CAF: 101 – ‘Flex-I-File/ Alpha Abrasives Product Review!
CUSTOM ACTION FIGURES: 101 – Customizer Product Reviews – ‘Flex-I-File/ Alpha Abrasives”
By Rob Panick
This week on Custom Action Figures: 101’s Customizing Product Reviews, we’re going to have a look at some products from Flex-I-File/ Alpha Abrasives that will really help you out with prepping your figures. Flex-I-File and Alpha Abrasives offer a wide range of products designed for precision modeling, but as you will find, these products are great for use in action figure customizing.
FLEX-I-FILE
We have a couple of different products to review today from Flex-I-File. The first one is their Flex-Set “Complete Finishing Set” (Catalog #550 -$25.99)
(From http://www.flex-i-file.com)
“The complete solution for discovering all the possibilities of the Flex-I-File system. Package includes 1 Flex-I-File frame and 8 assorted tapes plus the complete grit range of Flex-Pads. All abrasives contained in this package can be used wet or dry. This kit is a perfect combination of products for the beginner or advanced model miniaturist!”
This is a great kit that offers a nice selection of the products that Flex-I-File has to offer. The kit contains 5 flex-pads (one of each grit they offer), 1 triple grit polisher, 1 anodized aluminum frame, and 8 assorted abrasive tapes. I really love it when companies offer their product in a kit, because it saves you money and gives you a chance to try out a lot of their products. This kit contains a good selection of abrasives that will definitely help you prep your figures and vehicles so that you can get the best finish possible!
The next products we have from Flex-I-File are their Flex-I-File Brand paint brushes (catalog #s BRxx – $7.99 each). These are very high quality, long lasting brushes. They have triangular handles and all natural bristles. They are available in 9 different sizes: 10/0, 5/0, 4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0, 1, 2, and 3. They can be purchased individually, as well as in their 4 pack (#BRF-4P – $27.99) and 5 pack sets (#BRUF-5P – $34.99).
ALPHA ABRASIVES
The first product we have from Alpha Abrasives is their Ultra Fine Waterproof Finishing Kit (Catalog #0110 – $8.99)
(From http://www.flex-i-file.com)
Every modeling project requires its own unique finishing process but some may require a little more detail than others. This kit is the most complete abrasive assortment on the market. This product is a must have for all serious modellers who demand quality! The Ultra Fine Waterproof Finishing Kit contains one sheet of each 320, 400, 600, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 12 000 grit. It is washable, reusable and waterproof! Don’t forget for long use and superior performance clean with Alpha’s Abrasive Cleaning Disc.
Next we have their Professional Hobby Sanding Files (Size 6 1/2” X 1/8” – $4.99)
These files are light weight multipurpose instruments. The size and hooked end design allows any hobbyist to get into tight spaces and helps sand delicate and obscure project pieces. Don’t settle for poor quality ungraded off cuts for your projects, demand the best!
Available in Fine, Medium, and Coarse 12 packs. These files are highly durable and reusable. Files are 100% waterproof which is a great advantage since they can be used wet or dry. For optimal use and extended life clean files with Alpha’s Abrasive Cleaning Disc.
Our next Alpha Abrasives product is their Flexible Detail Sanding Kit (catalog #901 -$7.99)
Flexible rubber design makes it easy to get around tight corners and to smooth out surfaces with ease. The rubber holder also has molded grip marks so it will not slip onto unwanted areas when you are sanding. This product is 100% waterproof and is reusable. Abrasive pads are available in a refill package. This package contains 1 rubber holder and 3 waterproof abrasive cushioned foam back pads 180, 240, and 400 grit.
We also have Alpha Abrasives’ Plastic Sanding Needles. Plastic sanding needles are a unique offered by Alpha Precision Abrasives. This product is perfect for getting into those very small areas that are nearly impossible with conventional tools. Ideal for miniaturists who need a tool for fine detail work, these needles give you great control for precision finishing. When even the smallest of modelling chisels are too big for some projects, these plastic sanding needles will be a big relief. Use this product to remove flash (casting seams) in tight corners, compound curves, sculpting miniatures, and decorative work.
Whether you enjoy working with plastic, resin, metal, or wood, sanding needles are designed to make the job easier and give superior results. Sanding Needles are washable, reusable, and excess material left behind can be removed and cleaned using our Abrasive Cleaning Disc adding to performance and extended performance.
Plastic Sanding Needles are available in 8 packs of 150, 240, and 320 grit. The differing needle grits are color coded enabling you to easily pick-up the correct grit needed, even from a cluttered work station! Apply the three grit range of abrasive needles on your project.
Last, but not least, we have Alpha’s Microbrushe Applicators (Catalog #1400 – 40 pack $7.99)
They have a patented design with a bendable neck that facilitates precise placement in difficult areas. Non-absorbent, non-linting fibres are ideal for suspending a solution as small as 1/8 of a drop. No dripping or spilling contributing to minimum waste of your materials. This is a craft and hobby necessity. The MicroBrushes are available in a 25 pack, 100 pack, and a 40 assorted pack (10 of each MicroBrush).
As I always stress, proper prep is one of the most essential parts of building your figures. With the tools available from Flex-I-File and Alpha Abrasives, you can have everything you need to get you on the right path to creating a custom masterpiece! Be sure to check them out today at http://www.flex-i-file.com, and be sure to tell them CAF: 101 sent you!
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