Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Howdy Dakkadakka,

As the title says, I bought something that wasn't a mini, that I actually don't regret buying in the slightest. This thread is part story, part review, and while not everyone has the money to dish out to buy it, or even feel its worth it, I'm actually so happy about it that I felt like sharing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Story:

About a few weeks ago, I was perusing around my FLGS, seeing if I couldn't buy something to help me build terrain/assemble minis. I figured I was going to buy that citadel mini-saw, see if I couldn't use it to cut things down easier. While browsing for it, I stumbled upon a grey box, unwrapped, clearly opened, and fairly dusty; but otherwise, in perfect condition.

What I found was a Citadel Tool Kit

The thing clearly hadn't sold the day it arrived, and god knows since when that was; I saw it every time for over a year, which is when I started coming to this particular store. The price tag was 110$ CAD, and I saw what it contained on the paper; still, I was curious as to what was really inside, so I brought it over to a table.

Upon inspection, I found some things that I already had (clippers, hobby knife) and things I didn't (mini-saw, mini-drill, mini-files, sculpting tool). I didn't realize that the box was a carrying case until after I removed the top layer; 36 slots, 2 bitz boxes, and a vice grip, the latter three in spaces large enough to fit a dreadnaught.

I was trying to figure out if I really needed another set of clippers, knife, and the carrying case, when one of the store employees came over. He had noticed that I was a loyal buyer (I had filled up 4 loyalty cards (800 dollars), and they were laying next to me) and said that I could have that for 10% off. I was pretty convinced, even if it still was 99 dollars, figuring I could still use the things I already had.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Review:

I'll post pictures for others to see exactly what's inside later, but the box has become one of the most useful things I've ever bought to help me build models. I've been using its contents a lot, assembling over 6 vehicles, 40 troops, and terrain with them. In other words, they've been tried and test.

The exact contents of the box are:

1 Hobby Vice:

I admit, this thing hasn't been used yet... But I can see why its useful. A clean surface and suction cup keeps it stable, and the gripping bit is soft rubber that practically hugs your models in place. I can see myself using this the next time I need to hold something down while the glue is setting (ex: Tyranid Metal Torsos).

1 Pair of Plastic Cutters:

These things are pretty ace, I mean, they're designed for what you intend to use them for; cutting plastic. I've abused the thing for a multitude of reasons (including using it for something besides plastic/resin), and the metal paint seems to have chipped a little; despite this, the edge is still straight, and they perform as well as they were bought. On an added note, it annoyed my that my other clippers were too bulky to reach into certain spots on sprue; these happen to be thin enough to reach most places without playing hand twister.

1 Razor Saw:

Believe it or not, I haven't used this for any of my minis; I've used it for terrain purposes. The thing cuts straight and well into insulation, all I need to do after that is bend the board and it snaps along the line. The saw also helps cut copper model pipes cleanly, and even wood. The teeth are fairly strong, and all are still pointed, in place, unbent, despite unintended use.

1 Sculpting Tool:

Good lord, this is much easier than using an old hobby knife! I mean, it's probably a no brainer, but if anyone feels like they have trouble with Green Stuff, and they don't own a sculpting tool, THAT'S PROBABLY WHY!

3 Modeling Files:

The files are actually pretty good; they're soft grain, so it may take more passes, but it means one pass won't accidentally file beyond what you intend. There are three kinds: A triangle file, a round file, and a flat file; They've all been used plenty of times, and work to expectation.

1 Hobby Drill:

I never had a hobby drill before, and I wasn't sure if GW could produce a good one; my mistake, this thing can put a hole through freaking anything! And it comes with 5 spare drill bits (6 total). It helps a lot if you want to put a hole into your heavy bolters, to give them the appropriate look, and its small enough to snugly fit a paper clip to pin anything.

1 Hobby Knife:

I figured that this would be the least used item in this whole set, since I already had 3, but it turns out that the grip on this hobby knife helps prevent blood being spilled all over the minis, if you get what I mean. Not only that, it comes with a dozen spare blades, and safety cap (useful beyond words), and isn't tiny; so your man hands don't forget you're holding something dangerous.

2 Bitz Tubs:
PICTURES COMING SOON
Heh, Bitz Tubs... Well, they're basically mini-tupperwares for your extra bitz; Actually, this can be useful; their size is large enough to fit an unassembled dreadnaught, and a bag of bases, or even flock a dreadnaught base. Still, its easy to find something that's just as useful, but the size is important for later.

36 Slots Carrying Case:
PICTURES COMING SOON
The cool thing about the Carrying Case part is that the tools sit on top of it; you can toss, on top of that, two codices and the mini-BRB, and it'll all close easily enough (no model crushing). The other cool thing is you can put paint pots in the slots just as easily as models; no spillage despite being dropped off a high table once (closed thankfully). The Bitz Tubs fit in large compartments just underneath the two layers of 18 slots, leaving one compartment empty; large enough to fit a dreadnaught might I say.

Verdict:
The case and it's contents are great, really, I think that I got everything I need in one neat package; And its the package that really sells it for me. The reason is way I use the whole case: I work park time as security in a very quiet place, on Sunday, when no one is supposed to work; my boss lets me paint during my shift (it really is that slow), and not wanting to carrying too many bags, I try bringing everything I need to paint in the CTK case; and it fits.

The top layer has 18 models to work on, the bottom 18 paints and washes; the two compartments hold 4 plastic tubes with bits inside, as well as two tubes of green stuff; the third compartment holds a pot and an old rag; on top of it all, I bring my codex, my mini-BRB, transfers, and a pallet, and a cutting board; in the place of the razor saw, I put paint brushes and a pallet knife, and in between the clipper's arms, I place superglue; in one case alone, I can bring an entire kit to let me paint anywhere I can sit down and have desk-space. The only thing missing is a lamp (which I have a white-light lamp that I can put in a plastic bag).

So ultimately, if you want a case that includes everything to build models, and also provides a method of transporting it all, easily and safely (did I mention the whole thing is rain-proof?), this is it.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you guys feel that this is a silly thread, and that everything I bought could've been bought cheaper, I understand; But I really am happy with what I got, and for once, I don't feel ripped off about it. Let me know what you think anyway, I'm open to discussing related subjects.

Regards,
Shadelkan

nice review, I'd love to see the pics

Does GW still sell it?

That Wargamer's a Spy!

Goddard wrote:That Wargamer's a Spy!

?

Lol, I think he means I actually enjoyed spending my money on a GW product, and must therefore be a GW spy intent on seeding some sort of propaganda. Not like GW would even bother to think of something like this...

And yea, they still sell it through the website: http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat470006a&prodId=prod1140059

EDIT: Pictures will be posted tomorrow, when I don't wake the house, and when I can properly setup lighting and whatnot (I hate incandescent lighting in pictures).

coolyo294 wrote:

Goddard wrote:That Wargamer's a Spy!

?

Edit: What Shadelkan said.

Bah, ripped some pictures of the GW site. I'll post "real" pictures tomorrow, to convince people that the GW pictures are actually very similar to what you get (except the clippers; those things are sprung to be in the open position always).

Everything except the vice you can easily get for at least 25% less than what GW charges from one trip to a different hobby shop. Many pieces can be even less from a hardware store - looking a plastic snips, pin vice, drill bits here.
One of my mates has this set and he finds the hobby vice incredibly bad - he says its plastic construction is very shoddy and doesn't really say straight if you are applying any force to the model. I went and bought myself a tiny metal vice - machined steel - for $5 from the local hardware store, bought $1 of hard rubber to cover the edges and viola! awesome, cheap vice.

While alot of the GW tools are good quality, you can always find them cheaper elsewhere.

micromark.com is a good place to go.

That being said, I've never found a better sculpting tool or snips. But everything else I use is non GW.

I've got the tool kit myself since until a month ago, all my "real" stuff was at my girlfriends and I had a seperate abartment about 100km distant.
To be able to paint and model, I got both GW cases and whereas I do not regret shelling out the money for the tools, the colour / painting case was a wrong move (I don't like the current paint-pots - but thats another story).
Oh ... I got mine from Maelstrom ... with an additional voucher it was something around 45 punds

I've already got a model-vice at home, but a second one doesn't hurt, I concur with almost all of the original posters points, except for the drill.

I got the modeling drill from Army painter and am completely happy with it. It also came with several replacement drill bits, but contrary to the GW ones, those were different sizes and not only 1mm. It is also made completely from metal and can be opened in the middle, where it contains another adapter for different sized drill bits (up to 3-4mm). And last but not least, in my opinion it feels better while drilling- the plastic head of the GW drill always wobbles and I find it difficult to put any kind of force behind it (always wobbles to the sides) - no such problem with the metal one.

Although I'm glad you were pleased with your purchase, I think you can assemble this entire kit for substantially less elsewhere and get better quality to boot. I found the GWS hobby drill in particular to be pure garbage and wound up tossing it out after it broke on the second use. The other tools are generally good, though.

Here is the pin vise I highly recommend - takes from 1/64th to 1/8th, comes with bits, $8.50 vs $15 GWS.

Here is the cutter I like. I use a cheap $2 pair of snips from Harbor Freight for cutting wire, btw - these are solely used for plastic. $9 vs GWS $15.

Here is the knife I prefer. It's pleasant to use, and you can snap off the blades so it's always sharp. The blades last a long time, though when I am cutting styrene I tend to snip off the points, and go through a few blade segments per styrene shaping. If I'm not shaping styrene, though, they last quite a long time - I think I made the blade in the knife in my bag last at least 5 months. Good knife. $5.52 for the knife and $5 for 50 blades (I got this around 2 years ago and still have about 35 blades in the box), so $10.50 vs GWS $15 (with only 12 blades).

here are the needle files I like. These have more (10 vs GWS) but the GWS ones look like they have nicer handles, and I only actually USE around 3, so call this one maybe a draw. $10 vs $12 GWS.
here is the saw I use. Well, theoretically, anyway - i've had it a few years and I don't think I've ever actually used it. $7 vs $22(!!) for GWS.

Here is a pretty good set of sculpting tools (4). $12 for a 4 piece set vs $6 for a single GWS one - but one might be all you need. So lets assume you get the GWS one on this.

I'm going to skip the plastic vice, since I've never used it once and not really sure it ever would come in useful. If you must have one, I do have some of these which are the right size for 40k models. $1.79/pair vs $15 for the GWS clamp (although the GWS clamp is obviously more substantial, I think it's unnecessarily so.

Bottom line is, you can get my preferred tools for $52 + shipping. Granted, I didn't spend that - I spent more getting other tools that in some situations wound up sucking. These are what I determined I like now, so learn from my misspent funds.

That being said, I found GWS brushes to be a really good value, and even after buying better brushes, still use them quite a bit. They shed hairs but nonetheless, I'd recommend them.

I've got the vice and the saw.

The quality is fine. You don't need ubber hard clenching for plastic and white metal miniatures.

I agree with others that you can assemble a kit just as good more cheaply from separate suppliers.

The GW kit is very convenient, though.

Oh dear, I actually quite like the GW vice. Being fairly light weight and plastic its actually quite gentle on miniatures.

The same can not be said for metal vices, especialy when combined with my cack-handedness. Also since I work in the home office clamping a metal vice to the desk would be a bit of a faux pas with the Mrs.

You do need a really smooth surface for it to grip too, my desk being wooden isn't so it doesn't sucker on like you would want, but this was easily sorted by getting a plasitc sheet stuck to a small peice of board.

Other than that I don't think I have any GW tools, but the ergonomics of the pin vice and bone saw both look attractive to me. I have a double ended pin vice and it can be murder on my hands.

OP - does the bones saw handle allow for swapping blades in and out?

I got GF9 one recently only to find that the blade was fixed in.

The blade's fixed in, though I gotta wonder why you'd want to change blades. The thing doesn't wear out easily at all (I tried).

I know that it's cheaper to get the tools elsewhere, and I accept that I spent more for them; the review was less about the tools and more about the kit entirely, which I have to say, is nice as a whole; and for those looking to get all the necessary tools in one go, this may be the thing for them (not to mention that there's a carrying case included).

I just don't understand the complaint about the drill. Sure, it doesn't have different sized bits, but you can buy them and insert them in.

After a few years of cutting lead/alloy/plastic/skin I found my blade dulls bit.

Prolly irrelevent now we have finecast!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I make you right Shadelkan, it is a good set.

I was very tempted when I bought the vice but erred on the side of fiscal sense as I already had many of the tools (from elsewhere).

Re the drill having different collets would be necessary for larger drill bits but these can easily be purchased if you had the need.

I have the GW vice, and I think it's a pretty huge rip-off. It's mostly plastic. I can't see a reason for the screw to be chromed except to fool the customer into thinking its's metal.

The suction mechanism has very minimal grip. It basically serves no purpose. Any more I only use it when I take my dremel tool to figures, and then only to hold the vice in my hand as a way of keeping my fingers away from spinning parts. I think it would be an acceptable value at say, $5US or maybe even $10, but I paid IIRC ￥2000+JPY (~$20US) for mine.

That said...

Ouze wrote:here is the saw I use. Well, theoretically, anyway - i've had it a few years and I don't think I've ever actually used it. $7 vs $22(!!) for GWS.

I think I have the same saw and I had awful problems with the blade popping out of the grip during use. I'm not sure that $22 is a fair price, but I would happily pay more than $7 for a saw that is one piece.

notprop wrote:Oh dear, I actually quite like the GW vice. Being fairly light weight and plastic its actually quite gentle on miniatures.

The same can not be said for metal vices, especialy when combined with my cack-handedness. Also since I work in the home office clamping a metal vice to the desk would be a bit of a faux pas with the Mrs.

...

It would also provide her with the means of her revenge.

Ah the vengeful vice, aye, best be good around the house otherwise you'll be shouting 'Jozxyqk' before you know whats going on.

Good review.

I use the GW drill all of the time, which is the only GW modeling tool I have. Works like a champ for me.

I drill out all of my gun barrels with it and use it for pinning with bits of paper clips.

Ouze wrote:Although I'm glad you were pleased with your purchase, I think you can assemble this entire kit for substantially less elsewhere and get better quality to boot.

+1 The GW kit is by no means shoddy, but they dont manufacture the tools, other tool making companies make GW label tools for GW, you can get the exact same instruments elsewhere for less.

While not a tool the clearest example of this is 'Green Stuff'.




Approx 6" folded strip, £6.15 at GW price.




Kneadatite as sold by manufacturer 36" roll, same thickness as product sold as 'green stuff'. Cost £6-£10 depending on where you get it.

sounds like a nice product... except its $180 here in Aust. :(

Shadelkan wrote:I have to say, is nice as a whole; and for those looking to get all the necessary tools in one go, this may be the thing for them (not to mention that there's a carrying case included).

I just don't understand the complaint about the drill. Sure, it doesn't have different sized bits, but you can buy them and insert them in.

No, I get that entirely, and if you factor in the fact you got a case, it's pretty good. And it was a good review, no question. I just wished to drop links for those for whom economy was more important then convenience. So fa as the drill, mine just broke - as I said, on the second try. I also found on the first use that the knurling is not cut deeply enough, and so it was a little slippery - but, your mileage may vary.

JOHIRA wrote:

Ouze wrote:here is the saw I use. Well, theoretically, anyway - i've had it a few years and I don't think I've ever actually used it. $7 vs $22(!!) for GWS.

I think I have the same saw and I had awful problems with the blade popping out of the grip during use. I'm not sure that $22 is a fair price, but I would happily pay more than $7 for a saw that is one piece.

Yeah, I'm not 100% sure that's the one I had, as I also have a miter box and 3 different blades - I bet they were all the same kit. The design, though, very similar. No idea if it has the same problem yours has, I've never needed it yet (and kinda wish I hadn't bought it).

--------

I'll see your Kneadatite is a rip off, and I'll raise you:

4oz GWS PVA glue: $8.25

4oz Elmers Glue: $1 on Amazon, or any stationary store

Ouze wrote:
4oz GWS PVA glue: $8.25

4oz Elmers Glue: $1 on Amazon, or any stationary store

Snrk, yea, my corner store sells the stuff for a dollar exactly.

The green stuff I use packs four times the amount for the same price as the GW stuff, in two tubes. The only disadvantage is judging your mix by yourself, but its really not that difficult.

Shadelkan wrote:
The green stuff I use packs four times the amount for the same price as the GW stuff, in two tubes. The only disadvantage is judging your mix by yourself, but its really not that difficult.

If it's like the tubes I get from The War Store, I just lay the two tubes next to each other and chop off the needed amount and it's close enough for me. I wouldn't mind getting some of the GW 'Ribbon' style because it's a bit more convenient when I only need a little, though.

I will post my experiences with the GW kit:
1. Firstly, I lucked out an won the case at a local tournment. Basically GW was hoping to clear some self room so it cost me the entry fee IE $10, but was missing most of the tools.

2. It is, hands down, the BEST army case for a 50 point Warmachine / Hordes army. GW may not like that. However those big holes are great. I can fit 2 heavy jacks per large hole, so that's 6 total. I play Searforge, the Light Warjacks fit snuggly in the regular GW small figure slots. Plus there is enough slots to hold 2 full units of infantry + unit attachments in the top. Lastly the bottom layer is for my medium infantry. My 50 pt list fits in there, and both my 35 pts list for tournments fit there. I love it for WMHD, sorry GW.

3. I would not have paid $100 US for it. If I needed all those tools anyways, and wanted the case for other usage, i'd have considered it for around $60-75. Which is about the equivalent of what the original poster put up. Yes you can get the items for cheaper elsewhere. But not all gamers know that. I don't use GW exacto's, pliers, cutters, etc, because they have kits at hobby stores for cheaper. However I do use GW Greenstuff because I like the amount you get. Whenever i buy larger amounts, it dries out.

Thank you for the review, I'll admit, I love my case I got. I'd happily have paid 40-50 for the case considering it see's usage every weekend for WMHD.

Balance wrote:

Shadelkan wrote:
The green stuff I use packs four times the amount for the same price as the GW stuff, in two tubes. The only disadvantage is judging your mix by yourself, but its really not that difficult.

If it's like the tubes I get from The War Store, I just lay the two tubes next to each other and chop off the needed amount and it's close enough for me. I wouldn't mind getting some of the GW 'Ribbon' style because it's a bit more convenient when I only need a little, though.

Ribbon GS sucks big time a big part of it goes to the trash.

Aye, thats why Aurelia insists we get ours from Heresy Games, as he sells the tubes.

As soon as you start sculpting properly with the stuff, the little bits you end up with with the ribbon if you don't hack the middle away, can really ruin your day.

Morathi's Darkest Sin wrote:
As soon as you start sculpting properly with the stuff, the little bits you end up with with the ribbon if you don't hack the middle away, can really ruin your day.

Do you mean, basically, that the ribbons harden along the middle? I never saw this, but I guess I could see it happening if you're using a lot of green stuff.

Yeah, she sculpts figs on occasion, nothing worse than doing something delicate and a bump of hard green stuff appears as you smooth out a piece.

It wasn't happening all the time, but it happened enough times it proved annoying. Once we found Heresy had the tubes, we switched to them.