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need help

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  • Member since
    February 2011
need help
Posted by 40kminis on Sunday, July 29, 2012 8:47 AM

Not sure if this is the correct place, apologies if not. I am having difficulties with building models and have a few questions.

My main problem is flash. I put together figures and often it is difficult to get the flash off. I usually scape with a knife, however, sometimes I need to sand. I can't find a small, thin, fine (800+ grit) grit file that can get into tight places. I have looked everywhere and can't find something like this. 

Any helpful recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: England
Posted by P mitch on Sunday, July 29, 2012 8:57 AM

Not sure where you are in the world but have a look at micomark.com under hand tools and 'filing and sanding' they have quite a few items there which I'm sure will help. I personally have two sets one which I use on just basic clean up one set I use for finishing (much smaller and finer). You can also have a look at a flexi pad which can get down to 12000 I think

Phil

"If anybody ever tells you anything about an aeroplane which is so bloody complicated you can't understand it, take it from me: it's all balls." R J Mitchell


  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by gunner_chris on Sunday, July 29, 2012 9:04 AM
Try the automotive section of stores, theres 1000+ sandpaper for headlight restoration

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Longmont, Colorado
Posted by Cadet Chuck on Sunday, July 29, 2012 9:09 AM

I like the Flex-I-File, made by Alpha Abrasives and available direct from them on line as well as many other retailers.  It's a metal u-shaped device which comes with various grits abrasive strips, about 1/4" wide.  The abrasive strip and holder flex in use, so you can kind of "bow" the abrasive strip around corners,  Great for finishing wing edges, etc.

Gimme a pigfoot, and a bottle of beer...

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by 40kminis on Sunday, July 29, 2012 9:28 AM

Thanks for the replies I have tried the Flex Files and looked at Micro Mark's products. The problem is I work on 28mm figures and these are either too wide and thick (Flex-I-File) or are not rigid (i.e. not on a stick). I need sandpaper on a stick solution.

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by gunner_chris on Sunday, July 29, 2012 12:19 PM
Can you glue sand paper onto a Popsicle stick?

Never tried it but might work.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Sunday, July 29, 2012 12:45 PM

I think white glue will work better for gluing paper to wood.  Give it a try...Wink

Gary


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    December 2011
  • From: Carnoustie, Scotland, United Kingdom
Posted by Challenger157 on Sunday, July 29, 2012 1:37 PM

You could try using sanding needles from Albion Alloys? They could be too round though. The only thing is that they aren't too fine. :(

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Utereg
Posted by Borg R3-MC0 on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 2:52 AM

On plastic figures a Scotch Brite pad can work wonders to remove flash without destroying detail. I use it for the GW minifigures that I paint.

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by 40kminis on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 9:00 AM

Scotch brite is an interesting option, never thought of that. may give it a try...

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by 40kminis on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 9:01 AM

By the way, you talking about the thin green ones?

  • Member since
    September 2011
  • From: Medford, OR
Posted by OMCUSNR on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 11:08 PM

Usually I use rubber cement or contact cement for this task.  Coat both the stick & the paper, wait til the glue dries a bit to just tacky, and you have a strong bond.  

Reid

Grumman Iron Works Fan.

"Don't sweat the small stuff.  And.... it's ALL small stuff, until you hear INCOMING!!!!!!"

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: AandF in the Badger State
Posted by checkmateking02 on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 9:10 AM

The homemade remedy I use all the time is to glue sandpaper to flat toothpicks with superglue.  I keep a supply of them around with 320, 400 and 600 grit sandpaper.

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Monday, August 6, 2012 1:32 PM
I have these plastic sanding stix...can't remembet where i got em...they look like a pencil or crayon with a sharp point and the "eraser" end is angled. All kinds of different grits and they are color coded. Someone may know what they're called. Awesome for sanding inside circles and curves and other tight spots. Think I got them from Micromark.

Len Pytlewski

Moderator
  • Member since
    September 2011
Posted by Tim Kidwell on Monday, August 6, 2012 1:35 PM

Hi Troublemaker,

They sound like the sanding needles from Alpha Abrasives.

TK

--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
Editor
Scale Model Brands
Firecrown Media

 

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Monday, August 6, 2012 2:40 PM
Could be...I'm @ work now but I'll try to post a pic of the sanding sticks when I get home. I ordered a bunch of supplies back in '07 from everywhere...lol.

Len Pytlewski

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Southern New Jersey
Posted by troublemaker66 on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 1:37 PM
@ Tim Kidwell.....that's exactly what I have...good eye Tim. @ 40kminis...you may want to check out those sanding needles...I use the all the time and are great. From Alpha Abrasives.

Len Pytlewski

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