Dragoonman Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 I'm currently working on a few librarians for my army, and I wanted to make them as librarian-esque as possible. To make it obvious that they are librarians, as well as the psychic hood, I wanted to put some cables, like you see on a lot of models. I have the guitar wire nessecary, but I'm havign a lot of trouble working with the stuff! It's rather stiff and hard to shape, so I was wondering if anyone had any tips to keep in mind while I wrestle with it. Thanks in advance for any help! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
lieutenant L Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 Hi I know what you mean - I have heard about using a lighter to soften it - or glue - but when i tried these myself it obscured details in the ribbing What i use now is pewter cables which are just the same but are made of solid metal - so are easy to cut and bend I get them from the friendly DragonForge - who also was incredibly fast seeing though it was sent across continents at a low price http://dragonforge.com/Painting%20service/...aming_bases.htm ( bottom of the page ) To give an example I used them to do this http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/lieutenant_L/Iron%20Warriors/DSCN1596.jpg Quick and simple to do thanks, L Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054573 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callas Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 Apparently, and I do say only apparently because I have never tried it. if you bend the guitar wire in slow stages around something with a similar curve so that it takes a curve of it's own desire, then things become more easy. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054578 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuteAssassin Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 What I've found that helps. 1) Cut a length that is longer then what you need. It is easier to shape a longer piece and trim the excess. It also helps for my next point. 2) Use two pairs of plyers on the ends. If you've cut a longer piece then you'll not affect the end result. 3) When adusting the shape of the wire, you'll find it like to make sharp bends as opposed to curves. So I shape the wire around something (pen, pinvise, exacto handle, etc). This helps keep the bends curved. 4) Be prepared to make several attempts. Luckily its pretty cheap. 5) Don't use guitar wire. Small gauge electircal wire or sodder can be used for smooth hose/wire. GS can be used to make a grooved look. Hope that helps. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054579 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonforge Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 Sice Luke posted the link and Ive had a email about the cables I thought Id post. I molded Guitar strings and had them cast in pewter to use when i sculpt Sci- Fi miniatures and conversions and stuff. The great thing about them is they bend real easy into any shape, you can even tie them in knots with out breaking. The link Luke posted goes to my site where I have them for sale and you can also follow a link to my eBay store where I sell them also. Note to Mods, I didnt want to break any rules about posting links for things for sale but these do suit the needs many ask about. If there is a problem let me know. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054637 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artimis Vergadin Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 Lt. L, and dragonforge have good words. I've seen this stuff, and dragonforge has it for really cheap. It's very plyable and will do what you want. :) Artimis Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054683 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daeothar Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 What I do normally is pin them. I place a pin of a diameter fitting inside the wire on the places where the cable needs to go. I then precut and shape the wire in the approximate form and length needed and slide the wire on the pins. A bit of superglue on the pins holds them in place and some GS can make a nice socket for the wire when required. Here's an old WIP pic to illustrate: http://www.xs4all.nl/~daeothar/FieryLions/Pictures/ForumPictures/FieryLionsChapterMasterBack.jpg Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054693 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shinobi_soldier Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 Wow, nice work you guys, ima get me some wires :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054700 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mors Mortis Pedes Posted July 15, 2006 Share Posted July 15, 2006 My advice would be to choose a different string gauge that will be more bendable id sugest a 9.0 for marines lol im lucky i play the guitar so when my strings break ^_^ Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054894 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rymeer Posted July 15, 2006 Share Posted July 15, 2006 Another option that's cheap and easy to do, is to go to just about any hardware store and pick up a few dozen feet of electrical wire of the diameter you want (with the plastic coating). Now, cut to just a bit longer than needed and test fit for curvature and length. Once you have that, just un-bend the wire and lay it flat on a hard surface. Now, roll the wire while lightly pressing down with a knife blade. Not enough to cut through the plastic, but enough to score it... with a bit of practice you'll get the feel for the exact strength to press down with. Not to worry, wire is CHEAP, so if you screw up, it's toss-able and you can start again. repeat the roll-n-score for the exact number and spacing of the segments you want for the cable. Re-bend and re-test fit. Glue in place and paint! Easy, cheap, and with practice quick. Also, you can use a semi-dull blade to make wider and shallower 'grooves' in the plastic coating of you want. Don't even worry about any color of the plastic or striping, or anything like that, since you will be base-coating and painting over it anyways. ^_^ Just a few thoughts. Rymeer Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/91757-guitar-wire-and-librarians/#findComment-1054897 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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