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"Bigger holes" Topic


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1,003 hits since 30 Nov 2022
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dapeters30 Nov 2022 1:09 p.m. PST

I bought a number of MDF movement trays that have round 25mm holes in them for figures with 25mm base. What I discovered is some of my base are perhaps an inch or at any rate slightly larger then the holes. Dose any one have any suggestions on how I could make the wholes slightly wider with an emphasis on CHEAP and EASY. Thanks in advance.

jdpintex30 Nov 2022 1:19 p.m. PST

Use sandpaper to expand the hole? I assume you wouldn't need to enlarge the hole by much. Maybe wrap the sandpaper around an 3/4" sized dowel or something close?

Or use a woodworking knife (maybe not as easy).

Good Luck

Personal logo ColCampbell Supporting Member of TMP30 Nov 2022 1:33 p.m. PST

If your bases are 1" in diameter, then sandpaper may be your answer since you'll only be removing 0.4mm in diameter. I'd say try to and see what happens.

Jim

JimDuncanUK30 Nov 2022 3:29 p.m. PST

The SIMPLE and COST EFFECTIVE answer is to purchase the correct size bases in the first place.

Warbases should be able to sort you out CHEAP and EASY.

Give 'em a call (email).

warbases.co.uk

Stryderg Supporting Member of TMP30 Nov 2022 6:22 p.m. PST

Drill a small pilot hole in the middle of each hole.
Use a 1 inch paddle bit, centered on the pilot hole, to trim out the edges.
Cheap, probably easier to say than to do.

Option 2:
Drill the 25mm hole all the way through, Dremel tool to sand it out to 1inch. Cover the bottom with something thin.

SpuriousMilius01 Dec 2022 8:50 a.m. PST

I had this problem when I was building units of Space Marines, Chaos & some historical figures: some of the bases' slots weren't long enough for the figures' tabs to fit. It was trouble but I had a strong pair of nail clippers that would cut the metal easily. I'd clip off some from either 1 or both edges depending on where the fig's feet were on the tab so it would be centered on the base. This was quicker & easier than cutting thru the base to extend the slot. Of course, it's only worth the effort on plastic bases.

Personal logo Yellow Admiral Supporting Member of TMP01 Dec 2022 2:40 p.m. PST

+1 Jim Duncan

Easiest: give up and order stuff that works as manufactured.

Cheapest: widen the holes manually with a small round file or rolled up sandpaper.

Quickest: get a hole saw or a tapered grinding bit and drill out the holes to the exact right size.


I would never (again) try widening the hole manually with a small file or sandpaper. Every time I've done that in the past, I've just made blobby oval holes. I usually go for the "quickest" option, but then, I like buying tools. grin

optional field02 Dec 2022 2:21 a.m. PST

would trimming the bases on the figures be easier?

robert piepenbrink Supporting Member of TMP03 Dec 2022 5:57 a.m. PST

There's a circular sander attachment available for Dremel. I'd guess one pass per hole should put you right.

CeruLucifus03 Dec 2022 12:02 p.m. PST

Glue sandpaper around a dowel and move it in and out.

A round sanding attachment on a rotary tool, such as the Dremel suggested above, may also be helpful.

Use a mask when sanding MDF, especially with power tools.

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