Tools & workspace setup

You don't need a dedicated hobby room. You need a clear table, good light, and your tools within reach. Here's the setup I use.

1. 01

   Step 1

   Clear a flat, well-lit space

   A kitchen table works fine. You want enough room for the sprues to lie flat, plus space for glue, clippers and a knife within easy reach. A desk lamp (or even just daylight) makes mould lines and glue joins much easier to see.

2. 02

   Step 2

   Lay out your tools

   Clippers, glue, knife, a scrap of card to glue on (rather than the table), and a damp cloth for sticky fingers. Having everything in the same spot every time means less hunting around mid-build. Starter sets usually push together, but most standalone kits need plastic glue.

   

3. 03

   Step 3

   Protect the surface — and your fingers

   Plastic glue can mark some table finishes, and it's easy to get on your skin without noticing. A cutting mat or a bit of cardboard underneath, and keeping the cloth nearby, saves a lot of hassle.

Once your space is set up, head to the step-by-step assembly guides for your box.