"Removing thick metal bases" Topic

So I'm not entirely sure if I tagged the right boards for this post, but its a bit of an unusual question. I have some pewter miniatures that are molded onto pretty thick bases (maybe 3-4 mm thick) and I'd rather not try to build up the bases around them with spackle. If I wanted to remove the base or make it as thin as possible, what is the best way of going about it?

I suppose you could cut under their feet/shoes with a razor saw or jeweler's saw. This would leave you drilling holes in the bottom of the feet so you could peg it to a base. If you like slotta-bases, you could try cutting the base down to a narrow tab that could go into the slot. I have never tried that.

I have wondered about cutting a base in two horizontally, but that would be a lot of work. I have tried grinding down things with my Dremel, but didn't have much luck, perhaps because I don't have the proper grinding bit. A serious bench grinder might do the trick, but you would have to worry about heat.

Grelber

I have used a dremel with a sanding wheel with considerable success. As a bonus, I save the shavings for use as filler with superglue on conversions.

If the metal is soft enough, you can cut it away with snips.

I have removed figures from their cast on bases using a jeweler saw. Just slice away and sand a little bit. Very useful for all sorts of conversions. Cutting off arms and heads and weapons. It's one of my most useful hobby tools.

link

Depends on the metal, the size of the figure, and whether you 're prepared to risk the occasional cut to the finger. With 15mm figures, I simply pare away at the edges of the base, then gradually bring the bottom of it to the same level, using a blade. You have to support the figure's ankles with your fingers, though, to avoid flexing. Never tried this with horses, and never had to with bigger figgers.

I have used a rotating grinding/polishing wheel with some success. It was an industrial one that I no longer have access to. Switch on, push figure downwards for a minute or so, job done.

Nowadays, more likely to try a few strokes on silicon carbide paper (wet/dry). It will take longer.

Try a Size Humongous rasp file, but keep your figures around the ankles of your figures, no lower.

If time is a factor, I stand by my dremel with sanding wheel. I use a very corse sandpaper tube that fits over the rubber drum with a tightening screw. Earlier this week I trimmed down around 100 20mm WWII Romanians in about an hour. I'll also use a hand files for touch up work.

I use a belt sander with coarse sand paper. It works quickly and the bases stay flat.

Seems like I have a lot of options! I do have a dremel kit and I have some silicon carbide paper coming in the mail. Hopefully with these two plus some time I can get the bases at a reasonable thickness.