Products that were not intended to be used in model making but work anyway

[RedheadKevin]

Go to the makeup department and get yourself a set of inexpensive makeup brushes. These are your new dry brushing friends. They’re great: big round soft bristles down to little filberts. As a bonus, the handles come in all kinds of bright colors and might even have glitter! (Ironically hobby companies are now marketing their own dry brush sets that look just like makeup brushes…no glitter, though.)

I also keep a set of these in my "Show kit." I always pack some brushes, CA glue, tweezers, and toothpicks if I'm ever going to a model show. The brushes are great for getting dust off a model for a show.
Also,
- Lead roof flashing from a hardware store is great for adding weight to models or bases. You can cut it with scissors.
- Airgun pellets are another good source of weights (Use the lead pellets, not BB's.)
- Magic Erasers can be good when doing washes.
- I keep old decks of cards for paint/epoxy mixing palettes
- Plain white ceramic tiles are awesome as paint palettes, or for cutting masking tape. You can scrape them clean with a razor blade without scratching.
- Paper hole punches are great for cutting holes in sheet material, or punching out little disks. Or, you can get other shapes. Check your local craft store.
- Make a painting stand out of corrugated cardboard and alligator clips. You can get clips already on sticks or use bamboo skewers. Cut strips of cardboard against the "grain," and glue it together.

 

[Hagoth]

Along similar lines the wax pencils used in salons for doing decorations on nails (picking up those little tiny gem stones) work great for small model parts and photo etch placement. No residue left behind.

 

[sbeall]

Also great for everything from mixing paint to storing small parts are these Solo cups.

Keep the lids, too, for pallets, or mixing epoxy, or anything else you need.
I will warn you, these are kind of expensive. I only buy them five or six at a time, but they do come with free dipping sauce for the crab rangoons.

 

[division 6]

You can get a bag of about 50 of them for a few $ in the paper plate and cup isle at the store.

 

[Chris Moliere]

This thread has been really helpful! I’ve found that d-center foam adhesive weather stripping works well as a diy vacuum chamber gasket, if you’re trying to cast model parts. Only around $7 for almost 20ft. of the stuff.

 

[sbeall]

You can get a bag of about 50 of them for a few $ in the paper plate and cup isle at the store.

But if I do that, I won’t have crab rangoons.

 

[chibobber]

Pipe screens, available in different diameters and material(stainless or brass). Very fine mesh. Some are preformed w/rim like a small bucket shape.
Almost available everywhere now that the "evil weed"is legit in many places.

 

[publiusr]

Plastic concrete footings

https://www.lowes.com/pd/BuildTuff-TuffBlock-1/1001436780?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-bdm-_-google-_-lia-_-210-_-brickandblock-_-1001436780-_-0&placeholder=null&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4MeL-If88QIVDXNvBB2h9AJwEAYYASABEgL2jfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The world record flashlight used one

Bigfoot Systems Footing Forms - concrete volume calculations BF20

The original plastic footing forms: concrete volume calculations for Model BF20 - accepts all 6" and 8" small, medium and large construction tubes - call 1-800-934-0393 toll-free from US & Canada - UPS shipping available

www.bigfootsystems.com

Build concrete footings in any weather with Bigfoot Systems BFT10

Works in all weather - Bigfoot proudly launches our latest footing form partner on this season' trade show circuit! The ultra tough, ultra convenient BFT10

www.bigfootsystems.com

SQUARE FOOT 22 in. x 16-1/2 in. x 22 in. Plastic Concrete Footing Form SF22 - The Home Depot

SQUARE FOOT Model SF22 Plastic Footing Form 22 in. x 16-1/2 in. x 22 in. used in conjunction with 8 in. and 10 in. concrete forming tubes. Depending on your project size will determine what size of column

www.homedepot.com

Put this atop it

42" Traffix Looper Cone Channelizer w/Four (4) 4" EG Reflective Collars & 16 Lb Recycled Rubber Base | TLC42-4 | Traffic Safety Store

www.trafficsafetystore.com

Bollards

https://www.grainger.com/product/31...VEY_ICh1UFg9tEAQYASABEgL2MvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Great for tanker ships

Solid Colored Economy Bollard Sleeves | Emedco

Cover your old, worn parking bollards with economy bollard covers from Emedco. Order yours today to update your parking lot!

www.emedco.com

Platic pallets for sets, big Borg ships

Plastic Pallets | B&G Industries

Plastic pallets – Heavy duty closed-loop to nestable one-way pallets. Stackable with runners, our nestable plastic pallets provide reduced freight costs with the versatility of runners. 2/4 way entry options Virgin/Recycled Resin FDA/USDA approved Open/Closed Decks Industry-specific sizes...

bandgindustries.com

The footings are often conjoined at the bottom with what looks like giant Excelsior nacelle supports. Cut those off the bottom for such purposes.

Tekweld CCS101 CCS106
are two credit card style antibacterial hand sanitizer dispensers from Hauppauge NY 11788 that would make 1/2500 carriers and greebles

 

[ID10T]

I think I mentioned my old rock tumbler for mixing paint and resin bottles before, but today I employed it for mixing tiny Testors bottles. I’m planning an Alien-inspired dual watch band and will be painting leather fluorescent orange. These paints haven’t been touched since the 90’s so they needed some mixing…

I threw some mock up photos of the watches as well. I think I’ll get a second of either one because they are not the same size… I cut a piece of 1/4” tubing for the “link” between them, with a relief on the underside to get the spring bars out.

 

[kermet]

Never ever throw anything away I keep all of it I call it creative clutter cool thread

 

[RedheadKevin]

Oil filter wrenches, the kind with a rubber strap, are great for getting the tops off paint bottles. They don't damage the plastic caps on Tamiya paints, and you can really torque off caps that have been stuck on with paint.

 

[ID10T]

I have an entire drawer dedicated to hammers in my tool box.

“Paint caps do not concern me. I want that paint- not excuses.”

 

[publiusr]

The large plastic pails have lids that have the Enterprise saucer edge bevel to them though.

Lately you see 18 wheelers with plastic or metal 22.5 inch hubcaps or aerodynamic wheel cover kits as they are called.
bigrigchromeshop.com has RM-250S-1 for $20.69.

United Pacific Chrome Moon front axle cover….Flow Below aero wheel cover panels and kits…Economy wheel cover brushed aluminum dome for 19.75 from aircraftspruce.com

newkingsco.com has bike wheel covers for 16” wheels…plastic spare wheel covers if you want to take a chance on Alibaba.com

These have a wide slit like opening towards the edge for a Federation secondary hull pylon to slide into.

Bicycle wheel covers and paint lids can allow 1/537 Refit Enterprise saucers to be widened.

 

[publiusr]

Big Lots has some interesting things…so does Dollar Tree. They get a lot of cheap GREENBRIER offerings. Today I got:
All star sports. SPORTS DISC 2PC
LIGHT UP TOP
FAVORS/SURPRISES
ROBOT changer
Crafter’s Square chalkboard tags

Cell phone stickers

www.popsockets.com

Use them as pop up turrets for saucer domes

Lastly WWW.FINAL-FACTION.COM toys

DRONE KHARN comes with a greeble….but the COVERT OPS — ALPHA TEAM 1 dragon drone looks like a FASA space station. Lots of greebles.

 

[publiusr]

Tire traction mats and especially traction boards also make great bash fodder

DING KING is available cheap…

NIAGARA PLASTICS has a wide range of offerings. End caps are great.

 

[publiusr]

I guess I'm a sicko--but I noticed even something as base as brush caddies have an interesting shape:

Robot or human?

I see that as an Excelsior type deflector dish housing.

Libman Premium Angled Toilet Bowl Brush & Caddy, 4/Carton (1022) | Quill.com

Order Libman Premium Angled Toilet Bowl Brush & Caddy, 4/Carton (1022) today at Quill.com and get fast shipping. Stack coupons to get free gifts & extra discounts!

www.quill.com

A bullseye

https://www.amazon.com/Accuracy-Alloy-Bullseye-Bubble-Tripod/dp/B00YKE0LRY

For phaser props?

Drill and Tool Alignment Devices | BullseyeBore

BullseyeBore Core is a patented power drill accessory that helps you to always drill straight. It works with thousands of common commercial electric drills and bits up to 1/2". Its also super safe to use.

www.bullseyebore.com

Best Borescopes Of 2024

Get expert advice on improvements to your home, including design tips, how much you'd expect to pay for a pro and what to ask when hiring experts.

www.forbes.com

Saucer

20 in. Black Round Plastic Umbrella Table Tray Portable Table Top Outdoor Side Table for Beach, Patio, Garden

https://www.amazon.com/Macaron-Cupcake-Display-Adjustable-Birthday/dp/B07Q34P6YY/ref=asc_df_B07Q34P6YY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343269736793&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1140819241072837877&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060223&hvtargid=pla-751678059098&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=67045470137&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343269736793&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1140819241072837877&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060223&hvtargid=pla-751678059098

STRUCTURAL PLASTICS

SPC Retail | Display Solutions to Turn Retail into Art

At SPC Retail, we create retail display fixtures to support and enrich your bright ideas and evolving business. Explore our products, and contact us today.

spc-retail.com

Round Displays | SPC Retail

Our round displays are incredibly versatile and offer up to 360-degrees of display merchandising surface. We offer rounds in increments of 30, 36, 48, and 60 inches in diameter, making them perfect for most retail formats. They are ideal for displaying everything from live goods to soft goods...

spc-retail.com

Specialty Displays | SPC Retail

Unique merchandising challenges demand a unique display solution. Our collection of specialty displays are designed to tackle the most challenging merchandising with ease. From dealing with corners to long handle merchandise to temporary impulse, you’ll find just what you need to spotlight your...

spc-retail.com

Hexagon

Global Industrial Outdoor Tree Bench, Expanded Metal, Black

Global Industrial Outdoor Tree Bench, Expanded Metal, Black. Ships in One Business Day. Buy it and Save at GlobalIndustrial.com

www.globalindustrial.com

Huge Saucer

Round Platform 60" | SPC Retail

Add a unique touch to your merchandising strategy with our Benchmaster™ Round Platforms. The Benchmaster™ round platforms are made from post-consumer recycled HDPE and come in four diameters 30", 36", 48" and 60". Use alone to get product off of the ground or use our standard leg posts to create...

spc-retail.com

 

[publiusr]

The latest find

Gro Pro NX Level Pot Elevator - 16 in (30/Cs) - Guerrilla Grow Hydroponics

Raise your fabric or plastic pot out of the bottom of a saucer. This elevates the pot out of potential excess water that gathers in the saucers & root rot, mold issues

gghydro.com

For huge saucers

Robot or human?

Half-Round 2-Tier Table Display

This half-round 2-tier table provides the perfect addition to compliment patios, decks, balconies or gardens. The display is capable of showing off a lot of merchandise. This 2-tier table is made of black 100% post-industrial recycled plastic for stability. The display is made for flower pots...

www.retailresource.com

Round Table Display 4 – Tier – Plasticmart

www.theplasticmart.com

Structural Plastics Dunnage Rack, 1000 lb Load Capacity, HDPE, 12 in H x 24 in W x 66 in D D6624 | Zoro

Order Structural Plastics Dunnage Rack, 1000 lb Load Capacity, HDPE, 12 in H x 24 in W x 66 in D, D6624 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

A great find

42" Channelizer Cone with Four (4) 4" EG Reflective Collar and 16 Lb. Recycled Rubber Base | LC42-4 | Traffic Safety Store

www.trafficsafetystore.com

Wings

Wings & tail standard edition kit - MetaFly by BIONIC BIRD - BIOMIMETIC DRONES

Wings & tail standard edition - Add new parts to your MetaFly to make it fly anywhere. Shop your parts on our website now

www.bionicbird.com

Nosecones

Carrot Tubes with Chocolatey Buttons | candy

Each order comes with one 24ct. display tray.

www.beeinc.com

More

Who collects stuff for scratch building? - Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

 

[gedmac66]

joberg , this threads been a terrific source of ‘how to’ and what’s available for consideration in our quest to be ‘better’ modellers. Thank you.
Since it was started by your good self, I’m wondering if there’s any option for model builders to access said ‘discoveries’ in this thread to find components that may be easier to find locally?
Asking cause I’m in Australia and the last few posts regarding these, whilst interesting, seem to be only available to the U.S.

Ged

 

[joberg]

joberg , this threads been a terrific source of ‘how to’ and what’s available for consideration in our quest to be ‘better’ modellers. Thank you.
Since it was started by your good self, I’m wondering if there’s any option for model builders to access said ‘discoveries’ in this thread to find components that may be easier to find locally?
Asking cause I’m in Australia and the last few posts regarding these, whilst interesting, seem to be only available to the U.S.

Ged

Thanks for the feedback Ged and thanks to our members who filled this thread with very interesting ideas
As for finding local products in your country (or any country for that matter); is the most difficult part. I whish I had a good answer for you, but I've the same problem (I'm in Canada) and the variety of products available here pales in comparison to our US members.
I have to order, often, on Amazon.com because the product/part cannot be found here...I'm sure you have products in Australia that aren't available on this side of the Ocean also. Some members (as well as myself) have sent products/parts to other members located in other countries of course.
That seems to be the first line of getting what you're looking for...

 

[Aku]

humm The racks and half teir table displays might make Aliens or Star War bases for the bigger props or figures