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Thank you for taking the time to stop by and help. I just started out to 40K and am also fairly new at modeling so I don't have any supplies at all really. I did however search the site before posting this thread (http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/368057.page) so I had an idea of what I needed to get from a beginners perspective. My question is can I get a decent beginner set from a single site preferably one that ships to the US.


Plastic Glue
Diamond Files
Xuron Ultraflush Cutting Shears
pinvise
hobby knife
Table vice
brushes (also not sure what type of brushes I need any recommendations would help)
(Correct me if I'm missing any of the bare essentials)

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Also looking for a single site I can get all my paints and washes (I here vajello paint is cheap and of the same quality as GW paints)

Also price is a bit of an issue so please keep that in mind. Thank you Dakka comunity.

-Spartan

Get your tools from Harbor freight. Everything else I would get maybe from Wayland, seeing as they are nice enough to sponsor Dakka Dakka, plus we know that they care about quality.

+1 for Wayland games

Also, get yourself some super glue, as not everything you'll be gluing will be plastic to plastic. Green stuff or another equivalent epoxy putty to fill the odd gap or the ubiquitous finecast "holes of distinction".

Wayland is a good call.

As for what should be in your toolbox, have a look at this... http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/368057.page

For paint i would reccomend Vallejo. I have just swithced. They are a: cheaper, b: the same (if not better) quality, and c: you get about 40% more paint in each pot (also they have droppers which means you dont waste as much paint on your pallette.

There are quite few stores on ebay that sell the paint cheap...Here's the one i use

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Angel-Cottage-Supplies/Vallejo-Game-Colour-/_i.html?_fsub=1309653014&_sid=200601794&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

I think they ship to the US, but not 100% sure.

Also, here is a link to a conversion chart to help you match valljo colours to their GW equivalents:

http://www.evicerator.com/vallejotogwconversiontable.htm




Regarding tools, dont be tempted (like i was) to get the official GW stuff, it is just overpriced. I use plastic hobby knives that you get in packs of 10 from DIY shops. Not very good looking but they get the job done.

Also i would suggest not using GW superglue. I blows. i use Loctite precision glue. WAY stonrger and sets liek rock. Admittedly not as much of an issue now that metal models are beign phased out.

On a related note, how closely do the Vallejo colours match the GW ones?

The Game Colour range is an exact match apparently (some of the names are different).

I think i read somewhere that this is because at one point Vallejo were in competition to provide paints for GW officially. They lost out but kept the range and just tweaked the names a little (so GW Blood Red is the same as Vallejo Bloody Red). One advantage is that Vallejo still produce soem colours thatGW have stopped, one being Brzazen Brass (or Brassy Brass at Vallejo).

From what i have read the Model Colour range is just about a match for GW stuff but from the look of the pots they seem to lean more towards duller4 colours so woudl be good for camo schemes for example.

I would try to go with wayland, but considering im in the US, the conversion rate and shipping wouldn't be kind on my wallet.

Yeah, don't buy anything GW makes as far as tools and supplies except maybe for paint. You can get everything they sell for 1/3 the cost most any where else. Just as an example they charge $8.25 for PVA Glue and $6.60 for super glue. If you go to the dollar store you can get PVA (basically elmers glue) for $1 and superglue you can get 4 tubes for $1.

Spartan089 wrote:I would try to go with wayland, but considering im in the US, the conversion rate and shipping wouldn't be kind on my wallet.

My thoughts exactly.

I can't recommend The War Store enough. Best online store for gaming crap I've used.

FRP Games also has a pretty good selection. I've ordered from them a few times and not had an issue.

Do you have a local FLGS? Especially if you plan to play there. Give them some business.

Finally, my biggest recommendation is going to your local Arts and Crafts store. I visit my Hobby Lobby and Michaels a lot for non-paint needs (I only use Reaper Master Series Paints and GW washes).


Now then, to your list of supplies. You have a good start:
1.Plastic Glue
2. Diamond Files <--- I've never used a file. I get by with an exacto knife (hobby knife). But, I might be the one missing out here.
3. Xuron Ultraflush Cutting Shears
4. pinvise
5. hobby knife
6. Table vice <--- I've never had the need for one.
7. brushes <--- I don't have my brushes in front of me, so I'll let someone with more knowledge answer that one.
8. Paint. You can use GW paints, but I hate the open-topped paints. It seems that they would dry out faster. I prefer to use the dropper bottles (Reaper Master Series Paints or Vallejo).
9. Something to wash your brushes in. I suppose that many people just use plastic cups. I use a small glass candle holder, a bit bigger than a dixie cup. It has ridges on the inside of the glass that helps clean the brush.
10. A pallet for your paint to keep it from drying while working with it. I use a wet-pallet that I make from wax paper and paper towels each time I paint. here is a very simple tutorial.
11. Primer. I prefer Krylon flat black primer or Krylon flat white primer. Don't just use any old spray paint which could go on too thick and ruin the model.
12. Clear Matte varnish. A good coating over your paint job will prevent the paint from chipping through casual handling. (Never use primer or sealant on a very humid day).

That's about it, off the top of my head. When I clean the flashing from a mini, I hold the mini over a paper plate to keep the stuff from getting everywhere. You don't want to get a metal splinter in your foot (Or your pet's foot) due to your carelessness.

I hope that helps!

Well I found most of the stuff I was looking for on this site, but im not sure if I'm over paying? Does anyone have any experience with them.

http://www.micromark.com/ShoppingCart.aspx

Xuron Micro Shear $11.60

12-piece Swiss Pattern Needle File Set $7.65

Pin Vise / Drill Bit Set $18.95

Precision Knife Set with Case $14.25

5-piece Golden Eagle Paint Brush Set (Rounds) $18.95

Golden Eagle Paint Brush (#2, Flat) $4.65

$76 seems a bit hefty for a few basic tools, not including the paints I have to get as well.