I'm looking to put an Iceman head on a Cyclops body, which I've seen several people do. I know this requires splitting the torso though, because the Cyclops head isn't easily removable due to his light up action feature. I've never attempted something on this level, and was wondering if anyone who worked on these figures could give me some advice so I don't destroy them. I asked someone who made one and he said he used an exacto knife, but is it possible he's not remembering correctly? Seems like it would be too easy.
I think that using one to cut along the seams would be... well, disastrous at best. Sadly, cutting bits on dremels are all really wide (compared to say an exacto), and they kind of act more like a chain saw than a blade in that they separate more by removing a chunk of the area instead of cutting it apart.
I've never attempted to cut a figure apart at the seams, but like I said, your best bet would probably be to heat it up, then cut.
I wish I could just cut the necks off but the uniform has a collar so I wouldn't be able to get it at the base. I was trying to avoid any serious damage to the figures like holes because I'm new to all of this and unsure of my abilities to repair it. While on the subject of dremels, would it be a feasible option to use one to cut along the seam of the figure? Or is this hole method really the best bet?
Try heating up the place where you're going to cut with a hair dryer, then cut. Although if you're trying to open a torso, cutting it open isn't what I'd recommend. I'd say get a drill or a dremel with a drill attachment, and drill a hole into the seam right under one of the armpits, then with something like an ice pick (if you have one) or a flathead screwdriver, pry the body apart. If one hole doesn't work, repeat the process under the other arm. If that doesn't work, I usually then do it up on the seam between the arms and the head. You'll know when you've got it, because it gives a very satisfying "cracK' noise. If you do all of this right, it won't ruin the figure, though he will require some sculpting over the holes you've created.
Another easy thing you could would just a neck transplant. Just behead them both at the base of the neck and swap.
Does it make a difference if it's an exacto? I used a razor blade, figured it'd be stronger, and despite pushing down pretty hard it just seemed like I was getting nowhere.
Please wait...
I've never attempted to cut a figure apart at the seams, but like I said, your best bet would probably be to heat it up, then cut.
Another easy thing you could would just a neck transplant. Just behead them both at the base of the neck and swap.