To make models, the basic tools required are a cutting mat, a metal ruler, scissors, knives and hot-wire cutters.
A cutting mat provides a base on which to cut materials. This is normally made of rubber, but a piece of hardboard or other tough surface can also be used. Rubber cutting mats have a grid printed onto them to allow straight lines to be cut quickly and easily.
Metal rules provide a clear edge to cut against and will prevent the knife from slicing into the rule when in use (an advantage that a plastic rule won’t have). Never use a scale rule to cut against because the knife will score its edge.
Sharp knives are important for cutting materials cleanly and precisely. The cut of the material is important, so take time and make your incisions carefully. If a material is cut at an angle it won’t look like a clean edge when it is joined with another piece.
A scalpel blade is the most useful knife as it will be extremely sharp. It needs to be used with extreme care, as too much pressure will cause the blade to snap. Any knife work needs to be done in good light, cutting slowly and carefully.
Scissors can only be used for cutting paper and very thin card. If using wood as a modelling material, then tools such as a bench saw, table saw or jigsaw are necessary for accurate cutting.
Hot-wire cutters slice through foam accurately and leave a clean edge. Their fine wire is heated electrically, and the wire’s malleable quality allows shapes drawn onto the foam to be cut quickly by pushing the material against the wire. This is a fast way to make a model of a city; a map of the area can be drawn onto the foam, which is then cut to produce block shapes.