Fibre / Fibreglass Abrasive Cleaning Pencil / Pen & 5 Refills

Abrasive Pencil 4mm | Halfords UK

I'm relatively new to etch kit building and have been using phosphoric flux from available from London Road Models and Hobby Holidays (amongst others). Initially I applied it with a brush, but have switched to using a syringe (the needle on it filed off flat to avoid the risk of accidentally injecting myself with flux!). I use 10% phosphoric acid applied with a small paintbrush. Runs well by capillary action as it is an aqueous solution. If I can make a suggestion. Less powder as it goes a long way. As you already discovered, the varnish really is applied as a 'dusting', a mist if you like. The Abrasive Pencil 4mm is a small detailing tool, ideal for sanding between edges and surfaces. It is perfect for pinpoint cleaning, de-rusting and surface preparation.

\n\t\t\tAbrasive Pencil 4mm

You are right mind, sometimes its better to leave it for a bit. I've done the same with a couple of mine. I've rarely found much use for the other grades - but I should add that I've never really done much with whitemetal (so I don't know what grade would be needed for this). I've also aquired some quite usefull abrasive wheels for my minidrill from a jewlers supplier, but I can't remember their name ATM.

Gaugemaster GM633 Glass fibre pencil - Hattons Model Railways Gaugemaster GM633 Glass fibre pencil - Hattons Model Railways

But it's getting expensive, and perhaps the last poster is on to something... I'm certainly inclined to give it a try. Garryflex is colour coded, according to grade. There is a list printed on the side of the card wrapper - which may, or may not, be readable in the photo earlier in this thread:

Having built a large number of etched kits over the years, and tried most fluxes, I've settled on water based safety flux, available online from " O gauge online", and other suppliers. No nasty fumes, non corrosive and can be cleaned up with tap water and a drop of washing up liquid. Works well for me. I use Carr's yellow as it doesn't rust one's tools and doesn't leave green deposits on brass. It may have disadvantages that I'm not aware of, but I've used it for 5 years and it gets things built....