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01-17-2010, 09:51 AM
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To make or buy blocks
I am totally frustrated with my attempts at shaping a store-bought block to look like an 18th century block. Does anyone have experience with JB Model.eu wood blocks? They are expensive. But, so is whittling, filing and sanding down tiny pieces of wood for the next 50 hours.
 (open in a blank window) Note that the photo is of the JB Model blocks. The blocks that I have tried to shape look more like kernels of puffed wheat
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01-17-2010, 10:37 AM
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Re: To make or buy blocks
The only blocks I have bought are from The Lumberyard. They are a lot better than what comes with a kit but not as good as the ones you show from JB Model.
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01-17-2010, 10:52 AM
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Re: To make or buy blocks
I've been figuring out the cost for these blocks based on exchange rate with the Euro and shipping from Europe. The smallest single block I'd need (4mm) would be about 30 cents w/o figuring in shipping. Shipping for 2 kg would be about $21. The cost per block goes down with bigger blocks. So, I'm thinking that about 200 blocks and shipping would be somewhere around $80 - $100. It would probably take me 100 hours to make this many blocks. And then there's no way that they'd even come close to looking as good as the JB blocks. By my math, my time is better spent doing 100 hours of billable work than struggling over the rest of the winter making funky looking blocks.
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01-17-2010, 01:57 PM
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Re: To make or buy blocks
Hi John,
Have you considered blocks by Lloyd Warner? There's no internet ordering available, so you either have to write or call. I can email you a copy of the order sheet if you like, otherwise you can just call him at 435-652-4400. He produces some of the best blocks available. I've used them on many of my models. I don't know how they compare to JB Model blocks though. Also, they aren't cheap. They're $3.50 per package and the quantity you get per package varies on the size. For 4mm blocks, you get 12 singles, 10 doubles or 8 triples. So, the price is probably comparable to JB Model Blocks, but you should save a lot of shipping I would think, and any bank charges for the currency conversion. I've attached a photo I took of a 4mm and some 5mm blocks. Unfortunately, this camera doesn't take great miniatures shots like my old coiuld. Clare
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01-17-2010, 03:57 PM
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Re: To make or buy blocks
Clare, Thanks for responding. I'll definitely look into those blocks. I have followed your recent posts, and understand that you're looking at the end of a project that has spanned about ten years. The Endeavour model (that I want to finally finish this winter) began for me in 1984 as an AL kit. Note that I have taken some breaks in the modelling process when I decided to return to school and also raise a son, etc.
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01-17-2010, 04:53 PM
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Re: To make or buy blocks
These are excellent blocks from JB Model. They are about the same cost as Warner's blocks. I think they look even better than Warner's. You will still get a block that is not as nicely shaped every now again and you should cull them out, but for the most part these blocks are consistantly good. At the most a quick sanding to smooth out a few rough spots and you are good to go. Buy just a few extra of each size. It will make a world of difference on your model. The service at JB is also teriffic.
  Chuck
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