GUNPLA TIP : Glass Files

[@Smilomaniac]

This is specifically a glass nano file. Glass files can be anything, including a traditional ridged file, so you can't just go out and buy any "glass file" and expect this tool. The difference is that instead of ridges it is full of holes with sharp edges, meaning it only cuts what sticks out from a surface, relative to the angle and surface of the file. You can also file in any direction. If you can't order from the US, there are other brands, anywhere from makeup nano files for nails to Gunprimer's Raiser, but do be nice and support the people you learn from if you can.

[@HenryTriplette]

IMHO the fastest way to clean a glass file is to use a piece of painter tape, stick it to the file and then peel it off. When I use a brush it often leaves some pieces of plastic stuck between the file teeth, but with tape it always takes off all the debris in one or two pulls (sorry for my English)

[@shadow7037932]

Another good way is an ultrasonic cleaner. Honestly every hobbyist should have one. So darn versatile and not very expensive either.

[@barrybb5409]

Eventually you will need to wash the glass file due to the adhesive residue. Itll trap more plastic dust due to that adhesive. Good for a quick clean up when building but not good in the long run.

[@Gunpla-Slinger]

You know you could use a small amount of acetone or lacquer thinner to clean them as well.

[@HenryTriplette]

@@barrybb5409 yeah, it's just while building. After a few pieces it gets full of shavings, so using tape is a quick and dirty trick to clean it and keep on building. On a side note, having all the shavings trapped into the tape helps me keeping the work area less dusty. X3

[@HenryTriplette]

@@Gunpla-Slinger yeah, I usually just use warm water, soap and a brush after each building session. The tape is just a quick and dirty trick to clean the file while building without having to worry about dust

[@JuLVideos]

I totally agree. For no paint builds, glass file is a game changer ! 👍 And if you find that parts are too glossy after filing, it's easier to "dull" back the surface with a quick high grit sanding, than remove scratches left by a metal file (or a clumsy knife!).

[@Gunpla-Slinger]

Nail buffers do the same thing and they are cheaper.

[@JuLVideos]

@@Gunpla-Slinger Yes and no. I first used nail glass files, but their edge are too sharp and often dig a groove if you're not holding the file flat enough. Dedicated glass files like Gunprimer Raser have round edge that prevent damage to filed parts.

[@D.Ku_03]

melamine sponges are really good to remove that shine

[@HaohmaruHL]

You can also take a cup of water and soak it a bit before filing. Prevents dust from flying everywhere and gives the surface a bit smoother feel.

[@close313]

i swear nail salon tools being appropriated and rebranded into gunpla or model tools will always be so funny to me. It's giving soap or shampoo for men being packaged into more masculine containers or boxes or things like that. We should just raid the nearest salon and find the next big thing

[@simpleanswer8954]

People have been doing it for decades. I remember tutorials for thinning nail polish for an airbrush back in the 90's. Makeup sponges have always been great for weathering.

[@dizzeedandan4744]

I got a dispaie glass file and it was great so i ordered abothwr 1 then found out i can get multi packs od them and in different grit ( well not grit but finer or less fine sandy bit), after the first day i got it, and used it for the first time, i was speachless at how well and clean The first nub vannished withput a trace. No sign it had even existed. I was amazed. Theres afew liltips n tricks u pick along the way. It took me a day to fully master it. Now ive found out theres different grit 1s and different shaped 1, i got my 1 i been using since i got 1. My pIr 1 the same and now im gna have to grab up a multi pack or 2 just to keep 1 safe for if the others go wrong or run out n i cant find em selling no where or theres a new thi g out n these are forgotten to time. There well cheap atm too i can se theese shooti g up in price when the masses se how amazi g these are.

[@shadow7037932]

Would have been a better idea to use a different colored part in the example, like a black/green part which usually shows scratch marks more clearly.

[@scottbuildsthemall5124]

I really like the ones that I have purchased. Used correctly, they leave a very smooth finish. After demonstrating them at a club meeting, several members went out and bought their own.

[@ELemon8]

When I was ordering some supplies the glass files were a suggested item and for the price it was worth rolling the dice on. After seeing this video I'm definitely glad I scooped them up and can't wait for them to show up!

[@WeRGundam]

I need to get back to building

[@deganteng5625]

I bought ordinary cosmetics glass nano files for only $2. As long as the holes are shaped like circles, it will do the work. I've finished 1 RG and 4 HGs with only this 1 item so far. For me, I remove the excess debris by sticking it to blue tacks

[@Mc-Derpulous]

Bought mine at ulta beauty store. Also got some nail buffers there that work perfect for buffing/polishing nub removal

[@hellomgatao123]

One tip i have with these glass files is use the rough side of a velco to clean it. It removes all the buildup and very compact. I usually use those velcro with sticky backs then tape it onto my gunpla tool box.

[@barrybb5409]

Having used a few generic glass files, try to find ones that have a divot type of construction over the ones with raised teeth. Poke dots over ////// if that makes sense, the dot type wont be as abrasive where the toothed kind will be just as abrasive as a metal file. Also do not press down hard, let then weight of the file be the down force, your job is to move the file not jam it down. Eventually you will learn what pressure you need to apply with experience. The gunprimer raser is a great file, but you can find comparable ones for way less if you know what to look for, but dont be afraid to try one if youre unsure what you need, they are very forgiving for new builders inexperienced with filing. Learn to use your tools and take care of them right and theyll take care of you for a long time.

[@ying3966]

Extra tip, move along curved edges with a glass file and works with clear parts. Don't go normal up and down on curves. I've been using gunprimer since it was introduced in 2019 but I expect similar results from dspiae and now these glass files. I'd assume you'll need to work a bit harder with using generic glass files compared to model kit special glass files like gunprimer. These ones seem nice compared to gunprimer because you can "kind of" see through it but seeing how I'm stuck with gunprimer, I don't foresee myself buying the usags glass files. Btw, raser is considered as 400 grit, raser + is 220 grit. Generic glass files are usually in the 100 grit and it's actually damaging if done incorrect. These usags seem to be 400 or 600 grit.

[@rey-o]

Love my glass file! I have a fairly inexpensive one and it works great

[@Geekeric]

Wow, it's funny I was just thinking about this effect part problem today. 😏 It's almost like you can read my mind.

[@skuffles]

damnit Zach... first you empty my wallet from all the plamo you make me wanna buy... and now glass files :D

[@charlesdotterman4580]

Mecha nuts kit on usags 52% off is 29.99 great way to get back in the passion

[@panfarmld9664]

i got Glass Files cheap and very efficient from Miniso. i forget it's a glass at first and not much careful with it... After get new one i'm be more careful now

[@strf90105]

is that ZakuAurelius?

[@ZakuAurelius]

yes!

[@myogetsu666]

just get those cheap nail glass files instead of the glass files that are rebranded for modeling use, they are the same :)

[@Tongue123able]

the glass files have 2 types, ur using the nano grit ones, can u compare it with the directional/linear one ?

[@vejywejy21]

I recognize that voice. Is that Zaku Aurelius

[@USAGundamTV]

Yep!

[@Kaio_Keint]

So glass files don't leave stress marks or scratches?

[@theredcomet2868]

Can you use any type of glass file or does it have to be made specifically for gunpla?

[@Predhead]

Is there a reason to file perpendicular to the line of the part?

[@ZakuAurelius]

Nope! Just whatever is comfortable

[@John_Burner]

Any good way to clean these?

[@oldfreddyfrenchfry1]

Been using a toothbrush - works great.

[@charlesdotterman4580]

Lazy way .i stick them in a dawn dishwasher ,water cup on my desk, rinse it off after i complete a kit . I really like Depiae. i have used the same one on 25 hg , 5 rg , 5sd, 5rg, 5mg . it was 5$ buy them all you will be very happy . going to give these a try as well . gun primer was like 40$.

[@NeoSlashott]

Imagine trimming your plastic nails be like. 😊

[@trevorbowen1747]

I just remove excess material with my knife

[@pablogonzalezhermosilla4210]

yeah, then use my nail/tooth stick to press the white plastic and erase what's left of the nub mark. While it doesn't work flawlessly its faster and has better results than any file I've used.

[@NapoleonBorn2Party]

I don’t cos I’m lazy af hahaha

[@rryoma64]

Nobody fcuking ask 🤷🏻‍♂️ lmao

[@941asland]

I'd love to buy it, but they expect me to pay 10 dollars shipping for this? I ship stuff frequently and a package this small wouldn't cost more than 4 bucks to ship anywhere in the US. I wish they adjusted their rates for smaller items. Even smaller model kits wouldn't cost 10 bucks to ship.