Member from South Africa

[SLVN]

Hi all, I came across paper modeling after doing a search for Origami. Did not know you could do so much with paper. I downloaded a few simple templates and now I am hooked. I am currently building helicopter(will post pictures). I am following the instruction to the tee, but i find the smaller parts always end up horrible. do you guys have any tips on how to work with small part. Tiny Cylinders are the worst.

[Tim Crowe]

Welcome to the forum.

Small parts can be pain. Might be worth printing them on photocopy paper.

Tim

[silveroxide]

Welcome aboard and I hope that you have been infected with the paper model virus (You, not your computer OS. ) For small parts, check out the tutorial board. Post a photo of the offending part that is giving you trouble. The smaller the tube, the lighter the paper. I have a set of micro screwdrivers that I use to make small cylinders and sockets for larger cylinders. The metal will allow for the use of glue and the glue will not stick to the metal and make the part come off easily. Really small pieces are hard to work with, but you can use staright pins or paper clips as a tube forming tool. There are other variations out there but go through the forum and check out some of the build threads for ideas.

Check the forum for the model that you have chosen, maybe someone has already built it and you can follow his steps to help you make a more fantastic model. Your imagination is your strongest asset. Enjoy and hope to see some of your works around here. See you around the forums.

[nikischutt]

Welcome from Cape Town.

For small tubes, I use tweezers to roll the them, especially if they're short.

Regards

Niki

[legal01]

Working with small parts is always a nightmare and tweezers are a must. YOu can get some decent stuff from Dischem but for the really good stuff chat to your doctor, they always have some old ones lying around. As for rolling cylinders the siple rule of thumb is patience and something to roll it against. USe your hand when rolling as then judging the weight of the roll is easier. Start big and progressively get smaller. If you get to the point that rolling your own is out then you can use sucker sticks made out of paper as an alternative. Look in the advise section there is a whole section on how to do this.

Good luck with the building and lets see some pictures. If you need any more advise PM me!.

Cheers

[Retired_for_now]

Welcome! I handle small parts with a magnifying visor and tweezers. Really tiny bits can be picked up and manipulated with the tip of a sharp craft knife. Browse the tips and tricks section for techniques for rolling cylinders. You'll find things like this:
Rolling paper tubes
Yogi

[Kevin WS]

I am in JHB.

Where are you?

If you are in the area send me a pm with your number and we can have a chat.

Keep an eye on the thread below as well - I have been combining orders to reduce postage from time to time! Sometimes hefty savings too. I am not in the business - it is just that by placing large orders reduces the costs.

South Africa Modellers - Want to buy models to build?

[Werner Smuts]

Welcome to your new found HOBBY!!! ;-)
From another paper model hobby hooked South African, living in Kempton Park

[SLVN]

Thanks for the link, it was a real help

[Bionic Modeler]

here are a thousand methods for every problem. For really small tubes you can use paper handle Q tips. if you need smaller diameters then cut diagonally and peel it down to size. They make great landing gear struts and similar parts. If you need a really long one you can peel two or three down a little smaller than you want, line them up and then glue a piece of paper and roll it till it is the right diameter. See there are lots of ways of doing thing. They are stronger than hollow tubes too.