Tools of the Trade

Today's post talks about some different things other than the painting itself: the tools used in modelling. I've been working recently with some new brushes (thankyou goes out to Matt for them - you're awesome!), new putty, new drill heads, and the sculpting tools.

To start with, however, Games Workshop recently released a refresh to their hobby tool line. Here I want to make my opinion absolutely clear: the modelling tools from Games Workshop are useable, but they're not up to top notch professional standards. They're useful for the mass market, and they get the job done, but they really can't compare to quality items from other brands (e.g Army Painter). That being said, the mould line remover is good, and I like the drill as well (more on that in a moment).

If you're looking for updates on the terminators, then they're mostly finished, apart from some basing work. More on that soon.

Paint Brushes

Having used a set of different brushes from Army Painter, I heartily recommend getting them. They don't seem to gather paint on the brush itself (it really washes off easily, meaning the brushes will last that bit longer), but also have a nice stiffness (not too stiff, not too soft), and keep a very nice point (no little hooks or bends have developed). The end does tend to split a little if the brush dries out too much, so they should be kept quite damp when using. Granted, they are a little more on the expensive side, but are well worth the price, and should last a long time.

The Drill

The old drill set only came with the one drill bit size. I found this unsatisfying, and have since purchased additional drill bit heads. Fortunately, modelling drills are fairly standardised here and it was easy to find more. Otherwise, the drill is comfortable enough, and I've not had problems with it. It's well worth having a drill, and not only for making holes in boltgun barrels. Drilling holes can be used for less aesthetic, more practical purposes, such as pinning, which is where other sizes come in handy. I may end up experimenting with different sizes on the boltguns as well, but for the sake of consistency they will possibly end up using the same. Of course, there are other weapons with barrels...

Purity Seal

I picked up some purity seal to try out. Firstly: it really kills any metallic shine. For that reason alone it's not going into my general use pile anytime soon. I have tried it on a single Death Company marine, but I also got the impression that the armour was somehow lighter than before (this may be a "frosting" issue). I didn't take a before photo like I should have, so it could have been that way before. I'll have to try it on a Dark Angel and see what happens.
I may try an Army Painter alternative, depending on the cost, or simply be extra careful in handling the models.

Vice

A vice or clamp are quite useful. Get one if you can. I primarily use them for holding moulds together until the putty has properly cured, but for that reason alone I recommend getting something. I suspect it would be useful when pinning as well, but I haven't had a reason to do any of that - yet. I've no reason to dislike the one I have yet, but I've not needed it for anything fancy yet either.

Files

The modelling files are again good enough to get started with, but again I do feel that other manufacturers will provide better equipment. There will likely be some wear & tear on the GW tools that make their lifespan somewhat less as well, but that really remains to be seen.

Summary

To sum up, the models and paints from Games Workshop are really some of the best for the hobby, but their tool sets in working with that aren't. I guess the modelling tools are just an addition for them, something to get people started with the core business, leaving professional level tools for others to provide. I don't really see this as a bad thing: the versions I picked up did their job of getting me started, and it was convenient to pick it up from the local store. The tools have all served their purpose, and I've learned quite a bit - at least enough to appreciate better tools now.
So if you're new to the hobby, the Games Workshop stuff will do just fine - but use it all with a mind to learn, and for the tools to be destroyed by the time you're done. If you're a bit more experienced, or even just want to compare prices, then look at hobby shops for some proper equipment.

Also, mould line removers are awesome.

-- silly painter