Round Steel "Bases"

[FifteensAway]

That image shows varied sizes of round steel discs I ordered from Total Element - discs meant for magnetic connection for doors or other automated processes. However, I find they work great for basing figures.  I figured the average cost per base was around 8-9 cents USA. 

Sizes are 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", and 1 1/2".  I was a bit disappointed that the 1 1/2" bases wouldn't take three 15 mm mounted figures - but not entirely surprised.  Probably use them as terrain bases for scatter terrain, 160 of them.  All of the other sizes work well for me either for individually based foot (1/2 or 3/4) or singly based cavalry (1 or 1 1/4).  I also use the 1 1/4 to base three foot per base. 

Just thought others who like using round bases might be interested.  Not sure of availability outside of USA.

All told, there are 1,860 bases in those bags.  Which might translate to 2,400 plus, maybe more, figures if all used.  And, yes, I have more than enough figures to use up those bases.

[TheDaR]

I can second using totalElement bases.  I switched from generic washers to using these, as they're a lot more consistent in thickness, thinner than standard washer sizes, plus not having a hole in the center.  They are consistently magnetic while some washers are not, depending on the exact steel and coatings used.   Finally, they have vastly fewer dings and malformed edges, where as bulk washers I end up having to throw away 10-20% of them as too damaged for my liking.  They are a bit more expensive than washers, but once you factor in the unusable ones it's really not too bad.

My personal set up is to use the 5/8ths for single 15mm figures, 3/4ths for 2 heavy formed infantry or singly for slightly larger than normal man sized figures like Ogres or things like Power Armor, and 1 or 1-1/2 inch for siege weapons, elephants, monsters, weapon teams, bikes or small buggies, dreadnoughts and other robots, etc.   For horse-type mounted figures, I use a pair of 1/2 inch, glued to a thin styrene topper to make a pill shape, since 3 of these will sit side by side on a 40mm sabot base (with magnets!) for games such as DBA, or they can be magneted to a 1 or 1-1/4 inch round for stability in skirmish oriented games.

[FifteensAway]

Hmm, that last bit gives me an idea: cut a piece of sheet magnet to shape on top of a thin but rigid material that is fairly easy to form, apply a very thin paint to the top of the sheet magnet so it blends in better, and then use it as a magnetized base for the mounted figures on either 1" or 1 1/4" steel bases (some horse bases are a bit big for the 1" sizes).  Talking 15 mm, of course.

Need to figure out how to make the bottom of the assembly magnetic though - or live with the bases not being magnetic, probably could live with that, just have to use a more carefully arranged storage container.  I'm hoping to have the vast majority of my figures on metal bases stored in containers lined with magnetic sheet to keep the readily transportable with minimum tip over hazards.

[TheDaR]

I just drop a simple galvanized steel shingle sheets in my container boxes.  The miniature bases are steel.  So I just throw a bunch of small n42 rare earth magnets down and that holds the minis to the shingle sheet.  Sometimes simple is best.

I also did some 3d modeled bases that are meant to have said rare earth magnets (3mmx1.5mm) glued into them, in a variety of formats for different games (40mm rectangles for DBA, looser rounded edge groups in groups of 2 or 3 for Rampant type games, triangle and round groups for Test of Honor or Mortal Gods, etc, etc).  Since the magnets are meant to be glued in, the group trays can also act as organizers for storage, with the lips keeping the mini bases from moving on the tray, and the multiple magnets in the tray keeping it from sliding around on the steel sheet.  Some day I may actually even print up enough bases for any sizeable portion of my collection.

[Grimmnar]

That image shows varied sizes of round steel discs I ordered from Total Element - discs meant for magnetic connection for doors or other automated processes. However, I find they work great for basing figures.  I figured the average cost per base was around 8-9 cents USA.

With my recent reach out about basesthis interests me. Can we get a direct link please? Thx

Grimm

[FifteensAway]

Grimm,

Here is the link.  I use the non-adhesive discs.

https://totalelement.com/search?type=product&q=steel+discs

If I place another order I might try the 2" discs but they do get a bit pricey at only 60 per pack or 27 cents each - though only about 8 cents per figure counting three men and three horses per base; might accommodate three mounted figures though (will create such a disc by hand on paper as a test before ordering to be sure).

[Doug ex-em4]

I still think pennies (uk) are great value for money for bases. They cost a penny each

Doug

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

I still think pennies (uk) are great value for money for bases. They cost a penny each

Doug

I use them too. 2p coins as well, but mostly American pennies. The big wish would be that they were magnetic.

[FifteensAway]

"The big wish would be that they were magnetic" <<< and exactly why I go to the extra expense of steel bases.  But pennies work - although technically using them in the US is a federal crime I believe.  Not sure anyone is going to enforce that one on gamers. 

[DaveCrow]

If it comes to it I will argue that my penny bases are not "defacing" the currency as I can always remove the figures and basing stuff.

I live near the northern border so have a number of Canadian pennies mixed in. Those have been discontinued however, and I've always felt a little uncomfortable gluing figures to her late Majesty's face.

I will have to look into Total Element.  my usual basing system for 15mm is magnet sheet on the bottom of the bases and store them in covered baking pans. 28mm are on steel washers so a cheaper, more consistent option would be welcome.

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

Defacing pennies can’t be much of a crime, since i often see tourist gift shops with machines that put a penny into a rolling mill to make some sort of cheesy memento trinket.  I just use glue and paint, but i suppose some critics might look at my paint jobs’ level of skill on the figure mounted on it and declare that a defacement!

[anevilgiraffe]

I use them too. 2p coins as well, but mostly American pennies. The big wish would be that they were magnetic.

the new 2p and 1p coins are, my Silver Bayonet clue markers are in a magnetised case I've knocked up. Sturdy as a rock. I have to test all my loose change though...

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

Really!?!  I ever thought to check for magnetism thinking they were coppper. I know American pennies are mostly zinc plated with copper and assumed British coins are as well.  i will have to get some more when i get back to the UK.

[2010sunburst]

UK “copper” coins have been plated steel since the mid eighties.  They are great for basing plastics, adding a nice degree of weight and stability low down.  An added bonus is that if you glue some rare Earth magnets into some golf tees the figures are very easy to hold for painting.  The magnets hold the figure bases securely while painting, but can be easily popped off when complete.  Here is an example of some 20mm paras I have on the go….the guys on the Tamiya bottles will be glued onto the base with the Vickers so didn’t need the coin bases.

[anevilgiraffe]

I always assumed it was new ones as they were always nice and shiny, the dull grotty ones never stuck...