Great medium for making gun slings, etc.

Hello,

Rifle slings can be a bit tricky. Found that black electrician's tape works best for my meager skills. The sticky side I lay flat on a piece of flat styrene. I then use a metal ruler and sharp exacto knife to cut the desired length/width of the sling...paint(watercolor) both sides with the desired color. I glue the ends back over the sling for the loops and let dry. Last, I glue the ends of the loops to the ends of the rifle. The tape does'nt fall apart like paper and I get the flexibility I need to wrap the sling around a 1/35 figure's torso.

Semper Fi

Shep Paine uses solder for everything. From wiring and hose in engine compartments, to seat belts and straps. He flattens it oput, much as you do. Works great. It's basically a poor man's lead foil.

It's one of the tips in How To Build Dioramas.

Neil;

Great idea. You can also find soft metal that will work for slings on items other than toothpaste tubes and wine bottles. Check the tops of yogourt containers, pill bottles, pudding cups etc. sometimes you will find exactly what you need.

Cheers;

Gregory

I haven't used the solder wire method, but I've had great success using the foil that comes with embossing kits. It's thicker than kitchen foil, cuts easily and retains its shape well.

I think the advantage to it is being able to use it for greater widths. For example, I used it recently to create the sleeve ends of tow cables scratch built from twisted copper wire. The results were excellent!

Cheers!

Eric

neilc wrote:

The reasons I like the solder better than cutting lead or metal from wine bottle tops, etc. are speed, ease and consistency. With the wine top method you have to trim it down to the right length and width. I could never get it to look right or be consistent over multiple figures. With the solder I pull out a short length, flatten it out with the inside of my long nose pliers and trim to the right length. For me its faster, easier, more consistent and better looking than any other method. Now, if only I could paint the rest of the figure to look as good as the strap! Thanks Neil

Neil;

To each their own eh? I normally tape the material to a glass drink coaster and cut it with a steel ruler and a sharp blade. I have used solder as well and had great results too.

Post some pics of your work.

Cheers;

Gregory