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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Old Guy on 28 November 2013, 11:10:46 AM

Title: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: Old Guy on 28 November 2013, 11:10:46 AM
A long time ago I glued (Bostick, clear adhesive) my WotR onto plastic bases.

I had decided to rebase them all and 'modernise' them. I managed to pry three contingents off no bother (they belong to my son who must have used the glue sparingly). But now that I have moved on to my guys, the knife just will not pry them off, I even tried heating it and running it under the base, but again no joy, I have some 500 figures to remove.

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: anevilgiraffe on 28 November 2013, 12:20:36 PM
belt sander?
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: Cubs on 28 November 2013, 12:24:06 PM
I use small sharp wire-cutters to nibble them off if I can't get a chisel blade underneath.
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: jthomlin on 29 November 2013, 01:56:54 AM
In my experience most bonds deteriorate with heat, try blasting the joints with a hair dryer.

Soaking the bases in water may also help.

Cheers!
Joe Thomlinson
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: pacarat on 29 November 2013, 02:15:09 AM
A long time ago I glued (Bostick, clear adhesive) my WotR onto plastic bases.

I had decided to rebase them all and 'modernise' them. I managed to pry three contingents off no bother (they belong to my son who must have used the glue sparingly). But now that I have moved on to my guys, the knife just will not pry them off, I even tried heating it and running it under the base, but again no joy, I have some 500 figures to remove.

Any thoughts?

Are the WOTR figs metal or plastic?

Maybe try the freezer....cold will contract material - maybe loosen the connection.

Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: Ninja on 03 December 2013, 06:13:55 PM
Acetone removes super glue. It will actually break down the bond.
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: gamer Mac on 03 December 2013, 10:43:18 PM
Razor saw :D
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: ErikB on 03 December 2013, 10:46:53 PM
I have had good results with acetone using my wife's nail polish remover.

Orcs and Space Marines look cute in a stinky pink bath....   :)

Good luck.
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: redzed on 04 December 2013, 09:14:53 AM
hammer and chisel.
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: zemjw on 04 December 2013, 09:30:02 AM
Pictures would be handy if you have them.

I've removed a few figures from bases with different approaches. For metal tabs glued to slottas I used a side cutter (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234925100-cutting-tools-xuron-sprue-cutters-olfa-snap-off-knives/) to destroy the plastic base and release the tab.

I've also used a side cutter to slide under the foot and cut the figure off that way. However, it is easy to damage the figure if you're not careful, and you can end up with a bit of a V-shape.

I've also had some success using a scalpel blade (Swan & Morton, so proper sharp) to cut between the foot and glue, but again, care and patience is required.

The side cutter should scale to 500 figs, but I doubt the scalpel would :-[
Title: Re: Getting Figures off bases.
Post by: Dr. Zombie on 04 December 2013, 09:51:41 AM
Acetone removes superglue BUT also plastic! So if the miniatures are plastic you should not use that option.

I have had great succes with putting stuff in the freezer. The cold weakens the glue and makes it brittle and easy to remove the glued parts. That might not be a good option for you if other parts of your minis are glued and you only want to remove the bases.

In general I find rebasing to be a real hassle and I try to avoid it as much as possible. I have had a few times where i simply used a pair of clippers and destroy the base.