by Dr. M

Created on: November 07, 2007

Customizing action figures by adding articulation is a laborious task. However, every effort is worth the sweat. Being able to make fingers movable and limbs twists and bend allows for more flexibility, which equals more fun.

If you would like the challenge of adding articulation to your action figures here are some easy-to-follow steps and beneficial tips:

Purchasing Materials

Choose the figure you want to articulate. Purchase thin paper clips, a Dremel Minimite tool with drill bits, X-acto knife, glue (Superglue works best), small screws in various sizes, miniature screwdriver set, Rare-Earth magnets (good quality brand which most hobby stores have on stock), and wire snips.

Tip 1: You may want to begin with figures you don't mind messing up because the first few tries are difficult and the slightest accidental movement may end with a ruined action figure.

Creating Joints

Look for the best spot to make a cut.

Tips 2: You want to cut on the seam of a painted costume (a place which isn't too noticeable and lends itself to being cut such as in a crevice).

Drill a hole in the center of both pieces. Place a small amount of glue on the threads of the screw. Then twist the screw approximately of the way into the hand. The tip of the screw that is sticking out of the hand becomes what is called the mushroom cap.

You'll need to make room for the mushroom cap to fit into the arm without the screw coming out. Begin to hollow out a little bit of the arm by using a Dentist-burr Dremel tip.

Tip 3: Begin drilling when you are free from distraction. The slightest jolt or application of too much pressure can damage the figurine and ruin your attempts at articulation.

Tip 4: Test the fit a few times. Drilling less rather too much is better because you can't put any portion back in if you drill too much. So, Drill. Stop. Test the fit. Drill more if needed. Once the fit is snug and can turn easily, you have completed the articulation process.

Applying this technique to most parts of the figurine's body is easy and allows you to create joints wherever you would like fingers, arms, knees, elbows, ankles.

Creating Magna-Joints

You'll follow the same process as "Creating Joints." Make a cut along the seam or crevice in the figurine. Get two Rare-Earth magnets that will fit snugly inside both pieces. With a router bit, hollow out a space in the center of both cut pieces.

Tip 5: These hollowed-out spaces need to be the same depth and diameter as the Rare Earth magnets. Carefully shave

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