Make by Kathy Ceceri

Author:Kathy Ceceri
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Maker Media, Inc
Published: 2015-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Tips for Designing and Building Paper Models

Figure 3-23. Score the lines on the paper before folding using a dried ballpoint pen or other rounded pointy object, such as this letter opener.

On most paper model patterns that you buy or print out, solid lines are cut lines, and dotted lines are fold lines. Mountain folds and valley folds are shown with different patterns of dots. (See the box in Chapter 1).

Sharp, small-bladed craft scissors are excellent for making paper models. Some paper engineers prefer X-acto knives. If you use a knife, always use a metal-edged ruler to keep straight lines straight. A cutting mat or piece of thick cardboard is recommended, even with scissors, to protect your work surface.

After you cut openings, use a pencil, craft stick, or toothpick to smooth the edges so they don’t rub as the rods move through them. You can carefully trim any bits of paper sticking out with your scissors, but don’t make the hole too big.

Scoring is a paper-building technique that makes it easier to fold the paper in the right place. To score the fold lines, press down along them using a tool with a rounded tip. Dried-up ballpoint pens are good for scoring, as are plastic knitting needles. Anything with a rounded point that is easy to “draw” with will work. Use a ruler for straight lines, and go slowly and carefully. Be sure not to cut or tear the paper as you score it.

Glue sticks are handy for covering large areas with glue. For small areas, scrape off a tiny amount with a flat toothpick and spread it where needed. White glue is used by most experts, but it should be spread as thinly as possible. Squeeze out a blob on a piece of scrap paper to work from, and spread it with a toothpick where needed. Always give your model time to dry between steps and before testing it with moving parts! You can use paper clips or binder clips to hold pieces closed while they dry.

When trying out new designs, masking tape is a quick and easy way to put a model together. Whenever you need to make a paper model stronger and more stable, add a diagonal strut to create a triangle.

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