I recently purchased a set of needle jewelers files ( set of 10 ) and I would like to know if anyone has tried scribing with them? Set comes with several files that have the flat, squared and rounded point tips and are bent at angles like dental tools are. Is it possible to use these as scribing tools?
Air Master
I suppose it possible, but with the ones I have, the engraving might be a bit large.[swg] I saw in a modeling book that a pin vise with a sewing needle attached works as well. Good luck!
Eddie
It’s possible, but why would you want to ? You’ll get much better results with a scribing tool.
Regards, Rick
Oh, I wouldn’t say that. It depends upon the individual and what they’re comfortable with as well as their standards. I’ve used a good number of commercially available scribers, and I’ve found very few which gave what I consider to be good results. But that’s just my take… I know some folks who get sterling results with scribers…
For the purpose of scribing straight lines, triangular jeweler’s files are inherently more stable and therefore, in my opinion, far superior to most dedicated scribing tools. If you’re careful and/or skilled, you can do a great job on curves too.
I wrote an article about using files for scribing, which you can find posted on my forum HERE.
Fade to Black…
Well, if you like files better than scribers, that’s OK with me Steve. I’ve seen guys get great results using a Razor Saw as well. But I’ll stick with my Starrett Die Makers Scriber thank you. [:D]
Regards, Rick
Wolf, I read your article and saved it for future reference. Your method is simple and easy. I think I can use it. I’m about to start scribing an F/A-18C 1/48 Revell-Monogram kit. My jewlers files set are not the straight type, they are curved on both ends like dental tools. (see pic) Would these work also? As far as using masking tape as guide would it help doubling up the stripes of tape improve getting good scribed lines?
Eddie, I’m not so sure about using a sewing needle, this scribe job I’m going to do will be the first time for me. Wolf’s method looks good and I am going to try it but start with a scratch and dig method and go very slow doing it until I get the results I’m looking for. I figured since I have the files I’d use them for something more than just filing.
Rjk, I wanted to find an inexpensive way of scribing without running out and paying an arm and leg for scribing tools and still get the same results. Using jewelers files is two fold, they will scratch and dig out a line at the same time. I can see why Wolf would recommend doing it this way cause it saves time and the end results would be basicly the same.
Thanks! I do welcome more advice on this subject.
Air Master