"What tool for replacing heads." Topic

I'm looking to convert some of the
Copplestone Mark's Little Soldiers range. What tools would you recommend? I have pliers and X-acto knives. Anything else, jewelers saw. I'm only going to do a few so not looking to invest to much.

Thanks

Jewelers saw and pin vise. Both are fairly inexpensive and will get lots of use.

Once the head is removed, drill out a hole on the figure's neck and head. Use metal shavings as filler.

I've used jeweler's saws, saw blades made for X-Acto knives, and even sprue clippers, but I always come back to just an X-Acto knife with a #11 blade. For me, the cuts are finer, cleaner, and more controllable, albeit slower.

A saw blade will always remove a layer of metal the same thickness as the saw blade, so be sure to take that into consideration.

Best of luck.

You need a bench pin if you are using a jeweler's saw. You can get one that clamps on to a table though the cheapest method is to clamp or screw a board to a table. Cut a small V in it and use it to support the fig. Buy a dozen of #3 or 4 blades. They brake easily esp. for beginners. You will need to lubricate your blades and drills with bee's wax or a product called Burlife. Riogrande.com will supply everything you need

Are these 28mms?

I have done quite a few decapitations and swaps.
I stick to an x-acto knife. It normally goes through most figures fairly easily enough.

Most heads I use have extended neck cylinders or even ball socket type joints, so I use a tiny hand drill or pin vise.

There are two differing types. One pin vise is forcibly turned by hand and the other type is spun or drilled by pushing down on the top of the drill. I like the fixed drill to start and centre of the pocket and then the push drill to expand the pocket once I have it properly lined up and started.

Another important note is to look at what the heads are like before the surgery. Like I said, most heads are with longer neck cylinders or ball joints and easy to covert. Some makers like Atlantic Wargames and flat necks that are horizontal so require a flat neck to chin line.

Don't panic over gaps and such. I find a gel style super glue that acts as its' own filler. Also, once you apply primer and then paint on top of that, it acts as a filler to an extant as well and the primer and paint can easily cover up quite the number of tiny imperfections.

I hope that makes sense.

Band aids, gauze, medication…..

I did a few head conversions with those minis. I just chopped them off, flattened the neck area and super glued the new head on. It has worked fine for me.