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I am looking for recommendations on modelling files. We had the Citadel ones, and they were okay, but we lost the round one we use most, and since we have to replace it, my wife and I thought we might as well get a nice quality, versatile set for all the conversion work we seem to get involved in. So, what are your favourite files, as far as durability and easy cleaning of the grain, smoothness of finish on the model, ergonomics, and versatility in use, as far as difficult areas on models?

I personally use a set of titanium coated diamond files at a 300 grit as well as an old set of steel files at about a 150 grit or so. Neither set is a citadel set or any other brand name that I recall. You don't really need an expensive set of files and there's practically zero reason to ever spend more than $20 on a decent set that should last you for years.

Yeah needle files are pretty common at most DIY/hardware shops, most hobby shops will carry them and diamond files too.

If you wanted names of specific brands I know that GF9 sell sets of both types. Since you are Stateside I would suggest the Warstore as to most obvious place to get them cheapest.

Generally I just go modelling knife > regular steel needle files > Tamiya Extra-Fine finishing abrasives, which are amazing; about three quid for six sheets of the stuff, lasts ages, and with the extra-fine grade you can polish plastic to a shine and even (carefully) sand down high-yellow-mix Green Stuff without it tearing or flaking.

I try to avoid working with metal models if I can, so I just stick with my steel files on the infrequent occasion I do, but if you work on metals a lot it's worth springing the extra couple of quid to get a set of the diamond files.

I use a nail file I found in the bathroom. It works perfectly well!

My wife got me a set of GF9 files about 4 years ago. I think it has like 10 or so in the box. I only use two of em, but they are great and have held up through god knows how many models. I have moved on from filing everything and use mostly a hobby knife for mold lines and the like. I generally use the files to smooth out edges after conversions now a days.

I've found that cheap diamond files are better than cheap steel files, since they're at least guaranteed to cut. Quality mill-cut steel files, though, leave a much nicer finish than even moderately fine grade diamond files (near-mirror on metal) and are easier to keep clean (diamond grit clogs like sandpaper, grooves in steel are easily emptied with a wire brush - don't try to cut on the draw and they'll last a lifetime of modelling).

Don't have any brand names to give you, sadly, since all of my favorite files were collected in Japan in the '70s. Contrary to curmudgeonly grumbles, they do make them like they used to; it just seems like you have to pay out the *cough* from specialty model or jewelry tool suppliers to get them.