Cutting Metal

[dazza36]

As topic says need options/tools for cutting up metal models. In past its always been scalpel and time, but looking to cut up several figures so need something quicker/easier but at same time needs to be precise. Can anyone recommend a nice saw or something similar ?

 

[Borgador]

Micro saw blade for your #11 X-acto handle works quite well. The other option I use are rotary tool attachments for my Dremel (Definitely faster but can do a lot more damage if you slip up).

 

[Brother Meredith]

I use a fine hobby saw and mitre box. Can also get very fine blades for handsaws.

 

[ManicMan]

depending, Dremel. Different blades depending on different reasons. You can also make (or sometimes buy) vices to use it like a mini-bandsaw or something to give a bit more precision when you are cutting.

also saw but I've been meaning to get new blades for.... erm.. years.

 

[symphonicpoet]

What they said. I have a small mitre box with some pins so that you can ajust it to fit your work. A small vice, used carefully can work. Placing something softer than the metal between the vice and the work, like some plastic can help to prevent scarring the work. There's also small model vices with plastic jaws specially designed for such things. I have used exacto style hobby knives, but only on small work. I've also used diagonal cutters occasionally for smaller cuts. They'll make a bit of a mess of one side, but the other side can be fairly clean. If you're removing a limb, say, and intend to replace it and don't need the cut side of the removed limb to be especially clean right at the cut. This only works for small cuts, of course, but even heads aren't usually out of scope. (Just don't expect the chins to come through completely unscathed. Beards are great fixes.)