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What are the miniature bases? 

Miniature bases are small platforms that provide a solid foundation for the miniature to stand on which are perfect for small scale. Warhammer bases are an essential component of scale models and wargaming, as they help to create a cohesive look for the overall scene and provide a stable surface for the miniature to stand on. 

They can be plain or decorated, depending on the look you want to achieve. They are typically attached to the bottom of the miniature, allowing the model to stand securely on the tabletop or display surface.

Miniatures are an important part of the hobbies of scale models and wargaming. These small, detailed models are used to represent characters, creatures, and vehicles, and they are often painted and decorated to create realistic and immersive scenes. An essential component of these models is the base, which provides a platform for the miniature to stand on and helps to create a cohesive look for the overall scene.

At Green Stuff World, we offer a wide variety of Warhammer bases. Our selection includes different materials and games such as plastic, MDF wood, Age of Sigmar bases, Warhammer The Old World bases, and acrylic, each of which has its unique characteristics and benefits.

Types of Warhammer Bases according to the material

Figures and miniatures are normally mounted to add stability and improve the overall appearance of the model. Several different materials can be used, including:

  • Plastic: they are a popular option among modelers and wargamers. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to work with, making them a great choice for beginners or those who want to create large numbers of models quickly. They are also relatively inexpensive, so they are a cost-effective way to add a solid foundation to your models.
  • MDF Wood: Medium-density fiberboards are another popular option. These are made from a wood-based material that is strong and durable, making them ideal for heavier miniatures or those that will be handled frequently. They are also easy to paint and decorate, so you can customize them to fit your desired look.
  • Resin: These are similar to plastic ones, but they tend to be more durable and offer a higher level of detail. They can be purchased pre-made or cast using silicone molds and resin casting materials.
  • Wood: Normally used in figures for contests that need to be perfectly displayed and try to stand out from the rest. They offer a natural, rustic look and can be sanded and painted to suit the theme of the miniature. They can be purchased pre-made or cut and shaped using woodworking tools.
  • Metal: These are heavy and durable, making them a good choice for larger figures. They can be purchased pre-made or fabricated using metalworking tools.
  • Cardboard: They are a budget-friendly option that can be cut and shaped using a hobby knife or scissors. They are lightweight and easy to work with, but may not be as durable as other materials.
  • Acrylic: they are a more premium option for miniatures. These are made from high-quality acrylic, which is a strong and durable material that is resistant to scratches and fading. They are also transparent, so they can be used to create floating or transparent effects, such as water or ice. They are a bit more expensive than other types in general, but they are worth it for those who want the best quality and performance.

Where to Buy bases for miniatures 

Green Stuff World offers a wide variety of bases for miniatures, including plastic, MDF, and acrylic. Each type of base has its unique characteristics and benefits, so you can choose the one that is best suited to your needs and preferences. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran, we also have the Warhammer the Old World bases you need to create impressive and realistic scenes with your miniatures.

We offer worldwide fast shipping, so you can get yours quickly and easily, no matter where you are located.

Miniature bases | Warhammer bases

Problems of 3d printing miniature bases for Warhammer and other wargames

Creating 3D printed miniature bases for wargames like Warhammer involves several steps and can come with its own set of challenges, for this reason, most of the time the most interesting thing to do is to buy plastic or DM wood miniature bases and Warhammer movement trays on sale like the ones you can find in Green Stuff World and forget about all these problems that we are going to explain now.

First, you will start with a 3D model of the desired Warhammer base design. These models can be found online or created using 3D modeling software. The design should match the theme and size requirements of your miniatures.

Once you have the model ready, you need to prepare it for 3D printing. This involves slicing the model into thin layers using slicing software that generates the instructions for your 3D printer. You'll select the appropriate print settings, including layer height, print speed, and support structures if needed.

Next, you load the resin into your 3D printer and initiate the printing process. The printer follows the instructions from the slicer, layer by layer, to create the Warhammer base. As the printing progresses, it's essential to monitor the process to ensure there are no issues such as failed layers or misprints.

One common problem when 3D printing miniature bases is the consumption of resin. Some designs may require a significant amount of resin, which can be costly. Efficient printing, proper orientation, and minimizing supports can help reduce resin consumption.

After the printing is complete, you'll need to remove the Warhammer base from the printer's build platform. Depending on the resin used, you may need to wear gloves and use appropriate tools for this step. 3D Printed models have support structures that need to be removed and may leave rough edges. These connections, especially on flat surfaces, many times leave little pieces that need to be sanded or flush cut to be able to be flat. 

Cleaning is the next step. The Warhammer base must be soaked in a cleaning solution like isopropyl alcohol to remove any uncured resin. This step is crucial for the final quality of the Warhammer base.

Curing the base is another important stage. It involves exposing the base to UV light to harden the resin fully. Special UV curing chambers or stations are available for this purpose.

Getting the exact sizes can be challenging due to several factors. Resin can shrink during the printing and curing processes, leading to size discrepancies. Additionally, resin 3D printers can suffer from distortion and deformation, especially with larger prints or uneven cooling. Calibrating your printer and ensuring consistent temperature and curing conditions can help mitigate these issues.

And the biggest problem of all is time. Who has time to spare? I think few people do, so wasting time printing, cleaning, and processing such simple, low-value parts is not worth it.

Miniatures games using miniature bases

Here are some examples of miniature board games that utilize miniatures and bases:

  • Warhammer 40,000: This is a tabletop wargame produced by Games Workshop, set in a dystopian science fantasy universe. Players assemble and paint figurines representing futuristic armies and battle each other on a customizable battlefield.
  • Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of Ashardalon: This is a cooperative adventure board game based on the Dungeons & Dragons universe. It features miniatures representing heroes, monsters, and other creatures encountered in the game.
  • Zombicide: A cooperative board game where players control survivors of a zombie apocalypse. The game includes figures representing both survivors and zombies, as well as bases to denote their positions on the game board.
  • Blood Rage: A Viking-themed strategy board game where players control different clans vying for control of territory and earning glory in the eyes of the gods. It features highly detailed figures representing warriors, monsters, and leaders.
  • Star Wars: Imperial Assault: Set in the Star Wars universe, this game pits Rebel forces against the Galactic Empire in various missions and campaigns. Players control heroes and villains represented by figures with bases.
  • Gloomhaven: A cooperative campaign-driven dungeon-crawl board game with a strong narrative element. Players control characters represented by figures and explore dungeons, fight monsters, and make choices that affect the course of the game.
  • Descent: Journeys in the Dark: Another dungeon crawl adventure board game where players take on the roles of heroes venturing into dungeons to fight monsters, complete quests, and ultimately defeat the Overlord player. It features miniatures representing heroes, monsters, and bosses.

These are just a few examples, but there are many more miniature board games out there catering to various themes and play styles.

Discover also our collection of light boxes for miniature photography.