To base, or not to base

[DocPiske]

Super glue works a bit too well for Bones. Next to impossible to remove the model after it dries. For metal minis, I use either PVA glue like Elmer's, or epoxy. If a model has no integrated base, I mush a small blob of green stuff on to the washer and then press the model into the blob. I remove the model and let the green stuff dry and then super glue the feet into the perfectly sized impressions.

[Chaoswolf]

I always base my figures (personal preference). Superglue works great for Bones to plastic base adhesion, IMO anyway.

I use a variety of different methods to blend the figure base with the plastic base; sculpting with putty, adding 'goop' ( white glue, sand, paint), small pebbles, etc.

[ultrasquid]

For the people that use washers, do you dress them up at all? And does the superglue stick to the metal washers pretty decently?

 

I mounted my Jabberwock on a 2 inch fender washer with E6000 vinyl contact cement, as it was recommended for attaching PVC to metal. I don't quite remember how I dressed it up, but I have a WIP thread about it somewhere in the forums. Sand, paint, and birch seeds, I think it was. The integrated base came in just slightly smaller than the washer, so blending the edge out wasn't hard. The weight of that washer gives the figure considerable stability, but I also embedded a steel wire to stiffen the leg so it won't sag.

 

[edit] Here it is: http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/63873-so-rested-he-by-the-tumtum-tree%E2%80%A6-89016-jabberwock/

Edited November 5, 2016 by ultrasquid

[Lorathorn]

Thanks for the tips on the Jabberwock. I have one waiting to be painted, and probably converting.

[Pingo]

For the people that use washers, do you dress them up at all? And does the superglue stick to the metal washers pretty decently?

I prefer to use epoxy, as with these figures.

 

I have based numerous bones whose balance is a bit off. I prefer metal washers for their weight and bulk price, and fender washers specifically because they have a smaller hole than regular washers.

 

I've found that parchment paper peels right off dried epoxy, so I tend to glue the mini to the washer on top of parchment paper and let the epoxy fill the hole in the washer that way. I also sometimes use epoxy to blend the transition between the edge of the Bones base and the washer.

 

I worry about physical stuff falling off bases, so I paint them illusionistically instead.

[Lorathorn]

Amazing advice. I think I may just start doing that with my miniatures.

[fectin]

I base mine, and usually put a trio of 1/8th magnets in the base. Get a piece of sheet metal to set them on for display. They come off of it very easily, but don't tip over.

 

ABS glue (made from ABS pellets + acetone) works great for sticking metal to plastic; think of it kind of like very-runny green stuff.

Edited November 8, 2016 by fectin

[Rowan]

I base about 99% of mine.  Mostly to match the base sizes used for RPG gaming (so 1 inch round or square for human sized or 'medium' size) but also for stability and, in some cases, weight.  Right now I have scads of GW bases plus the ones from KS II, so no need for anything right now, but the bases from Reaper get more attractive as my pile runs low.

 

For the most part, I don't usually cut off the integral bases unless they really don't fit the 1" bases.  I'll glue them down with superglue, then use Staedtler FIMO air dry clay to smooth the base into the integral base.  Add some minor sculpting as required and just add sand when dry.  Sometimes it looks like each character is on top of a small rise, but hey, they're heroes aren't they?  

 

There are a few whose stance is a bit too wide (Bones II bugbears, I'm looking at you) for the 1" bases, and so long as they aren't tippy I've left them for the most part.  They still fit into the 1" square on the battle map for gaming and look decent, particularly with some added sand.  

 

Larger or more involved minis (e.g. DDS2 or other fancy figs) generally get left alone, again so long as they aren't unstable.

[PaganMegan]

I never used to base unless I had to, but Grump introduced me to wargaming, where bases and the sizes of the bases are more important. Grump has bases in a bunch of chinese takeout containers, in all sorts of sizes, and he bases EVERYTHING.

 

Some of his bases are ceramic tiles from I do not know how long ago, at least a few of them are older than I am. (He has been playing for a long, long time. And has figures from companies that do not exist anymore.)

 

*** I am beginning to agree with Grumpy about how bad posting on a tablet is. The browser has dropped the first letter of every post I have made today.

Edited December 27, 2016 by PaganMegan

[TheAuldGrump]

I never used to base unless I had to, but Grump introduced me to wargaming, where bases and the sizes of the bases are more important. Grump has bases in a bunch of chinese takeout containers, in all sorts of sizes, and he bases EVERYTHING.

 

Some of his bases are ceramic tiles from I do not know how long ago, at least a few of them are older than I am. (He has been playing for a long, long time. And has figures from companies that do not exist anymore.)

 

*** I am beginning to agree with Grumpy about how bad posting on a tablet is. The browser has dropped the first letter of every post I have made today.

Laser cut MDF, from a company that no longer makes them. (Gale Force 9 'Econobases'.)

 

Other companies do still make them, but not nearly as inexpensive these days.

 

The Auld Grump - grumble, grumble, gripe.... *EDIT* And, yes - there is a reason why I would rather wait until I get home to the computer, rather than fumble-fingering a tablet.

Edited December 27, 2016 by TheAuldGrump

[TheAuldGrump]

 

For the people that use washers, do you dress them up at all? And does the superglue stick to the metal washers pretty decently?

 

I mounted my Jabberwock on a 2 inch fender washer with E6000 vinyl contact cement, as it was recommended for attaching PVC to metal. I don't quite remember how I dressed it up, but I have a WIP thread about it somewhere in the forums. Sand, paint, and birch seeds, I think it was. The integrated base came in just slightly smaller than the washer, so blending the edge out wasn't hard. The weight of that washer gives the figure considerable stability, but I also embedded a steel wire to stiffen the leg so it won't sag.

 

[edit] Here it is: http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/63873-so-rested-he-by-the-tumtum-tree%E2%80%A6-89016-jabberwock/

 

For my upright Bones dragons, I am in the habit of putting in a tree, and having one claw wrapped around a branch - making it a scenic support.

 

The Auld Grump

[ub3r_n3rd]

I base 100% of my figures, I don't mean black base only, I actually make sure it's at least somewhat scenic or premade resin base or a stamped base, something to give it some more oomph and identity.

[Glitterwolf]

I'm with Ub3r on this one.

 

I also always base, try to add some scenery or at least flock or sand to give the mini an environment.

[dsmiles]

I always base, and since I've gone gridless, I use 30, 40, 50, 80, 100, and 120mm round-lipped bases (and the occasional Coffeemate lid - the BIG ones).

[tiniest rhombus]

Bases are the best. I always base. Not only do they add stability and give you somewhere other than the figure to hold, they finish a piece of quite nicely. Now when I first started, I saw no reason to do anything but a basic base or none at all. Once you start, it's hard to stop tho. Happy basing!