Fitting Resin Heads- Need Help

[aburabusimbutu]

This is a question for the 8" Mego customizers out there. I just got my first resin head and of course the plug is hard as a rock so it won't squeeze into the neck hole like a Mego head would. I know you have to alter the neck to get the plug in (I think) but how do you do this without damaging it? I am really nervous about breaking the head, the neck, and the body.

[Wild Willy]

This is the problem when a generic Mego neck plug is copied, Megos are flexable and solid resin is not.
I have tried this a couple different ways.
The first time I asked the same question I was told to seperate one of the shoulder seams in order to get the plug in, then crazy glue it together again. I didnt like that because the seam would not stay closed for me.
What I find to be the best way is:

# 1- Take a regular pensil and rub the side of the lead all around the inside of the Mego neck hole.

# 2- Take the resin head and put it into the neck hole as far as it will go and turn turn it a bit so you get a pensil line showing the size of the hole.

# 3- Then I'm afraid it's whittlin time, keep shaving it down till you are almost at the pensil line but not right to it.
Keep test fitting until the hole gives enough to pop it in.
If you are fortunate enough to have a Dremel, this task will be easy.
If your fortunate enough to have a Dremel Box like Casimir then you are really rollin.
My 2 cents.

Will

[aburabusimbutu]

So far so good (though the whole thing sounds pretty riky to me). But I don't have a dremel, so what do I use to whittle it down?

[Figuremaster Les]

Hey, Kevin. I am not a familiar with the particulars of the Mego head fit, but I have used resin heads enough to know that I would be very careful if you don't have a dremel tool.
Seems like Resin and Dremels go together. Carving resin is kind of hard to do. It depends on the dynamics of the cast material itself. Sometimes it is very soft and can be carved rather easily and sometimes it's quite brittle and hard and you almost can't use a knife or file as easily. However, the rapid rotation of the Dremel makes it actually easier to work with once you get the hang of handling one.
I use a portable, batery powered dremel and take my time with small metal grinding bits. Once you get the hang of it, you can almost get a smooth surface just from the careful grinding.
Anyway, trust these guys before you trust me. I just know how to grind small resin parts down pretty well.

Here's a guy who doesn't use an airbrush telling you to go get a Dremel tool, but I would. If you can.
Other's may know more about how to handle resin without one. Listen to them if they do.
That's my 2 cents worth. Hope it helps some.

[martingb]

I'm with the other guys. Not nearly as professional though! Just a bit of sand paper and knife and just smooth and chip away really careful constantly testing for a fit. Not pretty but once in place the chipping and a chopping is hidden. Good luck mate

[apeaholic]

I've only done this once so I'm hoping this doesn't sound like something only the complete novice that I am would do.

I inserted a single blade of my wife's utility scissors into the neck hole and gave it a few turns to shave off the inner part of the neck opening. It was very neat and only took a little bit of effort before I was able to pop Mr.West's head on BATMAN'S body. You would never know from the outside that I had done this to the body. The head is able to turn and has a nice tight fit too.

Mind you the scissors were heavy duty and from a kitchen store I think. One side is very sharp so it took down the plastic in nice even amounts on each turn.After each turn I tried the fit until I was able to pop it in without much trouble.

I hope this is helpful.

[Wild Willy]

apeaholic said:

I've only done this once so I'm hoping this doesn't sound like something only the complete novice that I am would do.

I inserted a single blade of my wife's utility scissors into the neck hole and gave it a few turns to shave off the inner part of the neck opening. It was very neat and only took a little bit of effort before I was able to pop Mr.West's head on BATMAN'S body. You would never know from the outside that I had done this to the body. The head is able to turn and has a nice tight fit too.

Mind you the scissors were heavy duty and from a kitchen store I think. One side is very sharp so it took down the plastic in nice even amounts on each turn.After each turn I tried the fit until I was able to pop it in without much trouble.

I hope this is helpful.

This is a great concept too, so long as you do not plan on useing the body with a regular head at a later date.

Will

[BlackKnight]

All I do is take the body in one hand, & the head in the other twist them in opposite directions while appling force pushing them together. pop the head back off, remove the shavings, then apply the head back into place. With some of the tougher molded heads, I apply sand paper at first, before I begin.

[Wild Willy]

Kevin! obviously you have surpassed your dilema and judging by the lack of furniture destroyed around here you must have prevailed. ;D

What method did you end up useing for this and would you recomened it to others?

Will

[aburabusimbutu]

Actually, truth be told I tried a lot of things that didn't work. I got a blister on my hand from twisting the head while it made a sharp "Neeee, Neeeee" squeaky noise and I ended up over-trimnming it. It's now a Blacula bobble-head. The cape and collar are so tight that the head remains stationery but I definately failed "Fitting Resin Heads 101".

[Wild Willy]

That's too bad, sometimes mt batman's have turned out as bobble heads too, but like your Blackula, Bat's has a cape and neck dressing which tightens it up.

I guess dremel is the way ta go.

Will