Model making
Model making supplies: the kit schools ask for
Architecture schools publish their supply lists, and the same few items keep appearing: a cutting mat, a craft knife with blades, a metal straightedge, an architect’s scale, glue and sheet stock.
Here is what each one does, how to cut a clean edge with them, and where Taskboard® fits in the kit.
Where Taskboard fits in the kit
- It is the sheet stock: white, flat, and with no grain, so the knife does not wander.
- It costs about half as much as museum board.
- The 1/32" sheet cuts with scissors.
The lists
The lists behind this page: the Columbia pre-college architecture supply list (opens in a new tab), the Syracuse first-year supply kit (opens in a new tab) and the Yale architecture materials shop (opens in a new tab). The Academy of Art University (opens in a new tab) and the University of Melbourne fab lab (opens in a new tab) add how-to advice.
Cutting mat
Columbia’s list describes the mat as a stiff, self-healing sheet for cutting on. It gives every cut a dedicated surface and keeps the blade off the table.
Craft knife and blades
Columbia’s list suggests #11 blades for straight and small detailed cuts, and an Olfa or utility knife for thicker, denser board, and recommends buying extra #11 blades. A fresh blade makes clean cuts, and the Melbourne model-making guide says cutting foam core gradually, in a number of consecutive cuts, avoids tearing.
Metal straightedge
Columbia’s list asks for a metal ruler, ideally with a safety rail, and accepts one with a cork back to prevent slipping. The Academy of Art guide asks for a ruler with a foam or cork back. Guide the knife along it and hold the blade square to the sheet.
Architect’s scale
An architect’s scale is a ruler marked in reduced scales, so you can measure a drawing at model scale before you cut. Use it with the layer table on the site models page.
White glue
Columbia’s list names Elmer’s or Sobo glue, and says both dry clear. The Melbourne fab lab notes that PVA joins foam core, and that some solvent-based glues can damage acrylic, so match the glue to the sheet. Put it on thin and even, and weigh the parts flat while it cures.
Sheet stock
Chipboard is a common sheet: the Yale shop sells it in 1-ply and 2-ply, and the Academy of Art guide names foam core, museum board and chipboard as board materials. Taskboard is a white fiber board that is about half as dense as chipboard and stays flat, and the USF XARTS guide (opens in a new tab) calls it easier to cut. It sands clean.
Choosing between sheets for a particular model? See architecture model materials.
How to cut a clean edge
Mark the line. Lay the straightedge along it, and press it down with your free hand, fingers clear of the blade. Draw the knife along the metal edge with the blade square to the sheet. Make a light first pass, then repeat until the sheet parts.
Turn the blade or change it the moment the cut drags. Thick stock takes several passes, whatever the sheet.
Common mistakes
Cutting in one heavy pass. Cutting with a dull blade. Cutting without a mat. Using a soft ruler the blade can nick. Gluing with too much glue. And buying the sheet before you know your lab’s laser rules.
Which sheet
Thin skins and detail: 1/32" white
The lightest sheet. Cuts with scissors.
Walls and floors: 1/16" white
Stiffer than the 1/32" sheet, lighter than the 1/8" sheet.
Bases and parts that need stiffness: 1/8" white
The stiffest sheet. Non-forming.
Our online store starts at $79. Need less? See where to buy. Need the numbers? See the spec sheet.
Quick answers
What supplies do I need to start making models?
School supply lists name a cutting mat, a craft knife with blades, a metal straightedge, an architect’s scale, glue and sheet stock.
What knife do architects use for models?
Columbia’s supply list suggests a craft knife with #11 blades for straight and small detailed cuts and an Olfa or utility knife for thicker, denser board.
Why use a self-healing cutting mat?
It is a stiff, dedicated cutting surface, as Columbia’s list describes it, so the blade does not meet the table.
What glue do model makers use?
White glue, Elmer’s or Sobo on Columbia’s list. Put it on thin and even.
How do I cut straight?
Guide the knife along a metal ruler with the blade square to the sheet, in several controlled passes.
How do I avoid rough, torn edges?
Use a sharp blade and make several light passes. The Melbourne fab lab says this keeps foam core from tearing.
What sheet should be in the kit?
Chipboard is a common choice; Yale’s shop sells it in single-ply and double-ply. Taskboard is a white fiber board that stays flat and sands clean.
Can I cut Taskboard with scissors?
The 1/32" sheet, yes. Use a knife for the thicker sheets.
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