Fiddlers Green

hi,
i've built paper models for years, but, now having had a stroke, i find myself one handed.
i'm having a hard time returning to my building.
anyone with the same problem
i'd like to know how others have done it. i'd hate to give up my modeling.

ed fitzwater

Hi Ed,

Just a suggestion, is there a way you could use different metal clamps to hold the model cards down to a cutting matt and maybe even the metal ruler? We tend to use our secondary hand to hold down the paper when we score, cut or fold - maybe a series of different metal clamps will assist you to do these tasks more easily. Hopefully there will be more suggestions to this topic for you so that you can continue your enjoyment of paper model building.

Ed, also check out : Micro-Mark for a good range of clamps, etc especially used for model making.
Website: www.micromark.com

Cheers and good luck!

May I suggest 2 things:
1. One of my handicapped students was furnished with a clipboard with suction cups on the opposite side. The clip attached the paper to the board and the suction cups stick the whole thing to the desk. It didn't look homemade so you might be able to buy one someplace.
2. If you have a small brick on your desk, it will allow you to push things against it without moving. Being able to push things together may help your modelling.

to louis r and cmunson,

thanks for the great ideas. my son says: of we can't find a clipboard with suction cups on the back, we'll build one!
thank you, fliddlers green for the forum. here we have two guys from far away taking the time to give me some good suggestions. this is the very best of the internet.

again, thanks,

ed fitzwater

Your welcome Ed.

I also saw this in Micro-Marks catalogue:


Magnetic Gluing Jig Cuts Your Assembly Time in Half
A 'why-didn't-I-think-of-that' tool for quick assembly of miniature components. Use for dollhouse furniture, miniature picture frames, model railroad structures and rolling stock, ship model deck houses and more. 10-1/4 inches x 10-1/4 inches, 21 gauge steel plate with 7/8 inch flanges bent up at 90 degrees. Includes 8 magnetic holding plates that keep components together squarely while glue dries.

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.as ... t&ID=60304

also:


For Long, Narrow Projects
This 6 inch x 24 inch jig is ideal for assembly of ship models, airplane fuselages, wings and other long projects. For even more capacity, you can use 2 or more plates placed end-to-end or side-to-side. Set includes 6 inch x 24 inch, 21 gauge, rust resistant flat steel plate and eight magnetic holding plates.

I get alot of stuff from this online company and its not too expensive either considering we use these tools over and over again.

those magnet plates are great! I imagine you could also go to a hobby shop or even radio shcak and purchase several strong magnets for a fairly low price and perpaps cover your work area with a big metal plate. then you would have ample building room

How about some stainles steel rimmed cookie sheets..[non-aluminum]
.then you would have a portable work surface.
Carol Halloran

I think however you get it done you should be TWICE as proud of yourself for doing it.
You should probably take TWICE the amount of time doing it too.

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