To continue making models in your own smaller scale home setup or the studios we would recommend and using the following materials.
- Card
- Paper
- Foam board – good for making casting moulds
- Foam
- Balsa/softwood wood
- Dowels
- Copper & Brass rods
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
- Plaster
- Mesh
- Air Dry Clay
- Wire
- String
- Jesmonite
- Glue gun
- PVA
- Superglue
- Epoxy adhesive
- Double Side Tape
For suppliers we recommend:
- Hobarts – MDF, PLY, Acrylic and other sheet materials
- Heart Educational – General model making materials & tools (online)
- Tilgear – General model making materials & tools (online)
- Flints – EVERYTHING (local & online)
- 4D Modelshop – General model making materials & tools (local & online)
- Tiranti – Casting Materials (local)
- RS Components – Electrical/engineering (local outlet & online)
- Selec UK – Cheap MDF, Balsa and Ply ( online)
Some interesting reading/resources on model making using ‘soft’ materials and considerations when 3D Printing & CNC Machining:
- Model Making: Conceive, Create and Convince (book)
- Architectural Modelmaking, 2nd ed, Nick Dunn (book)
- https://davidneat.wordpress.com/
- https://www.instructables.com/
- https://www.sea.museum/2017/03/29/casting-the-past-how-to-make-cheap-easy-moulds-and-casts
- https://www.3dhubs.com/guides/3d-printing/
When making models at home or the studios please take the following precautions as well as using common sense:
- Wear PPE where appropriate (goggles, ear defender and respirators (ear defenders and goggles can be borrowed from the Workshop)
- Only use solvent free casting materials and glues if working indoors, and ensure the area is well ventilated. Any spray painting should be done outdoors using Acrylic/Water based paint – wearing a P3 Mask.
- Be cautious when using sharp blades