"Sanding the bases of metal minis FLAT" Topic

Hi all,

Thanks for your years of guidence on these forms.

I own hundreds of older Genadier and GZG figs. As you may know, these figs are pre-slot bases, and thus have a little oval mound of metel as a base. Typically, I try to sand that mound down as flat and as smooth as I can. Otherwise, it looks like each figure is just sitting on a mound of dirt or sand.

Question: Sanding 500 figs my hand will give me carpal tunnel. What method would you all recomend? Would a belt sander be slow enough to not tottaly eat my mini? Does Dremmel make a "flat" sander ( the ones i have seen have the sand paper on the sides, and would just make a bunch of rocking horses out of my figs)?

Thoughts?

Thanks
Jammies

I use a belt sander with a disk option, an oven mitt, and a good mask. A dremnel is too slow.

I do it outside because the dust is very fine, very messy and pretty dangerous. Always stand upwind.

I take another approach. I glue the figures as they are onto washers and build up the surrounding surface with spackle or some other similar substance to make it level.

Jake

Invest $50 USD to $75 USD in a bench top sander – some have a disc and a belt, other just a disc.

I don't like using the belt, as it is a bit more dangerous – the disc is safer.

Sand in batches until you get the desired effect.

I don't recommend use of an oven mitt – if not careful you will get it caught up in the sander.

I just sand a bit until the figure get warm, then switch to another and go back to the first after a bit of time. If you must wear something on you hand, it should be a heat proof glove rather than a fluffy oven mitt.

I've used both approaches (CPT. Jake's and VSB's).

My Dremel will spin at > 30K RPM, and using the right
grit on the wheel (I don't use the drum sanders) the
bases come out nice and flat.

The 'built up' base idea I use on older figures which
can have a very pronounced 'bulge' on the base. The washer
serves to reduce the effect of the 'bulge'.

Make sure to wear a good quality filter mask during the process, and cleanup.

Bench sander. But it can sand fast, so watch it. I learned the hard way. I got a few figs with no feet…

Sandpaper on a flat surface?

Sandpaper on a flat surface?

Takes forever – I believe Yoda J is talking about grinding off as much of the base as possible. Also hand sanding rarely results in an even flatness. Besides, THAT would give you carpel after 500 figures.

I use an old rusty "diamond file" (a steel bar with a diamond shaped cross-hatch pattern on it) that is wider than 1" at the base end. I bought it at a pawn shop years ago. Most of the ones I see at the hardware store today are narrower.

Doesn't take long with old lead figures.

Instead of doing that,I would get a pair of side cutters,trim them as close as possible,and get a tube of 2 part epoxy,the type that is used by plumbers(not greenstuff,thats too expensive for what I have in mind). Mix up a little at a time(you only get a few minutes working time when its mixed),and fix them to whatever base youre using-you wont even have to glue them down,this stuff has some great holding capacity. At least thats the way I'd tackle that many.

Like Jake B I use a big old file minus it's handle. Lay it flat and grab the figure by the ankles and run up and down the file. It works fine is fast and no risks to your muscles, bones or anything else either.

Thanks all! I actually do have some pretty moderate muscle pain, so I am going to try the belt sander. Well, as soon as I can find a buddy's.

MTFBWY

Jammies