Choosing Wooden Bases

[Franco]

Greetings,

One subject which I would like to raise is the choice of wooden bases.

Most modelling magazines only photograph the figure and the groundwork or the bust. However the two International Shows I have managed to attend have been eye openers. Those well painted figures are displayed on outstanding and elaborate wooden bases.

My questions are:

1. How does one pick the wooden base to suit the figure in question - shape of the base, height of the base and colour of the base (dark versus light woods etc).

2. I know of Elisena (Italy) and S & T (USA) which produce outstanding bases - which other companies are out there that produce good quality and readliy available bases?

Looking forward to some input.

Cheers
Franco

 

[Guy]

Hello Again Franco,
I prefer round bases as this can be displayed from any angle and I don't have a front and back as you would in square bases. I like dark wood bases but quite often put my American Figures on Oak Bases too. I prefer recessed top bases to allow for groundwork. But I keep both on hand. Below are some bases I picked out of the closet The one on the left is made from Bolivian Rosewood. The one in the center is also made from Bolivian Rosewood. The right one is a walnut base I had made years ago. Left and center are made by Ken Thomas Art Baese in Pennsylvania.

 

[Guy]

These are three different manufacturers. Ken Thomas in the Center, Oakwood Studios on the right and S&T on the left. you can see the recess in S&T's to allow an even wood border for the groundwork to be contained in. Over the years I have accumulated several dozen bases as they are as important to a well painted figure to be set off with a nice base.

 

[Guy]

The 2 on the left are Oak wood bases by Ken Thomas and the one to the right was made right here in Oklahoma with Zebra Wood. You can find some well made bases from most of your large suppliers online too

 

[Johan]

I personally think Ken Thomas is the best for figure bases. His Bolivian Rosewood is the best and most beautiful wood I've seen so far.

I prefer round bases too, and here's some of the sizes (overall diameter) I use for foot figures:

- 54mm: 2" to 2,5" diameter, but better is a pedestal of 1,5" X 1,5" top surface.
- 70mm-75mm: 2,5" to 3" diameter.
- 90mm: 3,5" diameter
- 120mm: 4" diameter

Thickness of wood would be 1" or 2" thick; I personally prefer 2" thick wood for all figures from 70mm to 120mm.

Well, that's just my personal favourite dimensions... of course, some subjects will warrant a larger base, some figures just cry out for some elaborate scenic groundwork...

Hope this helps,

Johan

 

[Pete_H]

Forget the Bolivian Rosewood. Ken Thomas' burlwood bases are just amazing. Here are some pros & cons I've experienced with S&T and Thomas Arts bases:
1. I've found that, over time, the glossy finish on S&T bases start to fade, especially after masking it with artists' tape. However, the finish on Thomas Arts bases don't seem to fade.
2. I've found that Thomas Arts (TA) bases are a bit lighter than others. Unfortunately, they are a bit more prone to accidental damage. For instance, you can easily leave a fingernail print in a TA base, but not with an S&T base.
3. Both are also quick with their delivery and very accomodating.
4. Although I've never asked Ken Thomas to make any special-order bases for me, I have done so with S&T and been very satisfied with the results. Example: I made a 120mm vignette of Pointe du Hoc a few years ago. I sent Jim Sullivan of S&T the resin "cliff face & top" and he custom-made a rosewood base that fit perfectly into the cliff. He even attached the resin cliff for me.

I think it's best to make up your own mind as to which type of base is better. It's all a matter of perspective and personal taste.

As for picking a base for a figure, this is also a matter of personal taste, but within reason. For instance, you don't want a 3"x3" square base for a single 54mm figure (unless you're going to have some really elaborate groundwork that'll enhance the figure's appearance). Neither would you want a base that's too small. Just think of what kind of groundwork you want to put the figure in and keep it within reason so as to not detract from the figure itself. As for color, try to use a base whose color will coordinate with the groundwork. For instance, I just finished a 1/35 WWII German mountain trooper with a snowbound rocky mountain pass as groundwork. I used a greyish brown burlwood base by Thomas Arts and it looks great with the groundwork - which happens to be a gray & grayish brown (with snow on top, of course ). I'll post pics later so you can see what I mean.

It's all a question of personal taste. Make the choice that "you" feel the most comfortable with.

 

[Edson]

For me its a basic decision, i just look the figure a long long time, and then i search the correct TABLE LEGS, all my bases come from the same place , and its very cheap

What you think?....

Cheers
Edson

 

[Franco]

Thanks Guy, johan, Pete, Edson and Gary

All useful information for me.

Just was wondering Thomas Art Bases - may I have a web site or address for this manufactorer.

Gary those S & T bases look outstanding - I checked out your web site and great to see you stock them.

Thanks all for your help

 

[Patrick Kirk]

Petey,
Great guidance amigo! Your points are well taken...
Hope all is well

Patrick

 

[JCOX]

I've found that observing what others have done as far as composition of figure/base is very helpful. When at shows, look at the displays that stand out to you and pay particular attention to how they composed their subject and the different sizes of bases used with the given figure scales. This is also helpful in getting a good feel for groudwork as well.

Hope that helps some.

-jim cox

 

[Johan]

Forget the Bolivian Rosewood

...No way! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Pete, Bolivian rosewood is simply beautiful! A little bit like Walnut, but of superior quality. Can't see what is wrong with it?

Now, of course, for the WWII miniatures that you do, Pete, a light coloured wood is more appropriate than a dark wood like Bol. rose - no I'm not kidding here. Also I am not insinuating that WWII subjects aren't good enough to be put on a Bol. rosewood base :lol: :lol: It's just so that light coloured wood or burl and khaki or OD uniforms go together well in my personal opinion

But really dude, Bolivian rosewood is VERY good.

You mentioned that the lacquer finish/sheen sometimes fades: try buffing now and then with a good quality furniture wax to polish, "feed" and protect the base, I believe Ken Thomas recommends doing that - something like "your Thomas Art base should be treated like a piece of quality furniture" etc.

see ya,

Johan

 

[btavis]

You can make your own if so inclined with the proper equipment (table saw, lathe, etc). First thing is to find a good hardwood source. Here is one place but there are many others.

 

[Anders Heintz]

Thanks for the link Bob, maybe I'll try to make some bases of my own now

 

[btavis]

It would be nice to have a thread just on bases. I don't mean links to companies that sell the standard bases like listed up thread here but imaginative bases or modelers's creations of non-traditional bases. I know a guy who did a diorama of the filming of the original movie Frankenstein and he mounted the whole thing on a large 35mm movie film cannister. It was perfect and instead of being a mere mounting device became an integral part of the presentation.

 

[Larry R]

Anders, I came to the same realization and you would be amazed at the amount of money you can save and with a little practice come up with some really nice bases. I made 12 54mm bases from one piece of hardword I picked up for $8. Bought my own router for about $12. Router will last forever, and there are woodworking shops you can use and pay by the hour and most of them will give you all the instruction you need so you don't cut your thumbs off. Buy some finish/stain and some veneer or mirror coat and you come out with a very nice product. Time is your only limiting factor.

 

[Rich D]

Bases

I sell exotic and domestic finely crafted bases in a variety of sizes and shapes. Having painted miniatures for 35 years, I know what works well with a piece. I sell at the MFCA and DC shows only but will take mail orders. If you are interested in bases, drop me an email with the subject line "Bases" Thanks,

Rich D

 

[herbwf]

Franco,
I would like to propose another way to look for for bases. If you know a local woodworker talk to that person about using scrap to make the bases you need. Many of these folks have pieces of beautiful wood that are too small for their usual projects and they would love the challenge of creating pieces of art. Most of those folks don't know that we exist ,but we can use their skills.

Hope this helps,
Herb
hope this helps