Lead foil, good vs bad

[kurtj]

Recently received a Metal Modeles figure which supplied lead foil to use for staps, belts, etc. Do most use this or are there other current preferences. Does anyone worry about WMD anymore (George W doesn't I know)? I've been away from the hobby a long while.

Kurt

 

[Steve]

Lead is a good option and once primed no bloom. The main advantage is that you can simply shape it. 'Luck!

 

[Jamie Stokes]

I echo steve - easy to shape, and holds it shape. Others have used masking tape, heavy grade paper, cheaper, less forgiving and too easy to distort or damage...

Cheers
Jamie

 

[ChaosCossack]

I do like the foil that they supply. I don't know that it's actually lead though. Lead would be much softer and liable to break. I believe it's actually an aluminium alloy.
Either way... It has worked the best for me so far. The only problem is they only give little bits... Leaves no room for error and not much left over for scratch projects Finally found an art store that sells it in rolls, about 1' by 25'... enough to make miles of straps and belts.

Colin

 

[Tecumsea]

I notice that Nimix do etched brass examples for 54mm complete with Buckles in various lengths-has anyone used these?

Keith

 

[Einion]

Where appropriate I'd still use lead foil for straps, for certain applications though I'd prefer to use other things, including electrical tape or thinly-rolled Kneadatite.

Does anyone worry about WMD anymore (George W doesn't I know)?

Not so much. Good primer helps ensure it doesn't happen.

If you're concerned about it you could always try switching to aluminium foil (from old paint tubes or whatever).

Einion

 

[JonP]

I use the foil or insulation tape which I find beter for longer lengths such as reins.

 

[pte1643]

I'm quite partial to using lead foil, for the reasons given... Ease of moulding etc.

The Self Adhesive type is available from Fishing Tackle shops that stock Fly Tying supplies.

 

[Gra30]

Takeaway metal trays work good, you can also buy them in packs from the pound shop.
Car repair shops sell aluminium foil in rolls and the sticky backing can be removed with white spirit.
Marks and Spencer's do a heavier metal tray in their meal deals, this is good if you are looking to cast from the master as it being slightly thicker scales nicely once cast, the thinner type being a little too thin sometimes

 

[Helm]

I like pin striping tape as used on cars it comes in various colours and can be easily shaped and cut and of course will take paint well

Steve

 

[theBaron]

I use lead foil, for straps or cloth, in various scales. I also use aluminum foil for some applications.

I get lead foil from various sources, all of it through scavenging, I refuse to pay for a package of lead foil, when I can bum leftover X-ray wrapping from my dentist, or ask my friends to save foil from the bottles of wine that they drink. My aluminum foil I salvage from my kitchen use, and from my sweet tooth.

Your crack about weapons of mass destruction suggests that you're concerned about getting lead poisoning from using lead foil, and let me say that you shouldn't have any problem, unless you do something stupid like eat it.

Prost!
Brad

 

[ChaosCossack]

WHAT??? We're not supposed to eat it????

 

[kurtj]

By WMD I meant white metal disease, which if I remember correctly was what the "bloom" used to be called. Thanks for all the imput. I may go to the craft store (Michael's) and poke around to see what they have.

 

[ChaosCossack]

By WMD I meant white metal disease, which if I remember correctly was what the "bloom" used to be called. Thanks for all the imput. I may go to the craft store (Michael's) and poke around to see what they have.

I don't know about the States, but I've been to three Micheal's in the Toronto area and they have nothing like what we've been talking about. The rolls of aluminium (or if you're rich, copper) sheet I found was at Curry's Art Supply, so you might be better to try a proper art supply than the "craft" stores.

Just a thought

Colin

 

[kurtj]

Your right, Michael's was a waste of time.

 

[Tubby-Nuts-REMOVED]

I notice that Nimix do etched brass examples for 54mm complete with Buckles in various lengths-has anyone used these?

Keith

I have not used the Nimix, ones but I have used the Andrea, line .(90mm). which were more pliable than they look! they also do 54mm!