What to base models with

JCgoose · Post by **JCgoose** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:55 am

hey

I usually use a thick card board type matierial. I was wanting to know some of the things that others used. I've seen a few sites selling pre made bases but wasn't all too sure on them.

Polkovnik · Post by **Polkovnik** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:21 am

I use pre-cut MDF bases. But in packets for about £1 each with around 16 - 20 bases in.
I wouldn't use cardboard - hard to cut accurately and wears at the edges.

hammy · Post by **hammy** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:41 am

I used to use mounting card, the kind used to make frames for pictures. It is fine and relatively cheap. The problems are that it is work to cut the bases out, difficult to do precisely and they can wear over time.

I now use precut MDF bases but know of several people who use precut steel bases.

bobm · Post by **bobm** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:44 am

I just started using pre-cut plastic. Thinner than mdf which I prefer for 15mm figures. Used lino tiles for years (simple to cut, score then bend 'til they snap).

JCgoose · Post by **JCgoose** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:51 pm

I heard from a mate who goes to a hard ware store that will cut them quite close out of mdf. Cheers for the ideas I'll try a few of the others and see what ends up working the best

Nebelwerfer41 · Post by **Nebelwerfer41** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 8:57 pm

I'm partial to steel for 28mm WWII figs, I think they would be even better in 15mm. Thin, heavy, resistant to wear, and SQUARE. Plus, you can use magnetic sheeting in your storage trays for easy transport.

JCgoose · Post by **JCgoose** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:15 am

you don't happen to know of any place that does decent ones by chance?

CyrusHavoc · Post by **CyrusHavoc** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 8:14 pm

I still use cardboard and have not had any problems with it. Its cheap (free) cuts easily and if its a fraction out in size I don't see that it matters. The sort shops use for show cards and advertising is good.

I do like the idea of steel though if it can be obtained at a reasonable price. I have been using adhesive backed magnetic sheet on some of my models any way and it might work better if the magnetic sheet went on the movement trays instaed.

Nebelwerfer41 · Post by **Nebelwerfer41** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:07 pm

Steel bases can be found pretty easily in the states. I purchase mine from www.warweb.com. They even come cut in sizes suitable for FOG.

peteratjet · Post by **peteratjet** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:32 pm

Precision Wargame Supplies in the UK do steel bases - and very nice they are too.

http://www.freewebs.com/pwsltd/steelbases.htm

lawrenceg · Post by **lawrenceg** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:21 pm

I've used:
CArd, but have had some warping with PVA/flock as it shrinks.
Plastic glazing material (probably either PS or PMMA) worked well but was a bit of a chore to cut.
Precut steel is good, but it is thin, so it is hard to slide a group of bases across the table en-bloc. Also it sticks so strongly to magnetic sheet that the figures' legs fatigued off on a couple of my bases due to the force needed to get them out of the box repeatedly. And it is heavy.
I had some second hand figures based on white plastic sheet. This warped with solvent-based glue and did not stick well to epoxy.
Now I've just started using precut MDF which seems to be thick and rigid enough to resist warping.

deadtorius · Post by **deadtorius** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 4:27 am

just out of curiosity, what thickness is the MDF?

I still use card, the picture backing stuff you can find in craft superstores, and yes the edges can wear/go soft on you. Elephant bases do warp but then I am old school.

philqw78 · Post by **philqw78** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 6:27 am

normally 2 or 3mm

tadamson · Post by **tadamson** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:10 pm

Real men's armies are based on beer mats, with broken up wine corks as 'rocks' lead foil from wine bottles as flags,......

....getting old.....

JCgoose · Post by **JCgoose** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:05 pm

lol

Well I'm going for some 3mm MDF and rebasing all card based elements having had a bit of a disaster with a spilt pint.

Cheers
Jonathan

ancientsgamer · Post by **ancientsgamer** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 7:30 pm

I assume you are in the UK so I can't be much help. If you are in the US, check out Litko http://www.litkoaero.com/mini_bases.php
You will not find a more accurate base as they are laser cut. Go here to shop: http://www.litkoaero.com/page/LAI/CTGY/MB_RB for FOG
style bases. The bases are hobby quality plywood. So, they won't be the cheapest (although in packs of 100, they are competitive to smaller
packs in other brands)

An Example:

Rectangular Miniature Bases. 40x20 mm. 100 count

3mm Plywood Bases ($11.99)
1.5mm Plywood Bases ($18.99)
0.8mm Plywood Bases ($11.99)
Flexible Steel Base Bottoms ($11.99)
Magnetic Base Bottoms ($11.99)
Heavy Duty Magnetic Base Bottoms ($14.99)

Prices in US dollars. You will not find a more accurate base and magnet/steel bottom.

I prefer a thicker base, so I would either go with the 3mm or MDF from another manufacturer.

As I have a lot of figures that I have purchased painted, I will probably be cutting bases myself as the money I save will
probably warrant buying a new band saw. My current hobby band saw is okay but I would like the accuracy of one with
a wider blade and cast iron table. A friend of mine cuts bases with this type of band saw and sells bases to friends on the side.
He uses heavier duty magnetic material as the hobby store stuff doesn't hold heavier figures as well.

Chris Tebo

Blathergut · Post by **Blathergut** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 7:45 pm

I prefer the matt board...easy to cut...nice and thin...easy to bend a bit if it warps...i don't like thick bases.

Wodeson · Post by **Wodeson** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 11:41 am

I use that plastic coated corrigated card used in packaging.

I cut out the bases with a hobby knife and ruler, attach the figures on with wood glue, and apply fine surface polyfilla to hide the edges.

It's free. It doesn't warp. And it's easy to rebase figures should I choose to.

I did worry when I based up some elephants that the card would not be robust enough for such a heavy model, but it worked out fine.

JCgoose · Post by **JCgoose** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 3:57 am

I've been told ot look into a company called olympian minatures, they supply a number of basing things from precuts to an item called Paper Steel. I am going to order a sheet 8 inch by 11 inch and give it ago.

JCgoose · Post by **JCgoose** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 3:07 am

Finally got some decent basing stuff!

3mm MDF cut into enough bases by the lovely staff for Magnet Mart for my Seljuk 800pts and my wotR Yorkist 800pts armies with something to glue them down for $19.80 (AUS).