Editor in Chief Bill | 24 Sep 2011 7:50 p.m. PST |
For miniature rulesets that use counters or markers, what's the best way to print them out from PDF? * print to paper * print to cardstock * print to sticker, attach to cardboard * print to paper, attach to cardboard And if you attach them to cardboard, where do you get the cardboard? Whatever cereal box just got emptied, or do you go out and buy some specific type of cardboard? |
The Beast Rampant | 24 Sep 2011 8:01 p.m. PST |
Now, print to sticker, attach to cardboard. Though for years, I glued to posterboard (typical big sheets, or in 8x11-ish packs. In a pinch, I have used comic backboards (better but pricier!), or bits of cereal box. |
(I am Spam) | 24 Sep 2011 8:03 p.m. PST |
I usually print them to paper and have it laminated. Cut them out with scissors and you're done. |
Toaster | 24 Sep 2011 8:09 p.m. PST |
Print to paper, attach to cardboard. My wife does scrapbooking and the heavy card protective sheets that come with spare pages for scrapbook albums make great counter backing. Also a small offcut of card glued under the counter so its edges sit proud of the table makes them much easier to pick up. Robert |
haywire | 24 Sep 2011 8:51 p.m. PST |
I used to save up cardboard from the backs of legal pads. Now I just use artist board so I can get the desired thickness. |
Jakse375 | 24 Sep 2011 10:19 p.m. PST |
i have access to a lamination machine at work so i print on cardstock, cut, laminate, cut again. |
x42brown | 24 Sep 2011 11:17 p.m. PST |
My printer can manage card up to 1mm so I can print direct to thick enough card for my purposes. x42 |
Angel Barracks | 25 Sep 2011 2:16 a.m. PST |
print to sticker, attach to plastic or use my laminator |
53Punisher | 25 Sep 2011 3:18 a.m. PST |
I print to cardstock (only to prevent bleed-thru from inkjet printing), then use heavy lamination. The heavy mil lamination sheet stiffens the marker as well as protects it from smearing, etc. |
Rich Bliss | 25 Sep 2011 8:35 a.m. PST |
I print to sticker or laminate adhesive on using my wifes scrapbooking equipment. I then stick to foam core. I like the thicker material for ease of use n the table. If the white edges are bothersome and perment marker takes care of that. |
The Virtual Armchair General | 25 Sep 2011 10:34 a.m. PST |
Perhaps I'm caught in a semantical trap, but I'm amazed that no one (appears) to have mentioned use of "matte board." This is the stuff perhaps 2mm thick and is commonly sold in large sheets (3' x 4') and is printed in a solid color on one side, and white on the other. All the art and craft shops still sell it. One sheet could last several years, depending on the size and number of projects, and could produce a few THOUSAND half inch square game counters the same dimensions as the classic Avalon Hill types. Back in the day when "Strategy And Tactics" Magazine had a full blown game in each issue, and Poultron Press sold countless new designs, gluing printed counters to pieces that were easily handled, stacked, and not sneezed off the map was a necessity, and my experience. In any case, it's THE best material for the job I've worked with, though I confess foam board has an appeal. I just don't know how it can be cut--un-bent!-- in half inch bits. So, if it's not called "matte board" now, what the heck is it? TVAG |
Waco Joe | 25 Sep 2011 11:00 a.m. PST |
While I have not tried it myself I once saw reference to using fun foam link |
Editor in Chief Bill | 25 Sep 2011 8:36 p.m. PST |
I confess foam board has an appeal. I just don't know how it can be cut--un-bent!-- in half inch bits. With a hand-held foamboard cutter, I don't see why it couldn't be. So, if it's not called "matte board" now, what the heck is it? Beats me. And where does "chipboard" fit into things? |
GoneNow | 25 Sep 2011 9:45 p.m. PST |
I do the foamies approach. Print to cardstock (or to photo paper if I want really nice ones). Then glue to the sheet of foam. |
Uesugi Kenshin | 25 Sep 2011 10:39 p.m. PST |
Im not sure about best, but Ive only ever done paper. |
Little Big Wars | 26 Sep 2011 11:13 a.m. PST |
I've printed them out and glued them to balsa wood before. My entire Dirtside chit set is made that way. |
stenicplus | 27 Sep 2011 3:37 a.m. PST |
Either print, laminate and cut up or print, cut up and glue to 3mm mdf tiles/bases. |
vojvoda | 28 Sep 2011 2:04 a.m. PST |
I like project foam board or thick foam 4mm or 5mm print out labels cover in laminate and use over and over. All my 15mm casualty markers that are not figures I have done this way, bases would be the other way I have done it. But sticking sheet to board and then laminate I can mount twice and not have to do all the stickers individually. VR James Mattes |
Sgt Slag | 03 Oct 2011 9:58 a.m. PST |
I use card stock, cover with the clear contact paper on both sides, smooth it out, then cut the counters. They're thin, but durable, and inexpensive. I like some of the suggestions listed here, though. A bandsaw would be perfect for cutting particle board, foamcore, thick cardboard, and other materials, in whatever size is needed for square shapes. For odd, or rounded, shapes, a scroll saw should do the job, depending upon the operator's skills (around $70 USD at Harbor Freight, and Menards, near me). ;-) A 9" bandsaw can be had from either Amazon.com, or Menards, in the USA. I bought mine from Amazon, but it doesn't come with a gate (a $40 USD option, currently unavailable
). The nearly identical unit (different manufacturer, but sooo similar
) at Menards, comes with a gate, and it is around $30 USD less, before shipping is added in -- it pays to look locally. Cheers! |
Old Contemptibles | 03 Oct 2011 6:29 p.m. PST |
Why don't you just ask Martha?
I don't think this qualifies as a poll. This is better suited to be posted to one of appropriate boards.
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