The Modeler's Forum

The Mainline => Kit Building => Topic started by: Lashno3 on September 05, 2025, 01:01:51 PM

Title: The Nibs
Post by: Lashno3 on September 05, 2025, 01:01:51 PM
Hi all, it's been... a while. Please tell me there's a better way to remove the tiny nibs from very thin and fragile laser cut parts like these. I mean, I can cut / sand them off, but it's very time consuming. Any ideas appreciated! -Ed
Title: Re: The Nibs
Post by: deemery on September 05, 2025, 01:42:07 PM
Fingernail files, or sandpaper glued to paint stirring paddles.  

dave
Title: Re: The Nibs
Post by: craftsmankits on September 05, 2025, 10:25:27 PM
Totally agree with Dave, nail files.  They last forever.  Mark
Title: Re: The Nibs
Post by: jbvb on September 07, 2025, 10:19:29 PM
I usually use 4" files, either rectangular or knife pattern.  But I also have an 8" long offcut from some decorative stone (mantel? counter top?) with a sheet of sandpaper stuck to the top using contact cement.
Title: Re: The Nibs
Post by: ACL1504 on September 08, 2025, 09:10:11 AM
Ed,

Welcome to the forum. The fingernail file is what I use as well.

Here is what I do to lesson the chance of breakage.

I lay the part flat and use a heavy metal ruler, or something similar, to hold the part on the cutting pad. I hold the ruler on the edge or near the edge of the part needing to be sanded. I then use the fingernail file to sand the "kerf" off the part. The part doesn't move, only the sanding file.

Hope this helps.

Tom
Title: Re: The Nibs
Post by: Lashno3 on September 08, 2025, 06:58:26 PM
Thanks all for the tips!
Title: Re: The Nibs
Post by: Philip on October 15, 2025, 09:51:34 AM

What are you building?