QUOTE: Originally posted by SewerRat
I remember when I first started posting you mentioned having to pin resin kits , what exactly do you mean by that ? remember the pile will be my first resin kit .
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Pinning is a technique used to strenghten glue joints by inserting metal pins or similar.
Most Resin kits are inadequatly "keyed" for assembly and miss alignment pins and markings as you see on Plastic Kits, also since the parts are solid cast they are heavy and can pull a joint apart.
Here is how it works:
You will need to drill corresponding holes into both joint surfaces, some kits got markings for those locations others don't.
If there are no markings and the joint is smooth it gets a bit more complicated.
1.) Dry fit the parts and make sure that they lineup
2.) Draw 4 lines across the joint, the should be spaced over the length of the joint.
3.) Take the parts apart and connect the opposing lines/markings on each joint halve, this should give a cross marking per side.
4.) Drill a Hole into both parts at the center of the cross marking.
5.) Into one part insert/glue a piece of metal wire (bonsai or armature wire works well).
6.) Cut the wire to a length so that the parts will join smoothly.
Now there is a time when you cannot use the method to draw the 4 lines, at times it is easier to spot-glue the parts together and drill a hole from the outside into the joint, insert the pin followed by Super Glue and you will need to putty over the hole you drilled and might need to restore some surface detail.
Now you got the pieces ready for assembly and when you glue them together the pin will strenghten the joint and help align the pieces.
I have had Kits take a 5 foot tumble of the shelf(Earthquake) and thanks to the pinning never came apart.
Thickness of the Wire will depend on the joint and how strong it will need to be, I drill all my holes using a pinvise and minidrill bits. Most common sizes for me a re 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm & 3mm.
Hope this helps, if you get stuck feel free to send me an e-mail and I will ship you some pics of how it is done.