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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: driller on 13 September 2013, 09:11:39 AM

Title: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: driller on 13 September 2013, 09:11:39 AM
Like Renedra and the like? I use metal cookie boxes to store my minis, and with 40k figures for example I have no problem, I just glue a magnet in the bottom of the base, but I can't do the same with very thin, not-hollow bases I use for my fantasy minis.

How does one go about magnetizing them, I wonder...
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: Citizen Sade on 13 September 2013, 09:24:01 AM
You can get 0.55mm thick magnetic sheets from e.g Magnetic Displays (http://www.magneticdisplays.co.uk/magnetic-displays/lightweight-range).

If that's too thick for you, how about steel paper under your bases and magnetic sheets in your cookie tins?
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: jthomlin on 13 September 2013, 09:48:11 AM
Rare Earth magnets are your friend, drill a hole the base and glue in an appropriately sized one and you are done!

I think the Rendra bases are 1.5mm thick so for metal 28mm, you would probably want 6mm diameter, for plastic a 3 to 4mm would be enough.

Being 1.5mm thick you are probably OK, but one issue I have had with my 1mm thick bases, is you can end up distorting the base if the hole is a little tight and you have to force the magnet in. Just make sure it's a loose-ish fit and you should be fine.

See this page for some examples of the stuff I have done, the bases in the pic at the end are held on the end of the dowels by magnets only and it works fine for painting.

http://www.joethomlinson.com/trade/index.php?title=Bases (http://www.joethomlinson.com/trade/index.php?title=Bases)

Cheers!
Joe Thomlinson

Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: Argonor on 13 September 2013, 12:53:40 PM
Rare Earth magnets are your friend, drill a hole the base and glue in an appropriately sized one and you are done!

Seconded.

I get my magnets from www.supermagnete.de
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: zizi666 on 13 September 2013, 08:31:21 PM
I get my magnets from www.supermagnete.de

+1
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: driller on 26 September 2013, 05:04:33 PM
thanks, guys!
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: Spooktalker on 27 September 2013, 03:29:43 AM
To drill, you will definitely want brad point bits. Dremel sells a set that has the thinner shank that will fit.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8570913526_d5fbef8aaf.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/spooktalker/8570913526/)


Also, it's possible to jury-rig your own jig but to do it in style I recommend:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8569817793_555a1334e9.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/spooktalker/8569817793/)


Just picked it up and it's awesome.

Also, and I can't stress this enough, if you are drilling plastic bases like Mantic, Renedra, etc, you are in luck, you can drill them BEFORE you take them off the sprue!
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: Argonor on 27 September 2013, 08:11:42 AM

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8569817793_555a1334e9.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/spooktalker/8569817793/)


I have a Dremel, and I want that  o_o
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: Glitzer on 27 September 2013, 01:36:00 PM
Just switch the base for 1,5mm magnetic sheets which are cut to an appropriate size?
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: Argonor on 27 September 2013, 04:00:32 PM
Just switch the base for 1,5mm magnetic sheets which are cut to an appropriate size?

Or use steel washers and put the magnetic sheet in the storage box.
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: 6milPhil on 27 September 2013, 04:24:12 PM
Hasslefree do thin adhesive magnets in various shapes and sizes.

http://www.hfminis.co.uk/shop?category=accessories~magnetic-basing
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: FramFramson on 27 September 2013, 08:46:21 PM
I have a Dremel, and I want that  o_o

I have one of those that I got at a yard sale, only for a full-size drill instead of a Dremel.
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: Glitzer on 03 October 2013, 03:15:52 PM
I have one of those that I got at a yard sale, only for a full-size drill instead of a Dremel.
I prefer the ones where the drill is allready buildt into the frame. Most people I know have more than one drill anyways, so why not just use a dedicated standing drill?
Title: Re: How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?
Post by: FramFramson on 04 October 2013, 03:28:16 AM
Eh, it's useful if you live in a place with no space for anything :/