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Tools An overview of the tools and techniques used for paper engineering from scissors and knives to the best type of glue to use.

Chop Sticks

A surprisingly useful addition to your paper engineering toolkit. The chopstick works like a third hand; a really thin hand that can get onto those awkward places. Use the square end of the handle when you are gluing down creases inside square section tubes. Use the round end for curling... More...

Cutting Matt

You can protect your work top by covering it with a thick layer of newspapers but after three or four cuts the paper will be looking pretty mangled. If you are doing any more than a little cutting then cutting mats are essential. The self healing surface of a cutting mat mean... More...

Cutting Out

Accurately. That's the key. Cut right down the middle of the black line. Scissors, rather than a sharp knife, work best in most circumstances. If you are cutting a curved line keep the scissors still and steer the work round to ensure an accurate cut. When cutting out holes you'll need to... More...

Cutting out Concave Shapes

Concave shapes, shapes that curve inwards on themesleves, are slightly more tricky to cut out than ordinary shapes, It can be awkward to steer your scissors round inward curves without creasing and distorting the card you are cutting. Here are a couple of simple techniques to help you cut out... More...

Cutting Out Concave Shapes

Glue

For paper modelling the most useful glue is PVA. The type used as white school glue. PVA glue is water based, so there are no strong fumes but if over used it can make your paper models go wrinkly. When sticking paper or card you need only a thin layer of glue on one surface. Once your parts are... More...

Gluing

Water based glue works best with paper models, PVA white glue is ideal. The problem with water based glue is that it can soak into the paper and make it crinkly. You'll need to use it sparingly. Spread a thin layer of glue on one surface only. Line up the parts to be joined then nip them closed... More...

Making Square Section Tubes

Square section tubes are quite common paper automata models. They are used as push rods, slider tubes and other sorts of linkages. Making long tubes can be especially problematic - it is all too easy to glue the tube with a slight inaccuracy and end up with a twist or bend along its length.... More...

Making Square Tubes

Measuring up a prototype

Once you've finished your prototype paper model it is time to transfer it to the computer. For me, this is often a mixture of scanning, photographing and measuring. That's where the handy downloadable ruler/protractor set comes in. Print it out onto thin card or paper and cut out your set... More...

Ruler

There are three main materials used to make rulers. Wood, metal and plastic. They all have advantages and disadvantages. Plastic rulers are perhaps the most useful as you can see through them, this lets you make sure that you have everything aligned much more easily. Plastic rulers are easily... More...

Scissors

Scissors come in a variety of sizes and prices. For paper engineering you'll probably need a couple of different pairs of scissors. A small pair, with short blades for doing intricate work and a pair with longer blades for scoring and for cutting out straight lines. If possible, try your... More...

Scoring

To make sure that your folds are sharp and accurate you'll need to score them. Scoring is the process of making a dent in the card where you want to the fold to be placed. There is no one specific tool for scoring, the point of a pair of scissors works well, so long as the scissors aren... More...

Sharp Knife

When you are cutting holes into parts you'll need to use a sharp knife. By their very nature, sharp knives are dangerous. Be careful. Cover the blades when not in use and always store the knife where it won't get knocked and fall onto someones foot. Make sure you have plenty of spare... More...