50mm Steampunk cog and gear bases...

[ironmammoth]

I have produced a couple of bases that would suit steampunk, dieselpunk and possibly gothic scifi type figures.

If anyone is interested in manufacturing them, I am open to offers...

http://ironmammoth.blogspot.com/2011/11/laser-cut-steampunk-bases.html

[Daeothar]

I'd buy a couple of those for sure; they're great!

[Sterling Moose]

I don't usually go for scenic bases but these are awesome.

[Brandlin]

Good job. I'm interested in how you made these with a laser cutter? Do you have a tutorial?

[ironmammoth]

Good job. I'm interested in how you made these with a laser cutter? Do you have a tutorial?

Hardly worth a tutorial really...

Gear wheels and base plates designed in Corel Draw. Cut on the laser cutter, then built up in layers. One has three main layers and the other 5, all made from 2mm acrylic sheet. Gaps and cavities filled with epoxy putty. Oh and the tops of the bolts are just rounded off greenstuff.

All given a blast of grey primer.

[Brandlin]

Ah.

I was wondering how you got the level of detail. I guess acrylic takes the laser well. I do some laser cutting, but not in acrylic and I've not managed to make very small volumes cost effective.

[ironmammoth]

Ah.

I was wondering how you got the level of detail. I guess acrylic takes the laser well. I do some laser cutting, but not in acrylic and I've not managed to make very small volumes cost effective.

I run a laser cutting machine in my model making workshop, so I don't have a problem with one offs etc.

Can I ask what the material you use is? I have found that polystyrene sheet tends to melt along the laser cut edges, what kind of plasticard are you using?

[Brandlin]

Can I ask what the material you use is? I have found that polystyrene sheet tends to melt along the laser cut edges, what kind of plasticard are you using?

It's not my laser, I buy time on geronimo's (fenris games). The material I use on my kits is just standard extruded polystyrene (plasticard), Geronimo sources it for me. Yes there is some melting but I only use .5mm and 1mm sheet thicknesses, so it's a very small amount, and I build that into the geometry. Thicker sheets would be problematic with melting I believe. I understand the only issue with cutting the styrene is that you need good ventilation as the fumes are toxic.

For those of you not familiar with the kits I sell, you can see them here http://brandlin.blogspot.com


I'm always on the lookout

[Brandlin]

Oops

I'm always on the lookout for possible replacement materials for the styrene, but nothing I've found compares even closely for price or the flexibility to bend round some of the cylindrical shapes I use.

[ironmammoth]

Oops

I'm always on the lookout for possible replacement materials for the styrene, but nothing I've found compares even closely for price or the flexibility to bend round some of the cylindrical shapes I use.

Thanks, that's very interesting! I had tried cutting some 1.5mm styrene sheet and the melting was definitely an issue. I will have to try using some thinner stuff. It may well be exactly what I am looking for...