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Made in us
Mysterious Techpriest







So, I've been budgeting the costs of starting a new Warhammer army, and I've realized a few things that are overlooked in the cost: Supplies.

All the stuff you need to put your models together.

Here's my list of everything I could think of. I decided to just use the Warhammer Store prices as a baseline, so you'll know the maximum cost for things.

These items were all things that were recommended to me personally.

All Prices are $ (USD).

Citadel Plastic Glue. 8.00
Citadel Spray Primer 25.00
Citadel Starter Kit 45.00
(Starter Brush, Clippers, Mouldline Scraper, 13 paints)
Water Pot 11.25
Servo Skull Palette 15.00
Painting Handle 12.50
Painting Handle XL 18.00
Citadel Drill 35.00
Citadel Super Fine Detail Cutters 52.00
Citadel Mouldline Remover 26.00
Liquid Greenstuff 7.25
Null Oil 14.00
Citadel Brushes

I'm sure most of us can find better deals if we look, what have you found that's a better and/or cheaper alternative?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2025/01/18 20:03:32


 BorderCountess wrote:
Just because you're doing something right doesn't necessarily mean you know what you're doing...
Warhammer 40k Poetry(Updated Frequently)メカ
SamusDrake wrote:
If unpainted models are good enough for Zeus, then they're good enough for me.
 
   
Made in us
The Marine Standing Behind Marneus Calgar





Upstate, New York

GW tools are not bad in quality, but comically overpriced. Pretty much everything there can be found for less elsewhere. Or are just straight up unneeded.

Water pot? Do you not have an old coffee mug?
Also, the starter kit has stuff you listed elsewhere.

You do have a point that there is a fairly large hidden cost in hobby tools. But it’s not neatly as bad as this list makes it out.

I’d also include a pair of good tweezers, bottle of microsol/set, and a set of files to your list. Basing supplies, including an offset spatula aslo nice to have.

I’ve slowly collected stuff over the years from a number of places. Army Painter has a tool line with less markup then GW. Or random stuff from Amazon

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2025/01/18 20:12:40


   
Made in us
Mysterious Techpriest







 Nevelon wrote:
GW tools are not bad in quality, but comically overpriced. Pretty much everything there can be found for less elsewhere. Or are just straight up unneeded.

Water pot? Do you not have an old coffee mug?
Also, the starter kit has stuff you listed elsewhere.

You do have a point that there is a fairly large hidden cost in hobby tools. But it’s not neatly as bad as this list makes it out.

I’d also include a pair of good tweezers, bottle of microsol/set, and a set of files to your list. Basing supplies, including an offset spatula aslo nice to have.

I’ve slowly collected stuff over the years from a number of places. Army Painter has a tool line with less markup then GW. Or random stuff from Amazon


The stuff in the starter kit is not as "nice" as the stuff they sell separately. I've seen the Clippers side by side.

The issue is that when starting up, everyone seems to forget the cost of all the stuff you need in the beginning. I had totally forgot to factor in all this stuff when budgeting for this year.

I also didn't think of the stuff I need for water transfers, files, and basing materials. Good Catch.

What is an offset spatula?

 BorderCountess wrote:
Just because you're doing something right doesn't necessarily mean you know what you're doing...
Warhammer 40k Poetry(Updated Frequently)メカ
SamusDrake wrote:
If unpainted models are good enough for Zeus, then they're good enough for me.
 
   
Made in us
The Marine Standing Behind Marneus Calgar





Upstate, New York

I think of them usinng cooking terms, but if you look for a “palette knife” you will see what I’m talking about. If you are smearing thick technical paints or flock paste onto a base, they make it a lot easier then using the side of your hobby knife. They are just a couple of bucks, and worth it.

I really need to get a new tools pic for threads like this. My old one is getting long in the tooth and I’ve added a lot since then.
Spoiler:



   
Made in us
Mysterious Techpriest







That's pretty helpful. What are the pliers for?


 BorderCountess wrote:
Just because you're doing something right doesn't necessarily mean you know what you're doing...
Warhammer 40k Poetry(Updated Frequently)メカ
SamusDrake wrote:
If unpainted models are good enough for Zeus, then they're good enough for me.
 
   
Made in us
The Marine Standing Behind Marneus Calgar





Upstate, New York

 Lathe Biosas wrote:
That's pretty helpful. What are the pliers for?



Honestly? I forget. They get borrowed from the normal house tools when needed. I suspect they are here to help straighten out paperclips for pinning projects. Sometimes for opening paint pots. The old hex-pots had a little tab to help open them, but that always snapped off before the pot went dry. So a tool was needed. Or to hold nail heads while I cut the rest of the nail of for magnetization projects.

You probably don’t need a pair of needle-nose pliers in your hobby toolkit, but should have some in the house. They are often useful to have.

Wire Cutters are another thing. This is before I got my flush cutters. You can use them to clip from sprue, but it’s not the best tool for the job. On the plus side, you can probably “borrow” one from your dad. And still want to use it when clipping wires for pinning things, or if you are breaking down big chonky sprue. Don’t want to wreck your high quality flush cutters on jobs like that.

   
Made in us
Mysterious Techpriest







I saved your picture, so I can remember what I need. I'm getting ready to move at the end of February. And I had to budget my hobbies in with fun new stuff like furniture that doesn't weigh a metric ton. Because I'm noticing that everything I own now was made by people who never planned on carrying their products up a flight of stairs.


But, I digress...

I notice a lot of people have a greenish grid pattern mat they seem to do their work over.

Is this necessary?

 BorderCountess wrote:
Just because you're doing something right doesn't necessarily mean you know what you're doing...
Warhammer 40k Poetry(Updated Frequently)メカ
SamusDrake wrote:
If unpainted models are good enough for Zeus, then they're good enough for me.
 
   
Made in us
The Marine Standing Behind Marneus Calgar





Upstate, New York



OK, snapped a quick pic of what I’ve gathered over a lifetime of hobbying. This is not required to start. You can see compared to the previous pic where I upgraded in the last decade-ish.

Cutting mat. I just used to use the cardboard back of a notepad.
The red handled pliers have smooth rounded jaws. So if you need to use them to squeeze a mini, they don’t leave tooth marks. Also used for opening paint pots.
Little storage boxes to hold flock, rocks, and other basing supplies.
I like a palette with rectangular sides for mixing flock into a paste. Your traditional round dimples make it hard with the tools I use.
Foam from an old blister pack serves instead of a sponge for decal work. I was told you should not just float decals in water to get them to come off their backer, but place them on a wet sponge and let them soak though.
Shame they don’t use blister packs anymore. I use them when clipping squads as little containers to keep everyone seperate. Also as paint palettes. and flocking before I got the nice rectangle palette. So useful.
Microsol/set, liquid GS. normal GS. Green stuff will go stale. I was using some that was 20+ years, and it was murder to mix. Got a fresh stick, much better.
Pin vice, assorted drill bits. for gun barrels, support pinning, and magnets.
Sticky/poster tack is usefull for holding small bits when painting, or holding minis together to check poses before glueing.
Exacto knife, extra blades. I keep an old broken dull one around as a helpful tool, used it before I got the palette knife for spreading flock around.
I prefer fine nosed angled tweezers over the classic ones. It’s one of those times where you can just use what you have kicking around, but spending a few bucks just makes things easier.
Old toothbrush for cleaning shaving off minis when doing mold lines.
Old crappy brushes. The while handled tesotrs brush is when I need to put PVA on bases for flock. Brown one is for microsol/set and decals.
Palette knife for spreading flock. If I was buying a new one, I’d get one with a narrower diamond shape.
Micro files. Less needed if you just work with plastic, but still sometimes helpful for cleaning tight curves and spots. And metal.
Glue. Super (I like the brush applicator) plastic (get the needle tip, so nice) PVA (baseing work)
Water cups. I use 2. One for cleaning brushes, one just with clean water I drop out with the straw to thin paints.
Painters tape. I use this for hazard stripes, Eldar bike/tank chevrons, and such. They make other options if you need to do more masking tricks
Painting handle. I’ve got 5 normal and one big. Needed? Nope. Do I love them and have trouble without? Yes.
Magnets. I find 2mm x2mm works for most things, but have an assortment of sizes.
Paint rack. I have 2 of these. Sold for nail polish, but works for us. Lots of options out there.
Light/magnifyier. You can see the base here. I’m old and my eyes are not what they were. But good light painting is important.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Lathe Biosas wrote:
I saved your picture, so I can remember what I need. I'm getting ready to move at the end of February. And I had to budget my hobbies in with fun new stuff like furniture that doesn't weigh a metric ton. Because I'm noticing that everything I own now was made by people who never planned on carrying their products up a flight of stairs.


But, I digress...

I notice a lot of people have a greenish grid pattern mat they seem to do their work over.

Is this necessary?


I posted an update while you were replying.

The green mat is not needed. As I mentioned, I just used to use a thick bit of cardboard. Don’t cut directly on your desk if you want it to stay in one piece.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2025/01/18 22:04:00


   
Made in us
Mysterious Techpriest







Wow, there was a lot I didn't think about in your list. Thank you for taking time out of your day to do that.

Magnets will be once again in my life, as I make my stompy robot armies a reality.


 BorderCountess wrote:
Just because you're doing something right doesn't necessarily mean you know what you're doing...
Warhammer 40k Poetry(Updated Frequently)メカ
SamusDrake wrote:
If unpainted models are good enough for Zeus, then they're good enough for me.
 
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

As we are adding favoured tools here's a few of mine

1) 900 Grit Diamond Files https://eternaltools.com/products/small-diamond-files?_pos=2&_sid=a149198b2&_ss=r

Basically the only place I know of that sells them - these are utterly magical files. Perfect for metals and polishing cleanups. Half round is the most versatile all round shape if you only get one. I've also a couple of 600grit that they sell.

A LOT of other diamond files are very rough/coarse and often don't even state their grit value so they can work at rough work; but they can leave scratches. These high grit ones are fantastic!

2) Rubbers/Erasers. Files get clogged up really fast with model work because the materials are so soft. A regular rubber is great as you just rub the file back and forth until it rubs clean and you've cleaned out most of the gunk from your file and you're ready to go again!

3) Glass Fibre Pencil/pen - 2mm. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modelcraft-PBU2137-Glass-Fibre-Pencil
Basically this is like being able to use a file just in a very specific spot point or a concave curve or basically anywhere where a flat file just can't really reach. Another awesome tool to have in the bag for those instances when you need it.

4) Colourshapers/Clayshapers (same tool just different name). These are silicon tipped tools and are magical when working with modelling putties as they let you smooth over surfaces and join areas very evenly. Something you can't get with the metal shaping tools and where your finger will fail as it will leave fingerprint marks.

They come in a range of headshapes, often sold in a pack of 5. They also come in 3 firmness ratings; white softest; then grey then black but even though black is the most firm its still very flexible.

Wet them up with some water and they are a dream when working with modelling putties of all kinds


5) General tip - any tool used for clay work works for modelling putties and is often cheaper because the clay market is much bigger. Eg a GW "greenstuff tool" was often quite expensive on its own whilst if you searched ebay for clay tools you could often get a whole set of 10 or so different ones for not far off the same cost.

edit

6) General tip 2- Scalpels. Honestly Don't be afraid to shop around and try a few different ones. There are round handles, shaped handles and flat handles on the market. Each one sits a little differently in the hand. For me its MY MOST used tool of all. Cleaning up mould lines and such and cutting various things. I'm using it all the time. So spend a bit of time finding which one sits best in your hand with some practice.

7) Makeup Brush. Any old cheap large brush will do like this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Large-Powder-Makeup-Brush-Foundation
What's it for - well unless your models are fully sealed away, chances are they'll get dust on them. These brushes will sweep away the dust without harming the model! Yes if they get really dusty they'll likely need a water soak to help get the dust off; but for general upkeep they are very cheap and effective.



Personally my absolute favourite is actually GWs old one that came with a big chunky black handle. I honestly wish they still sold this one because it is the most comfortable I find to have in the hand.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2025/01/19 01:21:34


A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in us
Fixture of Dakka





DO NOT spend extra buying GW hobby tools. Odds are you can find most of those, or something that will do the job equally well, at a hardware store for far less. Maybe even at a dollar store.

CHAOS! PANIC! DISORDER!
My job here is done. 
   
Made in us
Hurr! Ogryn Bone 'Ead!





USA

I'd hazard to add that, like all tools, get the cheapest one first to see how you use it/the frequency of using it, then upgrade to a more serious version later on. I used GW clippers (holiday gift many years ago) at first, then got a pair of nicer clippers from the hardware store, then got a God's Hand set of plastic clippers from Japan - I use these only for plastic sprue, and they're amazing, highly recommend. But I have all three pairs still as they all have their uses. I use the Akro-Mills Plastic drawer storage cabinet thing to keep it all organized against the back of my desk.

Guard, Templars, Dungeons & Dragons, Terrain & More. - https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/800909.page

Way too little free time. 
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

 blockade23 wrote:
I'd hazard to add that, like all tools, get the cheapest one first to see how you use it/the frequency of using it, then upgrade to a more serious version later on. I used GW clippers (holiday gift many years ago) at first, then got a pair of nicer clippers from the hardware store, then got a God's Hand set of plastic clippers from Japan - I use these only for plastic sprue, and they're amazing, highly recommend. But I have all three pairs still as they all have their uses. I use the Akro-Mills Plastic drawer storage cabinet thing to keep it all organized against the back of my desk.


It can vary though - cheap files are nasty to use; missing teeth, often blunted and very likely to leave deep scratches on models.
Sometimes you can go cheap to expensive; other times you have to just accept that certain quality tools cost a little bit more and buy them. Honestly the only ones that really stand out are the GW ones because they are grossly overpriced these days - good quality but for the cost of them you could buy LOADS more higher quality tools

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in us
Hurr! Ogryn Bone 'Ead!





USA


 Overread wrote:
 blockade23 wrote:
I'd hazard to add that, like all tools, get the cheapest one first to see how you use it/the frequency of using it, then upgrade to a more serious version later on. I used GW clippers (holiday gift many years ago) at first, then got a pair of nicer clippers from the hardware store, then got a God's Hand set of plastic clippers from Japan - I use these only for plastic sprue, and they're amazing, highly recommend. But I have all three pairs still as they all have their uses. I use the Akro-Mills Plastic drawer storage cabinet thing to keep it all organized against the back of my desk.


It can vary though - cheap files are nasty to use; missing teeth, often blunted and very likely to leave deep scratches on models.
Sometimes you can go cheap to expensive; other times you have to just accept that certain quality tools cost a little bit more and buy them. Honestly the only ones that really stand out are the GW ones because they are grossly overpriced these days - good quality but for the cost of them you could buy LOADS more higher quality tools


An absolutely fair point. I think the key is a bit of research and talking to your hobby friends (including dakka, like you're doing) to see where you can cut corners and where you shouldn't.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2025/02/01 22:47:05


Guard, Templars, Dungeons & Dragons, Terrain & More. - https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/800909.page

Way too little free time. 
   
Made in us
Mysterious Techpriest







Ok, let's do a worst case hypothetical... My measly box of snippers and random cutty tools doesn't make it to my new home.

What would you buy first? And from where?

 BorderCountess wrote:
Just because you're doing something right doesn't necessarily mean you know what you're doing...
Warhammer 40k Poetry(Updated Frequently)メカ
SamusDrake wrote:
If unpainted models are good enough for Zeus, then they're good enough for me.
 
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

1 Pair of Yellow Handled cheap clippers off ebay

1 Scalpel - Swann-Mortan number 3 handle with suitable blade as an example but any good small scalpel works.



For plastic models add:
1 pot of Revell Contacta Professional plastic glue (the one with the metal precision nozzle)

For metal/resin/3dprinted models add:
1 pot of Loctite Superglue Brush-on



That's basically the least amount of items that will get you going and are the most used tools that I certainly reach for. The scalpel can do a LOT of cleaning work whilst the clippers will get models off the sprue quickly and easily.

All the other tools I noted are important and worth owning for their own reasons and uses; but that right above is the absolute minimum.

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in us
Mysterious Techpriest







I didn't want to start another thread to ask this, but it's linked.

What equipment do I need to magnetize the arms of Armigers and Knights?

 BorderCountess wrote:
Just because you're doing something right doesn't necessarily mean you know what you're doing...
Warhammer 40k Poetry(Updated Frequently)メカ
SamusDrake wrote:
If unpainted models are good enough for Zeus, then they're good enough for me.
 
   
Made in us
Neophyte Undergoing Surgeries




Las Vegas, NV

 Lathe Biosas wrote:
I didn't want to start another thread to ask this, but it's linked.

What equipment do I need to magnetize the arms of Armigers and Knights?


You need a manual drill with bits the same size as your magnets.

https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Polymer-Jewelry-0-1-1mm-Random/dp/B084T4PB1K

And use N52 disc magnets.

https://jc-magnetics.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=N52&description=true&page=2
   
Made in ca
Regular Dakkanaut





Oh Canada!

 Lathe Biosas wrote:
Ok, let's do a worst case hypothetical... My measly box of snippers and random cutty tools doesn't make it to my new home.

What would you buy first? And from where?


-> Hobby Knife/Scalpel/X-Acto Knife - dollar store handle is fine, or splurge for better replacement blades. Craft store also has these, but way more $.
Doubles as a scraper tool if you flip the blade around or keep a really dull one. Probably the first thing I'd spend "extra" money on because I'm very partial to my Veritas carver's knife but it was a 50$ Christmas present which is way, way more than I'd recommend for anyone having to buy a full starter kit.

-> Clippers / wire cutters. Dollar store (not great but cheap), online or hobby store (varies from reasonable to you've-got-to-be-kidding-me expensive)
Flush cut is preferable but bevelled will still work and are easier to source. Clip any remaining nubs after the part is free of the sprue again or use hobby knife.

-> Glue. cyanoacrylate (super glue), plastic cement (actually solvent) and PVA (white glue). Dollar Store, Hobby Store, Dollar Store.
Super glue if it's anything but plastic-to-plastic model parts which gets plastic cement. PVA for basing only.

-> Sand. Free or Dollar store.
For basing. Also small rocks/gravel, decorative moss/foliage, small twigs, bark and cooking spices can all make suitable basing bits.

- Water Cup. Free, dollar store if you literally have nothing suitable.
Seriously, just find something that can hold water and is hard to tip over. Old mug, old jar, recycled plastic container, etc.

-> Palette. Free, or dollar store.
Dry or wet, both are cheap. Baking paper + kitchen towel + shallow plastic box, or an old packaging tray/lid.

-> Work surface. Free, dollar store or craft store.
Put down a bunch of of whatever you've got that's waterproof and knife-proof. Stack of cardboard, MDF, craft mat, cutting board. Mini hobby work is messy and there's no sense in ruining good furniture. Don't forget to protect the floor as well. Carpet and paint are not happy bedfellows.

-> Lamp/Lighting Free, or hardware store.
Daylight is great and free if you can set up near a window, daylight bulb + lamp otherwise.

-> Brushes. Art supply store / craft store.
One of the few things to *not* buy from the dollar store. Spend enough to get at least some mid-range quality because bad brushes make for miserable painting and some cheapos for things like glue and drybrushing.

-> Storage. Free or dollar store / hardware store / craft store.
A big ol' cardboard box will do, just something to keep all your stuff together. Old toolbox or tacklebox is great if you have one, or repurpose old packaging.

-> Paint. Hobby shop or art store.
One of the other "you get what you pay for" categories. Except Citadel which is hilariously overpriced (though decent). Art stores aren't actually a big savings for this category most of the time because while the $/ml price is better the containers are usually way bigger than you'd need in a lifetime. Still worth checking out, esp. airbrush acrylic ranges and additives.

-> Primer, brush-on or spray. Art store/hobby shop, hardware store.
Don't buy Citadel primer, you can get great results with plenty of off-the-shelf brands for a fraction of the cost. Or get some badger stynylrez.

Nice to have but absolutely not a necessity:
-> Fine Sandpaper 400-600P. Dollar store / Hardware store / Automotive supply store.
One pack of this will likely last you your lifetime. It can be washed to clear the grit, or glued to popsicle sticks to make your own sanding sticks/tools. Good for roughing up joints before gluing. Good alternative is nail files, the paper/cardboard or foam kind. Dollar store for those as well.

-> Files. Hardware/automotive/hobby store.
There's sets of miniature files in both standard and diamond grit that work quite nicely for minis. Can be better or worse than sandpaper depending on the part/area/surface, I like having both but don't take them out nearly as much as the hobby knife.

-> Painting handle. Free, 3D print or hobby shop.
Anything suitably sized/shaped to hold will work here. Cut up dowel, old pill containers, small jars, paint pots, etc.

-> Epoxy putty. Hobby shop / online.
I use both milliput and green stuff for gap filling, basing and conversions. They're WAY cheaper to buy direct than from Citadel or most hobby shops. Store in the freezer in an airtight container after separating parts A & B if need be. Any areas that touch will harden eventually even if not mixed. I've got supply that's easily 10+ years old and still good as new. Mixed putty can also be stored in the freezer but will harden within a few days.

-> Tweezers, needlepoint. Online or pharmacy, in the beauty section.
Not something I reach for often but they're helpful for manoeuvring transfers or basing bits into juuust the right spot. Standard tweezers are mostly useless - too thick and require too much pressure to grip things delicately.

-> Pin vice & paperclips. Online / hardware store, dollar store.
For conversions, magnetization or assembling metal models. Hobby shop version is way overpriced for the exact same tool.

-> Tamiya panel line scriber. Hobby shop/online.
Another niche tool mostly for vehicles or mecha. Good for deepening trenches/seams. Not very useful for other types of models.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2025/02/07 21:06:13


 
   
 
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