what size wood bases do you use?

[jim1215]

hello all , was wondering what size base generally is used for 54mm single figures , just recieved my order from ken thomas (which are awesome very professional) i ordered and recieved various wood types mostly around 2 1/2 inch recessed top and thought that might have been small for some nice groundwork ( hey im sure ill come up with something ) i also bought some 3inch and 3 1/4 and that that was perfect . 3inch i acn also do 90mm and maybe 120mm . (like verlinden) . either way they are great and will be ordering more , but might stay with 3inch or better for all size figures . any input would be great . thanks jimmy

 

[renarts]

Jimmy,
I think its a matter of personal aesthetic. You want to provide a suitable platform for your figure that is stable and provides a firm support but also frames your figure to show off your work. Sort of like a picture frame. Too much and the base competes with the figure. It will depend on your setting for your figure as well. Sometimes you may have to go a little bigger to help with your ground accents and put the figure into a context that frames it well. For single figures that are really stand alone, i.e. the figure and minimal groundwork, I think the 2.50" square is just fine. If you want to add something a little more like a piece of wall, a terrain feature or a corner of a vehicle you will want some more room so that the figure is not crowded or has to compete with the accents.

Base work is an individual thing and I think you'll find as many opinions as there are figures. From a piece of vehicle hardware, bark, rock, burl, etc. to a manufactured base its all what looks good and provides the function of a base for the figure that is mounted on it.

I make my own bases, most from mdf, some from exotic hardwoods. Some square, some round, some cut to shape. I have a never ending supply and I can fit my base to what I feel best fits the figure.

 

[Steve]

Renarts gives good advice. If you can lay hands on the last issue of Historical Miniatures magazine (#60), there is an article about bases for figures. The author states that he uses an ancient formula to arrive at the proper dimensions for a base for a given piece. I myself am with Renarts in that it is so subjective that each figure is a new adventure in finding the right base.--