Asembly question

[Adeptekon]

What are the tried and true methods for securing parts? I am looked for some micro vice clamps online, but can't find anything that makes sense.

 

Is greenstuff or sculpting puddy the answer?

[Grotsmasha]

Found these on AliExpress, is this kinda what you're looking for?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005013312791892.html

 

or maybe something like these?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010347096729.html

 

 

Edited November 8 by Grotsmasha

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Its not clear how or what you are intending to attach.  Can you please clarify?

 

If its things coming apart while the glue dries, generally I find that just holding pieces together for the required duration is sufficient - or, where having issues with that, pinning them first.  I know there are accelerants for super glue which case it to "fix" quickly, but I haven't used them.  I've tried using greenstuff for this purpose, but found that it is generally too stretchy to be of much use, as while it may hold the parts together for the most part, gravity will stretch it to an unwanted shape.  That said, it can work where you want to create a new surface to glue to (for example, angling an arm to reposition a model), but works best if you aren't fighting with gravity.

 

I have used elastic bands to hold things together when gluing, but they can be a bit challenging and work best for large, flush pieces being glued together (I used them for my FW resin land raider, and on my warped 3rd ed box set landspeeder).

 

 

[Adeptekon]

Thanks guys, I have the the clamps @Grotsmasha from your second link, but they are too big. @Dr_Ruminahui yes for fine pieces like arms and weapons.

 

I will try the hastening glue and steady hands, and get some wire too. Just wasn't sure if there was some particular magic to it.

[Grotsmasha]

For metal and resin, pinning (brass rods are very strong, but metal paperclips work too) will do a world of wonders. The heavier the part, the longer the pin.

For larger models, I use a thick, gel super glue in the middle, with regular super glue around that.

This will give a fast hold (regular), while the gel will give a more resistant longer hold.

[Adeptekon]

Where do you get the rods?

[Dr_Ruminahui]

I haven't done anything so large that needed brass rod, but I have seen it sold in my local hobby store that sells things like plasticard, military/car models, RC cars, model trains, etc.

 

Normally I use finishing pins (like, for sewing, but the cheaper ones without plastic beads on their heads) or, for larger pinning jobs, paper clips.  In either case, I'll cut shorten them first with my clippers. 

[Grotsmasha]

5 hours ago, Adeptekon said:

Where do you get the rods?

 eBay for me. I usually get a selection of 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm thicknesses.

 

3mm is VERY sturdy and will cover most uses smaller than Titans, but is certainly overkill for anything Dreadnaught sized or smaller.

 

EDIT: I did want to add in a pinch, rubber bands bound tight can also get the job done.

They were the only reason I had any of the old Landspeeders assembled at all.

Edited Tuesday at 07:47 AM by Grotsmasha

[LameBeard]

You will find that once you learn pinning you’ll be applying it in all kinds of household repairs as well! 
 

I have found a space marine with (say) a resin body and plastic arms, legs, head to be very fragile without pinning, even though it seems overkill on such a small model. I usually use an especially fat paper clip. And something more heavy-duty than GW clippers, and put the short end straight into a pot (like the lid for your pin vice drill bits holder) so you don’t fire 4mm of metal shard into your eye (or anyone else’s - you can bet that’s the time your 4-year old comes up and says “what you doing, dad?” at that exact level…)

[sbarnby71]

If you give us an idea of what you're trying to pin, we can give some advice on what you would need as a minimum for pinning (paper clip, brass rod, plastic-glue or super-glue).

[techsoldaten]

Have tried using clamps on a mini. Learned it's never a good idea to use them on an already painted piece. Even if nothing transfers, the primer can become unseated through pressure. Have had large peels happen in the past.

Given the irregular shape of miniatures, I generally find rubber bands and shoestrings work better. As for pinning - typically use steel wire, which is easy enough to straighten and comes in different gauges.