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I recently read about magnetizing models to get the most utility (multiple weapon options for tanks and infantry), and I've read a lot of tutorials mentioning dremel electronic drills, pin vises, and simply using the drill bit to create a hole to flush the magnet.

I was wondering which was most effective. I've heard varying things such as dremel rotating the bit so fast that it melts the metal and produces messy results, the pin vise not being efficient enough, and when I tried to create a hole with just the drill bit, I found the bit not sharp or steady enough to produce a reliable hole...

also if anyone has a link to where I could purchase the best drill for magnetizing my figures, that would be great (both 1/8 and 1/16 measurements).

The issue is drill speed - a normal drill will spin a drill bit so fast that the target plastic melts. (I've never heard of this being a problem with drilling into metal - the worst that happens is that the metal gets quite hot and gives you ouchy fingers.)

More expensive modelling drills have variable speed dials, and the slower speeds are usually ok for plastic.

Pin vices only rotate slowly (your fingers can't spin as fast as a drill!), but naturally they only drill holes slowly too, especially in metal - a pain if you're drilling lots of larger holes.

I use a Dremel, but it does spin quite rapidly making melting plastic a concern (Which I've done on a couple of Shoota barrels when I've gotten lazy). As long as I pay attention and just go in-and-out like a goose mating, give it a few seconds to cool and hit it again, I have no real issues. I also use a decent yet relatively small cordless hand drill with a chuck and smaller bits that has great trigger sensitivity for larger jobs. I've magnetized a few of my models now.

Also, I use my pin-vise aka hand drill to start my smaller or trickier holes then move up to the power drill as needed.

Basically as long as I'm paying attention, I have no issues with drills. I hope this helps.

I was directed to this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-1100-01-Variable-7-2-Volt-Lithium-Ion/dp/B000E64WKO

Is this a good hand tool to use for drilling holes for magnets? (both 1/8 for tanks and 1/16 for infantry?

Do you guys happen to have any links to where I could purchase the ideal tool for this project (magnetizing?)

My magnets were 4mm. I used them on a couple of FW dreads (therefore resin). In the end I used a 4mm wood bit & turned it by hand (ie held in my fingers). Took a while but the result was worth it.

I use a combination of drill, dremel, and fingers.
working plastic? fingers. the plastic is soft enough that its not too bad to do.
working large metal (old dreadnought arms)? Drill.
working small metal (footslogger conversion)? Dremel.

Pin Vice. You can get them for a pound and they're hella easier than holding a drill bit in your fingers, for sure.

If you want to spend a bit of time (which you should) get 3-4 in slight increments in size - 1mm, 2mm, 3mm etc - and work up to the desired size. It won't take forever and the hole will the perfect.

I use a Dremel with this attachment:

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-225-01-Flex-Shaft-Attachment/dp/B0000302Y8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1249483724&sr=8-9

The flex shaft attachment makes it much easier to use and yes while a Dremel can spin too fast get a low speed one or get a cordless cheapy from a store ala Harbor Freight for mini work. That is what I use because of the lower RPMs and less guts behind it. I can even take flashing off with it as long as I pay close attention to what I am doing. Bets the heck outta a knive or files!

I use a variable speed drill from Porter Cable myself. I can make it go as fast or slow as i need to. Works on metal and plastic and won't melt anything.

Another approach is to buy 0.5mm thick magnets and surface mount them. Saves having to do any messy drilling at all

I find the GW hand held drill adequate for small 1mm holes in plastic, anything bigger and I just use my fingers. For metal I have inherited an old archimedes drill, which I find works wonders. Not sure if you can still buy them though, as mines an antique!

Lost the edge wrote:I find the GW hand held drill adequate for small 1mm holes in plastic, anything bigger and I just use my fingers. For metal I have inherited an old archimedes drill, which I find works wonders. Not sure if you can still buy them though, as mines an antique!

Looks like you still can

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=archimedean+drill,&scoring=p

the games workshop pin vise will do anything up around 1/8" for magnets and is what i use. Dremels are nice but if you are not very very very careful can run away with you and tear up a model. If you have no experience with it, i would stick with the pin vice first and practice with the dremel when you get one before tackling any expensive models.

most of the dremel bits also fit into the pin vice since it has 2 different collets