Lets talk about Files

[Overread]

I figured it would be good to have a few threads and chats going a little more in depth regarding tools and methods for working with miniature; so I thought I'd start with files as I've been looking into them a little more than I've done in the past. I think good understanding, use, maintenance and quality tools make work not only easier, but also faster, more enjoyable and rewarding as you achieve a better result.


In the past I've used regular toothed files often bought from either a local DIY or ebay store with mixed results. Good examples have proven decent on metal models, but could run the risk of creating scratches/scrapes on the metal that required further cleaning off (often using an emery board or sandpaper*). I also avoided diamond files and, honestly, always thought they were the same as regular, just harder wearing.

This first video is a great introduction to diamond files that I'd recommend watching (covers most of what I'd say better)




In short having now tried them I really really like diamond files!
I've managed to get hold of some "micro needle files" which have 0.9mm to 1.5mm diameters which are great fun to get into really small gaps on models.
A half-curve in 600grit, which is very fine, and yet still cuts through soft white metal very easily and will clean to a nice polish. I've got a 900 grit on order and will see how that is. With these higher grits it pretty much replaces the need for sandpaper/emeryboards and cuts down on how much scraping you might need to do with a blade on mould lines on metal.

I've not yet found any very high grit micro needle files, so there's still some use for having some high grit sandpaper on cocktail sticks for some very small area cleaning.



Cleaning files is another important area in order to keep them working. Often tapping them on the table will knock of some of the material and is a good thing to do every so often when working just to keep the worst off.

Whilst this relates to toothed files and aluminum I suspect that the cleaning method would work as well for greenstuff and other general hobby metal debris that become stuck in files (note this is toothed/regular files not diamond)





I've not managed to find anything on diamond file cleaning but I did find this which might be a method that can be used for diamond files - note I've not as yet tried this.



*Note these are technically the same thing. Emery boards are just sandpaper stuck on a stiffer surface like wood or plastic to make the "board"

[Remalis]

Very nice primer thread on the topic, thank you.
While I have and do use files,for some reason never put a great deal of consideration into them, unlike say, brushes. This makes me pause and perhaps reconsider. :-)

[Overread]

Same here, thing is most articles only touch on "use a file" so after years of doing that I figured it was about time to learn something about files and see what else others knew about what files to use; best methods and cleaning and care.

I think purchasing good quality tools and looking after them helps one work easier and better, instead of having dirt cheap stuff that breaks/damages or just under performs.

[mattblowers]

I've been quite happy with the Harbor Freight precision files I purchased. It's a lot of files for little coin and there is always one to do the job I need. I do a lot of wrenching maintaining my vehicles (including motorcycles) and restoring vintage motorcycles and I've never been left wanting with these. The reason I prefer steel files over diamond is that diamond files are actually more like sandpaper rather than cut like a steel file teeth. I know some jewelers often diamond files, but I'm not working that fine. Since minis are soft metal you shouldn't have marks left behind if you use the right file.