Drilling holes for magnets

[Gideon999]

Hey Everyone,

 

I have some centurions that I am going to magnetize to take advantage of the weapon options (and to maximize the value of these very expensive models!).   However, this is my first magnetizing project.

 

I have already aquired a set of 3 sizes of magnet, and the associated drill bits for those sizes (I think 2mm, 3mm and 5mm magnets).

 

So it looks like most of the tutorials online show people either using a manual drill, or a small drill with variable settings.   I was thinking of getting a dremel too for this, but wanted to see what the community recommends first!

 

So what do you all find works best for the kind of control needed for such tiny projects?

 

Thanks!

[Bryan Blaire]

I would think you would not want to use a Dremel unless you can regulate the speed down to about how quickly you can rotate your hand (super slow). The plastics are easy to deform using an electric power tool. I always prefer using hand tools to do any work on plastics.

[Urauloth]

Drilling holes by hand with a pin vise is almost effortless as long as your drill bits are sharp, and the degree of control you have is unmatched.

 

Please do not put a powered drill in the vicinity of a plastic mini unless you know for absolutely certain what it does and how it does it and you've tested it on the exact same kind of plastic (ideally, the sprue the model came on) and honestly, just use a pin vise. Even if you can eliminate the risks, there's really no advantage to a powered drill when you're working with plastic.

 

I can see wanting a dremel or something like it for hacking up scenery kits or converting huge models but for drilling magnet holes? Never in plastic.

[Solid Zaku]

Having attempted this myself, I speak from experience when I say that Dremel's and anything smaller than Titans or Land Raiders are bad news. Stick with a Pin Vise. If that doesn't work, try using an old, dullish X-Acto blade (one that preferrably has its tip broken and auger out a larger hole if needed. Be gentle, and give it time.

[Gideon999]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.   I picked up a pin vice and am off to go do some damage.   :-)

[elmo]

A little late as you have already bought a pin vice but I use a multi speed dremmel "copy" for all my magnetising and cleanup. I have used it for magnet holes from 1mm to 3mm and for pinning metal figures (the chuck does not allow for bigger bits) and as Bryan states it must be kept at low speed to avoid melting the plastics. I use good quality HSS bits.

 

I have to disagree with A Kvlt Ghost on this one. I use it for vehicles, weapon barrels, pinning and Battlesuits with no problems. You just need to know how to use it.

[Sohail187]

THe standard drill u buy from gw can be used for 2mm and 3mm drills. So u can get most of your army done with that and u do not need a power tool. Only when u come to something like a dreadnaught it gets a bit more complicated

[Gideon999]

Pin vise worked like a charm!  

 

I also used a drill with stock bit on some larger parts (after I finished the centurions I went and did the arms on my dreads).   The full drill worked really well on the larger areas, but did crack open one of the dreads along a glue seam.   Easily fixed, but I can see why there was a lot of caution warranted on the power tools there.

 

Thanks again for all the advice.

[Chefzilla]

I'm not sure if this has been covered but I'm wondering how to glue the magnets? 

[Grotsmasha]

Super glue will do it, best to put it around the inside of the hole. 

 

Cheers,

Jono

[Gideon999]

Yeah, a dab will do ya.    I also took a cue from a video on yourtube and made a magnet "stick" from some old sprue pieces.   Glue one magnet at each end, one with positive up and the other with negative up.   Then label them on the sprue (I cut words into it with an xacto knife).   This will help you a LOT in keeping track of polarity (nothing worse than superglueing a magnet into a tiny arm socket only to find that you have reversed it and they only repel each other).

 

Also, you can put the magnet you intend to use on the sprue piece to hold it in place, and then kinda slide it off into the hole.   Much better control that way when dealing with tiny magnets and superglue.

[Stercus]

I use an old knife blade to stick the magnets to while I apply the superglue to the plastic. That way, you can pop the magnet in, and then slide the blade to the side once the glue takes.

[Gideon999]

That works, but I found the plastic sprue worked better since the magnets are not attracted to the plastic.   YMMV of course, but I was cursing something fierce using a metal file to try and do the same thing and the magnet kept jumping onto the file and, since it was now dabbed with glue, sticking to it.   LOL!

[Nykidemus]

I love my rotary tool, but the speed on it doesnt adjust down under 5k rpms, and that only gives you a few seconds of contact before it starts to melt plastic. You have to be incredibly careful with it. :S

[olcottr]

Dremels are best for sanding and cutting.  For drilling, you want a mini cordless drill. The low setting is perfect for drilling magnet holes. I don't even need to use glue because the magnet fits so snugly.