Jeweler's benchblock
This is one of those little tools you never knew you needed until you get one.
Designed for jewelers to work on pieces, it consists of a rubber "block" set in what is basically an anvil bolted to your desk.
Why is it good for figures? Because the soft block allows you to place the figure down on something that will grip it, while you file, sand or carve - without marring the surface f the figure.
It also comes in pretty handy to rest your elbows while painting. Though I only use one, if you place tow of them they could be used as small elbow rests. Really durable, you can hammer, grind and do all sorts of work on it's surface. In time if the rubber starts to wear, you can buy a replacement - the small steel square pictured also comes in handy for working with metals.
Though not cheap, a very useful tool.
You can buy the benchblock at MicroMark. It retails for $27.99
Designed for jewelers to work on pieces, it consists of a rubber "block" set in what is basically an anvil bolted to your desk.
Why is it good for figures? Because the soft block allows you to place the figure down on something that will grip it, while you file, sand or carve - without marring the surface f the figure.
It also comes in pretty handy to rest your elbows while painting. Though I only use one, if you place tow of them they could be used as small elbow rests. Really durable, you can hammer, grind and do all sorts of work on it's surface. In time if the rubber starts to wear, you can buy a replacement - the small steel square pictured also comes in handy for working with metals.
Though not cheap, a very useful tool.
You can buy the benchblock at MicroMark. It retails for $27.99