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Disassembling miniatures

PostPosted: August 27th, 2011, 11:41 am
by Sjeng
Hey, I was wondering if there's any way of disassembling a plastic miniature that has been superglued together...
I've got a secondhand battalion of Ogres from GW (warhammer) and they're all assembled. I like them, but there's one ogre I'd like to make into a "leadbelcher" (an Ogre carrying a cannon in his arms). But the arms that go with the cannon are different from the arms already glued to the bodies of my Ogres. It's a pain to find a loose Ogre body, and too expensive to buy a pack of new ones (don't need 6 more @ €30,-). So if I can pry off his arms, I can glue on the "right" ones for the cannon.

Oh, and the same goes for greenstuff that has been added to a mini.

Re: Disassembling miniatures

PostPosted: August 28th, 2011, 8:01 am
by Daedalus
Haven't ever tried this, but acetone (nail polish remover) works as a solvent for superglue. I'd say apply and clean away with a tool, or just soak a fat bastard and see what happens.

Greenstuff can be carved, so you can try that. Not the most convenient route, but it's one way to go at it. A Dremmel is also an option. :bites-lip:

Disclaimer: Be warned, I posted not too long ago about an unfortunate plastic-melting incident. I can in no way accept responsibility for any damage done to your miniatures, as you don't know where I live!

Re: Disassembling miniatures

PostPosted: August 28th, 2011, 12:29 pm
by Sjeng
Daedalus wrote:Haven't ever tried this, but acetone (nail polish remover) works as a solvent for superglue. I'd say apply and clean away with a tool, or just soak a fat bastard and see what happens.

I'll soak a piece of sprue in it first to see what happens. If it melts, then it's a no go ;)
Daedalus wrote:I can in no way accept responsibility for any damage done to your miniatures, as you don't know where I live!

Good argument xD :lol:

Re: Disassembling miniatures

PostPosted: August 28th, 2011, 2:27 pm
by Big Bene
I would just use a scalpel or sharp paper knive to cut the arm off.

Re: Disassembling miniatures

PostPosted: August 28th, 2011, 2:52 pm
by Ethica
I thought we agreed on total body prosthesis, now lose the arm!

Re: Disassembling miniatures

PostPosted: August 30th, 2011, 1:16 am
by dresdendoll
Soaking the parts you need dissolved in isopropyl alcohol has worked for me in the past