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Basing
Round Bases 39%  39%  [ 9 ]
Square Bases 61%  61%  [ 14 ]
Total votes : 23

Basing
Carrington
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 5:56 pm 
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This is a typical "mini-nard" (miniatures grognard) question, but I wanted to provoke some discussion.

I've found that there are particular advantages to using round steel fender washers as bases for modern era troops. at 1/285. (and I'd be tempted to do it for larger scales as well).  

I see a number of clear advantages:

A) $3-4 per 100 -- very hard to beat
B) Steel = easy storage, aside from weight, easy transport
C) Numerous sizings available at construction supply stores.

Some disadvantages:

A) Donut hole.  Though note that fender washers have a smaller hole than standard washers (Roofing discs might work as well, but they're harder to find)

B) Slightly difficult to paint, particularly if they're not galvanized.

C) Less orderly storage

Overall, the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages pretty significantly, leading the the question for the community:

What about the aesthetics?
I'd tend to argue that round basing is actually better for modern/sci-fi warfare as it tends to ensure that units don't adopt formations of lines and columns.     This seems to make sense for the period.  But this view seems to go against the "wisdom" embodied in most miniature rules, which use square or rectangular bases.

Any thoughts?
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CyberShadow
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 6:30 pm 
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I generally prefer rectangular bases, but large enough to make a small scene on them. I usually reserve round bases for characters or small vehicles.

For my round bases, I glue plasticard to the top, then cut around the base and quickly file round to make it flush. It doesnt take too much time, and I feel that it really makes them look better and helps paint to stick. Of course, for characters, that donut hole in the middle is perfect (so I do the same thing, but the plasticard becomes the bottom of the base instead).

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colonel_sponsz
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 6:40 pm 
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I too prefer round bases for modern/sci-fi as I don't like the regular, rectilinear look they give to the units.  lately I have been using 1p and 2p coins for my Epic troops - they are solid, a good weight, easy to source and cheap (?1 for 100 20mm diameter or 50 25mm diameter - no minimum order :D)  

I cover them with a layer of miliput, stick the (painted) figures in and then quickly smooth it out.  Once it's set, paint and flock as normal.

Orde




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The_Real_Chris
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:49 pm 
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Yes for generic sci fi circles are best. However for painting strips win out.

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Carrington
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:44 pm 
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(The_Real_Chris @ Mar. 20 2007,19:49)
QUOTE
Yes for generic sci fi circles are best. However for painting strips win out.

Ah.. Yes, I guess that was GW's idea.

I've come to like my popsicle sticks and elmers glue for that purpose.
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Markconz
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:08 am 
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Round but all epic armies except my bugs are on rectangular/square.

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MaksimSmelchak
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 1:16 am 
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Hi C.,

I prefer the small rectangles for most human-type infantry.

Nids look better with round bases.

Characters and robots (Dreads) tend to look better with round bases. Titans do unless they are over-size.

Over-size robots get mounted on ovals.

Steel bases can be easily had in rectangular or square shapes.

I use hole punches to cut a circle of steel paper that I glue under washers... works great.

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.

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firestorm40k
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:11 pm 
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I use whatever's at hand!  :D  If the mins I buy come with rectangular bases, I'll use them; if I've a Dreadnought to base, and have some old pennies at hand, I'll use them.

Having said that, I'm currrently basing some of my Epic Chaos on Warmaster Bases to make them stand out more; in the future I want to do a Marine army based on round bases.  So it also depends on how I want the army to stand out.
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consectari
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 2:17 pm 
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I couldn't really vote for either, as I like to use different bases for different armies.

I agree, round bases really suit Tyranids.  Also just about any type of walker, regardless of size.  

The horde nature of the Orks really fit square bases.

I picture Necrons lined up as on rectangular bases.  Maybe Guard too.

Armies like Marines and Tau really need either round bases or larger (20mmx40mm or 15mmx40mm) rectangles to give them a good staggered spacing.

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zap123
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:00 am 
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Square.  The Rectangular strip bases are good for a really important Character in a square base army.  

I use the strip ones by necessity sometimes, but they are good for an "open formation" type army too.

Round is ok for Knights and Titans though.

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gary_clark1946
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 11:54 pm 
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I use some of each. Dominican 1 peso coins and US pennies are favorites. They are cheaper than anything that you can buy.

Gary

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Carrington
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:43 pm 
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(gary_clark1946 @ Apr. 14 2007,23:54)
QUOTE
I use some of each. Dominican 1 peso coins and US pennies are favorites. They are cheaper than anything that you can buy.

Gary

Heh... Yes, it helps that they are government subsidized.  

I'll rest easier knowing that some portion of my tax dollars have gone to basing your army!
???

Makes a lot of sense (cents?).  But the big seller for washers for me is that they are magnetic, so the "jumbled loose in a box" problem is much less pressing.
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gary_clark1946
 Post subject: Basing
PostPosted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 10:21 pm 
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good point on the washers.
:p
Gary

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