- Sat Apr 30, 2016 4:24 pm
#2692
This list will be regularly updated.
If you are just getting started then you might not know what tools you should have for making props. This largely depends on what type of work you plan to do, and is subjective based on the way that you as an individual likes to work. This is largely based on my own preferences and needs, and so you should evaluate your own needs before purchasing any equipment.
BASIC PROP WORK
If you are just getting started then you might not know what tools you should have for making props. This largely depends on what type of work you plan to do, and is subjective based on the way that you as an individual likes to work. This is largely based on my own preferences and needs, and so you should evaluate your own needs before purchasing any equipment.
BASIC PROP WORK
- Dedicated work table free of clutter
- Clamp lights / trouble lights or magnifying ring light
- Dremel rotary tool with assortment of bits
- Basic hand tools including: Pliers, needle nose pliers, vise grips, large and small screw drivers, hammers
- Razor blades in various sizes (recommend at least one good quality box cutter)
- Hack saw with appropriate blades for your material preference
- Detail tools including: Tweezers, dental picks, metal sculpting/carving spatulas
- Hand drill with drill bits
- Wet/dry sandpaper in multiple grits from coarse to fine
- Filler material for fixing air bubbles. Tamiya Putty, Bondy, Milliput etc.. See our guide to filling air bubbles in props
- Metal pocket ruler
- Hot glue gun. See here for my hot glue gun tips.
- 3-in-1 Oil for keeping your tools lubricated (prevents rust and keeps tools working well)
- Black & Decker Workmate folding table
- Dremel flexible shaft attachment
- Detail saw: Either a jig saw, scroll saw, or band saw based on your needs and material preference
- Drill press
- Bench grinder
- Airbrush and compressor--can be a full size compressor, a mini airbrush compressor, or a refillable tank
- Calipers (digital or analog)
- Tap wrench handles and taps in the size you plan to use
- Soldering iron or a soldering station if you intend to do lots of electrical work
- Respirator with replaceable P100 particulate filters for dust work
- Respirator with organic filters for chemical work
- Safety glasses
- Disposable rubber gloves for mixing chemicals
- Metal sculpting/carving spatulas
- Detail carving knives
- Carving wire
- Smoothing agent for the type of clay you're working with (i.e. rubbing alcohol for oil based clay)
- Armature for your project (PVC pipe, foam heads etc.)
- Software capable of producing models for printing, such as CAD software or 3D modeling software. There are free applications available, including cloud-based programs.
- 3D Printer. If you are just getting started then I recommend that you search for nearby "maker spaces" where you can access a 3D printer without needing to buy one.
- Vacuum chamber: Vacuum pump + chamber capable of being sealed air tight
- Digital gram scale
- Disposable mixing containers capable of holding 10x the amount of rubber you will mix
- Sturdy stir sticks (metal or heavy duty plastic)
- Materials for building mold boxes. Wood or foamcore board will work
- Plaster for making jacket molds (if desired)
- Release agents for your material of choice / Vaseline
- Pressure chamber: Air compressor + paint spray pot / pressure pot (not necessary but recommended)
- Digital gram scale
- Disposable mixing containers (plastic party cups)
- Disposable stir sticks (plastic forks)
- Paper towels
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- By Batman