I was at the Dentist office and remarked about his tools being good for model train building. He came back with a big tray full and said "take what you want". Apparently they dull quickly for his work and he disposes of them. The ones I took have large soft handles and the tips curve or turn off to the side so you can see what you are doing w/o your hand in the way.
Some years back, a local Army/Navy surplus store had a box of them on their counter. I believe they were two for a dollar. Anyhow, wish I'd grabbed a few more. They are great for all kinds of jobs.
Yes, I found some similar tools in a soft clear plastic sleeve at a Dollar Store not too long ago. Of course they would not be made of surgical steel, nor as refined or as well constructed, but they sure do have a use on a layout. I also found some carving blades for people who carve clay or plaser, also cheapies in clear splastic carriers, but these were at a tools supply store that sells nothing but tools of all kinds.
I also had the same good fortune about 35 years ago. I'm still using them, they're especially useful for getting gunk out from inside locomotive innards.
my wife has a collection of tools she uses with polymer clay (Sculpty brand name) that are much like dental tools and while they cost a little bit, they work great in other hobbies. they are not expensive and are well made. but nothing beats quality for free! ;-) found in places like AC Moore, Michaels, Hobby Lobby respectfully Gary L Lake Dillensnyder
In my much younger days I worked for a dental supply company. Was able to get all kinds of returned tools CHEAP. I've still got a lot of them. The best ones came from Germany, and the United States. The cheapest came form Pakistan. Look around at some of your larger train shows. There is/was a guy, (The Tool Man?) who had all kinds of picks, scrapers and cutters. At the Great Train Expo or maybe one of the Greenberg Train & Toy Shows. .
The hardest thing is that you have to ask a dentist. Some guys would rather pull a toenail from a tiger than walk into a dentist office.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I get my teeth cleaned twice a year, roughly. Despite reasonable hygiene, flossing and guality work on brushing, I still get staining and tartar buildup, so my hygienist asked me to come in every six months or endure a massive undertaking once a year. Anyway, that would be the way to establish a relationship where they keep two or three picks aside for you. This assumes you see the same hygienist and dentist for some time, as I have.
Not near the quality, but for the price their great. One other thing, the dental picks may be too dull for the dentist, but there still very sharp. All dentist are required to clean the tools, but don't chance it. Clean them in alcohol before using them.
There was a fellow who would come to swap meets in this vicinity, who had old surgical tools. I picked up a variety of scissors, forceps, etc. Great for the workbench and also the fishing tackle box. Fifty cents each!
