How does one magnetize very thin plastic bases?

[driller]

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...

[Citizen Sade]

You can get 0.55mm thick magnetic sheets from e.g Magnetic Displays.

If that's too thick for you, how about steel paper under your bases and magnetic sheets in your cookie tins?

[jthomlin]

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

Cheers!
Joe Thomlinson

[Argonor]

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

[zizi666]

I get my magnets from www.supermagnete.de

+1

[driller]

thanks, guys!

[Spooktalker]

To drill, you will definitely want brad point bits. Dremel sells a set that has the thinner shank that will fit.




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




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!

[Argonor]

I have a Dremel, and I want that 

[Glitzer]

Just switch the base for 1,5mm magnetic sheets which are cut to an appropriate size?

[Argonor]

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.

[6milPhil]

Hasslefree do thin adhesive magnets in various shapes and sizes.

http://www.hfminis.co.uk/shop?category=accessories~magnetic-basing

[FramFramson]

I have a Dremel, and I want that 

I have one of those that I got at a yard sale, only for a full-size drill instead of a Dremel.

[Glitzer]

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?

[FramFramson]

Eh, it's useful if you live in a place with no space for anything :/