Preparing white metal question

[maw2717]

Hi fellow F1Mer's
I do not own a magnetic tumbler and have no problem wire brushing the larger white metal parts in a 1/12 MFH F1 kit.
My question is, other than washing with soap and water the smaller white metal parts, does anyone have a preferred small white metal part preparation other than mentioned?
Do they need to be polished? I know they look better before primer if they shine, but i don't know if that is necessary.

Thank you in advance
Mark

[43rdMichael]

Aim of ‘prep’ is to remove imperfections - seam lines, pitting etc.

If the imperfection is raised, use sandpaper or file.

If its a depression, fill (superglue is good for small holes, filler for larger ones. Then sand.

Primer will attach better to a slightly scuffed surface. Scotchbrite rub is perfect.

[Sennafan]

I used to use a brass brush in a dremel for the smaller parts

I would investigate the tumblers as they have become easier to get with Amazon

[Sennafan]

The whole idea to me is remove the as cast finish, you can always tell how well they stick to double sided mounting tape

[dgwoodward2]

I am definitely in the camp of looking for a way to get a magnetic tumbler. It is a huge time and frustration saver with white metal parts. While larger scale kits with WM are able to be prepped pretty easily, if you are in the 1/43 world, it is game changing.

[43rdMichael]

What do magnetic tumblers do?

[jaws]

What do magnetic tumblers do?

In short the Magnetic tumblers are a great tool to clean white metal parts. Instead of having to clean each part with a brass brush you can use the tumbler.
If you do a lot of multi media kits it is a good tool to have. Visited a friend and used his and was quite impressed with the results.
Personally not been able to justify the purchase YET!

[Noddy]

What do magnetic tumblers do?

In short the Magnetic tumblers are a great tool to clean white metal parts. Instead of having to clean each part with a brass brush you can use the tumbler.
If you do a lot of multi media kits it is a good tool to have. Visited a friend and used his and was quite impressed with the results.
Personally not been able to justify the purchase YET!

Operative word being "clean". What they do not do is remove mold lines, stubs, etc. You still have to do some things the old-fashioned way with files and sharp knives and you still have to correct some stuff. What they also do not do is polish in the sense of a shiny or mirror finish which some people don't seem to get. You can tell from the reviews that some people don't understand that words can have multiple meanings or that there are different levels of polishing. Yes, the magnetic tumbler "polishes" parts in terms of removing the as-cast finish but it does not put a highly polished finish on metal parts. Not what is was designed to do and not what the medium (the steel pins) are capable of. Perhaps better to think of it as a burnished finish instead of a polished finish.

[Noddy]

Hi fellow F1Mer's
no problem wire brushing the larger white metal parts in a 1/12 MFH F1 kit.

Let's change "wire brush" for a soft brass brush - often sold for maintaining suede shoes and garments. When I think "wire brush" I think nasty rusty car parts.

[maw2717]

Noddy, and all,
Yes i meant a soft brass brush, i have used a handheld brass brush quite often and i have a couple of brass wire dremel fittings that work well.
thanks for all the input and answers.
another question, do the very thin/ small molded hoses get broken or damaged in any way?

Thanks
Mark