Do you shake?

[cncproadwarrior]

I'm taking medication that makes me shake when doing fine work. Just wondering if anyone else does too and how they steady their hands while doing fine work.

 

[NH Mike]

I don't have a physical condition that causes shaking but when I need better control I take a page from a sign painter's book and have learned to rest the heel of my hand against something solid like the bench while working with the fingers of that hand to apply small parts or control a paint or cement brush. Even using the finger tips of my hand as a rest helps a great deal and gives more movement for the fingers that are holding a brush. Resting your forearm on the benchtop and steadying your wrist with the opposite hand will work too.

 

[Trouble]

I don't have a physical condition that causes shaking but when I need better control I take a page from a sign painter's book and have learned to rest the heel of my hand against something solid like the bench while working with the fingers of that hand to apply small parts or control a paint or cement brush. Even using the finger tips of my hand as a rest helps a great deal and gives more movement for the fingers that are holding a brush. Resting your forearm on the benchtop and steadying your wrist with the opposite hand will work too.

i do something similar, or i'll at least extend my pinky finger to the work surface or model to kinda steady or at least synchronise my motions with it. i used to have really steady hands till i hurt my back, now for some reason i'm shaky. sure makes HO scale seem extra small sometimes, those decals are delicate parts don't like unsteady hands!

 

[cncproadwarrior]

I should have specified that even if I brace my hand, my fingers still shake especially if I'm painting details. I'd have to brace my fingers to stop it. I have to find a trick to brace my hand right down to my fingers.

 

[UP2CSX]

Bernie, have you ever seen the line of products at Recieve-All (http://receive-all.com/)? I don't know if they would help but they look they might.

 

[tomustang]

i do something similar, or i'll at least extend my pinky finger to the work surface or model to kinda steady or at least synchronise my motions with it. i used to have really steady hands till i hurt my back, now for some reason i'm shaky. sure makes HO scale seem extra small sometimes, those decals are delicate parts don't like unsteady hands!

The nerves are being interfered.

I should have specified that even if I brace my hand, my fingers still shake especially if I'm painting details. I'd have to brace my fingers to stop it. I have to find a trick to brace my hand right down to my fingers.

If you find a brace to do what you said you will not have detail when you paint.

You can work though it with different pieces you're painting:

Small work, figures, etc - What I do is rest my hand on the workstation, just like writing but using a back and forth motion on the item

In Between, Garages, trailer detailing, etc - I just get a block wood like a 2x4 (depending on size) and raise my rested hand/arm up to the desired painting spot.

Big Work - I spray.

One other thing I can mention is if your meds are making you shake, ask your doctor for a different type of medication.

 

[cncproadwarrior]

Bernie, have you ever seen the line of products at Recieve-All (http://receive-all.com/)? I don't know if they would help but they look they might.

Very interesting. These look like instruments for people who have lost the use of a limb or lack the strength to use it. Amazing what can be done for people today.

I'm trying to find a methodology of bracing my hand and/or fingers to steady them. Haven't figured anything out yet...

 

[blownoutcylinder]

Very interesting. These look like instruments for people who have lost the use of a limb or lack the strength to use it. Amazing what can be done for people today.

I'm trying to find a methodology of bracing my hand and/or fingers to steady them. Haven't figured anything out yet...

I would look into those products as well as others. There are a number of groups that you could ask for information from as well---ask some occupational therapists as well

One thing to remember--do not "try harder" as that also will exacerbate any underlying condition by adding tension into the works

 

[cncproadwarrior]

One thing to remember--do not "try harder" as that also will exacerbate any underlying condition by adding tension into the works

That's so true.

 

[leesheridan]

Whole lot of shaken

I have health issues that cause me to shake and I had someone recommend to me to use a small wrist weight that you can get with Velcro and will go on and off easy. It doesn't have to be but just a small amount of weight but it only takes a little bit for your mind to accept it and counter for something that is normally not there. I'm not talking about 50 lbs just something small but it works for me and it allows me to do small fine painting.

 

[cncproadwarrior]

I have health issues that cause me to shake and I had someone recommend to me to use a small wrist weight that you can get with Velcro and will go on and off easy. It doesn't have to be but just a small amount of weight but it only takes a little bit for your mind to accept it and counter for something that is normally not there. I'm not talking about 50 lbs just something small but it works for me and it allows me to do small fine painting.

Thanks. That's a good idea. I'l try taping a few flat wheel weights that I use to weigh down my rolling stock to the top of my finger. Might help.