Hi friends,as a newbie  I want to know what r all the necessary tools required to build a model from balsa without using laser cutting machine, and that too available in India..Pls mention each n every tools,it'll be so much useful for all..Thank you..

Please shoot off a PM to Saikat, he will be one of the best people to guide you.

See the first photo attachment in this post a list of tools used by a master balsa builder. 

http://www.rcindia.org/gas-glow-nitro-planes/gloster-gamecock-latest-project/msg18339/#msg18339

Quote from that post :

QuoteAs an aside, I have put a photo as an idea of the basic tools I use, working from the left: assorted needle files, rasp file, razor saw (exacto type), Scalpel knife (exacto type), box cutter, home made sanding block, steel angle, various clamps, hacksaw and steel ruler. Obviously I have for example several steel rulers up to 1 meter long and clamps tools but most of my works building planes is using these types of tools. Not exactly hi-tech!

If Mr.Saikat mention the tools here in public means it'll be useful for everyone..

For everyone's interest i would like to share site having lots of information for model builders and those who appreciate the art of model building.
http://www.airfieldmodels.com/index.html

Attaching a pic of basic tools

the flat pcs are tungsten carbide
permanent sanders of various grits - google permagrit to know more
replaces sandpaper

the rest should be evident from the pic

Does anyone know the phone number for RC for all in Chennai?

go to rcforall.in web site and you have there

Contact Details
09380577074/09381437643

Mr.Saikat pls mention the names of the tools also..

Hello Saikat,
Where do you source the baldes for the David plane you have there is picture? I had a couple of blades which rusted and dulled over time and I cant find replacments anywhere except abroad.

Quote from: vksingh on July 20, 2010, 08:23:49 PM
Contact Details
09380577074/09381437643

Thank you Mr. Singh!
Highly appreciated!

Hi

Last batch I got from Mike Wodehouse at Free Flight Supplies.

I don't know of any local source

Thanks a lot, I guess it is time to spend some....   

It seems tat I can't buy the tools in India?

Relax! Almost everything is available in India. Start off with the simpler tools in the picture. Old time modellers (like Saikat and I  ) worked with a Razor Blade, wooden scale and sand paper. Most of what Saikat has shown you is available from any good hardware store. Permagrit can be substituted with sandpaper in 80,100,150, 200 and 400 grades.

What you definitely need:

Hacksaw, Pliers, Measuring tape, Sand paper / Black Emery paper, Steel Scale, Modelling knife, Surgical Blades (Any big medical store has them), steel files - straight/ cylindrical/rat tail, tweezers.

AFAIK, this is enough to start building. You can add to your inventory as you go along. Balsa Planers and Strippers can easily built at home with a bit of ingenious research! People like Saikat are always there to guide you.

Please note, Saikat is a person who has honed the art of scratch balsa building over 20 years or more. He has graduated to this standard after years of practice. Please don't expect to reach his level of perfection immediately, it takes a lot of effort and passion.

All the best  ,

VC

Thanks a lot vc.!

One thing will they sell surgical knife to anyone who is not a doctor?

Yes they will. I buy my supply from my neighbourhood pharmacist. Great for working on Depron. For balsa, the modelling knife is enough, you don't need surgical blades.

I'll try to get the surgical knife tomorrow..

can u post the pic of a #11 hobby knife?

do a search on google images

Is it available in all hardware stores or stationary stores?

#11 is nothing but the no. of the blade used...simply go to your nearest Chemist and ask for #11 Surgical blade....you will get at max Rs.10
the only thing you have to buy is the bladed holder which will get for max Rs.50/-

Sandeep

The surgical #11 blades are different from the Xacto type #11 blades (tower hobbies and HK has cheaper clones). These are stiffer than the surgical blade. Also it is held more securely to the handle which helps when cutting hard materials.