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I'm trying somehow get a bolt pistol on my WHFB khorne lord to 40k'ize it. I've tried to cut that pewter metal thing with hobbyknives before but my god, it's beyond inefficient.

Anyone ever converted/tried to convert metal models before?

Most of my models that have been converted are metal, or at least are mostly metal. What you need to cut metal is an x-acto saw. Those can be found in most hobby stores, and Hobbytown USA sells them for sure. They are usually in the $10 and under range, and can be sold with or without handles. Personally, I use them without handles as it gives me better control. Here's a picture of what it looks like.

http://www.xacto.com/Product/X75300

You can also use side-cutting pliers to cut smaller items or thicknesses, particularly useful for areas where the saw is hard to get in. Just don't use your best ones, get another pair as this is very hard on the jaws! You can also use jewellers files, but the soft metal will foul the surfaces, so they need cleaning regularly.

As Astaroth mentions though, converting metal miniatures is absolutely possible and very rewarding, just requires a bit more effort than plastic!

You've probably already thought of this, but your best bet is probably to cut the hand off and pin the new hand with bolt pistol on the arm. As has been mentioned, a saw is invaluable for this - using x-acto knives will just lead to pain and suffering and bloody hands.

Made from the old metal DP, some paperclips to pin, space and reposition the limbs and green stuff to fill in the gaps.

I used a saw to cut through the limbs.

Before GS:

Yup, in WD they also advocate the use of a hand saw for cutting metal. I never wanted to mess around with a vice and a saw - but you know, if you want to work with metal, that's pretty much the only way to do it.

If you have a great concept, though, I could see putting in the effort for a unique piece.

A jeweller's saw can be good for cutting white metal. The blades are thin and can be got round some corners.

Kilkrazy wrote:A jeweller's saw can be good for cutting white metal. The blades are thin and can be got round some corners.

If you have a jewelers saw you can also use 1mm diamond lap wire to cut in any direction any corner.

Very possible with the right tools.

A hobby knife just doesn't cut the mustard in this case.

Razor saw, files and decent metal-cutting side cutters are a must. A 'dremel' (or 'not dremel') is an optional tool if one is doing a lot of metal cutting.

X-acto and excel both do razor saw sets that work with their blade sets too. Excel also does a mitre box.

Thanks for the advice guys, will check out some hardcore tools for this project.

Vandil wrote:

Kilkrazy wrote:A jeweller's saw can be good for cutting white metal. The blades are thin and can be got round some corners.

If you have a jewelers saw you can also use 1mm diamond lap wire to cut in any direction any corner.

Why am I not surprised that a GW hobby requires diamond tools.