Hey guys. I've been thinking about magnetizing my models for weapon options, and I've been searching the web for guides. I've seen some really handy ones, but I haven't seen if there's a good, all rounder size for infantry models. Ones that are small enough to fit the likes of Ork boyz, Space Marines, or Cadian shock troops, but not so small that they don't work? I've seen people say that 1/16" x 1/32" size as the go to magnet for infantry, but I'm concerned that they might be too small. Are these really the best general sized magnets, or are they too small? Or should I use 1/8" x 1/16"? Are these too big for Guardsmen? What are your thoughts and/or recommendations?
I've just started doing 40K miniatures a few weeks ago. I found this tutorial on youtube: View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mDw-lIVKKw The exact sizes of magnets needed are discussed, as well as the corresponding drill bit sizes for each magnet. He also gives you the item number for each magnet size. I ordered the magnets he listed, and didn't have to mess round with drill bit sizes, because I just used the ones suggested in the tutorial. My first attempt was a total success... just be kind this is one of the first 40K miniatures I've ever done. I did all 3 together as a batch. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jgm11/sets/72157646731410845/
First of all, let me just say you did an excellent paintjob on those guys. I had just watched that video shortly after I had posted this. It was very helpful, but I'm trying to see what the best sizes are for the arms orks and Imperial Guardsmen. I suppose I could purchase different sizes though. Thanks for the reply.
I've been doing it for years, and have magnetised loads. I use Neodymium rare earth magnets, also known as NdFeB. I tend to use 2mm diameter magnets which are usuall 1-3mm in depth.
I have some 1/8 by 1/32 magnets and they work for space marine arms. Too big for weapons at times though.
The only time I use magnets is for vehicles. I like to make it so on TT when I take damage to vehicles, I can either remove, replace, or modify existing parts to my vehicles to make it reflect what has happened to it. I am a very evil man to my TT units and have in my history incinerated, demolished, and committed heresy to them in order to make them more realistic. Works well when you can replace a destroyed baneblade turret with a torched version in which the gun barrel has melted and slagged downwards and the turret is heavily scorched and sagging to reflect being hit by a strong AT weapon. I also have melted plastic army men from my child hood which I used to reflect units hit by flamethrowers.....may they forever rest in pieces.
Your post reminded me of a video I saw a while ago about magnetizing orks so you could make them lootas or burnas. The guy used 1/8" wide magnets and they seemed to fit pretty well, and there was still a bit of space left in the arm. I've compared the arms of orks to guardsmen and marine arms, and they seem to be roughly the same width, so it seems like 1/8" is the way to go. Don't quite know what thickness I'll get yet, but that shouldn't be too hard to figure out. Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate the help.
I bought some 1/16 magnets and I haven't used a single 1/8 since. They're just as strong but way smaller. I've magnetized about 6 arms and around 9 weapons. I'm using them for some sternguard veterans.
