Model Making Clamp Board

This is a very easy to make tool that is incredibly useful. It's so easy, that I almost didn't post it because I thought people would think it's stupid. But I'm throwing caution to the wind and showing it to you anyway.

I always had a hard time holding small components still while glueing them. So I came up with this board to help.

Step 1 Materials

Everything necessary is readily available at hardware or craft stores.

Materials
1/16" Thick steel plate
Adheasive backed felt or plastic bumpers
Ceramic magnets
Various small clamps and angles
Petroleum jelly
Paper towel

Tools
Scissors

Comments

[Dream Dragon]

I'd second the suggestion of adding wax, though I'd suggest sticking with mineral products OR vegetable products and not mixing the two, even though I don't THINK you'd have any problems with mixing mineral and vegetable products.

Olive Oil and Beeswax (or Carnuba Wax)

Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline is a brand name) and Paraffin Wax

However you go, I'd like to say thanks for sharing this project.

[tiltmonkey]

You could use 50/50 vaseline and beeswax melted together and then left to harden. Rub it on in the same way, it may last longer.

[bfk]

I love this idea and I'm headed to the shop to build my own. I'll consider making one change by adhering a thin sheet of drawing vellum over the steel to avoid the rust/petroleum jelly issue.

[glitteringsky]

This is a great simple idea. I will keep it in mind, the metal work area will be needed at some point in my creative work. Great way to use the mini-angle irons (on models). They would also be great for a magnetic memo board. Did you get the metal plate at the hardware store? Looks like it is about 8" x 10". Thanks for the Instructable, useful!

[blksheep]

Yeah, the metal sheet was at a local hardware store. 8" x 10" sounds right, but some places have larger sizes.

[moonshinebluebird]

I am glad you posted this, it is often the most simple solutions that are the most ingenious and yet the most elusive. This is a simple way to solve a frustrating problem. Thank you so much.

[John Smith]

Good idea. What kind of models would this be good for? Maybe give a link to a website about them?

[blksheep]

It can be used for architectural style models. You could also use it for making scenery for miniature style role-playing games. I use it for theatrical models. You can see some on my website (relentless plug). www.theatreportfolio.com