Model Supports

[Sunburst]

When I need to make my models stand, I have been using twisted wire for as long as I can remember. It's fairly resistant and can be custom shaped for any models. Unfortunately, «custom shaped» is often a long and tedious process which can take a surprisingly long amout of time, depending on the model. Also, the way the wires are positionned in order to have stability can shows up in front of the model and is not very aesthetically pleasing.

Basically: I am planning to fold a lot in the following months and would be looking for an alternative for those wire supports I've been making for so long for my newer models (and possibly my older ones as well). Any suggestions?

[Langko]

Hmmm... I used to use wire too and had the same problem. What I do now is I use bamboo skewers. I just cut a small square of wood, drill a hole in the center for the skewer to fit in. Then you can sand it too make it smoother. You can cut the skewers to different lengths depending on what you need. Hope that helps

[steingar]

Mechanic's wire can be had at any hardware store. Stuff is bendable and very strong.

[Sunburst]

...And is exactly what I'm looking to find a replacement for. Thanks anyways

Langko: I have the impression that many people do the same as you, since it looks useful for displaying stuff such as insects. However, for my human models, I don't think it will work well as it needs a hole underneath the model where it can be inserted, right?...

[gachepapier]

You can often incorporate wires/chopsticks(yes)/whatever right into the base of your model before the final shaping is finished when there are multiple layers, twisting and hiding things right in between the layers and use a wooden base to hold things upright... I've done so on a few models with a result that I am happy with, e.g. my "ensorceleur" or Snoopy...

[Benlewisorigami]

Satoshi Kamiya shows a few techinques for supporting his models in WOSCO. Really helpful if you havent already seen it..

[Langko]

However, for my human models, I don't think it will work well as it needs a hole underneath the model where it can be inserted, right?...

Yes, you do need some sort of hole to put the skewer in. It doesn't have to be a actual hole though, you can put the skewer in between the layers of the model. Every model is different but there is almost always someplace to insert the skewer in...

[spiritofcat]

If your model doesn't have an appropriate gap to get a skewer into you could put a clip or peg on the end of the stick, as illustrated by Joseph Wu here:

[Benlewisorigami]

Spliffonaut (eyerock) does that too. Letter holders work for that

[Sunburst]

That... actually seems like it could work. One thing that worries me though is whether or not the clamp with teeth will damage the model. It'd be awesome if there were letter holders (that's what it is, right?) with bendable supports. I'll look more into it.

[Benlewisorigami]

Yep, I'm sure if you looked on Amazon, you can EASILY find something to suit your needs. Depends on the model. Usually, they are little alligator clips so just a small spring or coil makes it clamp..