"Those Old Lead Figures" Topic

I was dreading getting some old figures ready for painting, as they were pretty rough on the bottoms and would need to be filed down to sit right.

I forgot how easy the old LEAD figures are to work with!

I use a big flat engineering file and rub the figures along it.

Back in the day I used a Dremel to clean bases.

Yes if you have a hobby drill you can use a bit sideways spinning as a handy file to smooth under bases. Not the very thin bits which can instead be used to clear mold lines on castings.

I love my belt sander for the bottom of bases.

Russ Dunaway

Dremel all the way. I also save the shavings to use a filler with super glue. I do a lot of head swaps. Pin and glue the head in place, then drop a small amount of the shaving into any gaps. A little more super glue and, once dry, file down any rough spots.

I have always used a file. I have had to replace it a few times and new figs are harder than old ones to smooth out. My hands and arms get tired at times.

I to am in the file camp.

Have used a belt sander, but that and moto-tools make me worry about the amount of lead dust I am throwing around.
Nice, big, old, flat file. Keeping a file card handy, as lead clogs the file so quickly.

Hi Russ, what type of belt do use on your belt sander?

If you go in most cheapie beauty stores there's always a display on or near the check out counter of heavy duty emery boards. Usually dark gray, $1 USD-$1.50 each, about 60 grit, about 6" long.

Very handy, esp. vs. rough base bottoms.

IronDuke596, I use the wide belt sander at the factory 6x48 inch belt, 50-80 grit. usually the 50.
we use it to sand down the bottom of resin pieces before we ship.
I clean 100s of miniature bases perfectly in minutes, no sweat, no troubles. nice, smooth and flat.
A belt lasts for months.

Russ Dunaway

I just gnaw it off.