A Very Important Thing

[Primarch]

Recently something has cropped up in numerous threads that I think needs to be discussed.

Files.jpg

These are modelling files. These are your friends.

When you are building your latest kit, be it plastic, resin or metal, the odds are that somewhere on the model their will be a mould line. On newer models these are usually smaller, but they are there just the same. Likewise when you clip pieces from a sprue you will probably have little bits of sprue left sticking off the model. These ALL need to go! These are bad and they will make your latest masterpiece look like an amatuer-piece.

It only takes a couple of minutes to carefully use the files to remove the mould lines and smooth out the model. Be careful not to rub too hard or you may damage the piece, but with the some care you can get the model looking nice. When filing be sure to support the piece properly as it is possible to snap fine parts if you aren't careful. If you are filing resin, where a dust mask and do it outside on the balcony or somewhere as resin dust is toxic if you inhale it.

Once you put your model together and paint it, the mould lines may actually appear bigger and worse than they at first appear since drybrushing and washes will both serve to highlight them. Avoid having to repaint you mini by removing them first.

Files can also do one other important job for you. If there is a noticeable join between two peices, gently file over the top of the join, perpendicular to the joint line. This will, if done properly, push a little plastic/whatever, into the join, seamlessly blending the two.

There are lots of veterans on this site who often skip this step of mini building. If you want to get your army put together in a hurry, some people just go straight ahead with the glue without a thought to what the finished model will look like.

And on a final note. Models often change hands as people get bored of armies or need some extra cash. Spare a thought for the people who will be inheriting your army. There is a good chance it may even be me.

In summary. Files GOOD. Mould lines BAD

That is all.
P.

[me_in_japan]

There are lots of veterans on this site who often skip this step of mini building.

who!?

[Admiral-Badruck]

I have to say that I almost never do it... and I know I should... from here on out I will strive to take the mold lines off my models.. or at least green stuff over them so they can not be seen on my conversions and metal models... plastics and Forge World models should never have them left on the models... I have been call to repentance... no need to strap me into a Penitent-engine transgression will be forgotten if from now I can keep a mold-line free army...

[me_in_japan]

I agree it can be dang tedious removing mould lines. Thats a big disadvantage of my "buy an army at a time" policy. 20 Kabailites, 10 wyches, 10 incubi, 3 raiders and 6 reavers look lovely, but daaaaaaaamn does it take a long time to clean em up...

[Seb]

Yes, I learned this important lesson today thanks to Prim.

I want to talk about files, I bought some small files for detail work, but after trying to use them on metal, the files are the ones that got filed down, not the model. I guess I need to go get me some proper files?

Any recommendations?

[me_in_japan]

tbh I find a good sharp hobby knife will do 99% of the work for you. Get a set of files from a hardware store (diamond coated ones are common) and you should be good to go. Honestly though, I only use files on bits where the knife wont reach.

[Primarch]

I agree it can be dang tedious removing mould lines. Thats a big disadvantage of my "buy an army at a time" policy. 20 Kabailites, 10 wyches, 10 incubi, 3 raiders and 6 reavers look lovely, but daaaaaaaamn does it take a long time to clean em up...

After picking up a box of wyches at Yellow Submarine, I am inclined to agree on this point.
The models are so fine that you have to be very careful with them.

tbh I find a good sharp hobby knife will do 99% of the work for you. Get a set of files from a hardware store (diamond coated ones are common) and you should be good to go. Honestly though, I only use files on bits where the knife wont reach.

I've tried using a knife, but I prefer a file personally. I bought a pack of 10 from Tokyu Hands (I think) all different shapes and sizes, and they have lasted a good long time.

[Seb]

[After picking up a box of wyches at Yellow Submarine, I am inclined to agree on this point.
The models are so fine that you have to be very careful with them.

How come you bought models at Yellow Submarine?

I've tried using a knife, but I prefer a file personally. I bought a pack of 10 from Tokyu Hands (I think) all different shapes and sizes, and they have lasted a good long time.

Yes I also bought mine at Toukyuu Hands, there are about 5 in different colour, but I must have bought files for other materials.

[Primarch]

[After picking up a box of wyches at Yellow Submarine, I am inclined to agree on this point.
The models are so fine that you have to be very careful with them.

How come you bought models at Yellow Submarine?

Normally I dont buy models there, it is expensive compared to ordering models from overseas. However, I had a lesson in Sakae and some time to kill so I went to the store to kill some time and picked up one box as something cool to build. My own Dark Eldar army wont be purchased until the new year.
Plus it was raining (5% discount if you go on a rainy day) and I have a 10% discount card so I didnt pay full price for them.

[Seb]

The one time I went there I got the impression that they didn't have many models for sale, it seemed kind of random. Do they only sell what they display in the store or do they have some stock hidden away from the eyes of customers?