Too thin to drill; too frail to glue... what to do?

[Audiva]

Hi all,

I'm a relatively new painter/sculptor who has just been introduced to drilling bits of mini's together... but I've encountered a problem. I have to attach an Anima forearm to an elbow, but the thing is 2.5mm at its thickest point - which for me is impossible to drill. And yet, it also won't stay if I just glue it.

What is usually done in a situation like this?

Thanks in advance,
Audiva

 

[gohkm]

Perhaps join it with an epoxy-type glue?

 

[shoyosei]

Hi Audiva! Actually what you may look into is a handy little thing called a Pin Vice. It's kind of a hand drill that holds really small drill bits (smallest I've seen is a 1mm bit) and lets you apply gentle pressure while still letting the bit turn. You can also set the depth of the bit to prevent drilling through. After that it's just a matter of using a proper sized metal rod. That's what the "professional" mini painters in my area use in pinning anyway lol. I've had good luck holding mini pieces with just cyanoacrilate (sp?) (I've actually had other pieces of the mini break instead of the seam giving, which sucks), just make sure that the parts are very clean and fit together snugly. Hope you find a working solution.

 

[MAXXxxx]

are you sure it's 2.5mm, not a lot-lot less? because by mini standards that's a pretty thick join.
For Anima-tactics figures at the elbow I'd expect parts that are at most 0.8mm thick.
if it is 2.5mm, then I'd also suggest a pin-vice and a cca. 1mm drill-bit.

btw smallest bits I had to use were 0.4mm for some rackham elves... now those were(and would be if I started to assemble the remaining elves) a pain to do.

 

[Einion]

I have to attach an Anima forearm to an elbow, but the thing is 2.5mm at its thickest point - which for me is impossible to drill. And yet, it also won't stay if I just glue it.

This is a resin kit, right? Superglue should hold on a join like that if the mating surface is 2.5mm wide. It's not the safest method but it's doable without pinning.

But yeah, if you don't have any bits small enough for this add 'em to your shopping list I couldn't do without the small bits I use the most, which I think are .3 or .4mm.

Einion

 

[RuneBrush]

Could be an Anima Tactic's mini which is white metal. I'd agree though, you can get some truly tiny drill bits.

It sounds like the two components don't have a perfect fit either. Super glue can be concrete strength if the two halves fit together snuggly, but if they don't and you have a thicker layer of glue then it will be brittle and not hold. Personally I'd clean them up and if they don't fit well (and you can't make them with gentle sanding), would fill the gaps with green stuff, let it dry and then glue it together.

 

[BPI]

Glue it together well enough to be in correct position. Drill through both pieces diagonally. Insert pin. Use putty to hide hole.

A lot easier than trying to drill two socket holes that have to line up.

Cheers, B.

 

[finn17]

To give the joint the best possible start...make sure you wash the pieces in mild detergent to remove all traces of grease and gunk....

Also, there are different types of super glue, some have mild gap-filling qualities...they do take longer to set however.

 

[supervike]

For things like that I use a super glue accelerator.

Put the two parts together with a bit of superglue, while you are holding it, have someone give a spritz of the accelerator.

Instantly bonds.

Those darn fiddely models are a pain!

 

[TrystanGST]

Baking soda works too. Glue on one end, baking soda on the other, and bobs your uncle!

 

[Einion]

Baking soda works too. Glue on one end, baking soda on the other, and bobs your uncle!

I use baking soda with superglue to fill some gaps but I'd never thought to use it on one of the mating surfaces of a joint, thanks for mentioning it. Must give this a try ASAP!

Einion

 

[TrystanGST]

It's great for that slow drying glue, or those surfaces that just don't want to stick.

I've had my own share of tiny minis (hello KD, Soda Pop), so I can relate to the OPs problem.

 

[Audiva]

Thanks very much for all of your feedback... I've learned a lot!

The mini that started this problem is the Anima Tactics "Celia" and the part was 2.5mm thick with two ends that must have been cast poorly because they didn't even remotely fit. I solved the issue by super-glueing the offending bit to her hip as well as at the joint... but that was avoiding the issue and not fixing it. My boyfriend is pushing me to assemble a Kingdom Death "Preacher" mini next and I was concerned about the same problem.

Definitely some awesome answers though. I would never have considered baking soda! Definitely good idea to post for advice

Thanks again
Audiva

 

[kathrynloch]

Baking soda works too. Glue on one end, baking soda on the other, and bobs your uncle!

Beat me to it Trystan! lol

I use baking soda with superglue to fill some gaps but I'd never thought to use it on one of the mating surfaces of a joint, thanks for mentioning it. Must give this a try ASAP!

Einion

We've used this forever in the model horse hobby as ear tips can't be pinned. Legs can but many times because they bear so much weight, they will still come apart. Baking soda makes it like concrete. If you apply directly to the super glue it's a natural accelerrant and the super glue dries instantly.

Thanks very much for all of your feedback... I've learned a lot!

The mini that started this problem is the Anima Tactics "Celia" and the part was 2.5mm thick with two ends that must have been cast poorly because they didn't even remotely fit. I solved the issue by super-glueing the offending bit to her hip as well as at the joint... but that was avoiding the issue and not fixing it. My boyfriend is pushing me to assemble a Kingdom Death "Preacher" mini next and I was concerned about the same problem.

Definitely some awesome answers though. I would never have considered baking soda! Definitely good idea to post for advice

Thanks again
Audiva

If you decide to use the baking soda/super glue join, practice on something you don't mind messing up. As I said it causes the super glue to dry instantly on contact so you have to make sure you get it right the first time. If I can't have one end with super glue and the other with baking soda, I'll super glue both ends, find a way to hold them in place for a few seconds then sprinkle baking soda on top. Once it sets up, I dust off the excess baking soda and file or sand down any rough or protruding spots.

It will be just like cement and that sucker is on there for good, so make sure that's what you want to do.

 

[Aureo]

Wow, never knew about the baking soda trick. Good to know. Especially since I've got some of my Cryx models that like to lose legs once in awhile....dang skinny spiny bits....

As for the Anima miniature, hope you get it set right, they sure look like a pleasure to paint!

 

[CarbonCopy]

My boyfriend is pushing me to assemble a Kingdom Death "Preacher" mini next and I was concerned about the same problem.

Warning! Be very careful about the haft of his hammer. Mine snapped off at the hand and I had to pin it back in place. You may just want to get that over with before painting, keeping it separate until final assembly.

 

[Audiva]

Thanks for the heads up