The Right Tools Make All The Difference

Patience, passion, a keen eye for detail?  Oh yes, a few good tools help.  Here is a basic list of tools that will help you construct and furnish your dollhouse.

General

  • Pencil
  • Masking tape
  • Needlenose pliers
  • Screwdriver set
  • Tweezers
  • Magnifier
  • Dremel (a convertible electric tool that is used for drilling, routing and other tasks)

Measuring Tools and Accessories

  • Rulers
  • Protractor
  • Mini square and triangle

Cutting Tools

  • Utility knife
  • X-Acto knife with blades of varying sizes
  • Craft mat
  • Small hobby saw

Building

  • Small brass head hammer
  • Small nails for constructing the shell of the house

Adhesives and Accessories

  • Wood glue
  • Tacky glue
  • Foam brushes
  • Hot glue gun (This is an issue of controversy.  Some dollhouse builders swear by it, while others warn against it and recommend Quick Grab glue.)
  • Wood fill
  • Plastic clamps

Painting and Accessories

  • Sanding block and emery boards
  • Tack cloth for removing dust from sanded surfaces
  • Painter’s or masking tape
  • Craft set of small brushes (The set should include brushes large enough for large exterior/interior surfaces and small enough for trim and fine detail pieces.)
  • Foam brushes (Some collectors prefer foam brushes for painting and staining.)
  • Thin cloth rags