Testing Glass Files For Plastic Model Building - A Must Own Tool For The Hobby

[@kingforaday8725]

Amazing how many nail tools and accessories we can repurpose for our hobby. The files, brushes, cotton buds, doting tools, nail polishes, art stickers, storage containers, drill bits, etc. When the wife goes to Sallys I always go in with her.

[@rickborland661]

I just recently got back into building model cars after 60 years. I’m retired and too old and beat up to work on the real thing. Things have changed a lot in sixty years, so I’ve been watching a lot of videos on KZbin. Man, there are a lot of guys who shouldn’t be making videos. Well, never mind that. I really enjoy your videos. Very informative and I can understand you when you speak. I’ve learned so much from watching. One thing that’s really changed is everything is very expensive. Your video on cheap craft paint was a big help. I’ve never used an airbrush before and I ended up buying the Nedeco Airbrush Kit after watching your review and doing some research. Seems like a good place to start. I built a airbrush spray booth using the aquarium filters you recommended. So I just want to say thanks and keep up the good work. I;lol keep watching. By the way, t just ordered the 8 pcs Glass Files, now $9.49 and the 10 pcs soft files, 400 and 6000 grit, now $7.99 from your link. So once again, thanks.

[@kingforaday8725]

Me too!!! A lot has changed over the last 60 years. Amazed by the tools now available. As far as finishing goes I had a pocket knife, dads big wood working files, and moms emory boards!

[@richardberrie5510]

I’ve been watching KZbin scale model hobbyist videos for about four years. Yours are by far the best! Doogs, Scale a ton, Becker, Will Patterson, etc. are very good, but when it comes to tools and paint reviews, your the best. Love your videos. Keep up the good work. It looks like you’ve also started your own hobby store/company. Good luck!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank Rich for the kind words, much appreciated

[@gioargueta4538]

The best of all is that you always testing on camera, not like other people that just make commercial products announcing it and nothing else, you always give your opinion about your tests and we can't take a decision about what product choose on our needs. You rock man, you are the best.

[@wylie4440]

I love watching Rex use the products. Sometimes you see a lemon, but mostly you just get that wheels-to-the-road experience you wouldn't otherwise get until you end up watching his video and needing to go out and try this stuff yourself because of how cool it looks in use...wait, was that circular? Whatever, get back to modeling!

[@gabriellopez1134]

Extremely thorough and detailed, i freakin' love the work you put in on your videos. I'm relatively new to the hobby and your channel has quickly become my go-to for learning more. This video is really timely, too! I've been reading a lot of conflicting info on glass files and their efficiency lately, specifically when compared to gunprimer products so it's awesome to know there's alternatives that are as efficient without breaking the bank! I really appreciate your videos!

[@PeacefulKey]

Really love your enthusiasm. It shows your love of the hobby and the videos are so helpful. I'm sure everyone appreciates the time you take and your expertise. Thanks again for the helpful insight.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks for the kind words and support. It's much appreciated

[@xer0vi]

Another tip for using glass files is to keep a cup of water near you over a paper towel on your build area. Like you would if brush painting. Typically I'll keep the file in the water while I cut out the part. I then take the file and tap it on the paper towel but you still want the file somewhat wet I'll take my thumb and wipe and excess water onto the paper towel...and then I sand with it. Having the glass file wet helps with smoothness and glide. But and this is the important part..it traps the plastic dust onto the file so you are not breathing it in..or getting dust everywhere. When you put the file in the cup with water it cleans it again to be ready for the next part. Well its more of a partial clean. Just kinda tap it in the cup. Of course when your done with the kit or building that day you can deep clean the files. Glass files are awesome and give great results. Now granted you dont have to do this water trick..but it does make things easier. And protects your lungs from breathing in tiny plastic particles. Anyways just thought Id share. Awesome vid! Thanks for spreading the love of glass files!

[@fickdondler]

very underrated tip!

[@jasonkrisher3134]

Always like your advice and I usually take it. If it’s I. My budget. I live close to Massillon Ohio, they told me at a local hobby shop that they have a great relationship with you. It’s pretty cool you help support the small shops. Keep up the great work

[@ADRIAAN1007]

I picked up a set of Infini Models glass files over a year ago and I can confidently say there is nothing better for removing sprue gates than a glass file.

[@olo398]

how many kits have you built using the file?

[@lechar92]

I like you simply display some of your kits as background, because you like them so much. It is so cute of you, and ingenious 🙂. Your collection only is amazing, I always pause and look at every pixels of the frame to look at them 😀

[@heyBattery]

My favorite way to clean up my glass files is to take some poster putty and just roll it across the file surface. Easily lifts all the plastic bits out with no additional cleanup or waiting for it to dry

[@sewhitewolf]

Been enjoying the gun primer box set. Especially when working with clear color plastic

[@humacao01]

There's always an Amazon deal product out there everyone else can pay for names if they want, but in these hobbies you are better of with the alternatives. You reminded me why I love your videos so much..... You began saying I'm not testing all of these they all work the same, then while testing them you continue with the rest......lol....... you are the best.

[@chrisfoster5717]

Think you for your videos they are very good and informative.

[@grumpydaddoo540]

Hello, I do not build Gunplas or models, but i do 3D print correctors and cosplay items. i came across your channel and you have helped me so much. Thank you.

[@Arastelion]

Was looking forward to this one. Sanding stuff is always the biggest headache to get around. This provides a lot of nice insight!

[@gfsockmonkey]

@BarbatosRex what i use to quickly clean my glass files and my sanding boards is basically a chunk of rubber made for cleaning abrasive surface. they make them in small pieces for skateboard grip.

[@billdavis8490]

As always, a great review. Rookie in model building, going back to your first videos and working forward.

[@scottlewis4364]

This video and the last one comparing nippers were very informative. They definitely must be seen together. I took your advise and ordered both sets of files. Thanks!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Both tools worth having on your bench for sure

[@MileyonDisney]

I'd never heard of glass files before this. You continue to be educational. Thanks!

[@barbatosrex9473]

These are a must own for the hobby. Just trying to do good for the hobby

[@wylie4440]

Miley taught me about focus-defying fonts, Way To Go!

[@MileyonDisney]

@@wylie4440 ·.¸¸.·♩♪♫ W̵̶̸̻̼͉̱̄͗ͭ͟͢͢͠h̷̶̘̘̬ͭ̏͞͡a҉͖̟̜̞̂̃̑̽͢͢͠͡t҉̷҉̢͖͔̹͛̌͊͘͜͢͠͡͡ i҉̧̯̤̙͔̑ͧ̅̔ͦ́͜͟͢͝͠s҉̝̭̦͚̑ͯ̌͡ t҉̷҉̢͖͔̹͛̌͊͘͜͢͠͡͡h̷̶̘̘̬ͭ̏͞͡a҉͖̟̜̞̂̃̑̽͢͢͠͡t҉̷҉̢͖͔̹͛̌͊͘͜͢͠͡͡? ♫♪♩·.¸¸.·

[@d9_1056]

I tested out the gunprimer raser+ and never looked back. I swear by it.

[@fontcaicoya5686]

About the longevity of soft sanding sponges and sandpapers/files - I got into carpentry WELL after I started my Gunpla journey, and I discovered abrasive cleaning sticks to save money on sanding discs/belts. They're essentially just blocks of natural rubber, some with a textured surface. They sell 'model' size ones as well! I've been using the same set of flex-i-file sticks for the last few years. They look like they're going to last a few more years with upkeep. That's why I never bit the glass file bullet. But damn if I haven't been curious! Thanks for the video, I've been wondering about these for a while.

[@sergioramirez6050]

I have the exact same ones and they work absolutely amazing. Cant beat the price and they do a fantastic job. Im glad i made that purchase.

[@TheRandomDave]

I've been using glass files since you first mentioned them in an older video last year i think. a great addition to my tool kit. cheers

[@jaythornhill2916]

Never heard of glass files before now and wow I am going to get some

[@barbatosrex9473]

They're awesome

[@ledwardsak]

Great review and I like the product line introduction as I didn’t know about glass files

[@animalyze7120]

I love these things for cleaning up smaller pieces on car models like the block and Heads etc.. You're still gonna need the sanding Mesh for bodies but these pay for themselves over the sanding twigs in just a couple of uses. Another great video!

[@luto2000]

I just discovered that at the bottom of the dspiae sanding sponge kit there is also different sponge widths for each grit. I’ve had this kit for a few months now but didn’t get to the bottom of each section until recently, it was a nice surprise! As I was thinking on getting other widths separately.

[@alphabetagent9839]

Have you ever tried using melamine sponges (same stuff as Mr. Clean magic erasers) when sanding? They help to clean the leftover plastic dust off the piece and return it to a satin finish. They also do a great job at cleaning and restoring clogged sandpaper/ sponges. I had a 2000 grit stick that was almost solid white with plastic, and it looked like brand new after scrubbing it with a wet sponge. The sponges wear out quickly however, but you can find packs of 50 for cheap online.

[@tomnope540]

Melamine does basically the same thing the Gunprimer Balancer does in this video only costs WAY less. I got a ten pack on Amazon two years ago and still haven't come close to wearing out the first, for about half the cost of a single balancer.

[@tylerschuler6853]

Definitely will pick up those glass files, thanks for the vid!

[@anthonyfoley3401]

An excellent review, as always. Very thorough and comprehensive, yet equally enjoyable to watch. Well done! 👏

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you Anthony 👌

[@vidalaac]

Thanks a lot! After watching I just had to go to Amazon and buy some of those... definitely something to try!

[@megaflux7144]

nice catch! im sold.

[@flashingit]

Nice. I’ll be adding these to my Amazon cart.

[@crashtfa]

So that gunprimer balancer wore out faster as you are missing the first step, the gun primer raser, it’s their glass file. You glass file the nub then use the balancer to make the plastic look like new

[@butchsbasementbuilds6828]

wow those are great results....finally got those enamel paints of yours in that i ordered, cant wait to use them...kind of bummed though , thought i ordered the seafoam but I didnt. oh well guess I will have to make another order..lol

[@lastshadow9351]

Wow, that was great! I've been thinking of getting glass files for a while and now that I've seen them in action, I'll definitely pick up that banana shaped one and some of the other ones. I have some work that I do that these would be perfect for, even that stainless steel one. These will be so handy, that I'm kind of kicking myself that I didn't already get some. Thanks, for reviewing them!

[@sacdomino]

was about to spend a TON of money on the raser files. Thank you so much man love your vid’s.

[@rogerking3449]

I love yor channel ! it is the best. you are a master tester of stuff.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks Roger, I'm doing my best for all the hobbyist out there

[@Kodobro]

I use the glass files he showed that came in the plastic two cases. also use a ultrasonic jewelry cleaner which releases the plastic quickly off the glass file so each nub is cleaned before continuing on. makes quick work

[@jorgemargenat3674]

Definitely a most in every tool box...lovely results,durability and you get alot for your buck...great vid...definitely will stay in tune for the next one....🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@wylie4440]

A toolbox Most. What's a Least? ;)

[@robowarriorx]

Hey love the videos, I just wanted to share that I recently found a shine and polish nail kit at 5 below, it was about $2, and has the shine and polish. A little awkward to use at first but I have gotten some amazing results for very, very cheap. The kit comes with a couple sanding blocks and a couple files, and you could trim to fit if you needed to.

[@petermerz2704]

To order the first ones on the list is 23.01 CDN with shipping and handling. I think I will still get them! Thanks for sharing! Happy days and model on! 😎🇨🇦

[@susancarr9955]

I checked to see if anyone had answered your question about the animal on the nail file, but didn't see one, so please excuse me if it's already been answered. A dugong is a marine mammal of the Sirenia family that lives in the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. The other members of the Sirenia family include manatees, of which is the West Indian manatee, commonly called the Florida Manatee. The way you can tell the difference between a manatee and a dugong is mainly by its tail. Manatees have paddle-shaped tails and dugongs have forked tails. Thank you for your excellent video. I've been looking at glass files and will now buy some based on your recommendations. Great job.

[@MFMouse]

Love glass files, I won't build without one now.

[@SFCHEN-qg8bn]

pls compare with... Tamiya Craft Tool Series No.59 craft rasp PRO flat / 10mm width plastic model tool 74059

[@MrBobafett5566]

Wow re-wow...what a nice tip... I'll order that Thx a million

[@tomtomvelasquez]

Fantastic video! I’m definitely going to be picking up a set of the top tiered files. Will clean up my projects nicely. Thanks again for a wonderful review!

[@modeltankguy]

yea i got a few of them glass ones them ok keep them coming

[@pankbot]

I’ve been looking for a replacement for the balancer That thing is an awesome but too expensive. Thank you!! I have all those glass files and completely agree with you. For the price and qty they are far better then the expensive stuff. I think one should keep the sponge sanding sticks for rounded edges though. The glass files leave a flat edge on rounded parts. But the files are definitely worth it. As always great video and information!!

[@rustedbeetle]

I have a couple sets of INFINI Sanding Sponge Sticks which have served me very well. I haven't tried glass sticks before.

[@curtcassese1243]

Surprised gunrprimers glass files didn't make the video

[@olo398]

literally just picked up the dspiae today from Newtype (im close) so funny how this video drops.

[@jsamcrupper]

I have had way too many scratches with the small black and white files (they work great but the edges can scratch), recently I got a Gunprimer Raser Plus, and it was absolutely worth it. Way easier to use and absolutely no scratching.

[@kirillkapaln4536]

they look worth it i just wish it could get into small spaces like the Infini small, which can scratch for about an MG.

[@xXlamikXx]

Thanks for letting us know. I was wondering if it was the same thing

[@dinosauralan.9486]

Just found your video, the cost for the eight pieces as per : 8 Pieces Nano Shiner Files Glass Natural Nail Files Crystal Nail Shiner Buffer Polisher with Case for Natural Nails is £42.00 from Amazon, now you now why we are called `Rip off Britain`. Its cheaper to buy direct from the USA even with P&P !! Thanks again, must admit I have been using `Glass` files` for several years. Try them on resin too, take care.

[@Gundumb_guy]

I wonder what it looks like if you just do a flat coat after using the balancer. I imagine it turns out perfectly flat and smooth.

[@barbatosrex9473]

It does 👍

[@tetsujin_144]

Flat coats tend to make minor scratches and surface irregularities harder to spot, so it kind of doesn't matter so much. A high gloss finish is where you can really see every minor flaw in the model's surface.

[@jackrowlands8863]

very good stuff

[@shanegraham6750]

Thanks for that. I have been using a glass nail file, similar to what you had, so I'ma up grading when I can. That Dugong (we pronounce it as Due-gone) creature is better known as a Sea Cow, and I would love to see one big as a whale. Love the tech talk at the start, sortof had the idea how they would be different, but now that you've spelled it out I have a much better understanding of it.

[@mordantly]

Does the mirror polish impede the primer bond?

[@barbatosrex9473]

I tested it and it still bond's great. The primered Gundam foot in held up is bonded the same as if I never polished it. So no worries there

[@TsorovanZero]

I kinda want to try that large, really coarse file on something that needs aggressive work. Like scratch building or epoxy putty kind of stuff. It would be more light weight than the steel bastard file I use for that stuff now.

[@esbenrasmussen4289]

I prefer the sponge stick files. I can hear when it goes smooth, it squeeks when it reaches glossy

[@Bastardsama]

Somehow this video snuck past me. I bought the same glass files last year and they’ve been great. I have been curious about the Gunprimer Raser because I’ve heard lots of praise. I’ll need to get these buffers in my next order.

[@pixelpuppy]

I love glass nano files!! They save so much time and have such great results! I still need to use other sanding tools for certain surfaces (like concave ones) but the nano files work amazing for everything else!

[@kirillkapaln4536]

I love glass files. I bought the 2 piece set and the black was fast for about an MG. I do wonder if the 4+4 set is the same files as the the 2 piece set.

[@wylie4440]

The protector between buffing sticks, imo, isnt so much about the sticks touching, but whatever crud they may have on them rubbing off on each other. Do you want the crud or granule from the 800 stick getting on the 1k or 1.2k stick and marring the finish you're trying to achieve with that stick? I've considered chopping up bits of paper to separate my sponges/pads/sticks that didnt come with anything between, but it's really just easier and safer to give them a quick inspection and brush-off with the toothbrush if i notice anything foreign before getting started, that way I know I'm only buffing debris at the proper grit. No 400 grit specs in my 2k peanutbutter.

[@bobbytables4305]

Dugong is a Manatee of the pacific and Indian Oceans. This is probably called that because it looks like the Dugongs' tail fluke.

[@jamest3965]

I've used the sponge type before, they work great. Will try the glass ones for that price.👍

[@henryortega9203]

Excellent video! BTW a dugong is a cousin of the manatee.

[@kyllerkill]

I have t watched the. If so yet. But I’m. It seeing the infini glass files. They are top notch. If you don’t have them. Get them. You won’t be disappointed.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I'll grab some on your recommendation

[@skylordianandy2644]

I have a Dispae hobby glass file. It's pretty nice but it's just far too wide to get in certain areas.

[@georgeadams3900]

Excellent lecture A+++++

[@ulisesfreytes7287]

Great vid!

[@0LDFASHI0NED-D]

To clean the glass file try with a good old makeup brush with a stippling motion on the dry file. The dusty gunk will come right off and your good to go.

[@danielchicoine79]

funny. i just made a post on Facebook 2 days ago, in gundam group about glass files I've got last week.😆 I've bought the Ansai set which comes as à pack of 3. they each have à different shape which allows to reach tighter spaces. about 10$ US id say. they are not as good as my Raser Plus from Gunprimer which i broke accidently not long ago but they are as good as Dspiae and maybe even more. very beautiful too.

[@danielchicoine79]

oh yeah, and for the final polish, like your white sticks, i use Godhand. they go up to 12,000 grit and does à mirror like finish like you but i prefer to stop at 6k or 8k grit. Closest to the finish the piece have at the start. Only brand I've found giving that perfect finish. there's Tamiya compound too but i keep it for cars cause it shines alot lol. Also good for polishing acrylic and métal, plastic windows etc. but also for airbrush needles.

[@leeon2663]

Do you wet sand or dry sand?

[@barbatosrex9473]

I personally dry sand

[@leeon2663]

@@barbatosrex9473 could I also ask how you clean pieces after sanding and working on them? Thanks! 😁

[@barbatosrex9473]

Canned air and a toothbrush

[@leeon2663]

@@barbatosrex9473 and then you just go straight on to painting?? 😯

[@heinwelters]

nice job cant wait for the airbrush tutorial .im trying to see how i can do it. i never used one and the one i got first was a usb airbrusher. but now i got a airbrusher with air tank and i did not use the first one for doing real airbrushing. i used it more for doing the primer. i know i can get primer in a spray cane .but i want to learn to do more and dont know how .i have printed 3d models and have now 4 models to paint ahha .and i want to do it good so i order the good airbrush paint vallerjo .still looking for more colors because i want to do it good and correct. like i want to paint my baby yoda and struggling with the color green he has and the coat that brown cant findt the correct paint for it yet .but i dont give up but thnks you do great job.

[@roadi7]

those are almost $20 more here in canada ~ you guys are so lucky

[@ashfox2012]

Absolutely love this channel but my bank account doesn’t hahahah this is a vid I’ve been waiting too see 👌ty

[@daneself858]

😯🔥🔥👊awesome thank for sharing

[@krzysztofmathews738]

Excellent review. Based on your recommendation, I've decided to give these a try!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Great purchase, these are must have tools for building

[@ckbvincent]

Hallo, is the plastic dust save for environment going into drainage? Will it be dangerous for marine life?

[@d11asian]

Is there a difference between the black and clear files on the 8 pack files?

[@V_a_l_F_e_r_a]

sir the 8 pack says they are all the same grit in the questions section

[@xdevantx5870]

A glass nano file set is THE best hobby purchase I've ever made, and at only $8 for 4! If you're struggling to clean them, use some rubbing alcohol. Maybe Dispae or Gunprimer is better but the generic amazon ones I bought are so freaking fantastically good there's no way it makes a difference.

[@barbatosrex9473]

These files are awesome. You made a great purchase for sure

[@J.D.Vision]

Dugong is a sirenia sea cow mamal (near extinction) like the Florida Manatee... I love Manatees, they look like my Frenchie.

[@TurboSound1983]

Thanks for the many good videos. Your microphone is clipping! Greetings from Germany

[@asc23channel]

Interesting and nice video! What also might be interesting: a.) Which gold (silver etc.) colors look really like plated?! I’ve been trying out several (alcohol based, acrylics etc.) but they usually simply look like golden paint, contrary to some chrome colors, that look realistic. b.) How chrome etc. colors look after clear coating them with 2K automotive clear coat. Best wishes & have a great day!👍

[@barbatosrex9473]

You're only going to get a nice realistic polished metal looking result with a solvent based paint. The acrylics just don't look right

[@asc23channel]

@@barbatosrex9473 I agree! I’ve even gone over to really gold plating (plastic etc.) objects, using conductive copper spray as a base, because I wasn’t satisfied. Best wishes

[@Shokkur]

I got those Dr. Mode ones a while back and I'm a total convert. I'm going to pick up those nail buffers too because that's a crazy deal. I really appreciate all your work as always, you're one of the best channels out there. Do the videos cover the cost of buying all this stuff to show us?

[@barbatosrex9473]

They're just covering the costs. I'm hoping with 50K subs I can start to focus more time to the channel and try to generate more revenue

[@MasqueradePW]

These get some amazing results with minimal effort! Do you know if any of the japanese brands produce files like these yet?

[@duck853]

Game changer for my Real Grade builds that'll kill a polishing stick with each build!

[@reylen3883]

Nice vid as usual and thank you for the tip I have my glass files on the way, I’m trying to get into scribing any recommendations on which scribe set I should get?

[@barbatosrex9473]

I would start with a set like this. It's inexpensive and comes with a bunch of sizes of scribers. amzn.to/3xoey2d

[@5tereo1]

The size of the grit is determined by how many particles can fit through a 1 square inch filter. The larger the particle, the less can fit through at once. So let’s say we have a sandpaper with a grit size of 30, then that means 30 particles would fit through the filter

[@colonelklink53]

Other than Amazon, where do you get most of your supplies from in the U.S.? And thank you for reviewing these and other tools. I just came back to modeling after 40+ years and there is currently such a plethora of tools that were never available to me as a kid. It's hard to know where to begin.

[@logawnio]

my only gripe with glass files is that they sometimes make that nails on a chalkboard sound when I least expect it.

[@paulpardee]

A dugong is similar to a manatee, but it has a whale tail.

[@davidhale8125]

Hey Rex if you have some paint that has been thinned can you return it to the original paint bottle or should you store in a separate bottle?

[@Bryan-cs9to]

Barbatos Rex do all the glass files you've tested have the reversed grit like you describe in the video? I was looking at the files made by Infini and they are described as having the grit infused into the substrate which makes me think they are not like the ones you describe in the video more like a diamond file yet they also sell diamond files. Its very confusing not being able to see them in person if you have any experience with the Infini glass files or know if they are indeed the same type of files it would be a huge help as I really love their brand of sanding products. When these files first came out I thought they were just a gimmick but after hearing you mention the reversed grit it finally clicked why these are so great. From what I understand the glass files will prevent you from removing too much material when using them is this correct? Great work as always your reviews are always the most through please keep up the excellent work.

[@crossbowhunter9118]

What is the difference with a nail file and a glass file? I use nail files. Would the glass files replace the need to file off the numb on a model part? After you snip it off of the sprue? @barbatos rex

[@barbatosrex9473]

These are technically nail files. These will take off the nub after snipping for sure

[@tomnope540]

Hey, have you ever tried Gunprimer's Raser? It's a pretty expensive option but so many people swear it clears nubs faster and cleaner than others. Been using the Dr Modes for a couple years now and I've been debating an upgrade.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Yes, I did a full test video of it. Fantastic piece of equipment.

[@christinley5213]

always learning from ya...have a glass file...didnt know what to use it for lol..now I know! that's kool to learn how they work also..interesting:) thank you! did any one win the heavy metal cd giveaway?

[@barbatosrex9473]

The Winner never responded. I'll send it to you if you want it.

[@christinley5213]

@@barbatosrex9473 omg realy… that would be awesome yeassssss please!!!!:) where do i send you my address?