Glass-fibre pencils? - Printable Version +- (https://bigbluetrains.com) +-- Forum: Branchline (https://bigbluetrains.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=45) +--- Forum: Tools (https://bigbluetrains.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=63) +--- Thread: Glass-fibre pencils? (/showthread.php?tid=7121) |
Glass-fibre pencils? - RobertInOntario - 10-13-2014 Several times, I've read that glass-fibre pencils are excellent tools for cleaning track. Most (or all?) of the time, I've only seen this in British publications, such as a special issue of Model Rail that I've been reading where this tool was recommended again. Yet, whenever I google "glass-fibre pencil", all the websites that come are mainly UK sites. Just curious if any on my North American colleagues have heard of this tool or if they've used it ... perhaps it is called something else over here? Here's a link to one shop that sells them: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/abrasive-fibreglass-pencil-kr61r">http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/abrasive-fibr ... ncil-kr61r</a><!-- m --> They don't cost much so I'm thinking of ordering one directly from the UK. Thanks for any feedback! Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - shortliner - 10-13-2014 Rob - be careful of any bits that shed-off in use - they are exactly what they say = glass-fibres= and are not good stuck in skin or breathed in! Treat with care Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - RobertInOntario - 10-13-2014 shortliner Wrote:Rob - be careful of any bits that shed-off in use - they are exactly what they say = glass-fibres= and are not good stuck in skin or breathed in! Treat with care Thanks. That makes sense -- good point! Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - MasonJar - 10-13-2014 The descriptions I've read say they are good for scratching things up. Not sure if I'd want to use that on track... Here's a link for a "Canadian" supplier: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.ca/SE-7616SB-Fiberglass-Scratch-Brush/dp/B003NHDITW">http://www.amazon.ca/SE-7616SB-Fibergla ... B003NHDITW</a><!-- m --> Funnily enough, I used the American spelling (fiber) in my search. Andrew Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - Genetk44 - 10-13-2014 I bought one those,in Andrews post, from Micro-Mark. I wouldn't use it on my track for exactly the reason Shortliner mentions, however they are excellent for gently rubbing down paint or decals when weathering rolling-stock or buildings...and for cleaning paint off of wheel treads and axle points. Well worth having in your toolbox. Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - BR60103 - 10-13-2014 Rob I have one; I've had it for decades and I'm still on my original fill. I use it when I have a stubborn lump on something. Lately I seem to have used it on items that have had batteries leak in them. Also on metal items to finish the surface before painting, especially cast kits. The local MicroMart dealer usually has them. Lee Valley might also. MRI used to stock them. Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - Genetk44 - 10-13-2014 Oh....and they work great scuffing and putting some tooth on truck sideframes so they accept painting really well. Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - faraway - 10-14-2014 They are some kind of eraser too. You get them also in artist shops specialized on all kind of painting/drawing. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/thumb/8/8c/Glasfaserradierer.jpg/1280px-Glasfaserradierer.jpg Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - RobertInOntario - 10-14-2014 BR60103 Wrote:Rob Thanks, David. So it sounds like they can be used for many purposes, especially cleaning up old flashlights! Are they good for cleaning grunge off old track, especially brass track? I think this is what some of those articles have mentioned. Rob Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - RobertInOntario - 10-14-2014 faraway Wrote:They are some kind of eraser too. You get them also in artist shops specialized on all kind of painting/drawing. Thanks! I'll check those sources too. Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - RobertInOntario - 10-14-2014 MasonJar Wrote:The descriptions I've read say they are good for scratching things up. Not sure if I'd want to use that on track... Thanks, Andrew -- that spelling glitch is probably why I wasn't able to find any Cdn/American suppliers. I should have realized that! I'm curious about this tool as I've heard it recommended several times, yet it does sound a little "harsh". Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - Catweasel - 10-27-2015 As Shortliner said, brilliant for splinters in the fingers. For cleaning track I find IPA does the business best. Re: Glass-fibre pencils? - doctorwayne - 10-27-2015 Catweasel Wrote:....For cleaning track I find IPA does the business best. Mmmmm....beer! Wayne |