I’ve been buying display bases for my finished kits for a while now and I thought of making my own when my local supplier went out of business. I went to my local d.i.y. store to see what sort of tools I’d need but the guy I spoke to just did’nt understand what I wanted so I thought I’d ask around here to see if anyone makes there own bases.
I think I need a power router to make shaped edges to a wooden base, but a friend of mine recons that routers can’t be used for edging-as you can tell I’m no carpenter[:I] so I need advice[:o)].
Any idea’s or suggestions will be appriciated.[bow]
Routers can definately be used for edging, if you have the correct cutting bits and a good edge guide. Just check out your local Lowe’s or Home Depot. If all else fails, you can use a straight block of wood, then pick up molding to place around the edges.
Good luck!
I mentioned this on a thread about Celluclay, but I have used pieces of oak shelving as a base. Lowe’s or Home Depot has this wood in several thicknesses and widths. It’s prefinished with only minimal sanding and finishing required. The edges are square, which I kinda prefer.
One thought: Don’t limit yourself to a wood plaque as a display base. I fear that too often we put ourselves in a box (me especially included) and can’t see past the edges. I’ve seen great bases made from pieces of tree trunk sliced thin (couple inches). I’m also considering using some ceramic floor tile, or possibly bathroom/kitchen tile for an upcoming artillery project. I’ve also seen kits mounted on plexiglas. The possibilities are just about endless. Just my 2 cents worth
I do some wood working as well as modelling, and I can tell you not to be turned off or intimidated by making your own bases. In addition to the suggestions already posted, you can by plywood or pine rounds or squares with finished edges in craft shops.
To roll your own you can get oak, pine, maple, cherry, you name it at your local lumber store.
You can use a router to make edge profiles, but if you don’t have one it is a major cash layout (like all tools, buy cheap and get comparable results). Also, if you haven’t used one before, there are some tips and techniques for getting good results that don’t come with the instruction book.
You could also use a table or band saw to chamfer the edges. This gives a nice finish, also some where to mount a brass plaque if you are so inclined.
Use a water based stain and a matching clear coat over that to seal and finish the wood.
Most lumber stores have diy days where you can watch demos and ask questions of experts. Check that out if you can.
Once you decide how deep you want to plunge in please feel free to come back with more questions. If I can’t help I’m sure others can.
Good luck,
Bruce
Dremel makes a line of router bits and a table attachment. It’s a little tricky to use with little pieces of wood, but it’d be cheaper than buying a new full sized router. I made a mantle/shelf for my Titanic out of pre fab decorative moulding (Home Depot) and a $10 saw and miter box.
My Panzer Mk IV is perched high atop the majestic Mitsubishi Diamondtron, keeping an ever vigilant watch over it’s new-found homeland that is… my office.[:p]
If you can find an outlet for old trophies the wooden bases and parts make great display bases. I also use aluminum bases. I have a friend who works for an aluminum mfg. He can get aluminum disc’s 3/4 to 1 inch thick of various diameters. I polish or airbrush patterns in the disc’s. They also make great display base.