Basic Sculpting Tools

Taking a break from sculpting tutorials to go over some of the most important tools in my arsenal.
Tools:
Color Shaper Size 0 Firm (or Extra Firm)
Wax 5
Small Burnisher
Scalpel
Needle tool
Pick up the Wax 5 sculpting tool here:
store.aetherworks.com.au/produ...

[@bexlopes]

For anyone in Brazil, the Wax no. 5, you can search for "Descolador Freer". :)

[@kamakrazee8144]

I heard about that wax 5 tool being popular among sculptors while I was searching the net a few months back searching for good sculpting tools. I was trying as well to find somewhere to purchase it, and I found a forum mentioning they found them I think on ebay, but they mentioned 2 different tools, after some searching I found the tools on ebay, and the one I found it might be a wax 5 but it is shorter, it's right at 5 inches, (the person in the forum mentioned it being a wax 5 or similar, I can't exactly remember) so I got it and the other tool which is about 6 and a quarter inches long. I'll link them if others are interested in getting them without having to make another account on another website (the one you mentioned in the description) if they already have an ebay account set up, they can just use ebay, and they're about $5 each. Also I'll link the "Extra Firm Color Shapers Clay Wallet Set, Size 0" I got on Amazon a while back if anyone is interested to get them easily there, and they're on ebay as well, so I'll link the ebay one as well. (and with ebay you don't need to spend at least $35 for free shipping like you do with amazon.) ZAHLE CARVER WAX CARVING MODELING DENTAL INSTRUMENT LAB www.ebay.com/itm/ZAHLE-CARVER-WAX-CARVING-MODELING-DENTAL-INSTRUMENT-LAB-3-YEAR-WARRANTY-FAST-/181454052922?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3f811e3a#shpCntId LeCron CARVER WAX CARVING DENTAL INSTRUMENT LAB www.ebay.com/itm/LeCron-CARVER-WAX-CARVING-DENTAL-INSTRUMENT-LAB-3-YEAR-WARRANTY-FAST-SHIP-/171316293508?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27e33f2f84 Color Shapers Wallet Set-Extra Firm Clay Tip #0 www.ebay.com/itm/Color-Shapers-Wallet-Set-Extra-Firm-Clay-Tip-0-/291373721758?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43d73a289e Extra Firm Color Shapers Clay Wallet Set, Size 0 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043GWDQ6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@WoodyHearn]

Hey Tom, I'm brand new to miniature sculpting and customization; but, I found your videos to be the most helpful. One "tool" I'd like to know about, however, is your wood vices. Wood and a bolt is simple enough to figure out. But it looks like you have glass or acrylic on the top. Presumably this is a non-porous, slick material that the putty won't stick to. I was wondering if I missed the video discussing it, or if you might do a quick video discussing your vice. Thanks for your time!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

***** the material on top of the wooden miniature stand is Kneadatite putty (greenstuff). Just put a good amount on top of the vice and press it onto a smooth hard surface. Trim away any excess putty and you're left with a smooth clean surface that is great for mounting miniatures too. I plan on making a future video showing how I make these as well.

[@WoodyHearn]

Thanks Tom!

[@TheGamerZapocalypse]

Excellent video. That hook tool is very handy. In case it's new to anyone, if you take an Xacto Knife and buff down the sharp blade edge and round the tip point a bit and grind/flatten the top edge, it makes for a very useful tool. It's basically an in between of your normal Exacto Knife for sharp cutting and something like a Wax 5. I get the most use from the Round Cupped and Angled Clay Shapers then from the Custom Xacto and Hooked Tool. Jeff Grace made one for me when I went out to visit him and his team at Ral Partha in Ohio in 2001. That's what he was using as his go to tool. Wow...that was a long time ago...lol

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+GamerZapocalypse man, I hate to admit it, but 2001 is a long time ago now days, eh?

[@TheGamerZapocalypse]

It's funny, in a way it does seem like it, but then your video had me thinking about when I first started out sculpting...like it was just this year sometime. I also remember Jeff saying to me to "stay in the putty". It's really true. If you don't use it, you loose it. I'm still catching up on your videos, but if you haven't done one on your career, how you started, where you are now, and all in between, that would make a really good video. The interview you did with Patrick Kieth was awesome.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+GamerZapocalypse LOVE the idea for this video. I'll have to dig up the first sculpt I ever did to get things rolling.

[@TheGamerZapocalypse]

Cool! I think it's incredibly helpful and appreciated hearing other peoples sculpting stories, if you are just starting, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between. Not sure if this is already out there, but I thought of a name for sculpting videos..."Sculptorials"...lol...and they take place from the "Sculptorium"...haha

[@PanagiotisKrystallidis]

Thank you for sharing..Greedings from Greece!

[@theamazingshala]

Do you happen to use any jeweler's glasses or any magnification? Love the videos by the way, my wife and I cracked out my old 10 year super sculpy and lately I've been getting more into it. Thanks for providing all the great close up videos and examples!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

I recommend using an Obti-visor. I used to sculpt with a 10x, but have used one with less magnification. I actually don't use one anymore since I found myself getting to lost in the details. But they are great if you're having trouble seeing what you need to on these tiny sculptures.

[@station0075]

Hi tom I just came across your videos this week and have really enjoyed them. I want to try this as a hobby now. Can you tell me what type of modeling clay you recommend for making the actual miniatures? Also are you planning on making a video on how to sculpt firearms?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Station 70 the clay I use is FIMO Classic. I'll be doing videos on specific materials I use and do plan to make one on firearms down the road as well.

[@station0075]

thanks again I enjoy your videos and am learning as a hobby how to do this myself. Loved the video on your home made holders

[@emilwestgaardhenriksen1715]

your wax 5 at the tapered end seems to have rounded edges :) I bought one similar from citadel yeaars ago and it isn't rounded in that way insted it have this square feeling to it and feels pretty thick so I have mostly stuck with with the"bladed" end insted, seeing yours made me think of maybe modding it by grinding it down and polish it up again to get the same rounded look as yours, I don't know if you have had to do with the citadel version but would appreciate your insight if you think it might make it a better tool :)

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Emil Westgaard Henriksen yes, mine is rounded around the edges and I really prefer it that way. It's very easy to nick the clay or putty when the burnisher has a hard edge. That's a great idea about modifying the tip. Some of the best tools I have were hand made and you should feel free to adjust tools to make them work best for you.

[@emilwestgaardhenriksen1715]

+Tom Mason thought so ^^ then I have a small weekend projekt infront of me, I have made alot of tools myself that I love and a few multitools have been scavanged for some too. gives your set abit of it's own personality :) thank you yet again for your answer :) really apreciate it and love your work! ^^

[@station0075]

What do you use as a general lubricant on your blades to keep the epoxy from sticking to it?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Station 70 if I'm using putty, petroleum jelly is my preferred element. You can also use saliva, water or even the oil from your face. Just get a little on the tool and start sculpting. Note that you need far less lubricant than you'd think.

[@station0075]

Thank you so much for answering my questions

[@Feldspar__]

Thanks for sharing this info. Just ordered the Wax No.5 tool. Can you tell us how you made the small black handled burnishing tool?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

shivers515 The metal parts are made from either brass or steel modelling rods. Hammer and file them into shape then buff them until smooth. Then the wires are mounted into a small wooden dowel rod (or a brass tube stuffed with putty). If you have a larger pre-made sculpting tool, you can grind that down to the size you want. Then it's already on a nice handle as well :)

[@Feldspar__]

Tom Mason Thanks Tom. Can I ask what size wire you like? In the video it looks like you used something like 20 gauge (0.032"). Stainless spring steel seems like it would work the best as it's very hard and wouldn't rust.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

shivers515 for human sized miniatures I use 24 gauge galvanized steel wire. With larger sculpts I use 22 gauge or twist two 24 gauge wires together. I wouldn't worry about rust, but spring steel would be very strong while being able to keep a rather thing wire. Might have to try that :D

[@Feldspar__]

Tom Mason Sorry, I ment the wire used in the black custom tool, not the armatures but good to know.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

shivers515 Ohhh yes, I see. Your original statement sounds about right.

[@shortlong8936]

That second tool is actually extremely easy to find, I found it on ebay for a couple bucks.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Is it an actual Wax #5 or one of the knockoffs? You can get the knockoffs SUPER cheap, but they aren’t nearly as nice.

[@CommanderNemo1]

But where do you get that super nifty block that you put your armatures on?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

I make them myself. You can too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWPPapZmh7h-apI

[@Quicktap3]

Where did you get the tray that holds your tools?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Ronin Games I made it myself when I worked for a corrugated manufacturer. Thinking about selling them someday if I ever open a little sculpting supply shop online. The best part about the tray is that it folds up covering the tools and keeps them from going everywhere.

[@OlavCleemann-himself]

If you prefer to shop in Europa - for custom or other sakes. The Wax 5 I got from Aetherworks is identical to this: www.tiranti.co.uk/edgeimpactshop/product.php?Product=1149 Moreover Tiranti has a lot of other interesting stuff.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Olav Cleemann thanks for sharing the link. Now we just need to find someone who sells them in the US.

[@OlavCleemann-himself]

+Tom Mason I can't help you much there, but it sounds like an excellent business proposal :-)

[@medoragarcia1408]

falta traduclon

[@Rav0000000]

Google this: Lustra wax spatula no. 5 62017122 That's the exact tool you have, a few dental places sell it.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Jason Sirois thanks for sharing this!

[@blackwolf721000]

It seems they changed their product line, it looks different when I get the results today (3 years later)

[@mooncabbagere]

Anyone in the future reading this: don't buy the citadel sculpting tools. They look like the real deal, but they are utter garbage. The burnisher bit is squared edged and thick, the blade bit is chunky and terrible, and the pick just has a "point", quote marks truely deserved. About the only tool of any use is the plastic thing, that you can buy separately as a texture tool anyway. Save your pennies for clay shapers or the real deal tools.

[@johnacsyen]

@4:53, I cringed when you touch the blade edge

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Thanks for looking out for me :)

[@MarkNiceyard]

I hate that music.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

MarkNiceyard then you'll "love" the 100 Days of Making Minis series ;)

[@MarkNiceyard]

Yeah, I like that.