I’m on my 3rd project, so I’m new to this. I’m wondering what techniques you use when dealing with very small (and usually fragile) parts? Do you use tweezers or other things to hold/grab/assemble the small parts? If so, do you have tweezers recommendations? Sometimes my fingers are just way too big to even hold a piece. I can’t even push one part into another because my fingers won’t let the parts get close enough together. What I’ve used so far that seems to work somewhat well(maybe practice makes it get better) is tweezers to hold the small part over the opening it goes into, then use a pencil eraser to press it into the hole. Sometimes if I use a fingernail, it “creases “ the wood since it’s so thin, so the pencil eraser prevents that.
I don’t use social media or YouTube, so I’m looking for advice here in this group that seems to be very knowledgeable And helpful. Thank you in advance for any advice or tips.
In my opinion, you can use tweezers. There are many different types of tweezers for various purposes. For pieces of wood, I usually use a knife to cut them out.
Tweezers are great. also if it is a tight fit, consider sanding a slight but and waxing so it slides in and not forcing. Some kits contain a wooden tool that can be used for tight spots to gently push down.
Using tweezers might help you, but it really depends on the person. I actually just using the free tweezers from the kit, sometime, I am just using my hand as I have more on control to it.
There are also some experts here, so let’s check what would they recommend
Hello and welcome to the group. I use several kinds of tweezers. I find that the reverse tweezers are the smallest for getting into tight spaces and for holding things properly. I also have a very small pair of needle-nosed pliers. As suggested by @jeanneL , I sand and wax any tabs that I am struggling with before they break. A razor knife is the best way to avoid breakage when removing parts. I turn the board over and it is easy too see where to cut those tabs for easier removal. I hope you find all of these tips helpful in your building journey.
I can’t add anything to what the others have said apart from if you are having difficulty with thicker pieces of wood, after sanding and waxing, you can use a small mallet or hammer to place the pieces in. So that you don’t damage the wood, place one of your off cuts where you are going to use the hammer to cushion the blow.
For waxing, you can use a birthday candle or tea light.
Welcome to the group.
Welcome to the community @ozarkdadd! It would be nice if you find your place here and share your creations!
It’s interesting to see and confirm in this topic that, and as @Anje_Leonoza_Mira has pointed out, it really depends on the person. Many people like @Nita_Davis or @Robotime have mentioned, would use different kinds of tweezers, I guess depending on the size of the piece and the space you need to fit it into.
Personally I do have big fingers and I have received my free tweezers in a Robotime miniature house kit. They’ve been helpful ish, but in the end, I’ve always found a way to make it happen by just using my fingers, no matter the twisted way I do so. I guess I’m not a tweezers kind of person? Honestly I’ve used them more to push parts into holes than anything else.
I try to use my fingers as much as possible as well. Often times, the tweezers can pinch the piece just enough to send it flying off into the great unknown…never to be found. @TheToday
Oh I’ve definitely been there, and quite recently actually. My tweezers came in the Cheers Bar & Dining box, and I tried to use them to fit the small cocktail part into the correspondent glass.
Welcome to the community! Looks like you’re getting lots of advice. Eventually you’ll find which of these suggestions works for you. Your process seems to work for you, so maybe stick with it a bit longer before you decide to try something new. Enjoy our awesome and addictive hobby!
For holding tiny pieces, sometimes I use tweezers too but most of the time I’m just using my bare hands to push woods to another. Just slowly push the wood especially if it’s thin to avoid breaking it.
Honestly I’ve used them more to push parts into holes than anything else.
