how to decapitate a model (i always make a big mess)

[salogel]

help!

i can do normal head swaps fairly easily but i struggle with some models. when i go about a head swap i always try a saw first but if i need the body i tact but not the head i go clippers. sadly this means i really struggle with models with \'sunken\' heads like grey knight terminators or removing the face from a hood. any ideas.

 

[green stuff]

If you don\'t care on keeping the head you want to remove, I\'d suggest drilling with a precision drill (Dremel, ...). Or if you want to keep it and it\'s in a hood, drill arround the head, fit the new head in and resculpt what\'s needed for the hood.

 

[SJB]

Yes, it\'s tough unless you don\'t mind losing the head. Best way is with a drill. I find the easiest technique is to drill into the face with a fine drill bit and then drill into that hole with increasingly larger bits. Reduces chances of slipping and stressing the areas around the face.

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by SJB
Best way is with a drill. I find the easiest technique is to drill into the face with a fine drill bit and then drill into that hole with increasingly larger bits. Reduces chances of slipping and stressing the areas around the face.

I like this method too. Least likely to slip with a big-ass drillbit - only takes one slip running at speed to make a huge mess of the shoulders!

Saving the head is always a problem when you want to cut one off and sometimes the structure of the mini just won\'t allow for a clean removal where both torso and head stay in good shape.

If you\'re working with heads in hoods it might be best to take an impression of the face, use whatever means are necessary to remove the head and then make a cast of a new face from the mould if you need to.

Einion

 

[Dragonsreach]

Originally posted by Einion
If you\'re working with heads in hoods it might be best to take an impression of the face, use whatever means are necessary to remove the head and then make a cast of a new face from the mould if you need to.

BONG
Lightbulb moment.


Slaps head in sadness at being a dumbo.

 

[salogel]

thanks that helps alot my current conversion doesn\'t need the head to be saved so i will try drilling

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by Dragonsreach

Originally posted by Einion
If you\'re working with heads in hoods it might be best to take an impression of the face, use whatever means are necessary to remove the head and then make a cast of a new face from the mould if you need to.

BONG
Lightbulb moment.


Slaps head in sadness at being a dumbo.

Glad it helped!

Einion

 

[Harpo]

Whatever you do do NOT use a soldering iron. One slight bump and the miniature is mush.

 

[hubbabubba]

If you wanna take the head clean off, and be able to use both the head and the body afterwards, then a fretsaw and a lot of patience is the only way to go. Make sure you have plenty of spare blades at the ready.