Microplane Modeling Tools from SkyKing

Now Available!

I’m always on the look out for tools that make modeling easier. I think I found a new favorite tool to help speed up model production. Actually, if the truth be known, Bert Olson, a fellow slope flyer, modeler and club member found it and told me about it.

Bert was using a Microplane rasp for foam shaping. He said it worked better than anything he had tried before. If you’ve never heard of or seen Microplane products before you can find them at many wood workers stores and of course on our web site.

We now stock several of the Microplane tools. But before I get ahead of myself let me tell you what they are and why they are perfect for shaping foam, wood, cured urethane glue, Bondo and just about any material we use in model construction.

Microplane rasps and files are made from stainless steel and have rows of tiny razor sharp cutting edges. They actually slice foam, especially EPP and EPS, faster and better than any other tool I’ve used. I also use it on wood with similar results. If you are familiar with the Stanley Surform you already have an idea of how this tool works but the Microplane is a far more refined tool. Sort of like comparing the cutting action of a rotary lawn mower to a scalpel. One hacks while the other slices.

If you are shaping an EPP model or making a plug using foam or basswood you’ll be glad you have an assortment of these handy tools in your shop. I’ve been using the little 3” rasp and the larger 8” flat bladed tool for several different applications. I can’t believe how great they work. They are non-clogging so you don’t have to stop to clean out shavings. They cut 10 times faster than the Surform and because they are so sharp they don’t tear out foam or wood.

The rat-tail files work great on fiberglass as well as foam and wood and these round files come in different sizes for different applications.

If you already own a Stanley Surform we have blades to fit them too. It will transform your Surform pocket plane from a tool that sits in a drawer to one that is always on your bench. With a Microplane blade installed your Surform will be in your hand as much as your number 11 Exacto knife.

Look over our assortment and try some of these. You won’t be sorry you made the investment. These tools will save you time and improve the finished look of your project.

Above is the 3” Microplane hand tool. It can be used for so many different tasks that they are too numerous to mention. If I were to purchase just one of these tools this would be the one. You’ll receive both a fine and coarse blade. They easily snap into place. The handle is 9” long and the blade is 3” long. The blades snap into place without any tools needed to make the change from one blade to the other.

$14.00 plus $6.00 shipping.

Here’s the 8” rasp. You’ll receive both the coarse and fine blades. If you are shaping large fuselages, trimming spars, beveling wing roots for the proper dihedral angle this is the tool to use.

$18.00 plus $6.00 shipping.

Above is the Stanley Surform tool with the Microplane blade installed. This tool is magic on wood, foam, Bondo or any other material we commonly work with. We only sell the blade so you’ll need to own or purchase your own Stanley Surform. You can find them at nearly all home centers such as Lowes, Home Depot and hardware stores. We only offer the fine blade because it is the one that will always get used for modeling purposes.

$9.00 plus $6.00 shipping.

This is the small rasp. It has a round cutting surface that is 11/32 diameter and 3” long.

$8.00 plus $6.00 Shipping.

Here’s the larger rasp. It has a round cutting surface that is 5/8” diameter and 8” long.

$10.00 plus $6.00 shipping.