Tips needed for removing a cast on metal base!

[Darkoath]

I have been collecting resin bases now for several months and now have enough to finally do my entire zombie horde!

I don't have experience removing the cast on metal bases...  I am used to either slapping the miniature onto a metal washer and puttying over the base or using a plastic slotta base.

Removing a slotta base type bar is not going to be a problem... but I really need advice for removing the big bases that are integral to the sculpt.

Any advice or description of how to do it so the miniature looks good would be greatly appreciated!

[Ray Rivers]

I should think metal cutters and files.

Amazing all the "tools" one accumulates working with minis... 

[Schogun]

Yep, metal cutters, file, x-acto knife. A grinding wheel helps (but be warned -- the figure gets really hot!).

[Zafarelli]

I use a belt grinder. But use leather gloves, for the exact reason Schogun mentions.

[Supercollider]

Trusty Dremel and small metal files.

[Darkoath]

So remove the extra metal with the snips, grind down close to the "foot" of the model with the dremel/belt grinder, then finish up the close work with small hand files?

[archangel1]

So remove the extra metal with the snips, grind down close to the "foot" of the model with the dremel/belt grinder, then finish up the close work with small hand files?

That's about it.  Be warned, though.  It's not too much of an undertaking if the metal has a high lead content but if it's pewter? Be prepared to exercise your command of certain Anglo-Saxon expressions! Make sure the cutters are of good quality.  They'll take a beating, otherwise.  (The voice of experience!)  Goggles might be advisable.

[vikotnik]

It might be a good idea to cut upwards through the underside with a saw before using the cutters. You will prevent bending the legs outwards then.

[oxiana]

Oh, and you need patience too! Removing bases has to be the one of the most tedious things going, so I do a couple at a time, then come back later, do some more, try to forget about it, come back...

[Overlord]

I'm currently rebasing my Geezers miniatures.  I use a piercing saw for most of the work and leave a small "pin" on the bottom of each foot to ensure a secure bond between the miniature and the replacement base (Antenociti resin urban bases in this case).  Tidying up is done with needle files.

Care is needed.  I have already come close to taking off a lump from the tip of my thumb!  Spare blades are essential too, as you will almost certainly break the occasional one.

As Oxiana said, take your time.  I only do a few in any one session.

[Ramshackle_Curtis]

The lazy boy approach is to just remove most of the base. Leave athe bit around the feet and between the legs, just trim most of the rest off with a pair of clippers. THen when you base up your models it helps having a lumpy uneven surface. Just butt your basing material up to the rough cut base bits. Easiest way by far....and easiest is often best!

[Dewbakuk]

True, but it doesn't work on resin bases with the detail cast on. Which is the case I believe from the initial post.

[Ray Rivers]

leave a small "pin" on the bottom of each foot to ensure a secure bond between the miniature and the replacement base

Good point.

I do this as well.

[Orctrader]

I use a razor saw – bought them from Heresy.

These are so sharp that only slight pressure is required.  I make sure that the cut is as close to the bottom of the foot/feet as possible.

Then I use a file.

Then I drill a hole in at least one of the feet.  File again to remove any burrs.

Cut a “pin” from a paperclip.  Apply superglue to hole in foot and insert pin.

Once dry, drill corresponding hole in base.

Now wash resin base in hot, soapy water and allow to dry.

Apply superglue to pin and every part of foot/feet that will come into contact with base and fix figure to base.

Check my galleries for many completed examples.  (Especially in "Pulp")

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/orctrader/index.html

[Gluteus Maximus]

I use a razor saw – bought them from Heresy.

These are so sharp that only slight pressure is required.  I make sure that the cut is as close to the bottom of the foot/feet as possible.

Then I use a file.

Then I drill a hole in at least one of the feet.  File again to remove any burrs.

Cut a “pin” from a paperclip.  Apply superglue to hole in foot and insert pin.

Once dry, drill corresponding hole in base.

Now wash resin base in hot, soapy water and allow to dry.

Apply superglue to pin and every part of foot/feet that will come into contact with base and fix figure to base.

Check my galleries for many completed examples.  (Especially in "Pulp")

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/orctrader/index.html

That seems a remarkably easy process.

Unfortunately it involves razor saws, superglue, drills and "pins", so I'd better not try it