Editing Model engineering (section)

==Tools and equipment for model engineering==
[[File:Typical model engineer's lathe.jpg|thumb|right|230px|A typical small metal-turning lathe, as used by model engineers.]]
[[Machine tools]] used for model engineering include the [[Lathe (metal)|lathe]], the [[Milling machine|mill]], the [[shaper]], and the [[drill press]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Wright|first1=Peter|title=Model engineering: a foundation course|date=1997|publisher=Nexus Special Interests|location=Hemel Hempstead, UK|isbn=1854861522}}</ref>  Until the introduction from Asia of relatively cheap machinery, beginning in the 1980s, UK or US made machine tools produced by ''[[Myford]]'', ''[[South Bend Lathe|South bend]]'', ''[[Bridgeport (machine tool brand)|Bridgeport]]'' and other now-defunct Western companies were fairly ubiquitous in model engineering.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.modeleng.org/|title=The Model Engineering Clearing House|first=Andrew J.|last=Clark|quote=For many years Myford lathes were considered as 'standard issue' for model engineers|accessdate=2009-03-10}}</ref> These days model engineers have a choice of new budget-made Asian machinery, the restoration of 'old iron' (used machinery made to high standards in the former Western industrial centres), or, if money is not an issue, new high-end machinery from the few remaining Western manufacturers. These machines only become truly useful once the model engineer accumulates a large set of associated tooling (such as drills, reamers, collets, etc.) that, all up, may cost more than the larger items of machinery. Model engineers often economise by making items of tooling themselves.

Although traditionally a manual hobby, that is, one that relies on the model engineer hand-making the parts with the assistance of manually operated machinery, computerised tools are becoming popular with some model engineers. Designs are now often produced with the aid of [[Computer-aided design|CAD]] software. Some model engineers use 3D CAD software to build the model in virtual space before commencing on the physical model.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hughes|first1=Neill|title=CAD for the Workshop|date=2013|publisher=Crowood Press|location=Wiltshire, UK|isbn=978-1847975669}}</ref> Such CAD software also interfaces with CNC machinery, particularly milling machines, of which an increasing range is now aimed at model engineers and other 'home shop machinists', making it possible for some model components to be manufactured under computer control.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bowman|first1=Marcus|title=CNC Milling in the Workshop|date=2013|publisher=Crowood Press|location=Wiltshire, UK|isbn=978-1847975126}}</ref> [[3D printing]] is another technology for model engineers to explore. Model engineering continues to expand by incorporating new technologies including [[laser cutting]], 3D printing and [[embedded electronics]] establishing more and more common ground with the [[maker culture|maker]] movement, these computerised pursuits are a sub-branch of model engineering and are not followed by the majority.