When laying train track together, sometimes you can get little gaps, which can impede a smooth train ride. Use a soldering tool and use a little solder to fill in the gaps. Finish off by sanding smooth.

Whether you are new to carving or as seasoned as the wood, the X-ACTO Basic Wood Carving Set has what you need. This set includes 13 of the most basic tools. Everything you need to carve, cut, shape, or outline. The tips and handle tuck away neatly in the plastic carrying case—making everything easy to find when inspiration calls.

Sanding wood is one of those tedious tasks that can't be avoided. A quick tip to make this job go a little faster is to try using two power sanders at once. This may sound like an obvious solution, but try and keep them close together and use them as one unit. With the power of two sanders, you will cover twice the area in half the time!

Stay sharp with this Snap-Off Blade Knife with Ratchet Locking. Any time your blade dulls, simply use the built-in attachment that snaps away the old blade and reveals a sharp new blade. This knife cuts through some tough stuff like mat board, sheet metal, and plastic. Whatever the material, this knife makes any project a snap!

Your pencil could be your most important carving tool. As you are planning your next wood carving project, start with a pencil. Draw a line down the center to make sure both sides of your design are balanced and sketch out your design first before making the first cut. It's much easier to erase a pencil mark versus trying to correct a wrong cut. A little planning and pencil work can go a long way!

The X-ACTO Basic Knife Set is an assemblage of the best X-ACTO handles and blades all in one place. It includes 3 styles of handles. It comes with 13 blades for everything from lightweight trimming to heavy-duty cutting. It’s the set you’ll turn to again and again.

The versatile X-ACTO Soldering Iron and Hot Knife Tip can do more than just solder. The stainless steal hot knife tip allows you to cut through plastics and Styrofoam as if they were butter. The soldering iron features a heat resistant plastic handle and no-roll flange for increased safety during use. It’s a handy tool that makes quick work of any project.

Looking for a change of pace? Or maybe just a new medium to test your carving skills on? Try carving a bar of soap. Soap carving is a fun and easy way to create small sculptures out of a basic material that is much softer than any wood. You can get some really fantastic details out of this common household item. Your finished carving can then be displayed and used as originally intended, or given as gifts. Why not try a clean twist on carving for your next project.

Thinking of starting a new model airplane project? Take the time to research the real deal and history of the aircraft before you get started. Research photos, time period, color schemes, markings, decals, any modications to your next aircraft project. Try perusing your local library, or research on the internet. By taking the time to learn about your new airplane endeavor, it will only increase the overall look and accuracy of your model.

These 3 corners bring together precision, durability, and strength. The X-ACTO 3” Triangle Ruler has acid-etched measuring lines with stainless steel construction. This steel ruler gives you exceptional handling and resists nicks and cuts even from X-ACTO’s sharpest blades. 

How many times have you been working on a project and wished you had an extra set of hands? Your wish was granted with X-ACTO’s X-TRA Hands Alligator Clamps! The movable clamps will hold your materials steady, freeing up your hands for painting, gluing or whatever you need to do. 

Woodworking is no longer only a man's world. There is a growing number of women who have taken up woodworking not only as a hobby, but as a means for a number of home improvement projects. With home improvement projects trending up, and more and more single women owning their own homes, many women are creating projects ranging from building small furniture to adding details like crown moulding. Women are finding satisfaction in creating something with their own hands, and with the use of power and woodworking tools. With a little research, you will find that there are many workshops, classes, and woodworking forums geared specifically to the woman woodworker. Woodworking is a skill and a satisfying hobby for both men and women alike.

 Whittling is a pastime that has been around for a long time. In early times, it became popular with crafty folks who could whittle out of almost anything and almost anywhere. The art of whittling is based on using only one tool, the knife, and a piece of wood. Some purists say that is all that should be used for whittling. Modern times have changed the art of whittling a little bit. First of all, the quality of tools is better, and you can use a wider variety of tools and blades to whittle with. Some modern whittlers use a variety of gouges and knife blades to do this craft. The main things that haven't changed are that whittling is still done by hand holding your work. Also, there are no power tools, mallets, or generally sanding used in whittling. As long as you have a sharp whittling knife and a piece of soft wood to work with, you can be well on your way to your first whittling creation.

X-ACTO’s Small Mitre Box Set has everything needed for your finishing touches. The mitre saw has slotted slides, guiding the saw blade through tiny cuts. The set includes a #5 Heavy Duty Plastic Knife and a V Tooth Coarse Saw Blade. It’s the handy tool for a delicate model railroad track or whatever your small, but important, project may be. 

The art of woodcarving is a fantastic hobby or trade, but it can be hard on your wrists. Try some of these helpful tips to strengthen your wrists so as to prevent injury. First of all, take many breaks from carving, stretching your arms above your head and holding your hands together for at least a minute. Next, try holding your hands in a prayer-like position with your fingers pointing towards the ceiling. Press your palms together and hold for 30 seconds. If need be, you can wear a wrist brace found at your local drug store while carving, or even while resting it to lessen any discomfort in your wrists. Most importantly, if you are experiencing possible Carpal Tunnel symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor.

This sleek looking knife is the ultimate in utility. The Ergo Utility Knife has two blade positions for cutting or scraping. Whether it’s carpet, cardboard, or wood, the ergonomic grip allows you to work with maximum control. This knife’s compact size means you can have it with when you need it. 

The X-ACTO Wood Carving Knife has a concave blade that allows you to create custom niches and cuts. The blade cuts smoothly through not just wood, but also materials like linoleum and plastic.  It’s the ideal knife to grab when you want to carve your niche. 

When building scenery around your track for your model train, there are endless options of landscape features to include from tunnels, roads, bridges, even towns or villages. But don't forget the small details in your scenery, like road signs, traffic lights, hedges and even people or animals. Building a model railroad is already an exciting task and when you add the finer details, it will make all the difference in your own miniature masterpiece.

It is never too late to learn a new hobby or trade, and woodworking can definitely be a fun and rewarding one to try. If you are just getting started, how-to books and manuals are only the beginning. Many community colleges offer beginning woodworking classes. A little one-on-one training from a class environment can go a long way, and connect you to others in the community. Go to the head of the class, and check out local classes in your area today.

Whether it's sawing, corner stripping, or carving, this heavy duty plastic-handled knife is the right tool for the job. It's compatible with over 10 different types of blades. You can use the #5 Heavy Duty Knife for cutting through anything–from delicate fabrics to sheet metal. When they talk about a utility knife, this is what they mean.

Add a fourth dimension to your model railroad—sound! Your trains are most likely already equipped with sounds, but have you thought about the sounds in your environment or background? Maybe it is the sound of a waterfall along a mountainous countryside, or the urban buzz of a cityscape. Many websites offer free sound files you can use for background sound. With the use of an inexpensive MP3 player hooked up to a speaker, you can enjoy an extra dimension while bringing your model railroad to life!

Whether you are carving your first piece or your fiftieth, X-ACTO's Carving Tool set is perfect for the job. This set includes six forged-steel tools with wood handles. Each tool enables you to make careful and detailed cuts, every time. If you are serious about carving, this is the tool set for you.

Some woods, such as walnut or oak, are really hard in nature, and can make it difficult to carve from. One woodworking tip is to soften up wood by applying de-natured alcohol on the surface. The alcohol will soften the wood and eventually evaporate over time, without leaving a residue. Also, the alcohol will not affect the wood grain like water sometimes can.

Painting your wood carvings can add another level to your piece. When painting the wood, keep in mind that the color will want to bleed. One trick is to make a simple stop cut between the areas that you want different colors in. This will also add some added definition between details.

Remember, there are no mistakes when creating! Even if you have a solid vision of how your project should turn out, have fun with it. Enjoy the experience of making something. And above all else, keep an open mind. You never know when your next ‘oops’ will become your new “ah ha” technique! 

One tip for storing your knives while you are working, is to stick them in a Styrofoam block (tip side in) when not in use. You can easily stick them in and out of the block and they are sure not to roll away. Attach to your table with a little painter’s tape secure and carve on!