Dremel table saw belt... I wrote to Dremel customer service and they suggested that I go to   McMaster - Carr Supply Co.  It is a warehouse in California (562 692-5911)  - web page is http://www.mcmaster.com  The correct belt for the Dremel saw is Catalog 6952K51 running about $2.60 each.   They arrived very quickly. The belts are endless flat belts that are 1/4 inch wide and have a 10 inch circumference.   They seem to be a rubberized green fabric which should be interesting and could prevent some of the slippage that the Dremel saw belts have a problem with.   My Dremels are tried and true,  I have two of them, a Microlux and a Preac.  They all have their own reason for being. 

Renee

Electro Files:  I did buy one of those  Electro Files.   It is by Precision Hobby Tools and I must tell you - it is a hoot!  It is about the size of a Dremel rotary tool but it saws and files and does small finishing work. Mind you this was not cheap (starts at around $90!) but with my hands becoming temperamental some days, I find that I can work longer with this tool and still do small finishing work.  At any rate I would recommend it for at least the top of a wish list!  http://www.precisionhobby.com/

Renee

Heavy Duty Chopper ll  The other tool I got - I think it was from MicroMark is a very small and sturdy chopper. It is the heavy Duty Chopper ll - it was about $40  and I like it MUCH better than any other chopper I have ever used.   It has miter markings - the blade - even though the same razor blade the chopper uses - it seems better.  It really is a nice working space too.  Much more of a substantial feel to it.

Renee

An alternative to siding. I rehab old wood tab & slot houses. I slather on wood putty/filler (in small tubs at WalMart/Home Depot/Lowes etc.) where the slot is glued where it pokes through the wall, then smooth it out with an old credit card and let dry. Then sand and paint. It really strengthens these cute but cheap houses; works to fill in gaps where walls meet, too.

On the exterior, I like to use fake granite spray paint and clear acrylic topcoat, which gives a faux stucco look. Fairly cheap at WalMart & KMart, in numerous colors.

Loretta.Sniarowski

Chopper:   I have used a chopper since they first came out (we're not talking antique here) and wouldn't be without one.  I have recently bought the heavy duty chopper that has the replaceable cutting mat! Terrific invention.  Someone should have thought of this before.  You can turn the mat around as it wears in one place and replace it when it finally dies.   Although that will take some time.  I do recommend this tool even if you have mitre boxes and mitre cutters.

Fannye in TX

Airbrush Advice: I have the Tamiya spray work system - which is more of a spray gun that an air brush.  They also do an air brush that I think can be used with the compressor. I have not used it much - it tends to live in cupboards.  I think it would be ideal for painting bigger things - specially 1:24 scale cars - which is obviously the main market, and houses or roomboxes - anywhere you could use a spray can to paint.

I tend to stain furniture and it's overkill for smaller items  (although I'm tempted to try out the air brush attachment).

Sandra in Wellington New Zealand

Alsatian pottery: Carol of SP Miniatures has Alsatian wares made by Elizabeth Bettler of France. This is the direct link to the web page:
http://www.spminiatures.com/bettler.html

Wendy in Clinton, NJ

mini ceramic molds: somebody was asking about a source for molds for making miniature ceramics/porcelain.
Cross Country Molds
Rt. 1 box 231
Greenfield, Missouri 65661
crosscountrymold@netscape.net

417/637-2606

Kathy in Wisconsin

Dremel: I could not work without my Dremel - I use it for practically everything. If I could only have one bit I think a fiber cut off wheel might be the choice because I could use it to saw and sand.  Of course I wouldn't give up any of my bits and I have tons - from diamond to router bits - - I NEED them all. if you are chipping wood or gouging it, you may be putting too much pressure.   I was taught a long time ago to always use gentle pressure with any cutting tool (Sanders included) to allow the tool to do the work. Otherwise you will wear out the tool and the bits rather than sand or cut your work piece.  Don't give up on that tool though - it is probably the most valuable one you have!

Jacqui in Hilo, Goddess of Chaos

Coal: For what it is worth: I have smashed the black fish tank gravel and have learned two things. 1 - it has very sharp edges when smashed that cut sock, floor, etc. And, 2 - it is not black inside.

Peggy