One of the best things about building models is that you don’t need a lot to have a lot of fun and get amazing results. Here are some of the basic things that you need, along with some additional tools to make really sharp models! Sorted in order of necessity to luxury.
I have the classic orange Fiskars, but I think these with a soft grip would be more comfortable
Elmer’s Glue-All. The go to glue. Cleans up easy, nice and tacky if you use only a little bit. Great for paper models!
Another classic. The X-ACTO #2. I find the #2 easier to hold than the slimmer #1. I use the back edge of the point for scoring.
I really like short steel rulers for scoring models. This kit has long rulers too, but the shorter the better.
A light pad/box is a real luxury. I use it to score the backs of paper model pieces. It’s like having x-ray vision!
Here are some tools I use for 3D printed models
What a great all in one kit. It is one of the slimmer style knives, but an excellent value!
These flush cutters are a bit higher quality than the all in one kit above, but both are very good.
Great variety of files for pretty much any scenario. They are meant for detail work, so don’t lean on them too hard.
Now this is a nice set of screwdrivers. No junk here, just positive, precision drive.
Why card liners, rather than card sleeves? Because it’s five bucks for 100. And these are just fine for self-printed nonvaluable cards. Less bulk too.