Laser cut frames for a modular gaming/skirmish board - Forest module WIP

[Peithetairos]

@YPU:

Yes, that was the idea. The flat top profile would then go underneath and could lift any tile to 4cm. I might be an idea to add some other heights so that one can gradually elevate the tiles without limiting combinations.

Another use would be if you put some ferro-magnetic sheet underneath. The tiles would then be firmly attached to each other and the table.

[6mmfan]

Nice looking frames. The only problem i can see is the newest design could be prone to warping and/or twisting. The frames dont look strong enough by themselves to prevent that and you may need some bracing or a solid bottom.

[Peithetairos]

@6mmfan: Yes, this is a concern. I think the only way I will find out if it is indeed a problem is to finish one module and see if any of the techniques used causes warping. That said, the MDF will be sealed with Shellac, and I will use glue sparingly to attach the styrofoam core. Anything that goes on top should be ok, as the styrofoam will isolate the underlying wood. It might be a good idea to sculpt, sand and paint the styrofoam core outside the frame and then put it in for final assembly. Mainly to reduce any mechanical stress on the frame. With humidity as a cause for warping eliminated I think mechanical stress is what might cause issues. But we will see .

[Peithetairos]

Believe it or not, work finally progressed on my forest encounter board using the frames shown above. It is still WIP, but I think the frames work well.

[OSHIROmodels]

That's a lovely finish 

[beefcake]

Very nice. I take it these all fit together?

[SiamTiger]

Well done, impressive finish.

[Lost Egg]

That looks sweet. Lovely job. It will be cool to see the boards going together.

[Peithetairos]

Glad you like the module thus far. I will add a lot more details to give the eye something to look for and rest on. I am, however, pleased that it came out looking so naturalistic. This is my first forest base and I think it will truly come together when I place the trees etc.

All modules will fit together at least at one side up to all sides. This reduces interchangeability, but gives me more leeway having sloping hills, rock faces, river sections etc. or even underground elements.

I am working on a second element right now, which features some flagstones and will also have, depending on module chosen: a ruined structure, standing stones or hedge growth.

[Codsticker]

Yes, that looks very nice.

[Peithetairos]

Glad you like the two modules Codsticker.

[Rich H]

Looks very nice - but how do you store/transport it?  I've made modular boards before covered in fur (6mm MDF) but storage and protection were significant problems.  Intruged how you have solved this.

[Peithetairos]

The modules are fairly light (around 250g) given the bottom part is not solid. So I intend to get some foam and cut 30 by 30 squares out of it with the right depth. With some cardboard or foam to separate modules I should be able to stack two or three on top of each other, in a case 40 x 40 x 15. That would be three boxes for a skirmish board.