1st Conversion help

[khasmo]

I\'m preparing to do my first conversion, and I was wondering if anyone could point me to a good how to for replacing parts or repositioning parts on a mini. I\'ve read enough to get the basic idea, but I\'m still not sure about some things

For example
what\'s the best way to cut parts off of a mini? I\'m assuming a razorsaw, but are there other tools that would be better under certain cicumstances?

What the best way to attach the piece to another mini? I\'ve seen a few converions that pinned the parts together and used greenstuff to sculpt between the parts, but I don\'t trust my sculpting skills so I\'m hoping to have only a small gap between the parts that just needs a little filler. is there any technique that can help me make that gap as small as possible?

Beyond that, any tips or tricks that might be helpful? (edit) been doing some more readin on the forums and found this post that has a few of the kind of tips I was looking for. (/edit)

Thanks for the help.



Oh and if anyone\'s interested,
I\'m doing a conversion to have a Warforged fighter/crusader with a shield and hammer. I\'ve been using the WotC plastic mini Warforged Bodyguard, but now that I\'ve gotten into painting minis, I want to make my own.

The plan is to use bits from Reaper\'s Battleguard Golem and Thomas Hammerfist. Though, I\'m still deciding exactly what bits to use. I plan to put the WiP up once it actually is iP.

Thanks again.

Khas

 

[QuietiManes]

what\'s the best way to cut parts off of a mini? I\'m assuming a razorsaw, but are there other tools that would be better under certain cicumstances?

A razor saw is a nice thing to have. You can get little mitre boxes for them which are nice for cutting plastic and metal rods, strips, etc. For terrain, buildings, spears, etc. You can also get ones that cut flush on both sides, I.E. the teeth don\'t bend outwards, so it will cut as thin as the metal the saw is made from, which means it cuts 1/3rd as much metal, less waste, less ruined. Usually found at woodworking shops, for marquetry or something, fine joinery, etc.

I\'d also recomend you pick up a coping/fret/jewellers saw. These are great when you need to cut super fine lines or curved lines with odd twists, turns, bends. Just get at least a dozen of the finest blades you can find with it. Because you\'ll break a few. For example, if you\'re unfamiliar:

The type of saws...

The blades,..

See the width? That\'s how wide the cut will be, so no use getting the 2/0 size, just go for the 1, since it will be more durable and have the same amount of destruction and wasted material.

What the best way to attach the piece to another mini? I\'ve seen a few converions that pinned the parts together and used greenstuff to sculpt between the parts, but I don\'t trust my sculpting skills so I\'m hoping to have only a small gap between the parts that just needs a little filler. is there any technique that can help me make that gap as small as possible?

Pinning is the only reliable way, if it\'s metal or heavy or oddly shaped. As for gaps, no tricks, just form the joining pieces as close to each other as possible. I.E. carve, sand, file down and shape the two parts to fit beside each other. Sometimes it\'s easy, sometimes it can be labour intensive. With smaller gaps, you can use Squadron White/Green putty, or dozens of other similar fillers, that you don\'t have to mix up like Greenstuff. I\'d only recomend GS if you NEED the structural support, which is rare if you pin it right, IMO.

Oh, and welcome to the forums! Get posting the WIPs and let the madness prevail. lol

 

[khasmo]

A razor saw is a nice thing to have. [...]
I\'d also recomend you pick up a coping/fret/jewellers saw.

So which would you you recommend starting with. I\'ve already spent more on this hobby than I can admit to my wife.

Oh, and welcome to the forums! Get posting the WIPs and let the madness prevail. lol

Thanks! and thanks for the advice.

Khas

 

[droogie77]

I didnt trust my sculpting skills until I gave it a try. After a few tries you get the hang of it, just get a GW sculpting tool and some green stuff and give it a go. Keep the tool wet, this makes it easier to work with.