Beginners Building Toolkit
In this post we'll cover the set of tools everyone needs in their model builders toolkit to get started. Core Toolkit Clippers While you could get by using a X-Acto knife for both cleaning up models and the initial step of cutting them from the sprue, it's safer and easier to buy some clippers. There are expensive clippers out of Japan specifically for models, and while they have their fans, I've yet to find a consistent glowing endorsement. What you need are "flush cut" clippers typically found in the electronics section of hardware stores. You could also buy a pair from a miniatures brand, and I actually rather like the larger handle size of Games Workshop's extremely over priced pair. The key factor is that one side of the clippers is completely flat. As you can see in my terrible diagram below, flush cut clippers will cut nice and close to the part you want to keep, while regular clippers have a bevel on both sides and will leave a substantial nub beca...