Small files - suggestions?

[Anthony Kesterton]

Hi

 

I am looking for some decent files - for plastic, and photo-etch cleanup. I have some Rolson diamond coated files which seem to lose more of the abrasive than actually scrape off the plastic.  I have also tried some random file sets in the past - again, not very good quality.  

 

Any suggestion on some decent, small files?

 

thanks

 

anthony

[Ade H]

That would depend upon what you rate as decent, Anthony, as that is to some degree relative. I bought a Sujiborido set when I started this hobby in 2016; they are superb quality and still perfect, which is what I regard as a decent tool. However, I don't know whether they are sold in Britain; and if you have a tight budget, a couple of the Mr. Hobby files would be a sound second best choice, I think.

[Anthony Kesterton]

On 2/6/2022 at 3:16 PM, Ade H said:

That would depend upon what you rate as decent, Anthony, as that is to some degree relative. I bought a Sujiborido set when I started this hobby in 2016; they are superb quality and still perfect, which is what I regard as a decent tool. However, I don't know whether they are sold in Britain; and if you have a tight budget, a couple of the Mr. Hobby files would be a sound second best choice, I think.

Thanks Ade H - will take a look at both those brands.  Premium Hobbies appear to have stocked the Sujiborido sets - but now out of stock.

 

I have seen recommendations for swiss jewellers files too - Vallorbe seems to be the brand.  These are for jewellers and other metal work.

 

anthony

 

Edited February 7, 2022 by Anthony Kesterton

[nheather]

I have asked this question on several occasions but have never received a satisfactory answer.

 

In particular I was looking for small files to clean up plastic and white metal wargaming figures in a variety scales, 15mm, 20mm and 28mm.  What I was after was files of a variety of profiles and small enough to get into the nooks and crannies that would take off fine seam and flash imperfections smoothly without leaving scratches.

 

I do have a set of micro needle files with diamond abrasive which can get into the nooks and remove material ,not had any problem with the abrasive coming off, but they leave scratches on the model.

 

Files such as Vallorbe were suggested, but I never got a clear answer of what cut I would need - they are expensive, a small set is around £80 (if you can them in stock anywhere) - ideally I want some sort of comparison with something I understand, like comparing them with grades of wet and dry - I need files that are equivalent to wet and dry grit 600 to 900.

 

For photo etch I do have the Tamiya photo etch file which works pretty well.

 

Cheers,

 

Nigel

[Anthony Kesterton]

4 hours ago, nheather said:

In particular I was looking for small files to clean up plastic and white metal wargaming figures in a variety scales, 15mm, 20mm and 28mm.  What I was after was files of a variety of profiles and small enough to get into the nooks and crannies that would take off fine seam and flash imperfections smoothly without leaving scratches.

 

I do have a set of micro needle files with diamond abrasive which can get into the nooks and remove material ,not had any problem with the abrasive coming off, but they leave scratches on the model.

 

Files such as Vallorbe were suggested, but I never got a clear answer of what cut I would need - they are expensive, a small set is around £80 (if you can them in stock anywhere) - ideally I want some sort of comparison with something I understand, like comparing them with grades of wet and dry - I need files that are equivalent to wet and dry grit 600 to 900.

 

For photo etch I do have the Tamiya photo etch file which works pretty well.

Perhaps the very fine jewellery microfiles will work on your white metal figures.  In the Vallorbe system - cut 6?

 

I did manage to find someone getting rid of a few Cut 2 Vallorbe and have bought those - if they don't work for my plastic kits - will use them for metal-work.

 

I will look at the photo-etch file from Tamiya - thanks

 

regards

 

anthony

[dragonlanceHR]

7 hours ago, nheather said:

What I was after was files of a variety of profiles and small enough to get into the nooks and crannies that would take off fine seam and flash imperfections smoothly without leaving scratches.

I suggest that you check out the various ceramic optons that are now available, f.eg:

https://m.aliexpress.com/i/33027364811.html&ved=2ahUKEwjIu_-c4-31AhVLIMUKHdexAhcQFnoECAcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2gIUJU29gkzuipsfJ7c8M2

 

Available in 400, 600 and 1000 grits.

[mekon]

Hobby elements make pretty useful small/micro files; I have a few sets and can attest to there quality.  Well worth checking out their website.

 

Hobby Elements

 

 

[dnl42]

Vallorbe are available in 0, 2, 4, and 6 cut. The 0 cut is very aggressive. The 6 cut will produce a mirror finish. My most commonly used file is an equalling file. Next is a crossing file. Round and square files are next. I have other shapes too.

[Jamiec360]

I got some miniature files (set of 5 needle and 5 diamond) from Squires at Telford. I don't know the cut but I've found them really useful, they have a few pages of files in their catalogue.