Best suited modeling file set?

Hi everyone,

I tried to search around the forum but gave up after the words "file" and "files" returned lots of results with little connection to what I was looking for.

I've been thinking and searching already for some time on the web for a polyvalent set of modeling files.
I'm trying to modify some body shells and the files I have are not really up to the job.

There are plenty of different sets out there: basic sets, pro sets, needle files etc.

Basically I'll have to make up my mind between the following ones (one or maybe 2 should be enough for now):

Mineshima craft file set
Mineshima precision file set
Hasegawa 10 piece files set
Hasegawa professional type set
Hasegawa gauntlet files
Tamiya basic file set

My problem is that there is close to 0 details about them on the hobby stores sites, only a basic picture with the files in a package, nothing about dimensions or roughness.

If you could help me out with this one I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

Ioan, my most frequently used files are a couple of sets of cheap needle files from Leroy Merlin.

My most useful files are a set of Hasegawa riffler files. They are the best ever for shaping and sanding in strange places ;)

My most useful files are the ones I make.

I take an old 10A scalpel blade, lay it on some double-sided tape, cut the tape out roughly to shape around the blade and lay it on the back of wet and dry paper of the desired grade. Cut accurately around the old blade through the back of the paper and hey prest...the perfect file that will allow you to do most jobs and also sand right into difficult corners. I normally make a batch up of left and right handed versions in grades from 250 - 2000.:smile:

Thanks for the very useful info!
I'll see if I can get a set of needle files in the local store.
And I'll definitely give a try to cinqster's idea!

Thanks again for your help!

Xacto makes some decent hobby files too. Most good hobby shops stock them. Look in the discount stores like Big Lots in the automotive section. Not the greatest files in the world, but the price is right for hobby use.

Bob

I get allot of modelling tools at Flea Markets, I have gotten nice sets of 10 miniature files for $3 to $4. Pin vises and small drill bits, hole punch sets etc. I got a lighted magnifier headband for $3.50, the exact same one at a hobby shop was $35.