# Tips and Tricks ## 10 Tips for Marvellous Models ![Model making set up (30X40 Design Workshop)](/files/-M5yn6P_pOarrOtNYYx_) ### **1. Start with a clean workspace** Starting out with a clean workspace will make the making process quicker and easier. ### **2. Get lit** Work with adequate lighting to the task. In general, smaller tasks usually require more light. ### **3. Keep it close** Keep tools for a particular task next to your workspace. ### 4. Know your material Take care selecting your materials and understanding its properties, including how to cut, which glue to use, and how it will respond to paint and other processes. ### **5. Measure twice, cut once** Double-check your measurements and alignment prior to cutting. ### **6. Stay sharp** Cut patiently, using several lighter cuts to penetrate thicker materials. Replace cutting blades often for neater cuts and to save time. ### **7. Know your glue** Using the appropriate glue for the materials and application and applying it with care will make a big difference to the quality of your model. ### **8. Line it up** Take care when attaching components together. Lining things up neatly will make a big difference to the overall quality of your model. ### **9. Don't rush** Time management is key to effective model making, and can be the difference between an enjoyable or harrowing process. Rushing can also lead to silly mistakes and injuries where adequate care is not taken. ### **10. Finish with a clean workspace** Tidying up properly and cleaning your tools when you're done ends up saving a lot of time. ![Hand made model of Chapel on Mt Rokko by Tadao Ando](/files/-M5ynHLHRi_JDhHvQA69) ## Guru Desk The Guru Desk is located within the FabLab model making space and can provide advice and assistance with particular model making issues. ## Archicle Archicle is a student-led initiative operating through the UMSU. One of Archicle's key initiatives is to reduce the cost of model making by recycling common materials. You can get in touch with Archicle on [**Facebook**](https://www.facebook.com/archicle.group/) or by email on ****. ## Peer-to-Peer Advice Sharing advice with fellow students is a great way to increase the knowledge of the entire MSD community. A key part of this is fostering safe and responsible work practices. With this in mind, if you are unsure of something please refer to FabLab staff. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/msdmaker/msd-model-making-space/hand-model-making/tips-and-tricks.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.