Magnetizing Bolt Rifles?

[Machinepriest]

I think I'm going for Stalker pattern Bolt Rifles at the moment, but having the option to choose is always nice, so I was wondering if anyone has had a go at magnetizing the Bolt Rifles in the new Intercessor kit.
Looking at the rifles they look quite thin, so I'm not sure if this is doable. Maybe 1x1mm magnets could work.

[Raven1]

https://www.miniwargaming.com/magnet-guide

 

It's an older guide but a goodie. As far as actual magnets I get mine from homedepot.com it's cheap and they deliver free to a store. Thats America though so I don't know if that's helpful.

[Imren]

I magnetise bolters in regular size marines to swap to melta/plasmaguns, for that I use magnets with 2mm diameter and 1 mm depth, they fit perfectly in the wrist joint (drill with 2mm drill bit) and also in the barrel handguard. They are pretty strong so I'm sure they will hold the larger bolt rifle too.

[Arkhanist]

The new intercessor kit has a 'skeleton' bolt rifle, then you fit the scope/magazine for the bolt rifle type you want - I presume machinepriest is talking about magnetizing that so you can swap variants, rather than the usual wrist joint for the whole weapon.

 

Personally, I think even one magnet and foil might be tough to pull off. Looking at it, I'd try and just friction fit it using a paint layer or two on the grip surfaces to tighten up the joint if necessary, it shouldn't be vulnerable to much stress.

 

Edited August 19, 2017 by Arkhanist

[sockwithaticket]

The connection points are pretty small on the rifle itself, but 1 x 1 magents are pretty wee, so that could work. An alternative might be to pick up some extra rifles from ebay/bits store and then magnetise at the right shoulder.

[Stoic Raptor]

I was planning on magnetizing the Primaris Captain's rifle, but I don't have magnets that small and honestly I think the parts are too thin to try, anyhow.

[thewarriorhunter]

So I'm a magnet junkie. Like... I have a serious problem. I put magnets on just about everything. I've have 1x1, 2x1, 3x1, and 5x1 (all in mm) depending on needs, and I've even got a 1mm sheet of metal that I cut up when I just need to add something and can't drill.

 

Since I haven't seen the new kit I'll give you two examples that I've done regarding guns, I think one will apply to your question.

 

I wanted to be able to swap out melta guns/plasma/flamers on my tac squad for special weapons. That's easily done at the wrist and hand. If you are very careful and very slow with your pin drill a 2x1 will fit nicely in both the arm and the wrist. I originally tried this with a 1x1 but it wasn't strong enough for weapons only held with one hand (i.e. combi-something and power sword).

 

The other thing I've done for modularity with guns is magnetize a sternguard sgt combi gun. 1x1 fit into both the lower and upper portion of the guns perfectly with lots of room. When lined up they fit well and I don't worry about pieces falling off. This allows me to swap between whichever combi-variant I am going to run.

 

I haven't seen the kits in person but I would think there is a way to do it, you'll just need to be creative. I don't have any pictures on my phone but if you'd like I can post some up so you can see what I'm talking about.

[Stoic Raptor]

Once you see the kit, you will understand.  It's not two separate guns - that would be easy.  It's two different parts that fit in where the receiver of the rifle would go.  They're sort of like a cross-lap joint that a carpenter would make.  As a result, both parts are thin (half the width of a bolt rifle, naturally) and the thinnest magnets I've seen would be too thick to fit.

[StormLion]

Honestly, mine fit pretty snugly. I'm going to paint everything and then keep the pieces in a baggy and switch them out as needed. Or at least that's the plan right now. I'll let you know if it works.