Building Tips – 8 Golden Rules of Modelling

Building Tips – 8 golden rules of modelling – and what to do if you break one.

These tips have been proposed by some of our members. ​

1) Measure 3 times before cutting anything.

2) Make a paper template to check the actual fit – cut to the outside of the scribed line on the work and fit with final sanding of same.

3) Where possible, “spot glue” with just enough to hold your piece, check and then final glue.

4) Never let anyone make anything for you that you can make yourself. You’ll get a lot of satisfaction from doing it yourself; but don’t rule out getting help or buying something if you run out of patience.

5) Never try to make anything you can’t make. Don’t be over-ambitious, small steps are the key; build on success.

6) Drawings are often wrong – go to step 2.

7) Aim for the highest accuracy you can; it saves enormous time and effort and leaves a correct result with fewer bodges.

8) Admit early in the process when you f*****d (fouled) up; stop, as it will only get worse. All is not lost; when the word ‘Oops’ escapes from your lips refer to the “Oops process” below.