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Post by Bleighdzes on Feb 16, 2005 13:55:29 GMT -5
For those of you who own a few of these midget figs, what do you use to smooth out the pieces where they were connected to the plastic frames? Sand paper? Metal filing tool? What have you seen to give the best results without damaging the parts?
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Post by Ming on Feb 16, 2005 14:00:22 GMT -5
For the one that I do have that I have opened (Alpha Male Legionnaire), I used a nail file to file down the plastic bits until they were flush and smooth. It seemed to work pretty well, and didn't seem to damage the plastic. I like using these for filing because they're pretty easy to manipulate and are pretty accurate.
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Post by Randy13 on Feb 16, 2005 16:38:02 GMT -5
I just shaved mine with my pocket knife, but then I'm not very concerned with that kind of stuff...
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Post by Ming on Feb 16, 2005 19:50:40 GMT -5
The little plastic things that are left after you remove them from the parts tree irritate the hell out of me to the extent that I spent a good 45 minutes sanding my Alpha Male Legionnaire before I even put him together. I demand perfection!
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Post by Past-Watch on Feb 23, 2005 11:20:57 GMT -5
I use a needle file to get those annoying plastic stubs out. They do a great job and you can pick them up cheap at any model shop online. If you are really serious a nice 6-piece set comes in handy. I picked mine up here, on sale for $10 now. www.hobbylinc.com/htm/exl/exl55668.htm |
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Post by Bleighdzes on Feb 23, 2005 17:40:53 GMT -5
Excellent! Thanks for the link, Past-Watch!  |
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Post by Past-Watch on Feb 24, 2005 0:33:10 GMT -5
No problem, glad the info was helpful to you. One note, if you get this set don't screw the file to the handle too tight, it cracks. Thankfully the needle files have really long stems so the handle isn't really needed.
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DeeJay
Quick Slinger
j00. got. served.
Posts: 183
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Post by DeeJay on Mar 8, 2005 21:35:25 GMT -5
As a Gundam model kit builder for the last several years (by no means an expert, but whenever you guys want to try SWEET articulation and "real model kits"..... pick up a High Grade or Master Grade Gundam kit), I use tools that reduce the wear and tear on my hands: 1) diagonal cutters. Sears Hardware has lifetime free replacement on Craftsman tools ;D ;D ;D 2) a THIN-BLADED retractable-blade knife. pocket knives and most retractable knives have blades that are just too thick, and don't allow you to gently scrape plastic away from a part. My Sears Hardware sells them for 50 cents 3) once in a while, but very seldom, a finger-nail file. I just don't find too many situations that require the file after properly applying 1) and 2). The trick is to find out how close to the part you can clip the sprue without stressing the part. Gundam kit plastic rocks in this regard, because about 96% of the plastic Bandai uses lets you cut as close to the part as you want. Then once the part is free of the tree, use the knife to gently and slowly (so as to prevent finger removal, y'see) take the leftover plastic off in thin layers. This method not only prevents the round stem effect in the middle of sprue scars you see on some transformers, xevoz, etc plastic pieces, but also minimizes the white plastic around the scar. When you DO have white, scratch at it a bit with a thumbnail. Disappears like magic  |
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