When I was out shopping on Saturday I went into one of the local charity shops and picked up a rotating CD cabinet at a very reasonable price of just £10.
The cabinet holds 40 CD's in each of its four sides, so 160 in total. Looking at the cabinet it struck me that it would make an excellent storage system for figures in the various stages of painting. As now we only paint above 6mm, 10mm, and 15mm scale a quick calculation and it worked out that conservatively we could use 1 in every 4 of the CD slots at any one time to house figures. So taking that with an average of 40 figures per 'shelf' (on the ubiquitous lolly pop sticks) that means that about 1,600 - 2,000 figures at any one time can be housed in the cabinet neatly and safely.
I doubt if I am the first person to have come up with using a rotating CD cabinet in this way, but it got me wondering what else other figure painters have found a use for with other items?
The only weird thing I use is cheap poker chips to base trees; they're a good size and nicely weighted. :)
I temporarily mount my figures on small pieces of dowel which then slot into a large block of wood. This block was drilled out with 24 holes by an old woodwork teacher colleague of mine. He used it for holding pencils at the front of the class for loaning to pupils. He passed it to me when he was reorganising his room and it quickly occurred to me to ask him to make the dowel rods. I use Copydex as a temporary fix for the figures, and it also means I can rotate and turn the figures upside down when I'm painting.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/15mm%20ITLSU/IMG_1375_zps2b90b95d.jpg)
That's genius Leman; I've got two of them in my classroom...hmm... :-\
About to steal that!
Where do you get the cheap poker chips, getagrip?
Teachers are hoarders.
Quote from: Westmarcher on 18 February 2015, 09:08:24 AM
Where do you get the cheap poker chips, getagrip?
Teachers are hoarders.
Ebay, the works etc. Usually get about 100 for a fiver or s.
Just had a glance and there's 100 for £6 free postage!
I paint the chips with Vallejo extra opaque green; one coat works a treat ;)
I also use the 'stick' method, though for 15mm. I attach a 1 pence to the stick using a hot glue gun and then attach the figures using PVA. (We literally have shelves full of drilled 4" x 1/2" planks drilled to hold the sticks, just drill through and then brown tape the bottom of each plank. The great thing is that you can have a variety of plank lengths depending on number of figures in the unit to be painted.)
Is there any advantage in using poker chips instead of 1 pence or 2 pence coins (or similar if not in UK)? The reason I ask is that at £6 per 100 poker chips is between 3 and 6 times more expensive obviously. If there is an advantage then it may well be worth swapping over to use them.
I have seen lots of poker chips for sale at The Works and in B&M occasionally
I have most of my reserve paints (ie the ones I don't think I need for the figures I'm currently painting) stored in a ticket tray used in libraries for the Browne Issue Ticket System, I acquired it when we computerised all of the libraries. Up on end and turned sideways it gives me 8 shelves which hold Humbrol/ Citadel/ Tamiya/ Miniatures paints quite comfortably. Sadly Vallejo paints are too tall. Need to get a new paint-rack I guess :(
I use the plastic tops from bottles of Robinsons squash to mount figures while I paint them. I attach them w super glue and they pop off easily when done.
Librarians using card storage, teachers using pen storage; misappropriation is such an ugly word :D
I used to use plastic milk bottle caps for holding figures, now I use strips of double sided tape on 4-6" lengths of old wooden beading.
Hairspray as both a trial as varnish (in the '70s) and nowadays as a mild fixative.
I don't now where I got it from but I have the business end of a WW II 6lb AP shell that is so heavy it doubles as a weight to keep my desk lamp steady.
Wet and dry paper cut in lengths for modern roads and by association, fixative spray to attach said roads to pieces of thin MDF.
Old or useless DVD's for terrain bases.
Masking tape. use it in dry strips a la papier mache for covering pieces of foam, stones etc when making hills.
Lengths of sisal string for poor man's grass tufts.
Presents for Ma Subs inside sturdy cardboard boxes to use for their future storage capacity.
Any number of children's toys for their usefulness as something wargamey.
Years ago, when I first started using the internet I was amazed at the ingenuity of wargamers, my wonder still remains.
For those who use 'super glue' and want an instant bond and end up buying a spray for such try sprinkling on baking soda, it works like magic, is readily available and is a fraction of the cost (but be warned it is almost immediate bonding that occurs).
Really?... Very interesting. Must give it a try
Quote from: Fig.ht on 18 February 2015, 02:10:29 PM
For those who use 'super glue' and want an instant bond and end up buying a spray for such try sprinkling on baking soda, it works like magic, is readily available and is a fraction of the cost (but be warned it is almost immediate bonding that occurs).
So do you put it on both surfaces?
Or do you just sprinkle it on the join?
Apply the super glue to one surface only, then sprinkle the Bicarbonate of soda (baking powder) onto the glue and attach the two pieces to be joined immediately.
PLEASE NOTE: - This is an exothermic reaction so quite some heat is produced so be careful.
Is there any residue
Obviously if you poor on loads of super glue then this will produce oozing out of the joint being joined, but I have never experienced any residue. (perhaps though that is just me being tight with the super glue. :) )
I actually see no problem with applying the bicarbonate of soda onto the unglued piece to be bonded and then applying the pieces together, I just do it by applying the powder to the glue, but it should make no difference how it is done.
Many thanks
One more question. Have you tried it on painted bits eg gluing on shields once they are painted?, and does it effect the paint?
The thing isn't wierd, but the experience was.
My local hardware superstore used to cut wood to any size you asked for.
Buying a 6x4' sheet of mdf and asking for it to be cut into 8x8" squares (for terrain basing) was always a bit uncomfortable.
Sadly they don't offer the service any more. :(
Yes I have. :)
Again just be frugile with the glue, for obvious reasons. I have had no problems with Vallejo, Games Workshop, or Army Painter paints. What I would suggest is that people use a couple of spare bits of sprue and paint them, then when the paint is dry try it. (Obviously not having tried every paint make under the sun I cannot guarantee that all paints will be OK.) Also by trying it on the bits of sprue first you can see how much soda needs to be applied.
Proviso here is do not try it on wet paint as the glue and soda will undoubtedly spoil the look of the paint, but then again so would adding soil from the garden! ;D
Quote from: Fig.ht on 18 February 2015, 04:46:50 PM
Yes I have. :)
Again just be frugile with the glue, for obvious reasons. I have had no problems with Vallejo, Games Workshop, or Army Painter paints. What I would suggest is that people use a couple of spare bits of sprue and paint them, then when the paint is dry try it. (Obviously not having tried every paint make under the sun I cannot guarantee that all paints will be OK.) Also by trying it on the bits of sprue first you can see how much soda needs to be applied.
Proviso here is do not try it on wet paint as the glue and soda will undoubtedly spoil the look of the paint, but then again so would adding soil from the garden! ;D
Be interesting with enamel and oil paints ;)
Mines a laminator.
Not for modelling but for laminating maps, playsheets, orbats, counters etc. Its been worth its weight in gold over the years
Laminators are great somehow I have ended up with 3 of them. I also have 3 scanners, no idea how that happened either
Why did I never think of that?
Great idea ;)
Quote from: Fig.ht on 18 February 2015, 02:10:29 PM
For those who use 'super glue' and want an instant bond and end up buying a spray for such try sprinkling on baking soda, it works like magic, is readily available and is a fraction of the cost (but be warned it is almost immediate bonding that occurs).
Both useful to know and at the same time, dangerous to know.
Quote from: Subedai on 18 February 2015, 06:09:58 PM
Both useful to know and at the same time, dangerous to know.
Agree with that; any scientists lurking who could explain the chemistry?
Quote from: Fenton on 18 February 2015, 04:53:08 PM
Laminators are great somehow I have ended up with 3 of them. I also have 3 scanners, no idea how that happened either
:-\
Ever see, "Batteries Not Included?"
Use my laminator for QRFs and (until I purchased the "Rolls Royce" ones) Sequence Deck Cards for FoB2 and Maurice. Have had a new scanner (other one went west) for a couple of months now but it's still in its original packaging!*
*Do I open it or keep it as a collector's item? Who the hell collects scanners? Ah! ....... Fenton ...... oh, Fenton ..
QRFs? Explain please :)
Quote from: getagrip on 18 February 2015, 06:40:38 PM
QRFs? Explain please :)
Quick reference sheet
Least that is what I have always thought...not sure about the 'f' bit
Sorry (teeth back in now). Fenton is correct. Should be QRS (Quick Reference Sheet). :-[
Quick Reference Folder maybe? Valmy to Waterloo had one :)
Cheers,
Aksu
Quote from: Westmarcher on 18 February 2015, 07:03:52 PM
Sorry (teeth back in now). Fenton is correct. Should be QRS (Quick Reference Sheet). :-[
Admit it. You were sneaking off buying 15mm tanks and subconsciously typed QRF
Quick Reaction Force, surely?
Quiet Regurgitant Flatulence - FSN
Thanks all ;)
I used some smarties tubes and bottle tops to make a dropship.
Unfortunately, they "disappeared" the day my daughter decided to tidy up.
Quote from: fsn on 18 February 2015, 08:27:03 PM
I used some smarties tubes and bottle tops to make a dropship.
Unfortunately, they "disappeared" the day my daughter decided to tidy up.
I have sacrificed two beautifully painted (for me anyway) orc wyverns to my 4 year old son. It's part of my master plan to indoctrinate him into 10mm goodness early ;)
I also don't want to be "that dad!"
Quote from: getagrip on 18 February 2015, 08:34:11 PM
I have sacrificed two beautifully painted (for me anyway) orc wyverns to my 4 year old son. It's part of my master plan to indoctrinate him into 10mm goodness early ;)
I picked up a heap of the Reaper "Bones' miniatures for my kids (both under 6), they're very cheap and paint washes off them in water (the figures and the kids) so they can practice on one figure a number of times. The kids paint their miniatures while I paint mine and my wife has time to her self...everyone wins 8)
Oh, and I look like a good father by spending time with the kids...just wait until they're old enough to play the games :D
Quote from: Upgraydd on 18 February 2015, 09:07:28 PM
Oh, and I look like a good father by spending time with the kids...just wait until they're old enough to play the games :D
Cannot wait for that ;)
Quote from: Luddite on 18 February 2015, 04:41:43 PM
The thing isn't wierd, but the experience was.
My local hardware superstore used to cut wood to any size you asked for.
Buying a 6x4' sheet of mdf and asking for it to be cut into 8x8" squares (for terrain basing) was always a bit uncomfortable.
Sadly they don't offer the service any more. :(
I recently got two 3'x2' sheets of hardboard cut into strips 3" x 12" for road for 20mm stuff at B & Q. the knack is to buy it on a wet midweek aftenoon so little going on and the staff are bored. they will cut up anything to any size if you ask them nicely
Quote from: Just a few Orcs on 18 February 2015, 11:27:04 PM
I recently got two 3'x2' sheets of hardboard cut into strips 3" x 12" for road for 20mm stuff at B & Q. the knack is to buy it on a wet midweek aftenoon so little going on and the staff are bored. they will cut up anything to any size if you ask them nicely
Like it ;)
Thought of something else I use: when you buy kids' medicine you get a 5ml dispenser; bit like a syringe without a needle. You end up with loads of the buggers. They are great for dripping water into paint drop by drop.
Quote from: getagrip on 18 February 2015, 11:33:27 PM
Like it ;)
Thought of something else I use: when you buy kids' medicine you get a 5ml dispenser; bit like a syringe without a needle. You end up with loads of the buggers. They are great for dripping water into paint drop by drop.
THe Pharmacy will also sell you syringes for a few pence, if you tell them you want them for this. Just tell them you don't want the needles - it makes them happier
Thanks for what sounds like a handy tip.
Quote from: Just a few Orcs on 19 February 2015, 12:47:34 AM
THe Pharmacy will also sell you syringes for a few pence, if you tell them you want them for this. Just tell them you don't want the needles - it makes them happier
I 'blag' those from the horsey vet from time to time...Including different sized needles.
Grind the sharp tips off...Neaten those up with a
tiny pointed burr from the Dremmel, or the tip of a pin, and I've got something that'll make neat little circles in the putty.
Cheers - Phil
Quote from: Techno on 19 February 2015, 07:41:14 AM
I 'blag' those from the horsey vet from time to time...Including different sized needles.
Grind the sharp tips off...Neaten those up with a tiny pointed burr from the Dremmel, or the tip of a pin, and I've got something that'll make neat little circles in the putty.
Cheers - Phil
Is that how you do CHAINmail?
Quote from: getagrip on 19 February 2015, 08:10:11 AM
Is that how you do CHAINmail?
THAT'S MY LINE.
Have bought ASDA cocktail sticks for the boxes - they make great fortress towers for DW and Radar towers in 6mm - with domes from redundant tree decorations.
IanS ;)
Quote from: getagrip on 19 February 2015, 08:10:11 AM
Is that how you do CHAINmail?
No, Gareth. ;)
The way I do it....And I believe most of my colleagues do the same, is......
Put a layer of putty on the relevant part of the model....(Best, but not imperative, to let the putty begin 'going off')...Then using a pin, or a very fine dental probe, you 'pull' lines of holes in the putty. (Not just stick the pin in straight.)
The 'secret' is to pull the adjacent lines in opposite directions.
Cheers - Phil (Who's probably sent Steve into another coma.) :P
two 2mm 'horse and muskets' armies.
Nothing against them, just can't understand why I purchased them.
I did paint them all, however.
Quote from: Techno on 19 February 2015, 11:29:47 AM
No, Gareth. ;)
The way I do it....And I believe most of my colleagues do the same, is......
Put a layer of putty on the relevant part of the model....(Best, but not imperative, to let the putty begin 'going off')...Then using a pin, or a very fine dental probe, you 'pull' lines of holes in the putty. (Not just stick the pin in straight.)
The 'secret' is to pull the adjacent lines in opposite directions.
Cheers - Phil (Who's probably sent Steve into another coma.) :P
Thanks Phil. That would explain the difference in CHAINmail I've seen between good and not so good minis ;)
The advantage the 2mm armies have is the scenic items available. Mounted up on one inch bases they would look very impressive I imagine, rather like a 3D battle map.
Quote from: Leman on 19 February 2015, 11:48:19 AM
The advantage the 2mm armies have is the scenic items available. Mounted up on one inch bases they would look very impressive I imagine, rather like a 3D battle map.
The idea of 2mm really appeals; I love BIG battles but the minis just look like blobs to me :(
Quote from: getagrip on 19 February 2015, 11:53:05 AM
The idea of 2mm really appeals; I love BIG battles but the minis just look like blobs to me :(
Have to second this opinion. The smallest I go is 6mm, but I guess I am prejudice because it is the painting that is my main pastime rather than a wargamer.
Quote from: Fig.ht on 19 February 2015, 12:09:07 PM
Have to second this opinion. The smallest I go is 6mm, but I guess I am prejudice because it is the painting that is my main pastime rather than a wargamer.
Thirded.(?)
Most of my armies are 15's or smaller -mostly 6's, although 10's are making a late surge- because I only have space for a 5 x 4 table and anything above 15's is just 'charge and get killed'.
Quote from: getagrip on 19 February 2015, 11:53:05 AM
The idea of 2mm really appeals; I love BIG battles but the minis just look like blobs to me :(
Take a look at Nik Harwood's 2mm Franco-Prussian armies - very impressive.
Quote from: Leman on 19 February 2015, 12:44:35 PM
Take a look at Nik Harwood's 2mm Franco-Prussian armies - very impressive.
Oh for sure ;)
The thing for me though is I can paint the detail others have put there (God bless Techno) but I struggle to put it there myself. This is why I can paint minis but can't draw or paint on paper for toffee. 2mm minis are a little too blank canvas for me :-\
Quote from: Fig.ht on 18 February 2015, 02:10:29 PM
For those who use 'super glue' and want an instant bond and end up buying a spray for such try sprinkling on baking soda, it works like magic, is readily available and is a fraction of the cost (but be warned it is almost immediate bonding that occurs).
This has revolutionised my glueing; amazing tip :-bd
I am told that sprinkling talc over the supeglue makes a nice filler that is easy to file
Quote from: Fenton on 19 February 2015, 03:00:42 PM
I am told that sprinkling talc over the supeglue makes a nice filler that is easy to file
I'll try that too; always waiting for the bloody stuff to dry! ;)
Quote from: getagrip on 19 February 2015, 02:59:23 PM
This has revolutionised my glueing; amazing tip :-bd
Glad you found it useful. :)
Quote from: Fig.ht on 19 February 2015, 05:03:25 PM
Glad you found it useful. :)
Beyond that; it's amazing and doesn't create excessive heat.
Brilliant :-bd
Quote from: getagrip on 19 February 2015, 03:01:56 PM
I'll try that too; always waiting for the bloody stuff to dry! ;)
Just dont mention superglue and gun wheels to me... wish I knew about the baking soda/talcum powder before :o :o :o
Quote from: Maenoferren on 19 February 2015, 05:19:53 PM
Just dont mention superglue and gun wheels to me... wish I knew about the baking soda/talcum powder before :o :o :o
Chariots for me which is why I'm so chuffed; superglue is way too slow in some situations, but now...the world.. Mwah hah hah :d :d :d
Ahem, I'm over it :-[
I also bought some washers to use as bases for Warmaster command units. I'd previously used 10p pieces as I like the extra weight for what are really small units.
I hunted around and found the size I needed in my local hardware shop; £1 for ten ex VAT. They had a small hole in the middle which I covered with a piece of card. It was only when I was waiting for the card to dry that it occurred to me I'd actually spent more on the washers (which were lighter AND had a hole) than the 10p's they replaced! :-[
New thread I think.
Quote from: getagrip on 19 February 2015, 05:53:20 PM
Chariots for me which is why I'm so chuffed; superglue is way too slow in some situations, but now...the world.. Mwah hah hah :d :d :d
My God, yes. Waiting for those fiddly little wheels to bond to the axle. And then finding they're stuck to your fingertips.
Quote from: FierceKitty on 20 February 2015, 12:04:52 PM
My God, yes. Waiting for those fiddly little wheels to bond to the axle. And then finding they're stuck to your fingertips.
I have the t-shirt :-[
With rigid little discs of superglue set into the fabric?
Quote from: FierceKitty on 20 February 2015, 12:09:09 PM
With rigid little discs of superglue set into the fabric?
;D ;D ;D
Yep, and similarly shaped ones on my thumb and forefinger ;)
Bloody hate chariots but now, now I have magic dust :D
Should I be considering Indians to fight my Seleucids and Assyrians?
Quote from: Leman on 19 February 2015, 12:44:35 PM
Take a look at Nik Harwood's 2mm Franco-Prussian armies - very impressive.
Why, thank you :)
I love 2mm. Not as much as 10mm - but it's close 8)
Wife's shaking her head here as I use the electric nose hair trimmer to trim the static grass on some bases .....
Quote from: nikharwood on 25 February 2015, 12:12:23 PM
Why, thank you :)
I love 2mm. Not as much as 10mm - but it's close 8)
I am looking forward to MM's new 3mm hyspastists
Quote from: Westmarcher on 25 February 2015, 12:35:07 PM
Wife's shaking her head here as I use the electric nose hair trimmer to trim the static grass on some bases .....
That's actually a rather good idea ;)
Quote from: Westmarcher on 25 February 2015, 12:35:07 PM
Wife's shaking her head here as I use the electric nose hair trimmer to trim the static grass on some bases .....
Quote from: getagrip on 25 February 2015, 12:45:22 PM
That's actually a rather good idea ;)
I prefer to pull my long nasal hairs out with my fingers - seeing the thick, golden-orange hair follicle with it's white blobbed end always impresses me.
What I mean to say is, that I don't possess such an electrical device so I utilise sewing scissors for the same task.
Quote from: getagrip on 25 February 2015, 12:45:22 PM
That's actually a rather good idea ;)
I never thought of that either. Well done, that man!
Quote from: getagrip on 19 February 2015, 05:53:20 PM
Chariots for me which is why I'm so chuffed; superglue is way too slow in some situations, but now...the world.. Mwah hah hah :d :d :d
Ahem, I'm over it :-[
I must now buy something with spoked wheels!!!!!
Quote from: Maenoferren on 25 February 2015, 06:47:07 PM
I must now buy something with spoked wheels!!!!!
Go on, you know You want to :D
Quote from: getagrip on 25 February 2015, 07:22:32 PM
Go on, you know You want to :D
Medievalesque wagons methinks :D
Quote from: Maenoferren on 25 February 2015, 10:31:30 PM
Medievalesque wagons methinks :D
Do it ;)
And when you have, post the photos :)
I keep buying tiny toy soldiers... :o
People at work looked at me funny when I said I had a laminator and a comb-binder.
Quote"What do you want a laminator for?"
"Laminating stuff!"
Also I think my wife is despairing at the amount of vinyl floor tiles I buy. Good ones for bases, cheap ones of roads etc. Also make good game tiles- I mounted my CoC Morale track on one. Plus I use them as spraying sticks - the glue holds figures nicely.
Quote from: Last Hussar on 25 February 2015, 11:21:30 PM
Also I think my wife is despairing at the amount of vinyl floor tiles I buy. Good ones for bases, cheap ones of roads etc. Also make good game tiles- I mounted my CoC Morale track on one. Plus I use them as spraying sticks - the glue holds figures nicely.
Never thought of doing that; great tip.
Something else I'll become addicted to buying no doubt =)
B&Q do 6 for about £5-6. Poundland ones are packs of 4 - they are floppier, but a 7cm square one supported a spraying strip of about 16 figures.
The glue stays sticky for ages, and as you have unsprayed bits where the figure was they restick time after time.
For bases/terrain etc I put a sheet of paper on of the base colour. For my Carriage racing game I found a 'cobble' picture, and resized, copying over and over in Word. Print out and stick on.
It cuts cleanly with a Stanley knife, and is easy to cut shapes into
Quote from: Leman on 18 February 2015, 08:28:41 AM
I temporarily mount my figures on small pieces of dowel which then slot into a large block of wood. This block was drilled out with 24 holes by an old woodwork teacher colleague of mine. He used it for holding pencils at the front of the class for loaning to pupils. He passed it to me when he was reorganising his room and it quickly occurred to me to ask him to make the dowel rods. I use Copydex as a temporary fix for the figures, and it also means I can rotate and turn the figures upside down when I'm painting.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/15mm%20ITLSU/IMG_1375_zps2b90b95d.jpg)
Now this inspired me to go for the poor mans (read cheapskates) version - a bit of foam pipe lagging cut in half with wooden dowels. Reckon it could work.
I'll let you know how it goes (expect to be back here in a few days feeling like a numpty)
Quote from: Last Hussar on 25 February 2015, 11:21:30 PM
...Also I think my wife is despairing at the amount of vinyl floor tiles I buy. Good ones for bases, cheap ones of roads etc. Also make good game tiles- I mounted my CoC Morale track on one. Plus I use them as spraying sticks - the glue holds figures nicely.
I use double sided tape on small offcuts of beading that I've had for years. Poundland special, 3 rolls for a quid. Cut down the middle and it lasts twice as long.
Quote from: Vamboozle on 28 February 2015, 03:01:21 PM
Now this inspired me to go for the poor mans (read cheapskates) version - a bit of foam pipe lagging cut in half with wooden dowels. Reckon it could work.
I'll let you know how it goes (expect to be back here in a few days feeling like a numpty)
Ok pipe lagging is too fragile (worked great until you pulled the dowel in / out a few times)
Next attempt (as suggested by Mrs V) is plasticine. :o