From Charles at LGM: Short Extension Cord
Adapter to turn an old computer power cord into a short extension cord , perfect for sanders, vacs, etc.
Vendor: cyberguys.com Product identifier: power adaptor NEMA 5-15R to C14, black Quantities sold in: individual units, approx. $4.39 each
From Garmin: Nichiban tape, curved files, "gloves-in-a-bottle", mitre-cutting vise/jig and more!
Nichiban tape Vendor: Japantape.com; phone:212.533.4631 Product identifier: for paint masking, masking for raster cutting on laser engraver. Quantities sold in: sleeves of multiple rolls, or by the case; price varies by size Used for: Perfect level of tack; leaves no residue, won’t damage surface finishes. Thin enough to conform to complex curved surfaces, cuts cleanly and easily with X-acto knife. We often use this on back decorated screen mock-ups to create multi-step paint masks; cover a piece of acrylic with Nichiban, lightly vector cut mask lines (barely cut through tape, kiss the surface of the acrylic), then cut out the masked screen from the acrylic sheet with a heavier vector pass. Suggested by: Garmin International Click here for all eleven items suggested by our model shop members at Garmin!
A cool new use for an existing item At the 2010 Conference, Craig Leese, longtime APMM Member from the Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Lab, and five other experienced model makers (see photos below) presented a workshop featuring dozens of their favorite materials, tools and equipment. The emphasis was on innovative re-purposing of ordinary items but they also presented obscure products that meet a particular need and products that are just the best available brand.
This page will introduce all sorts of "Favorite Things" over time so keep checking back to see if one of them will give you an "A-HA!" moment - because if there's one thing model making is about, it's transforming the ordinary into the innovative.
And if there's one thing that the APMM is about, it's sharing that kind of hard-won knowlege! To share your own Favorite Thing or A-HA! moment, email a photo and description along with source information to: info@modelmakers.org. You could see your name and idea posted here!


DAP Kwik Seal Plus
 Vendor: Home Depot and other stores Product identifier: Siliconized latex caulk Cost: $6-7/tube Used for: Mix with paint to produce color matched gap filler Suggested by: Fentress Architects Model Shop
Automatic Solvent Dispenser Vendor: Lab Safety Supply www.lss.com 800-356-0783 Product identifier: BBO-9900 Cost: about $22 Used for: Evaporation-free solvent dispensing Suggested by: Meadors Model Shop
Down Draft Table
Vendor: Denray Dealers www.denray.com 800-766-8263 Product identifier: 3444B Cost: about $3,000 Used for: Table dust extractor Suggested by: Meadors Model Shop
FEP Release Film 
Vendor: Northern Fiberglass Sales 603-926-1910, ext 12 www.nfgsales.com Product identifier: A5000 Cost: $1,000/500 ft Used for: Many wonderful things Suggested by: JHU/APL
Touch-Up HVLP Gun 
Vendor: Finish Systems 800-657-0703 www.finishsystems.com Product identifier: CAT TJR Cost: about $170 Used for: Painting/finishing Suggested by: Coleman & Associates
APMM Members can download (55 MB) the original presentation in its entirety... click here.
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