TG Pattern Thunderhammers

[Thunder_god]

Here's a simple how-to for those wanting to make thunderhammers. I did this to modify my Assault Terminators to a style of hammer peen that I liked better, but with the abilities He'stan gives Salamanders, I can see a lot of folks would like to take thunderhammers. So, follow along, and let's get hammerin'! (Bad pun, but fitting :P)

 

What you need:

1. 6mm Evergreen square tube or similar
   
2. razor saw and miter box
   
3. strip styrene
   
4. punch and die set, or some thing similar (a good set can be found from Micromark: Punch & Die Set
   
5. pin-vise and bits
   
6. liquid cement or CA adhesive of your choice
   

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01907.jpg

 

Step 1:

Mark the length of the peen on the tube. I used the peen from the terminator assault set for a reference. It's about 17mm long. A hammer peen for a Tactical Marine should be a little shorter, in proportion with the Marine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01908.jpg

Step 2:

Now, once you have cut the peen to length, use some of the strip styrene to make the end caps. I use liquid cement to attach the end caps. I prefer this over CA (super glue) because it bonds the styrene with a chemical reaction. When you bevel the ends later, this gives you a smooth look.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01911.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01914.jpg

Step 3:

Now, punch several sizes of styrene discs using the punch and die set. I use a Waldron Products set that I have had for about fifteen years now. You can pick up a nice set from Micromark or your local hobbyshop for around $40 US. It is a must have for the scratch-builder and converter in any aspect of the hobby.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01910.jpg

We are going to use these as the securing points for the peen to hammer shaft. Stack a disc about the size of the hammer shaft onto the shaft, then one larger. Once the cement has dried, drill a hole in the shaft and a corresponding one in the peen to pin the peen in place. A little extra security never hurts.

Step 4:

Now, stack the same discs on the top of the peen, in reverse order, largest to smallest. I capped the stack with the smallest size in the set to represent the fastening bolt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01923.jpg

 

You're done! Now, decorate the peen as you see fit. I used some Forgeworld brass and resin Ultramarines icons.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01921.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01922.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01925.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/wrnjr/DSC01893.jpg

 

I hope you have found this tutorial useful!

[commander alexander]

Cool, they look much better than the normal ones. Where do you get the punch and die sets?

[Thunder_god]

Where do you get the punch and die sets?

Here is a very good set. In fact, when I can, I'm upgrading to this one:

Punch & Die Set