The best files in the biz?

[Rugne]

Just working with my files and noticed they are starting to show their age a bit, so it may be time for an upgrade.
I'm not looking for diamond files, I have a set but they tend to be too abrasive for mould line removal, so was hoping someone could point me in the right direction for some good needle files, or give me a bit of education about them. Are there different patterns? Levels of grit? I don't know.
I'd prefer a supplier based in the UK, but I'll take what I can get.

Thanks in advance,

Marc

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Of the toothed needle files, I just use the cheap 10 for 10 bucks. I do try to be careful to not use them on steel and occasionally clean them with an Exato blade. They've lasted for years.

Some diamond fingernail files have a good grit of about 220-330. Use a Dremel tool with a diamond saw blade - one blade has lasted for, I literally can't remember how long. Cut through tempered steel many times, all kinds of stuff and the wheel is still the same size, cutting like a champ - and cut/shape a strip to your liking. Glue on a handle and there you go.

 

[Einion]

Just working with my files and noticed they are starting to show their age a bit, so it may be time for an upgrade.

Clogged? Worn down?

If they're only clogged you might try and just clean the ones you have, like woodworkers sometimes do with their sanding belts. This is tricky if you've got white metal jammed in there but going over them thoroughly with a wire brush is worth a try.

Are there different patterns? Levels of grit?

Yep, they can definitely vary. Unfortunately there are no standards at all when it comes to needle files from what I've seen - you pretty much have to judge by eye if you're buying in the flesh. If you're buying online it's a real toss-up, unless the sales blurb says anything about how fast they cut.

In terms of alternatives to steel needle files I don't know that there's anything else but diamond files, other than getting some of the cushioned nail files like they sell in most chemists and cutting them down to narrower widths; these can be found quite cheaply and they last well generally, plus they are available in a variety of grits. Problem is they're not thin, so access to some tight areas might not be possible and there are of course no profiles other than flat.

Einion

 

[Rugne]

More a case of worn down then clogged, I've cleaned then out with a brass brush before now, I may ju try and get some of the cushioned ones and trim them down, thanks.

Marc

 

[Shawn R. L.]

The diamond fingernail files I was talking about were the metal one's. With the REALLY cheap ones, the diamond dust may come off easily.

You can take a tooth pick and glue some wet/dry sandpaper to them. I've also bought some foam backed wet/dry sandpaper to get into compound curve spots. Cut off a tiny bit and glue to the end of a stick.

 

[MiniatureGamer]

Or just make the plunge and get the Citadel ones. My set was stolen, but its relativley inexpensive at only $12 for 3 nice files. The Citadel stuff is designed for their miniatures, or at least pick up ones that are made for minis.

 

[Rugne]

Or just make the plunge and get the Citadel ones. My set was stolen, but its relativley inexpensive at only $12 for 3 nice files. The Citadel stuff is designed for their miniatures, or at least pick up ones that are made for minis.

I'm sorry, but something in my soul cries at the prospect of buying the citadel needle files

Marc

 

[Einion]

Or just make the plunge and get the Citadel ones. My set was stolen, but its relativley inexpensive at only $12 for 3 nice files.

Uh-uh, relatively expensive at $12 for only 3 files.

You can pick up sets of 10 or 12 for five bucks or less!

All GW stuff tends to be overpriced but their tools can be the worst offenders, as highlighted in lots and lots of prior threads.

Einion