you all are a great help, thank you.
mike ct, thanks for the pictures. that was helpful.
martin, u r right, in the op I was talking about something other than hand tools. I don't use any power tool other than the occasional drill for modeling. just lots and lots of #11 and other exacto blades. I brought up micro-mark because they have benchtop power tools specifically made for hobbyists, not serious woodworkers, furniture makers, etc.
joe, the table saw was my original instinct, although the band saw for curved roads and streets might make sense.
rick, u r right. i am doing fine, although I keep having the feeling I'm missing something (admitedly, it may be like the feeling I had about airbrushing, and I've yet to use the one I have as I get a totally realistic effect with hand painting and spray cans and IA/chalks -- sort of the SIRTmethodology I think). there still may be some upside to some hand held power tool if not the benchtop version.
thnks again everyone.
jerrman
