modeling tools from a dentist

^^^^

Endo files are slightly tapered from tip to handle.   The size is that of the tip in thousandths.  SS files can be pre-curved and will bend/break.   Nickel Titanium alloy files are extremely flexible and much less prone to bending.

They aren't used to file enamel, but the much softer dentin lining the pulp chamber and canal.  Fine for styrene, but wouldn't last nearly as long on metals. 

I had thought of acquiring some dentist tools. Specifically "square files" to do some very specific things. Mainly, making  really small square cuts for port windows or for just squaring out an opening I want. I think they are super tiny? Like .020-.030? I dont know if there are different sizes? I wasn't sure which one or ones to get? I think its a called a K-Flex file but I am not 100% certain? Its used for hollowing out the inside of a tooth for root canals and probably used for a great many other dental procedures. I figure if these files are hard eough to be used on tooth enamel that they should last a good long time whether you use them on styrene kits,resin kits, wood  and even soft alloys like brass, copper or aluminum? Anyone any ideas know for sure what kind of file this is and does it matter if its a cheap Chinese made on for are the U.S or European ones better?

I had to buy up to 3 packs of dentist tools until I found ones that would bend every time I used them. If you buy cheap, you get expensive in the end. 

I also use a lot of silicone-tipped brushes, the black ones, which are very useful for modeling putties, almost better than metal tools.

Yes, that's the best advice.

Go to the nearest flea market, salvation army, good will, yard sell, dollar tree sources to find some really useful items at a price that could buy you some paint or other needed products.

John3M

years ago, my dentist had a "discussion" as best I could, about my building wood sailing ships. He asked me if I would be interested in his older used tools which are deep cleaned.

After some thought I said OK. They are somewhat useful. They are sharp and able to do delicate work. When visiting your dentist, you might ask them about this. He didn't charge me since he was going to dispose of them anyway. You can also get them new on Amazon, look them up and see if they can work for you. next time I'll just order them new....

Forget Amazon, go to the nearest flea market. You can probably find some there.  Or at modeling shows, too.  I've even seen them at woodworking shows, on tables run by tool liquidators.

The probes and other tools are good for sculpting, too, if you take that up.

I haven't got tools from my dentist, but I did get a bucket of lead foil packets used to package X-ray film blanks.  My dentist had too small an amount to make it worth it to dispose of them through an environmental cleanup firm, and otherwise, he couldn't get rid of them.  When I told him I use lead foil with my figures and models, he asked if I wanted them.  Of course since then, he's got a digital system like pretty much every other dentist. But it doesn't hurt to ask.

Dental hand instruments are quite useful on my bench.  The most useful is an air driven handpiece controlled with a foot rheostat.  It's WAY more controllable than any Dremel ever made.  

The OP's photo shows instruments primarily used by a dental hygienist.  The more useful for us are the chisels, hatchets and hoes used in traditional cavity preps for amalgams and gold.  Rarely used today in the era of bonded filling materials.  

Sorry to hear about your dad.. i too have tools from my uncle he taught me respect for tools. I may not allways use them if at all but they mean a lot to me.

Not only do I have a lot of dental tools.....

ت I have all my (deceased) Dad's professional watchmaking tools too.

Got over a dozen of those from my old dentist back in the 60's and 70's. Still have them.

Don't be afraid to ask for them. The worst he can do is say no.

Stay safe.

JIm 

One of the guys in my club was the son of a dentist who was retiring, and the member brought in a bunch of dad's tools and offer them at super Iow prices. I bought a very sharp pair of tweezers. They are in the same condition as day I got them-still the best o all the tweezers I own.