First, the truth: you don’t need to start with full equipment

It’s easy to feel like you need everything you see online. The reality is different. For your first model, you only need a few tools — and a couple of small tricks that beginners usually don’t know.

When newcomers come to our store, they usually start with the question: “What exactly do I need to buy to build this?”

The simple answer is: 4 things and you can start building.

1) Pliers – the most important tool

Purpose: cutting parts from sprues

You can break parts by hand… but then you get broken joints, snapped legs, or an annoyed modeler.

How to recognize good pliers?

• the blades are flat → clean cut
• don’t chew the plastic → less sanding
• don’t spring back → control

2) Hobby knife – fine adjustments

Purpose: edge trimming, removing lines, adjustments

Used where pliers are not enough. Ideal for mold lines, which almost every part has.

3) Glue – plastic vs. superglue

Plastic glue (recommended)

Dissolves plastic → creates a strong bond → ideal for most Warhammer models.

Superglue

For resin, metal, or technical parts.

Beginner rule:

• plastic → plastic glue
• resin → superglue
• metal → superglue

4) File or sanding sponge

Purpose: remove leftover nubs + smooth edges

The most common mistake is “not filing at all.” Then the model looks rough.

Now the important part: What’s “nice-to-have”

And for “when you’re hooked”

Here’s where the fun begins:

• airbrush
• paint organizers
• resin cutters
• magnets for weapon variants
• model clamps
• advanced magnifiers

By this point, you’re no longer a beginner — this is a hobby.

Most common beginner mistakes

• ✖ breaking parts from the sprue by hand
• ✖ using superglue for everything
• ✖ working without light
• ✖ gluing without a dry-fit
• ✖ not cleaning mold lines

What to buy as your very first set

• ✔ pliers
• ✔ hobby knife
• ✔ plastic glue
• ✔ small file / sponge

With this, you can build 100% of starter boxes.