Removing bases. (1 Viewer)

[waynepoo]

I know this may start a huge debate but I would like to ask if any of you have found a relatively easy way to remove bases from figures? Why? I love to make dioramas and prefer that the bases are not showing as I believe it makes all the difference eg; with the bases showing just a display, not showing a diorama. This of course is just my preference and each to their own. So if anyone has any suggestions/thoughts please I would like to hear them.
Wayne.

 

[Obee]

Wayne,

its an easy job to remove a base....

I use wire cutters to cut off the base, cutting close to the foot.

Next I file down the remaining base under the foot, and then it done

Big problem is you have to repaint the foot/boot/shoe, and you will never be able to put the base back.

2nd biggest problem is that the figure may fall over because the base proved stability, especially if the figure has only 1 foot on the ground, or its a horse !

Sometimes the base is attached separately so you could be able to work it loose, and so save the base for reattachment if needed.

Good luck,

John

 

[Al Fisher]

Sounds like a good suggestion for removing the base. Will you drill one or more feet and insert wires to insert into the base, thus adding stability?

Bosun Al

 

[Obee]

Sounds like a good suggestion for removing the base. Will you drill one or more feet and insert wires to insert into the base, thus adding stability?

Bosun Al

Yes, if they don't stand up you have to do that.

John

 

[blaster]

I would think that it depends on your approach to the hobby. If you think of toy soldiers as a commercial investment, then any attempt to modify them will result in a loss of perceived monetary value.

If you have decided to remove the bases, then it is obvious that the intention is to place the figure in a dioramic setting. Whether for permanent or temporary display, it is best to drill a hole into one or both feet for stability. One trick is to dip the drill bit in thinner to "cool" it and to prevent the drill bit jamming. Use epoxy glue to insert and fix the brass wire into the feet.

Rgds Victor

 

[waynepoo]

Wayne,

its an easy job to remove a base....

I use wire cutters to cut off the base, cutting close to the foot.

Next I file down the remaining base under the foot, and then it done

Big problem is you have to repaint the foot/boot/shoe, and you will never be able to put the base back.

2nd biggest problem is that the figure may fall over because the base proved stability, especially if the figure has only 1 foot on the ground, or its a horse !

Sometimes the base is attached separately so you could be able to work it loose, and so save the base for reattachment if needed.

Good luck,

John

Thanks John.
Stability issue is not a concern as already figured a way around that eg; a pin etc. I assume that most figures are made separate to the base which is added later in the process, so was wondering if some sort of 'debonder' may loosen the glue thus allowing the base to come away. Has anyone done this or may have another idea?
Wayne.

 

[theBaron]

If you're going to drill holes, I recommend using a pin vise, rather than a power tool, like a rotary tool. The application of power makes it too easy to slip and damage the piece. It may take a little longer, to use hand power, but you're less likely to slip and damage the piece, the bit or yourself in the process.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Wraith]

Wayne,

Where it's apparent that the figure was cast separate to the base (as with most modern manufacturers), it's worth giving them a steady rock against the bases. If the paint starts cracking around the plug / hole join, then with some careful manipulation and a minimal bit of paint touch up after the operation, they can very often be eased out with no drilling or cutting.
Of course, occasionally it goes a bit wonky and the figure snaps at the leg or similar, bit it works for me most of the time. {sm2}

Cheers
Simon