These are basic tools which are useful for working with all types of miniatures and which make a good set of portable tools to take to club nights and workshops.
Some of these tools may already be in your basic household tool kit and can be used as needed for miniature or dolls house work. Before you buy tools, check magazines, clubs and shops which deal with your miniature hobby and choose sizes which are appropriate for your interest. Many of these tools are used by most miniaturists, regardless of whether they are working on model cars, railways, dollhouses or some other project. Buy them as needed.
Tweezers
Fine bent nose tweezers with non serrated jaws are the most useful as you can use them to reach into awkward spaces. Non serrated jaws keep the tweezers from marking soft materials. Some miniaturists also like using very fine modelling or electronics tweezers. Available from cosmetics departments, hobby stores, craft stores, electronics suppliers.
Dental Tools
Useful for placing small items, filling small holes. Ask your dentist if he has any worn tools you can have, or check with hobby shops or online.
Paint/Glue Tray
Plastic [i]flower trays[/i] are useful for mixing paint, laying out small parts, and setting out glue which needs to be applied with a pin or toothpick. If you use acrylic paints, buy a cover which fits your tray, it will keep the paint from drying out for one or two days. Inexpensive, available from art supply stores and some craft stores.
Task Lights for Miniatures
Small folding portable natural fluorescent lights are useful at club and show workshops and as task lighting at your main miniature work site. A larger, natural daylight lamp is essential if your work involves working with color. Portable, table and floor models are available online or through hobby, needlework, and art stores.
Magnifying Headband
These flip down over your glasses or eyes when you are doing very close work. They are available with changeable magnification, with or without lights. Essential if you are working with very fine detail. Check the fit and design if possible before you purchase. Some headband styles tend to slip more than others, depending on the angle you prefer to wear the band, and your hair style. Available from craft and hobby stores, needlework shops, art stores, gemstone and jewelry supply stores as well as some optical suppliers.
