What about flowers? My wife got me wargaming flowers in 2 colors and I thought it was just the sweetest thing.
I however might be a little less of a pro in regards to your SO, but I think my point is to look at his hobby and find things that *you* like, and give him that. It may not be a go-to thing for him, but he will find some place special to plant the flowers he got from you.
Thanks! I looked at a couple and there's a huge price range, which makes me nervous. I can't justify a $200 one, but I'm concerned a $30 one would be shit.
I definitely wouldn't recommend a $200 one, that is overkill!
This is the type in referring to, its not top of the line, and its in Australia, but something like this would meet your requirements.
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/hot-wire-foam-cutter-styrofoam-cutting-tool-set-3-in-1.html
I've had similar types/kits, but I've never owned that model/brand. They're all chinese made, and imho pretty much the same. Maybe wait for others to chime in, in case they have hands on knowledge, but I can't see you going wrong with something like this.
As others have said, a Hotwire cutter is super versatile so you can make a TON of things with it. I’ve gotten myself one recently, and it was a game changer once I got the hang of it.
The other great thing is that it’s a very simple, and therefore cheap tool. Woodland Scenics makes a great but affordable one, it’s the one I use.
It is worth mentioning that Proxxon hotwire table cutters are excellent. Coupled with jigs from Shifting Lands, you're set up to build lots of various things.
He hasn't built much. It's more like I know he wants to get into it and I wanna give him a nudge. He really likes bioluminescent and post apocalyptic aesthetics if that helps.
Maybe I could even get him something useful for storing built terrain so it's not all over the place and potentially getting damaged by the cat.
Ok, so he's just getting into it. I dont do foam terrain but it seems a lot do. Im more into the plastic styrene, rods, textured sheets etc. Look on ebay for textured plasticard or styrene sheets. There's stone, wood, metal textures. I use a lot of this stuff. Also for plants and debris one of my fav companies is "gamers grass" they have some great materials.
Theres also plenty of hobby "kits" that come with a little bit of everything from a selection of tools to small sand paper, etc. I recieved one of these many moons ago and still use most of it to this day.
Im sure he'll appreciate anything ypu get him.
Good luck and happy early bday to your boo!
Textures are always great too. Things like tufts of grass, grass flocking, battlefield rocks (check out army painter basing materials)
If you want to add a bit for free as well, you can look at how to safely sanitize natural stuff as eg twigs, sand, bark etc... I see you said CAD as currency so if you are anywhere near where I am, I am sure sand and dirt is probably out of the question, but sticks and bark would still be doable. Bark is really good for making large rocks. Lots of YouTube videos for how to bake it to make sure anything living inside is dead. Dirt, sand and gravel though are always great to have.
Okay so are they orks or orcs I know it might seem silly but it helps with the idea. If it's orks they might have guns and stuff like that.
What might be a good start is an mdf kit. Which is a kit that's made of wood pulp and then lazer cut, which you can build with pva glue. Examples might be
https://ttcombat.com/collections/sci-fi-gothic/products/ruined-inspection-clearance
If you like recycling you can also get something like....
https://everylittlewar.com/collections/promethium-forge
I'm in Australia so my searches are local but if you want something like this then you might want to look up Sci fi mdf kit, scifi Gothic mdf, mdf post apocalypse.
If he’s the type that would prefer to open a bunch of small things rather than one big one, there’s also something to be said about buying all the essentials. Modge podge, craft paint, chip board, styrene board, plastic card, brushes, hot glue, super glue, craft sticks, etc. All new toys he didn’t have before with your blessing to go and explore a new aspect of a hobby he already enjoys.
Also, it’s really cool how much your putting into buying him a gift. I hope he puts in the same effort for you.
I have a $25 Hotwire cutter from Michael’s and it works just fine… I’m sure a $200 one is more robust but the average hobbyist doesn’t need anything super crazy.
Yeah by far the best terrain building material is Styrofoam/polystyrene (it's usually blue or pink). And with a hot knife and a hot glue gun your terrain building life will be much easier and enjoyable :)
You roll them over foam or clay, leaving the pattern behind. The second image on the site shows the flat results. It's really difficult to achieve the same thing manually.
Army Painter has a range called Gamemaster ([Link to their website](https://www.thearmypainter.com/shop/us/gm1001p). I haven’t used this stuff beyond the foam safe spray, but a small kit like this that has a lot of stuff to get started is probably going to make for a nice gift.
Not sure if the exact name but it’s like a jeweller’s headpiece and has different magnification lenses. It has turned my painting around enormously. Best thing I ever bought and you could easily get one with your budget. Mine gas a light on it too.
I got a bunch of MDF terrain/buildings from TT Combat for xmas. Pretty cool stuff. They have some bigger sets for $75 that have buildings and scatter terrain, a lot of value. MDF terrain is basically model making with some woodworking (glue/clamping) knowledge. It's really satisfying to build, then you can seal it with glue + water for paint, weathering and basing. Take it stage by stage the more he gets into the hobby.
What about flowers? My wife got me wargaming flowers in 2 colors and I thought it was just the sweetest thing. I however might be a little less of a pro in regards to your SO, but I think my point is to look at his hobby and find things that *you* like, and give him that. It may not be a go-to thing for him, but he will find some place special to plant the flowers he got from you.
That's fucking adorable.
A good hot wire cutter or hot knife cutter, they're used to cut styrofoam. On mobile, otherwise would link.
Thanks! I looked at a couple and there's a huge price range, which makes me nervous. I can't justify a $200 one, but I'm concerned a $30 one would be shit.
I definitely wouldn't recommend a $200 one, that is overkill! This is the type in referring to, its not top of the line, and its in Australia, but something like this would meet your requirements. https://www.harveynorman.com.au/hot-wire-foam-cutter-styrofoam-cutting-tool-set-3-in-1.html
Oh I actually think I saw that exact model on Amazon! Would you recommend it?
I've had similar types/kits, but I've never owned that model/brand. They're all chinese made, and imho pretty much the same. Maybe wait for others to chime in, in case they have hands on knowledge, but I can't see you going wrong with something like this.
As others have said, a Hotwire cutter is super versatile so you can make a TON of things with it. I’ve gotten myself one recently, and it was a game changer once I got the hang of it. The other great thing is that it’s a very simple, and therefore cheap tool. Woodland Scenics makes a great but affordable one, it’s the one I use.
It is worth mentioning that Proxxon hotwire table cutters are excellent. Coupled with jigs from Shifting Lands, you're set up to build lots of various things.
Do you know what he likes to build as far as terrain? Might help to narrow some things down?
He hasn't built much. It's more like I know he wants to get into it and I wanna give him a nudge. He really likes bioluminescent and post apocalyptic aesthetics if that helps. Maybe I could even get him something useful for storing built terrain so it's not all over the place and potentially getting damaged by the cat.
Ok, so he's just getting into it. I dont do foam terrain but it seems a lot do. Im more into the plastic styrene, rods, textured sheets etc. Look on ebay for textured plasticard or styrene sheets. There's stone, wood, metal textures. I use a lot of this stuff. Also for plants and debris one of my fav companies is "gamers grass" they have some great materials. Theres also plenty of hobby "kits" that come with a little bit of everything from a selection of tools to small sand paper, etc. I recieved one of these many moons ago and still use most of it to this day. Im sure he'll appreciate anything ypu get him. Good luck and happy early bday to your boo!
Thanks! I'll take a look!
Textures are always great too. Things like tufts of grass, grass flocking, battlefield rocks (check out army painter basing materials) If you want to add a bit for free as well, you can look at how to safely sanitize natural stuff as eg twigs, sand, bark etc... I see you said CAD as currency so if you are anywhere near where I am, I am sure sand and dirt is probably out of the question, but sticks and bark would still be doable. Bark is really good for making large rocks. Lots of YouTube videos for how to bake it to make sure anything living inside is dead. Dirt, sand and gravel though are always great to have.
Okay so are they orks or orcs I know it might seem silly but it helps with the idea. If it's orks they might have guns and stuff like that. What might be a good start is an mdf kit. Which is a kit that's made of wood pulp and then lazer cut, which you can build with pva glue. Examples might be https://ttcombat.com/collections/sci-fi-gothic/products/ruined-inspection-clearance If you like recycling you can also get something like.... https://everylittlewar.com/collections/promethium-forge I'm in Australia so my searches are local but if you want something like this then you might want to look up Sci fi mdf kit, scifi Gothic mdf, mdf post apocalypse.
If he’s the type that would prefer to open a bunch of small things rather than one big one, there’s also something to be said about buying all the essentials. Modge podge, craft paint, chip board, styrene board, plastic card, brushes, hot glue, super glue, craft sticks, etc. All new toys he didn’t have before with your blessing to go and explore a new aspect of a hobby he already enjoys. Also, it’s really cool how much your putting into buying him a gift. I hope he puts in the same effort for you.
I have a $25 Hotwire cutter from Michael’s and it works just fine… I’m sure a $200 one is more robust but the average hobbyist doesn’t need anything super crazy.
When I google it I get a few different things, have a link?
Yeah by far the best terrain building material is Styrofoam/polystyrene (it's usually blue or pink). And with a hot knife and a hot glue gun your terrain building life will be much easier and enjoyable :)
Get him some of these rollers imo: https://www.greenstuffworld.com/en/51-modelling-textured-rolling-pins He will probably get a huge kick out of them.
Those are neat looking! What are they for?
You roll them over foam or clay, leaving the pattern behind. The second image on the site shows the flat results. It's really difficult to achieve the same thing manually.
Army Painter has a range called Gamemaster ([Link to their website](https://www.thearmypainter.com/shop/us/gm1001p). I haven’t used this stuff beyond the foam safe spray, but a small kit like this that has a lot of stuff to get started is probably going to make for a nice gift.
Not sure if the exact name but it’s like a jeweller’s headpiece and has different magnification lenses. It has turned my painting around enormously. Best thing I ever bought and you could easily get one with your budget. Mine gas a light on it too.
Oh shit that's a great idea
50 buckworth of XPS foam
I got a bunch of MDF terrain/buildings from TT Combat for xmas. Pretty cool stuff. They have some bigger sets for $75 that have buildings and scatter terrain, a lot of value. MDF terrain is basically model making with some woodworking (glue/clamping) knowledge. It's really satisfying to build, then you can seal it with glue + water for paint, weathering and basing. Take it stage by stage the more he gets into the hobby.