Converting with Soldering iron?

[brynolf]

I have some odd and bulky models I am gonna convert pretty heavily. I thought "hey, if they are made out of tin, why not use a soldering iron to get rid of the bulky parts"... It works, I suppose, but the whole model gets really hot, and I fear it might deform... what do you guys think, is soldering an ok way to deal with miniatures...?

[dmcgee1]

If it works for you, then I guess that it is an okay way.  However, I would be concerned about the precision.

[brynolf]

I don't use it for presicion, just to get rid of large bulky parts. Hm, but I'm starting to doubt this idea, the model gets so hot it is starting to melt the base... can't be good. Back to the knife I suppose...

[Topkick]

The low melting point of the tin/pewter coupled with the fact that metal tends to heat evenly means that it will make the entire fig hot and probably ruin it makes this a bad idea. The best way I have found to remove bulky sections is with a dremel. It takes time and patience but it is better than a modelling saw or exacto blade.

[brynolf]

Yeah, it wasn't a good idea.

Dremel? You mean drilling, or attaching some kind of saw to the dremel?

[Dragon62]

Dremel's have grinding wheels not saws.

[Wedge]

I prefer a hatchet or a saws-all.   

Seriously though... I have used dremel and razor blades depending on the thickness of the appendage.  It took FOREVER for me to cut that Fury Elite Sergeant in half.  But the end result of him butchered on the base of the Angel of Fury was pretty cool.  I think the work is always worth it!

[Topkick]

Look near the dremels in your local hardware store. They make small kits of attachments that include cutting wheels, grinding wheels, polishing wheels, drill bits, and several other bits. Most include alternate collets as well so you can use the attachments on a wide range of dremel style tools. If you look you should find a stone in the same area that is used to shape the grinding and polishing bits to fit into small areas. I used to work as a die build up person in a casting foundry. I polished dies and made custom fitted ejctor pins and such so my dremel accesory kit is more extensive than most but almost all the things I have are available at hobby, craft or hardware stores.

[brynolf]

Sounds like something I should check out. Thanks, Topkick!

It should also bee good for drilling holes for attaching stuff. Like that slaughtered Deathdroid I have lying around. No glue in the world can save that piranha...

[Alpha]

A dremel is *definitely* the way to go...I love mine. The ones with the flexible tips are easiest to use for me. They're a little more expensive, but well worth it....

[Topkick]

If you get a dremel you ought to get a pencil grinder attachment or do what I did - get two dremels and have one set as the permanent pencil grinder.