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- Sep 17, 2013
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I had to re-read the title thinking you were asking what your favorite non-building tool was.
Got your attention though.I had to re-read the title thinking you were asking what your favorite non-building tool was.
Very cool device. I can see the possibilities. Do you make your own decals? I've been looking for a more cost effective way to make my own without having to waste a whole 8.5 x 11 sheet for only a few small ones.My wife's Cricut Explore. Ive used it to cut vinyl decals, thin balsa for fins, and card stock transitions. It doesn't like cutting centering ring material but it will leave a deep scratch to follow with a knife.
Two answers. Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel.
They are, by far, my most critical modeling tools. Excel is used to create a simple spreadsheet for all of my scale models, into which all of the major dimensions of the prototype can be entered. Once that it done it is a simple matter to use a formula to convert and compare a variety of scale factors.
Illustrator is used to create workshop drawings, decal files, and drawings for parts to cut on the laser cutter. Once a drawing is done for a model I can grab the fin bits off of that drawing to create a new drawing for cutting fins. Perhaps most importantly, jigs and patterns drawings can be drawn up, and then cut on the laser cutter.
Perhapas not the answer you were looking for, and while Illustrator stretches the definition of "household," Excel can probably be found in 50%+ of the homes in America.
James
The OttLite is a low wattage, very bright, full spectrum bulb. Their new bulbs will fit a standard lamp bulb base. My wife has one of their floor lamps for sewing… but it takes one of their fancy Ott only lamps. I bought the standard base bulb for my work lamp. I need it for very fine detail work.
Ref: https://products.ottlite.com/c-177-bulbs.aspx
The old foam board find guides come to mind.
@James Duffy You have your own laser cutter?!
LEGO
One can use these versatile playthings for building rocket assembly cradles, tube marking guides, and alignment guides....View attachment 318396
has anyone mentioned spring clip clothes pins? I find them to be quite handy to have.
Rex
My tube stuffer. Used to take forever on LPR rockets trying to get that shock cord into the tube.
Makes getting the shock cord and shroudlines into the rocket body SOOOOO much easier
https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?44759-Your-favorite-Rocketry-Tool&highlight=stuffer
Interesting, I just use an 8mm OD anodized aluminum straw, may need to try it with grip / teeth of some kind. Hemispherical rubber nose? Or wait, maybe an MMX NC.Love it, mind if I borrow that idea? It's hard to get recovery things stuffed into little bitty tubes when you've got fat fingers like me (and they're all thumbs).
Interesting, I just use an 8mm OD anodized aluminum straw, may need to try it with grip / teeth of some kind. Hemispherical rubber nose? Or wait, maybe an MMX NC.
I would have to say mine is blocks of wood. Oh, and my washing machine and stove.
No, but I have access to one through a local maker space. It has really revolutionized my approach to the hobby, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
The price of laser cutters has also come down to a point where it's not crazy to own one.
I wish I had easier access to one.
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