Hello and welcome to your new addiction.
The problem with action figures today is that nobody makes the toys that I want. Not a problem. I can just make them myself. This page is basically about what you will need to do the same. .




Dedcat's List Of Tools For Customizing.

As with any job, you need the right tool to get it done. You might want to pick these items up before you get started.



The Must Haves.

Dremel Moto Tool

These are rotary tools that have interchangeable heads. Used mainly for drilling, detailing, hollowing, and power sanding.


Exacto Knife or Box Cutting Knife

Used mainly for cutting off extra plastic pieces. PLEASE be careful with these!


Water Based Acrylic Paints and Brushes.

For painting your masterpieces. Make sure you use acrylics, as enamels will not dry properly on plastics. I recommend Testors.


Safety Equipment

Goggles, Gloves, Breath Masks - Safety First


Other items that may help you on your way are:

Small Sketch Pad -In case you want to take notes; such as paint schemes.
Screwdrivers - Mostly in the smaller sizes.
Toothpicks - You'd be surprised how handy these are for odd jobs.
Pencil - Good for monor details; ie 5'oclock shadow.
Sandpaper - For fine detailing.
Razor saw - Sometimes you need to cut through a lot of plastic.
Tape measure - To get things just right.
Sculpting tools - The kind you find in any art/hobby shop.
Sculpy - This is a clay like substance that can be sculpted or molded and then boiled or baked to maintain its shape. I use Sculpy III.
Epoxy putty - This is a 2 chemical compound you mix them together and it "sets" (hardens) in a certain amount of time.
A Small Pot - For any boiling you may do.

Now that you have the proper tools, it's fun time. Here's a few steps to help you out.




Concept.

This is the imagination part. Start out by knowing what figure it is you want to create. Do you just want a repaint or your own unique creation. Keep an eye out for what heads and bodies look like the figure you want. Once you have all the parts, then the real fun begins.


The Big Boil.

In order to swap heads and arms properly, your best bet is to boil a large pot of water. Drop a figure in and let it soak for about a minute. When you take it out, it's Gumby time! At this point the plastic will be very soft and flexible; arms and heads will pop out with ease and other arms and heads can be popped back in.

The Torso Crack.

Having trouble stuffing in a head? Take your needle nose pliers and insert them into the hole where the figures head was. Gently pry the two pieces of the body apart. Do not use excessive force!!! You may crack the plastic. Simply glue the body back together when done.


Sculpting

Weather it be hair, extra features, or accessories, whatever does not exist in the real world can easily be made from a variety of clays and compounds (see above)

Fun With Detailing.

If you need to sand something down or remove any extra plastic (like sleeves ) now is the time to do it. This is where the custom part truly applies so sand and cut what you will. Don't worry about messing up, most mistakes can be easily rectified.


Painting

Make sure your unpainted figure looks exactly how you want it before you begin. Know what part needs to be what color and go nuts.



That's pretty much all there is to it. You can now make your own figures or use the recipes on this page. Either way it's fun, so get to work.


REMEMBER!!!!

Save All Your Spare Parts!



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