Most wooden boat kits require skill and patience to assemble. The easiest are usually those supplied with either a solid or plastic (ABS) hull so the masts and rig are the hardest part. Harder but the most usual form of construction for the hull is plank on frame and that requires the most patience and skill. Always a great value hobby, some models can literally take months to complete.

Building model ships is an absorbing hobby, but it can be even more enjoyable if the correct tools are used. There are some specific tools necessary to do the job, such as a good hand drill with a selection of miniature drill bits, something in the region of 0.5mm and 2mm as a general rule. Small files and wood rasps are very usefull, not just for cleaning up the decorative fittings, but also taking off any waste wood when releasing frames from laser cut sheets. A small pin hammer is a must, and can be used in conjunction with the Amati pin pusher, this clever little device saves on injured digits by allowing you to guide a tack gently into the frame with precision. Obviously a good selection of modelling knives is crucial, and the Expo metal shaft handles allow for a variety of cutting blades to be fitted, not to mention specialist chisels & gouges. Curved blades are best for making straight cuts, whilst a straight blade allows for intricate cuts. Miniature needle nosed pliers allow for manipulating small fittings as would a good set of tweezers. Vices and clamps are effectively a third hand, and a good magnifyer is also important, preferably one that's suspended on a free standing base. Fortunatly Antics supply a fantastic range of modellers tools from Expo. Some are some very specific tools for period ship building, plank benders for example reduce the risk of frustrating splitting or breaking of the often wafer thin planking strips, and the Amati Loom-a-line is an excellent rigging frame for building vessels with difficult to rig ratlines. see our hints and tips page for more info.