Items that are useful when sanding/cleaning model parts

[Joe Nunes]

Note:  this was originally posted on the wrong forum; I moved the post here and deleted the original post. 
 

Sanding and cleaning model parts of excess flash and whatever else needs attention is something most all modelers attend to.  Here are some of the items I use while addressing the various model items in a kit. 
 

1).  Files and sanding devices, like sandpaper, can clog up quickly when used for plastic model work.  I use an old fashion shaving cream brush as my “go to” for quickly removing the plastic residue from the sanding/cleanup items, and, to brush the sanding dust off the part itself. I have a small plastic bag next to the bench and brush off everything requiring attention over the open bag. Keeps things somewhat tidy. 
 

2).  Often, there are areas on model parts that require sanding/cleaning and it can be a chore to get into a tight and/or close part molding.  I found that using small strips of various grit sandpaper, folded back on itself, and held with locking tweezers, can really help during the cleaning of parts. Just be sure to fold those small sandpaper strips so that you keep the tweezer points away from the plastic. I can quickly change sandpaper grits as required and can use both sides of a given strip and all the strip edges to get into and around the part as needed. 
 

3).  Sanding cylindrical shapes, like exhaust piping, axles, steering columns as a few examples, can easily lead to flat areas on a plastic surface. A tool that I used while building RC model aircraft when sanding cylindrical/round items is called a Flexfile. It uses narrow strips of various grit sanding paper, held on a bow shaped tool. I find that this is yet another welcome tool for use on plastic model parts. Very easy to use and can go a long way to help me get a plastic model item looking nice. 
 

Just a few suggestions for your consideration and/or use at your model work bench. ?

Joe

[R. Thorne]

Thank you for taking the time to post these helpful suggestions.

[Oldmopars]

This is a great post, thank you. I wanted to add something here. As you all may know, those really great sanding pad/sponges are wonderful to work with, but stupid expensive. They also don't last very long and this adds to the high cost. 

I searched on Amazon and found sanding sponges in larger sizes and in bulk. I paid $14 for what would have cost me $125+ from the hobby shop. The ones I got are excellent quality and work great. 500-2000 grit. Other grits are available. The finer grits do cost more, but still a lot less than the LHS. 

Also, look at the beauty supply section of your favorite store. They sell Emory boards, sanding sticks with foam, etc., for doing nails. Many grits available at a fraction of the cost of your LHS. Again, look at Amazon. 

Autobody supply houses, auto parts stores, Amazon are all great sources for fine sand paper. They sell it in many grits down to extremely fine stuff.  

Doing the prep is vital, but it does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Just think outside the LHS. I am all for supporting them, but I have a budget too. 

https://www.amazon.com/500-2000-Sanding-Sponges-Sandpaper-Flexible/dp/B09CL9B5WR/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4%3Aamzn1.sym.eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4&cv_ct_cx=sanding+sponge&keywords=sanding+sponge&pd_rd_i=B09CL9B5WR&pd_rd_r=5f069516-49a1-4d4b-a005-de8809372a1a&pd_rd_w=vSaEL&pd_rd_wg=QqNfk&pf_rd_p=eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4&pf_rd_r=2470F20YSCJZQ380NBX9&qid=1676909499&sr=1-1-5985efba-8948-4f09-9122-d605505c9d1e

[TransAmMike]

1 hour ago, Oldmopars said:

This is a great post, thank you. I wanted to add something here. As you all may know, those really great sanding pad/sponges are wonderful to work with, but stupid expensive. They also don't last very long and this adds to the high cost. 

I searched on Amazon and found sanding sponges in larger sizes and in bulk. I paid $14 for what would have cost me $125+ from the hobby shop. The ones I got are excellent quality and work great. 500-2000 grit. Other grits are available. The finer grits do cost more, but still a lot less than the LHS. 

Also, look at the beauty supply section of your favorite store. They sell Emory boards, sanding sticks with foam, etc., for doing nails. Many grits available at a fraction of the cost of your LHS. Again, look at Amazon. 

Autobody supply houses, auto parts stores, Amazon are all great sources for fine sand paper. They sell it in many grits down to extremely fine stuff.  

Doing the prep is vital, but it does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Just think outside the LHS. I am all for supporting them, but I have a budget too. 

https://www.amazon.com/500-2000-Sanding-Sponges-Sandpaper-Flexible/dp/B09CL9B5WR/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4%3Aamzn1.sym.eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4&cv_ct_cx=sanding+sponge&keywords=sanding+sponge&pd_rd_i=B09CL9B5WR&pd_rd_r=5f069516-49a1-4d4b-a005-de8809372a1a&pd_rd_w=vSaEL&pd_rd_wg=QqNfk&pf_rd_p=eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4&pf_rd_r=2470F20YSCJZQ380NBX9&qid=1676909499&sr=1-1-5985efba-8948-4f09-9122-d605505c9d1e

Ha, went right to Amazon after reading your post.  Mentioned to my sweet wife how I see so many useful posts and how I coulld use them. She jumps right on Amazon and orders it. Who among us doesn't need something else to work on our models.?   Got the $15.98 assortment that has up to 5000 grit.

Edited February 20, 2023 by TransAmMike