Cut heads & arms & etc on lead figures (1 Viewer)

[Gribeauval]

In the relatively few times I have done this (cut off an arm or a head on a lead figure), I have just used a hobby saw with a fine metal blade. This has been tedious and not terribly clean. Is there another method/tool that you pros use to simplify/clean up this process?

 

[Al Fisher]

Anyone who converts figures should buy a Dremel tool . . . the Swiss knife of hobbyists!

Bosun Al

 

[Obee]

I use a Scalpel for al my work, and cut around the neck. yes it does take time, but it's a fine cut, and if you keep up the pressure and go around and around the neck it will make a good cut.

I don't cut right through, sometime only half way, and then start twisting and the head will 'pop off' !!

Then clean up the break/cut with a file, and pin in a new head … EASY

John

 

[johnnybach]

I use a Scalpel for al my work, and cut around the neck. yes it does take time, but it's a fine cut, and if you keep up the pressure and go around and around the neck it will make a good cut.

I don't cut right through, sometime only half way, and then start twisting and the head will 'pop off' !!

Then clean up the break/cut with a file, and pin in a new head … EASY

John

I use the same method John. Works a treat. Tried a saw - but prefer this method. jb

 

[theBaron]

What kind of hobby saw did you use? I have several X-Acto razor saws, but the #35 is the one I use for most cutting on metal figures. I don't find that it's all that messy, at least not in terms of the cut that it leaves. It does create metal filings, but I use an old metal baking sheet as a work surface on my bench, so the filings don't go all over. And it goes relatively quickly. I would find the other method, scoring with the knife blade, to be tedious.

I do not recommend using a Dremel for cutting, as useful as it is for other applications on the bench. Nor for drilling. I find that the application of power to the task makes it easier to slip and damage the piece or yourself in the process. Also, the cutting wheels available for a rotary tool have too thick a kerf than a razor saw, and with the power behind the cut, it means more material is removed and has to be replaced.

To each, his own, though, and use whatever is comfortable and works best for you.

Prost!
Brad

 

[blaster]

All good advice. Perhaps you should also consider a good hacksaw with a suitable cutting edge? https://home.howstuffworks.com/hacksaw.htm

I agree with Brad that the dremel tool is not a good choice for cutting. The risk of the rotating wheel tripping and doing damage to the part or yourself is not worth it. I use the dremel for drilling holes into the body and limbs for inserting wires to strengthen any new joints. Before drilling, I dip the bit into paint thinner to "cool" the bit as it drills into the metal. It also lubricates the drilling operation.

 

[Al Fisher]

Been using a Dremel to take off heads w/o a hitch for almost 30 yr, but to each their own! As for drills, sticking the drill into a candle for lubrication also works well.

Bosun Al

 

[theBaron]

The problem with using a rotary tool to drill, is that the bits are usually very delicate, and it's hard to keep the thrust aligned with the direction of the bit, unless you get the drill press stand for the tool. When holding the rotary tool in your hand and applying pressure along the axis of the drill bit, any variation out of that axis will tend to put undo force on the bit and snap it. I found I have better control using a pin vise to drill, and even then, it's very easy to put pressure on the bit outside the axis of drilling and stress the bit. The possibility of breaking the bit weighs more in the decision, than the advantage of having more power in the operation, in my experience. And it really doesn't take all that long to drill, or cut, using just hand power.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Gribeauval]

I have used the Xacto saws. They seem to dull very quickly. For instance after a half-dozen uses. I thought they should hold up better. I can see the points about the Dremel (which I have but almost never use....I use a hand drill and the fine saws). I haven't tried the scalpel approach. Seems counterintuitive to cut lead with a blade, but I suppose if the neck is not too thick it might not be too bad. I will give it a try.