New in paper modeling

[paper man]

Hello all you beginners, "like me" as well as you expert modelers. i need help trying to figure what would be a good size table or bench to build small as well as large paper models on? Also what is the easy way to cut small circles, those you can barely see?

[eric_son]

Personally, I prefer to use an A2 sized cutting mat. So my answer would be any table that would comfortably accommodate an A2 sized cutting mat. My computer table doubles as a my work table.

For cutting small parts, I jury rigged a magnifying glass to my gooseneck lamp.

[Charles Swart]

Hi Paperman

I sit with the same question as you. I am limited to my lap for building, so I got a A3 cutting mat with a folding 2x magnifying glass that I ended up putting some LED lights on and I can manage models up to 300mm * 300mm with relevant ease, but I would have prefered a slightly larger work area.

[gotham]

Hi Paperman.
I sit at the dining table right beside the lounge rear window - the sun tracks around the back of our house. I use an A3 cutting mat and a large collection of swear words ( this 2nd item is optional, but you'll be surprised how many you collect thru time !).
Good luck with your modelling, remember to post pics.

[modelperry]

I use the same heavy metal desk I bought for college from a telephone company surplus sale back in the eighties. So, I'm not much help on that question.

For circles my techniques are as follows:

Anything under 1 mm diameter, I use my X-acto knife.

Anything 1mm to 5 mm, I use my Japanese hole drill. (these are expensive, but I have found it to be an indispensable tool)

Anything over 5 mm, I use a knife for inner diameter holes and scissors for outer diameter circles.

Some folks use a circle cutter for some of this. While I have one, I do not like the results I get from it compared to doing it freehand. But that is me and not everybody else...

Greg

[peter taft]

Hello and Welcome to Paper Modelers Dot Com. Great to have you here. Enjoy your stay and have fun along the way