Wooden bases - block type

[Captain Sprout]

I am after some block type bases, do people just make their own out of bits of wood (I need a saw if this is the case!) or is there somewhere you can buy them?

Basically I am after some 'wood pillar' type bases, maybe 6/7 x 8cm or smaller and approx 10cm high. All the places I have found offer lower ones.

I got some really good resin ones from Fenris previously, they are round, but I want to build up an edge for a water project so they don't work for that.

Ideas, tips on sawing without losing my fingers etc, all welcome. I was considering buying a lump of wood and getting the DIY store to cut it into sections for me.

[Brandlin]

Trying to make a block from an offcut of wood is possible but much harder than you think if you want a good looking result.

You'd be surprised just how accurate you have to be to fool your eye that the block is square! dont assume that aything the DIY store cuts for you will be accurate or precise. I always end up re-squaring anything they cut for me when i get it home and put it on my table saw or mitre saw. God knows what they do to their equipment but its not looked after!

I think you're in the UK Captain Sprout - in which case the only wood you are likely to find in a DIY shed like B&Q is pine... which is soft horrible crap full of knots and doesn't take stain too well. Its also prone to dent while you work on it and if you're really unlucky the naturally high resin content of the wood will make gluing things to it difficult (although this is a reasonably rare problem).

If you really want to do this by hand then i suggest you need a nice sharp tenon saw and a mitre block and a good solid table to camp it to... and then once you've sawn it, you need to sand it and sand it and sand it. using multiple grades of grit down to about 300 if you want to stain and polish it.

I do have a couple of links to base makers which may help if you want to part with real cash. brace yourself though - they're not cheap... "HOW MUCH for a block of wood???"I'll pop the links on here tomorrow when i'm back at my own computer.

Edit : just re-read this.... i'm full of doom and gloom today aren't I?

[Captain Sprout]

Dooooom!

I don't mind a bit of doom and gloom 

Happy to look at links to base makers, might be cheaper than sawing off my own arm. Having said that I don't mind trying a bit of DIY stuff, my local DIY place has a few different woods.

[Bungle]

You mean stuff like this?










http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/BungleB/DSCF1561.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/BungleB/DSCF1562.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/BungleB/DSCF1563.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/BungleB/DSCF1565.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/BungleB/DSCF1566.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/BungleB/DSCF1567.jpg




try a model soldier show rather than a wargames show

[weareblind]

This is the best website and seller in Italy for wooden bases.
http://www.ilbasetta.it/Notizie%20Personali.htm
Sorry, there isn't the English version, but you may search here:
http://www.ilbasetta.it/prodotti.htm
Prodotti = Products
Basi = Bases
Carri = Chariots
Figurini = Miniatures
Normali = normal
Speciali = special
If you have some problem, send me a PM.

[Toosh]

Hey Cap'n I can put you in touch with some one here in the UK who can provide bases just like the ones Bungle put up. Try www.just-bases.co.uk - run by a chap called Paul, who I met through Torbay Military Modelling Club when I used to be a member. We only saw him on Sunday in fact at a model show, so I know he has stock available and had loads of bases at a £1 each

[Captain Sprout]

Thanks Bungle, those are the right sort indeed.

Thanks for the link weareblind and the Italian translation!

Cheers Toosh that looks just the right stuff, great site link, ace.

Cheers all 

[Bungle]

Thats a bargain at £1.00 each.

The ones I put up are by a local guy who I saw at a military modelling show in St Helens. Its his hobby in his garden shed.

[Captain Sprout]

They are some great looking bases.

I haven't been to a show in a while (I also missed Euromilitaire this year).

[weirdwolf]

Try these guys, very quick service & very professional...

www.woodenbases.co.uk

@ Bungle, where the hell did you get that spiky base from, bottom pic on the left. I really really want one...

[weareblind]

Thanks for the link weareblind and the Italian translation!

You're welcome!

[Bungle]

@ Bungle, where the hell did you get that spiky base from, bottom pic on the left. I really really want one...

Those are a selection of the type of bases that the guy did, spread out on his kitchen table.

the spiky thing is a Banksia nut IIRC

[Ben Brownlie]

You mean stuff like this?

Always makes me go all squiggly when I see one of my former minis pop up

[Captain Sprout]

Try these guys, very quick service & very professional...

www.woodenbases.co.uk

@ Bungle, where the hell did you get that spiky base from, bottom pic on the left. I really really want one...

Also a great link, thanks.

You mean stuff like this?

Always makes me go all squiggly when I see one of my former minis pop up

Its a really nice mini..is that something limited edition?

[ink the troll]

Always makes me go all squiggly when I see one of my former minis pop up

Its a really nice mini..is that something limited edition?

Isn't that 'just' HFH001 Liberty? (Unless of course I managed to overlook a pic and you're referring to something completely different.)

[Captain Sprout]

Cool thanks, I have missed spotting that one, something for my next order.

[Bungle]

Yep it one Ben did, and I liked so bid on it when he ebayed it.

I still can't figure out how he did it. 

[Graeme]

Banksia nuts

http://www.ockenden-timber.co.uk/timber/64mmthickbanksianuts.htm

[alrith72]

Hey Cap'n I can put you in touch with some one here in the UK who can provide bases just like the ones Bungle put up. Try www.just-bases.co.uk - run by a chap called Paul, who I met through Torbay Military Modelling Club when I used to be a member. We only saw him on Sunday in fact at a model show, so I know he has stock available and had loads of bases at a £1 each

Can definately recommend Just Bases, fantastic service and will make custom bases for you.

[Captain Sprout]

Well a few Fodders can't be wrong I emailed the very nice people at just bases and placed an order. I'll stick some pics up when they arrive so people can see what they look like.

I shall also try woodenbases too, they look interesting.

Those Bansika nuts are quite something.

[weirdwolf]

Those Bansika nuts are quite something.

I had to order one, they are bloody huge. So if you want a slab cutting from mine your more than welcome...

Banksia nuts

http://www.ockenden-timber.co.uk/timber/64mmthickbanksianuts.htm

Cheers for the link Graeme...

[Captain Sprout]

Those Bansika nuts are quite something.

I had to order one, they are bloody huge. So if you want a slab cutting from mine your more than welcome...

Banksia nuts

http://www.ockenden-timber.co.uk/timber/64mmthickbanksianuts.htm

Cheers for the link Graeme...

If you could spare a chunk I'd be happy to pay you for it and pay the postage costs. They look so fun I really want one!

[weirdwolf]

No worries...PM your address. As soon as I've cut & cleaned it, I'll post it to you... .

It is as you said, something else...

[Captain Sprout]

No worries...PM your address. As soon as I've cut & cleaned it, I'll post it to you... .

It is as you said, something else...

Cool! PM sent 

[Captain Sprout]

Couple of pictures of the bases from Just bases.

These are 60mm square uncoated Beech plinths, £2 each (I ordered 5 to stock up and postage was at cost). Very good value (and prompt service) and I think they should finish nicely with some stain or varnish etc. Mini bases just included for size, excuse the WIPs (including the tilt on the one on the right, I've lowered the base but not cut it back yet), they are just what was hanging about on my desk.