What is a Dremel?
A Dremel is a marvelous, multi-use tool available in most home improvement stores. It’s a small rotational motor. Dremels are designed to be used with numerous bits serving different purposes. It can act as a drill, a sander, a grinder, a small saw, a polisher, etc. It’s great for eating (read more...)
What is a Dremel box?
A Dremel box is an ingenious apparatus that allows you to drill and sand without making a huge mess in the room you’re in. Depending on the material being altered, drilling and sanding can produce a lot of debris and dust. A Dremel box keeps most of that contained. I (read more...)
How can I sand figures to a smooth finish?
Every substance has its own qualities, be it ABS or PVC plastics, Magic Sculpt or Alumilite, styrene or wood. If I need to remove a large mass of something that can’t simply be cut off with a mat knife or saw, I’ll reduce that mass with the large, coarse sanding (read more...)
What is Kneadatite?
Kneadatite is a two-part, air-drying compound. It’s primarily designed as a plumber’s epoxy, but artisans have found it to be a great sculpting medium. When mixed, it is pliable and holds its shape. It cures in about four hours with a consistency not unlike PVC plastic. I prefer air-drying over (read more...)
Where can I purchase Kneadatite?
I purchase Kneadatite directly from the manufacturer, polymerics.com. (read more...)
What is Plumber’s Epoxy?
A plumber’s epoxy is any sort of compound that’s used to seal pipe fittings. However, many plumbers epoxies make great sculpting mediums as well. Kneadatite above is but one example. A more typical plumbers epoxy is available at most home improvement stores. It usually dries quickly (5-20 minutes) and has (read more...)
Where can I purchase Plumber’s Epoxy?
Most hardware and plumbing supply store carry a basic plumber’s epoxy. (read more...)
What is Super Sculpey?
Sculpey and Super Sculpey are popular sculpting mediums easily available at most hobby/craft stores. It requires heat to cure, so the sculpt time is not limited. It allows for very fine detail work (especially Super Sculpey), and is easily shaped. However, once cured it can be very fragile. Don’t drop (read more...)
Where can I purchase Super Sculpey?
Most art and craft stores carry Sculpey products. (read more...)
What is MagicSculpt?
MagicSculpt is yet another two-part sculpting compound, like Plumbers Epoxy. By mixing equal parts of the two dough-like substances, you create a pliable sculpting medium. It takes at least four hours to cure. Cured MagicSculpt is not unlike rock. This is my sculpting medium of choice now. It’s relatively easy (read more...)
Easy: A simple parts swap. Little if any paint.
Basic: Some modified parts. Mostly a new paint job.
Moderate: New and modified parts.
Skilled: Lots of new and modified parts. “Frankensteining” often involved.
Advanced: All of the above, plus a great deal of original sculpting.