Model Making Guides
Free tutorials, tips, and techniques to help you master the art of model making.
Showing 1-13 of 13 guides
Cutting Balsa
This guide introduces the basic techniques for cutting and shaping balsa wood, a soft, easily worked material widely used in modelmaking. It explains how to cut both balsa sheets and rods cleanly using craft knives, safety rulers, and controlled scoring, with particular attention to managing the natural wood grain to prevent cuts from drifting. The guide also covers simple sanding methods for refining edges and achieving smooth, accurate finishes, making it a practical introduction for beginners working with balsa.
4D
Cutting Card
This guide introduces safe and effective techniques for cutting card in modelmaking. It covers essential tools—cutting mat, metal safety rule, and sharp craft knife—and explains how to set up and protect the work surface. Step-by-step instructions show how to hold the ruler and knife correctly, make controlled, vertical cuts, and work gradually through the material without forcing the blade. Emphasising sharp tools and patience, the guide helps beginners achieve clean, accurate cuts while reducing the risk of accidents.
4D
Cutting Card Elevations
This guide explains how to cut architectural elevations from card accurately and safely for modelmaking. It covers marking out elevations by drawing directly onto card or fixing printed drawings with spray mount, and shows how to position the metal rule so that waste card is removed first, minimising damage if the knife slips. Step-by-step advice on controlled cutting, handling internal corners and window openings, and forming permanent paper-to-card bonds helps users achieve clean, precise façade components while working methodically and safely.
4D
Cutting Finnboard
This guide provides essential instructions for cutting Finnboard, a durable wood-pulp modelling material ideal for sketch models. It outlines the basic tools required and emphasises the importance of using a sharp craft knife for clean, controlled cuts. The guide explains how to position a metal safety rule, maintain a vertical blade angle, and work gradually through the material with multiple passes. By focusing on accuracy, patience, and safe technique, it helps beginners achieve smooth, even cuts when working with Finnboard.
4D
Cutting Finnboard Elevations
This guide outlines the correct method for cutting architectural elevations from Finnboard, a dense wood-pulp modelling material. It explains how to prepare and attach printed elevations with spray adhesive, position the metal rule to protect key areas, and make controlled, vertical knife passes for clean edges. Special attention is given to cutting out windows and internal corners, including techniques for releasing corners without damaging the façade. The guide helps beginners produce accurate, precisely cut Finnboard elevation components for sketch and presentation models.
4D
Cutting Foamboard
This guide introduces the fundamentals of cutting and joining foamboard for modelmaking. It explains the structure of foamboard, emphasises the need for a sharp blade to avoid ragged edges, and outlines the correct cutting technique using a metal safety rule and steady, vertical knife passes. The guide also describes how to create clean right-angle joints by removing the top card layer and foam core while leaving the bottom layer intact. These methods help beginners achieve neat, accurate cuts and professional-looking foamboard assemblies.
4D
Cutting Foamboard Elevations
This guide explains how to cut architectural elevations from foamboard cleanly and accurately for modelmaking. It covers attaching printed elevations with spray adhesive, positioning the metal rule to protect key areas, and using controlled, vertical knife passes to avoid tearing the foam core. Techniques for cutting out windows and releasing tight corners are included, helping beginners produce precise, professional-looking façade components from foamboard.
4D
Cutting Styrofoam
This guide introduces the basic techniques for cutting and shaping Styrofoam for modelmaking. It explains how to score and snap the material for clean straight cuts, or cut fully through using a long, vertical blade. The guide also covers tidying edges with sanding to achieve smooth finishes. Emphasising control, patience, and simple hand tools, it helps beginners work safely and effectively with Styrofoam as a lightweight, versatile construction material.
4D
Gluing Balsa
This guide outlines the main adhesives suitable for bonding balsa wood in modelmaking and explains how to use each effectively. It covers PVA for slower-setting, adjustable joins; superglue for fast, precise bonding with accelerator; and balsa cement (UHU Hart) for strong, clean joints on both open and enclosed surfaces. Clear, simple instructions help beginners choose the right glue for each task and apply it correctly to achieve reliable, accurate balsa assemblies.
4D
Gluing Card
This guide explains the basic techniques for gluing card in modelmaking, focusing on achieving clean joins and accurate right angles. It outlines the use of PVA—particularly thicker, faster-drying Hi-Tack varieties—and demonstrates how to apply glue neatly using scrap card or a brush. The guide also shows how to reinforce joints with simple formers to maintain correct angles. Aimed at beginners, it provides clear, practical steps for producing strong, tidy card assemblies.
4D
Gluing Finnboard
This guide explains how to glue Finnboard effectively when constructing models. It introduces suitable adhesives—particularly thicker, faster-drying Hi-Tack PVA—and demonstrates how to apply glue neatly using scrap material or a brush. Instructions are provided for forming clean, accurate joins, including the use of simple card formers to maintain right angles. Designed for beginners, the guide offers practical steps for achieving strong, precise Finnboard assemblies.
4D
Gluing Foamboard
This guide explains how to bond foamboard safely and effectively using the correct adhesives. It highlights the use of UHU POR—recommended because it will not dissolve the foam core—and outlines the contact-adhesive method for creating strong, instant joints. Clear steps show how to apply, separate, and rejoin glued edges, along with safety notes on avoiding standard UHU where possible. Aimed at beginners, the guide provides practical advice for producing clean, durable foamboard assemblies.
4D
Gluing Styrofoam
This guide outlines the key adhesives and techniques for bonding Styrofoam in modelmaking. It explains how to use UHU Por as a foam-safe contact adhesive for strong, reliable joints, and describes faster alternatives such as superglue with accelerator, as well as slower-curing PVA. Clear, simple instructions show how to apply each adhesive correctly to achieve clean, firm bonds without damaging the foam, making the guide a practical introduction for beginners working with Styrofoam.
4D
Have knowledge to share?
Submit a guide or tutorial to help others learn model making techniques.
Submit a GuideLearn how to contribute to the directory.