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How do I cut cleanly through pewter?


thade

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I have (finally) acquired the back pack for this model. What I need from this backpack is the torch on it: I intend to take that sconce and mount it atop my Canoness in Terminator Armor. (No, really.)

 

The problem is that the backpack is solid pewter and I need every part of the sconce right down to where it meets the backpack.

 

My current strategy is to use clippers and perhaps a Dremel to (brutally) hack off most of the backpack, then file down to the sconce itself. This will take time...a lot of time, given that I only have one backpack and I need to be careful. (Mistakes are not an option.) It would be nice if the backpack itself can be saved...but I honestly don't see a way I can save it.

 

That's where you all come in.

 

Any fancy ideas? :( What would you do to remove the sconce in a clean way?

if you want them both intact you're going to have to slice the pewter with a very very very sharp knife and put a lot of pressure onto it to get through, (doing it from 2 sides will be easier)

 

if you dont care about the backpack, take a hacksaw to it slightly lower than the brazier then file the waste off've what you need.

 

tbh the legion of the damned backpack would have been all sorts of easier.

I've done 2 part greenstuff molds before, so yeah, it can work.

 

If you'd prefer to cut and have a Dremel, I would suggest cutting a V into the backpack, one diagonal line to either side of the sconce, then once it's free, trim off the excess.

If you're set on cutting, use a jeweller's saw. They make great cuts on 18 gauge bronze wire for making chainmaille. They cut through pewter pretty well too.

 

Just avoid anything that involves a pinch cut. That molding idea doesn't sound like a half-bad idea either.

If you're set on cutting, use a jeweller's saw. They make great cuts on 18 gauge bronze wire for making chainmaille. They cut through pewter pretty well too.

Is a jeweler's saw something I can pick up at Home Depot? Or am I Internet-shopping bound?

Is a jeweler's saw something I can pick up at Home Depot? Or am I Internet-shopping bound?

 

 

I've only ever seen them through online jewelry supply stores and Ring Lord chainmailler's site, but it's possible you'll find one locally. (try a jewelry store?) The frame's not too expensive, but replacement blades aren't cheap and you'll chew them up if you're not used to it. Between frame and blades I'd say you're going to spend at a minimum $20 USD.

 

I think they're also called Piercing saws. It looks like a Coping Saw (and I guess is?) just for small detail work.

I'll send you a private message with the site I'd use. Just checked pricing and the adjustable frame should be about $9 + shipping, and each replacement blade pack should only be a buck. (12 per pack) Looks pretty inexpensive as an option, really.

 

As for gauge...

 

Go as thick as you are comfortable with. The thinner the blade, the more likely you'll scrag it and the longer it'll take. We're talking about sizes of of .01 of an inch. That's a 2/0. The absolute lowest I'd feel comfortable using is a 4/0 which is .008 of an inch. A no 2 blade would be best if you don't mind cutting a little bit of extra material off. You're going through solid metal, and I don't know the diameter of the material you're cutting. if it's a solid block of pewter it might be too difficult. If it's the diameter of a Lascannon barrel I'd say you'll have little trouble. Pewter is softer than some of the metals these cut though, so it shouldn't be too bad. Once in a while you may need to back out and remove the grit from the crevice.

 

If you've got the patience that's the way I'd go. You need to go slow, but it sounds like that's what you're going to do. If it's a curved or complex cut you need to apply only a small amount of pressure while curving to keep it from jamming in there. It's a pain to wiggle out. There are lubricants you'll probably want to buy for the blades.

 

Thinking about it, is this a straight cut?

 

Oh, and by Gork practice on a piece of pewter first!

Yes, it is (Emperor willing) a straight cut... ideally I will leave the backpack as if the sconce was never atop it, if you take my meaning. The sconce - at its base - is just a touch fatter than a lascannon barrel (if memory serves). I'm not opposed to buying a bit of goo to help. I really hate it when my Dremel drill bits get stuck in things.

 

Looking for your PM; thanks in advance.

Why dont you see if you can get your hands on this mini

 

http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/...dId=prod550009a

 

it would be easier to deal with the back pack.

The backpack I got looks very, very similar to that one...is that one in two pieces? That'd be the only advantage I see. ;) Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

Awful, I'll perform the sawing at the shop if it won't raise too many eyebrows!

the reason the legion backpack has been suggested is that the sister one sits right on top of the backpack, where as the lotd one has a bit of pole between it and the backpack and as such can be done with clippers without damaging the brazier AT ALL and then filed down a bit rather than sawing through a big lump of pewter..

 

heres an example of it being used on a different pack.. i was lazy and cut it off with a knife to keep the bottom part of the "pole" intact.

 

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd199/typhion/Image017-1.jpg

 

(shameless plug for fire angel blog)

I use a bone saw for my cuts and it always cuts cleanly, I can find them at any decent hobby shop by me, even ones that don't specifically carry miniatures.

http://www.thegamestore.be/store/images/90034_Hobby_Bone_Saw.jpg

 

 

sounds like a toy of Dexter's

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