office's model maker to cities where there was a project and a model being presented. He would tote a portable cabinet with all kinds of tools for "primping" the model at the destination. When this happened they would reserve a separate seat on the airplane for "Mr. Box." I'm assuming this is not apocryphal. Of course today this could not happen, considering all the X-acto blades, scissors, knives etc in the kit.
Great video! I've made dozens a trips to the art store as I fumble around trying to figure what tools I need. Ended up getting most of the tools. Few of my professors convinced me to throw away my glue gun. Im going to make a square out of wood in the shop. Our first project is site modeling and diagraming.
no glue gun? if you're careful they'll never know the difference. after you place the glue, double back and 'cut' all the floating, loose strings with the hot end. I use the glue sparingly and it's much faster than waiting for white glue to dry. good luck with the model...!
Your bonsai cutting scissors when they start getting dull take some cooking foil and fold it then cut it several times you should only need to fold it 8 times tops and you should find them resharpened saving replacing them to often
Hi Eric, do you use wire screen mesh and chain link as materials as well? do share some videos on same if you do work with them... and as always very nice presentation and direction of all your work
given all the crap on my desk I think I should probably buy one or two of those Stanley tool boxes :D Loads of great tips thanks. Would be great if you could show us actually how to use the scale rule, I have one in front of me, 1:20 for instance but have no idea of how to use it.
Great video. I carry a roll of narrow masking tape in my backpack. Always finding things to stick in my Moleskin when I am on the road. Can you post a few of your London pics on Instagram. Best wishes and Happy Holidays, Adam
Great videos! Really enjoying this series. One question, what do you use when you decide to paint a certain part of a model? I've seen people using brushes and sponges... I'm curious as to what the technique is, because in order to avoid painting (out of fear to ruin the model) I always look to make my models color coded in my cardboard selection.
Thanks @fabroc8 , glad you're enjoying these. RE: painting/color application: I'll try to use a material that works without finish first, if that's not possible, I use matte spray paint to color the pieces before installing them in the model. Spray paint offers the best coverage and is easy to repair. One tip when painting things like balsa or basswood is to paint the entire piece (all sides). This will keep planar surfaces from warping as the paint dries. Hope that helps...good luck!
Hey, quick question, am I cheating for using a cricut maker? I just started school but I have to work at least 40-60 hrs a week due to rent being due etc etc, so I am using the machine, revit, photoshop, to cut to perfect scale, figured out a system to make it follow intention, if i share this with professor do you think i'll be kicked out? I literally am always tired but i get it done, any advice would help.
Thank you for your tips of model making. I had wished so much for a model making class when in architecture school. I loved making models but felt at a disadvantage in not knowing a lot about materials and how to utilize the best for the models. On a side note: have you ever thought about teaching architecture or any related classes? You would bean amazing teacher!!!
The Alumicutter is a great idea, unfortunately the cheapest 12inch one I could find costs $40, 24 inch $63 delivered and you cant get it in Metric scale. :( not so great for Australia.
plexi is a nightmare to work with...try acrylics...tracing paper, thin acetate sheets, pv shower curtains, . the thinner the stuff you can get, the better...you'll get cleaner cuts too. good luck!
I was wondering the same thing. It's called a right angle block/plate. I found it it under other neat machinist tools in my search. Rather expensive (unsurprisingly) on ebay, amazon and the like.
Thanks a lot sir. Very informative. I am currently in Brazil on a scholarship program to study Architecture and Urbanism. My first class starts on the 10th of July. So I am looking at all ways to prepare myself... Thanks for the videos
Part 4: Make a base for your architecture model: ua-cam.com/video/hRckOk1_tCg/v-deo.html
Hey I have seen an architect use lego for making a model is that good too?
I wish your videos were around when I started architecture a while ago. Thank you for your generosity.
cheers...you're quite welcome...!
I just love your videos. So generous of you to share your knowledge. Thanks!
awesome to see such a collection of tools. That old timber chest is gorgeous! - LJ 😀
That "Timber" chest you see is actually an "Oak" machinist chest made by Gerstner for Sears "Craftsman" circa 1967 I have TWO of them ... both FULL of modeling tools as well as 4 Much larger Gerstner oak Machinist chests full of Toolmaker and Machinists tools ....
Cheers !
Love the binder clip on the scale tip! So simple and super helpful.
The most valuable channel on UA-cam. Thank you
...high praise...many thanks!
Awesome video! The 6 essential things was great and should be recommended to all students.
So handy going thru school! No one I’ve found is as professional in showing us their process start to finish. I hope UA-cam compensates you well, this is time consuming
Legend!!! Love your videos!!! Very informative, concise, well-produced and a pleasure to watch. Keep them coming.
Just found your site. Nice to see so many tools so well organized. Love the vintage flavour to things that your grandfather left to you. I have the roll around metal chests (mechanic style) and some IKEA drawer units as my storage. I do model cars mostly but like to add scale humans and a structure as required, therefore I am modelling variety. Thank you for sharing, Cheers Eh!
As an arch student going into third year I wish I found this channel sooner!
NICE! Thanks for doing these videos, very informative.
Thank you so much for sharing these! So much important content is covered in your videos! 🙏🏼
You have done an amazing service mate, one of the best series I've watched on modelling. Going into my second year this is gonna help me so much from last year. Thank you
keep making things my friend...cheers...!
The tip about the clip on the edge of the triangular scale rule - why didn’t I think of that (so simple). 🙄. So many other tips and tricks too. Thank you.
I, too, have sliced the inside of my left hand index finger when I was at Uni! All of your videos are fantastic to watch. Kudos to you 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you for your pro demonstration videos! I have been a model maker and sculptor for years, but I love to review these youtube tutorials. You are articulate and clear in your presentation, and obviously have a very developed skill set. Nice tool collection too!!
Thanks again ~Willy Whitten
\\][//
kind words +Willy Whitten ...what fun is owning a set of tools if you can't share them with others, right?
cheers...
your videos are very informative and i appreciate your sharing these to us. thank you for these tutoring videos. your collection of tools are amazing!
As a student of architecture I really didn't like making models as I loved drawing so much. But model making is an excellent tool to explore and develop space. it was the first thing I had to do when I did working experience with the Japanese architect Hiroshi Hara: making a 3 meter long model of the Kyoto station's space frame that we were working on. Tedious work! But crucial in developing the design.
For me the best part of designing, ie drawing is being able to realise the drawings in scale model form so everyone including myself can fully envisage my designs.
I am so jealous of you tools colection, yet inspiring!
I'm only a second year architecture student, but I quickly discovered that bricks are remarkably useful in studio. I have three bricks and a test cylinder under my desk, and a lot of the other students have asked to borrow them at one point or another. You can use them to flatten curved cardboard while gluing for a site model so they dry flat, or as a weight while gluing anything else for that matter. I've used them to hold my phone at a certain angle while taking orthographic photos, and to hold down rope while measuring the topography of a site. They have many other uses, so I highly recommend students bring a few bricks to the studio.
Fantastic video Eric
I love to see all that passion and knowledge you have about the topic.
One thing about knives. I used some of those in architectural school. All of them seemed to rattle. Some less, some more
Presently my preferred knife is the carpenters/utility knife with trapezoid Stanley blades.
For fine model and craft work the old style Stanley works best for me - bought for ₤1 on flee market. It has smaller oval handle working for hammer or pencil grip. There is a modern one with massive handle so it's less tiring while heavy cuts but less handy for detail work. Both are fixed blade style -retractable blade system is less rigid and tend to fail after time
Those knives has blade storage inside. Blade seems to be more heavy duty than craft knife.
Lately I started to sharpen them before every use. Just for fun, but it ended to become a habit.
Similar to your exacto habit, I would have a few blades in various level of wear in the knife storage. I change them accordingly to the job.
One bashed blade for scraping rough surfaces. One resharpened blade for all general work. Few new blades... Just in case.
Hope you find it useful.
Good luck with your projects and thank you for sharing
thank you for your videos first year arch student here
you're quite welcome, thanks for watching...
Cheers...
Excellent… Very informative and well presented. Thank you!
I am an interior designer and I have already used all the essential tools I think that I am going to upgrade to the professional ones :D!! So cool ✨
my eyes were blurry and I read your comment as "I am an inferior designer..."
Awesome, thank you for sharing your tips.
nice to watch its very informative and helps a lot to our practice
Great video series. BTW I learned that cutting the side of your finger off while using a straight edge and exacto blade lesson the hard way back when I first started too.
+Ryan Bush ...right? Always wondered what the average ratio of scarfingers to non-scarfingers was on graduation
Thanks so much! A ton of value, much appreciated!
Great video. Thank you for sharing.
Fascinating!
Thank you!!
Seems like the adhesives could be done with the materials on an episode all by itself. Still, this is the most informative resource that I've come across!
Have you tried a surgical scalpel with the corresponding "#11" blade? The handle is flat, the blade snaps in place. The blades are extremely sharp ( I tell friends not to look at them too long or their eyes will start to bleed). The only draw back I have found with the surgical blades is the they do not take twisting very well, they seem to be of a harder metal, more brittle and will break with too much torque on them, they must be made with a drawing type cutting motion in mind.
I'm nowhere near your skill level and I am approaching 70 so my hands shake quite a bit and my eyes arn't what they used to be, so I only model when in the mood. I now understand why years ago my Dad had me do the keen eyesight stuff.
Really enjoy your videos, thank you, hope you continue to make more.
great advise, thanks for the great tips.
Excellent video!
My experience with model making is extensive, having built a 15-block model of San Francisco's Financial District some 15 years ago. That model was about 5 feet long. I'd like to say that those light blue plastic X-acto clamps break very easily. I have never been happy with those. I've switched to using the small ones made by Irwin, which work great.
U R A GAWD. Where were you all my life?
Great video, l'm not an architect, but I do a lot of small art projects so useful for artists as well.
The 55 spray adhesive is better for pasting plans over materials to guide, and easy remove them afterwards. The 77 is more for when you want something fixed or glued permanently.
If you need to glue clear plastics, Humbrol ClearFix is designed to not fog or leave marks on plastic.
Another clamping solution for tight confines are rare earth magnets. You can get assortments of sizes on Amazon, and they'll hold thin materials tight while your glue dries.
Nail files are your best friend when it comes to sanding fine materials. As cheap as sandpaper, but in a much more useful form for precise work. Small metal files are fine, but I find them to be a pain to keep clean and not really better for this sort of thing.
I always create when I have time some trees and people. I look for magazines with people oriented the way I like and put them on some kind of cardboard or plastic and mount them to a base. When the time comes I make a figure and store them with 1/8. 1/16 or even 1/4" scale parts.
Thanks for so useful video!
Thank you, this was very helpful
+Anely Camm of course, thanks for watching...
you really inspire me
cheers...!
I was told that back before Sept 11, 2001, the Michael Graves office used to fly the office's model maker to cities where there was a project and a model being presented. He would tote a portable cabinet with all kinds of tools for "primping" the model at the destination. When this happened they would reserve a separate seat on the airplane for "Mr. Box." I'm assuming this is not apocryphal. Of course today this could not happen, considering all the X-acto blades, scissors, knives etc in the kit.
1-2-3 blocks are also great for model making.
Great video, again.. If you are not a professional model builder, what is your daytime job?
architect...so, kind of professional model builder, but not really.
Very insightful thank you:)
for sure...glad to help...
This. Video is. Amazing
I’d like to change my career to get into architecture model making!
it would be interesting to hear your take on 3D printers
Great video! I've made dozens a trips to the art store as I fumble around trying to figure what tools I need. Ended up getting most of the tools. Few of my professors convinced me to throw away my glue gun. Im going to make a square out of wood in the shop. Our first project is site modeling and diagraming.
no glue gun? if you're careful they'll never know the difference. after you place the glue, double back and 'cut' all the floating, loose strings with the hot end. I use the glue sparingly and it's much faster than waiting for white glue to dry. good luck with the model...!
really really cool
respect.
Oh dear god I would give me left leg for this tool collection.
Great tips
Do you ever have paint a Model
And if so..
What Brand of paint and Brushes you use
Your bonsai cutting scissors when they start getting dull take some cooking foil and fold it then cut it several times you should only need to fold it 8 times tops and you should find them resharpened saving replacing them to often
Hi Eric, do you use wire screen mesh and chain link as materials as well? do share some videos on same if you do work with them... and as always very nice presentation and direction of all your work
Thank you, your videos are very helpful
Would you suggest super glue as an option?
given all the crap on my desk I think I should probably buy one or two of those Stanley tool boxes :D Loads of great tips thanks. Would be great if you could show us actually how to use the scale rule, I have one in front of me, 1:20 for instance but have no idea of how to use it.
interesting...I've never thought to show how to use a scale rule...def. will add this to the queue...
It's something I find a bit confusing.
Great video. I carry a roll of narrow masking tape in my backpack. Always finding things to stick in my Moleskin when
I am on the road. Can you post a few of your London pics on Instagram. Best wishes and Happy Holidays, Adam
love the masking tape idea...
happy holidays to you my friend...
Great videos! Really enjoying this series. One question, what do you use when you decide to paint a certain part of a model? I've seen people using brushes and sponges... I'm curious as to what the technique is, because in order to avoid painting (out of fear to ruin the model) I always look to make my models color coded in my cardboard selection.
Thanks @fabroc8 , glad you're enjoying these. RE: painting/color application: I'll try to use a material that works without finish first, if that's not possible, I use matte spray paint to color the pieces before installing them in the model. Spray paint offers the best coverage and is easy to repair. One tip when painting things like balsa or basswood is to paint the entire piece (all sides). This will keep planar surfaces from warping as the paint dries. Hope that helps...good luck!
I’ve to create textures on different materials(chipboard ,museum board, basswood) to use them into my models... can you pls suggest how can I do this?
What do you recommend as a cutter for balsa wood?
what do you think about the glue UHU? transparent
and also about plastic that becomes liquid at temperature 80 C and higher
your grandfather must be very proud of you
Anyone else got kinda freaked out by having TWO Erics in the video? ??
look at the mirror on the box...thingy majiga
Hey, quick question, am I cheating for using a cricut maker? I just started school but I have to work at least 40-60 hrs a week due to rent being due etc etc, so I am using the machine, revit, photoshop, to cut to perfect scale, figured out a system to make it follow intention, if i share this with professor do you think i'll be kicked out? I literally am always tired but i get it done, any advice would help.
what are the square cuts called, im having problems searching them up
Do the Cut off wheels cut v thru plastic ad well
Thank you for your tips of model making. I had wished so much for a model making class when in architecture school. I loved making models but felt at a disadvantage in not knowing a lot about materials and how to utilize the best for the models.
On a side note: have you ever thought about teaching architecture or any related classes? You would bean amazing teacher!!!
Laser cutter. (brand name)
The Alumicutter is a great idea, unfortunately the cheapest 12inch one I could find costs $40, 24 inch $63 delivered and you cant get it in Metric scale. :( not so great for Australia.
I've always used cork-backed metal rules...and despite a few injuries I've fared just fine...
Lucky cause I just ordered one :D
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO CUT PLEXIGLASS. THAT IS NOT A LASER CUTTER OR ANY MATERIAL TO MODEL GLASS THAT IS EASY TO USE?
plexi is a nightmare to work with...try acrylics...tracing paper, thin acetate sheets, pv shower curtains, . the thinner the stuff you can get, the better...you'll get cleaner cuts too. good luck!
Was your Grand Father a Architect also orca Model Builder
I' like. This video
:O
Hey my other fave archi related channel is here! :D
clip 7:07 where can I buy that ? weighted angle.
I was wondering the same thing. It's called a right angle block/plate. I found it it under other neat machinist tools in my search. Rather expensive (unsurprisingly) on ebay, amazon and the like.
Toothpicks are missing... I use a lot of toothpicks.
When you only have one tool which is the cutter
What does 30x40 mean? I know it's a size, or is it? The size of what?
+Gregory Britz good question...here's the answer: thirtybyforty.com/blog/whats-a-30x40
Thanks a lot sir. Very informative. I am currently in Brazil on a scholarship program to study Architecture and Urbanism. My first class starts on the 10th of July. So I am looking at all ways to prepare myself... Thanks for the videos
The. Tools are fine
These videos are so cool and fascinating and I'm not at all interested in architecture. xD