I saw plenty of pics where figure painters drill small holes in some hidden place on the figure to screw in a small handle. They do this so that the painter doesn't have to touch the figure.

So I went out and bought a pinvise and a bunch of small drill bits. However the holes are so small I don't know what to insert into the hole. When possible I can use a larger bit and insert a regular screw. However when you have to drill into the bottom of a 1/35 boot there is not much space.

What do you other figure painters use.

Use a piece of thick copper wire, say from some 14/2... CA glue it into the foot of your figure then stick the other end into a piece of dowel.. Viola, instant handle.. When you are done, nip off the wire with a half inch still in the foot and use it to secure it to your base...


Dave

I use ordinary paper clips. Just straighten them, cut them to length, drill a hole, apply CA glue and stick one end into the aforementioned hole.

All there is to it.

Like Martin saided: Paperclip (small/regular ones). I bought a box in a dollar store 2 years ago and use them quite intensively to pin some metal figurine and still have plenty of them.

And if you have the right drill bit you won't even have to glue it into the figurine. It will fit quite snuggly and still be removable so you can use it again, again and again.

I have to second Martys advice whit the paperclippers, it`s splendid!

Although for the more smaller bitz like figure heads, cans, ammo pouchs etc. i use a very small, heated, needle and secure it to a sturdy cork. Be carefull though not to heat the needle to much or it´ll slip through any plastic like a warm knife through butter.



Chris

I use wooden blocks with lots of holes predrilled to accomdate one or two pinned feets.


The holes are then filled with Blue-Tac which makes a steady support for the figure.


This makes it easy to handle the figure while painting and to put away when the session is over.


Hope this helps.

I use a brass rod, drill a small hole in the bottom of both feet of the figure and insert a rod into the holes with a little CA glue. I then snip off the desired measurement of the rod that I need and place the figure on a piece of balsa wood block for painting. When I am finished with the figure I than snip off the access so I can place the figure on the base or vignette.
Henry

Instead of drilling holes, inserting rods, etc. I apply a small amount of CA to the bottom of the foot, and then mount the figure to the top of an empty Model Master etc.. paint bottle. I keep a good supply on hand after the paint has gone bad or been used up, just for such purposes. The bottle is big enough that I can hold it easily enough for painting. Once the figure is complete, they snap off of the lid pretty easily. I then take some 80 grit sandpaper or a single sided razor blade and remove any remaining glue for the next figure being mounted. Works like a charm for me. "Q"

ps. Just remember to use a inty amount of glue or you run the risk of snapping the foot off of the figure.......speaking from experience here!

Yep! This works a treat! I use the plastic tops off mineral water bottles, they're big enough to hold and small enough to allow you to hold the figure up to any diorama base to check composition and colour. Again, watch those ankles! LOL

Matt