Detachable bases

Discussion in 'Painting and Converting' started by Haemoglobin, Jul 8, 2015.

  1. Haemoglobin
    Ripperdactil

    Haemoglobin 9th Age Army Support

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    Hello

    Lately I've been trying to figure out how to make easily removable bases with flying models. I'm getting pretty tired of having that plastic rod snap and they are pretty hard to glue back properly. So I went to the hardware store and got me a couple of nuts and bolts to try some stuff out.

    I built a base which included the first part of the removable base:
    [​IMG]

    Then I started cutting into the Ripperdactyl model (only for people with a strong stomach :p) and glued/GSd the nut in place. I've still got some more GS work to do to make it look whole again when it is dry.
    [​IMG]

    Model on the base:
    [​IMG]

    I also did this for the Frost Phoenix of a friend. I had alot more work here to get the nut in properly because of the fact that the model is hollow. Had to fill up the hole properly first.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Looks pretty good I think, but there are a couple of drawbacks. It takes some work and you can screw up easily by cutting away too much etc. The biggest drawback being that if I go too far while twisting to get the screw in the nut that the screw will push the nut away from the model. Superglue and GS will crack really easily if you tighten the screw/nut combination too hard.

    What do you guys think?
     
  2. n810
    Slann

    n810 First Spawning

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    hmmm... you could use a steel nail and a strong rare earth magnet instead..?
    (magnet set into the model)

    but your solution works well enough.
     
  3. borkbork
    Ripperdactil

    borkbork Active Member

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    Great idea!!. I do find the bolt and nut for the ripper a tad big, so i would try something smaller.

    But for the big chicken it looks perfect....and a thousand times more durable.
     
    Last edited: Jul 8, 2015
  4. Haemoglobin
    Ripperdactil

    Haemoglobin 9th Age Army Support

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    Well I've got to say when the legs are attached and from a distance you can barely see that there is a bolt in there. Trick is to GS the hard edge out of it. I tried using the magnet method but I got annoyed because the model would spin ontop of the metal rod. It would stick to it but not hard enough to let it remain in place. This was also the smalles nut I could find in my local hardware store so kinda stuck with that for now :p
     
  5. The Red Devil
    Carnasaur

    The Red Devil Defender of Hexoatl Staff Member

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    Looks good.

    I have done almost the same, but used an aluminum rod instead of a bolt rod. I then glued an earth magnet on the rod and one on the model. That way I can easily disconnect them when I'm finished playing, and not worry while playing. Though, please note you need larger magnets than those you normally use to have magnetized weapons etc. Since the weight is heavier.
     
  6. The Red Devil
    Carnasaur

    The Red Devil Defender of Hexoatl Staff Member

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    Did you just have a magnet on the model, or both one on the model and one on the rod?
     
  7. n810
    Slann

    n810 First Spawning

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    you can stack magnets to increase their strength.
     
  8. Haemoglobin
    Ripperdactil

    Haemoglobin 9th Age Army Support

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    I had a magnet in the model and a magnet on a rod. But yea I'm also trying to find a way to properly sand off the excess"wire" so the screw cant move further.
     
  9. Crowsfoot
    Slann

    Crowsfoot Guardian of Paints Staff Member

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    Do you mean the thread of the bolt?

    If so just use a dome head nut the bolt will bottom and not go any further, you can get M3 bolts and nuts which are really thin, well 3mm thin.
     
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  10. Haemoglobin
    Ripperdactil

    Haemoglobin 9th Age Army Support

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    Yea thread, downside is that I can't seem to find any M3 around here for now. These are all M4.
     
  11. Crowsfoot
    Slann

    Crowsfoot Guardian of Paints Staff Member

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    Were are you?

    We use all sorts of nuts and bolts at work so depending on were you are I could help you find a supplier.

    I'm UK based.
     
  12. Haemoglobin
    Ripperdactil

    Haemoglobin 9th Age Army Support

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    Belgium, but I don't have a car so am relatively restricted to where I live :p but for now I think the M4s are good enough. Not too huge.
     
  13. The Red Devil
    Carnasaur

    The Red Devil Defender of Hexoatl Staff Member

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    It is very easy to damage the threads on the rod, that is actually a very good idea. Did not even consider that myself :)

    All you need is an iron file, then place on one of the spare nuts, and file around it. After a minute you are done.
     
  14. pendrake
    Skink Priest

    pendrake Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]
    SCREWPOSTS aka Aluminum Binding Screws. Printing and binding industry uses them.
    [​IMG]
     
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  15. Haemoglobin
    Ripperdactil

    Haemoglobin 9th Age Army Support

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    Dude those would actually be perfect. Gonna have to do some research.
     
  16. pendrake
    Skink Priest

    pendrake Well-Known Member

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    I know for a fact they exist at 3 inches tall. I have some. (Like 2-3.) I got them for the same purpose.
     

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