MDF: cutting into large, rectangular bases.
Apr 18, 2017 22:02:42 GMT
tauster, skunkape, and 1 more like this
Post by sgtslag on Apr 18, 2017 22:02:42 GMT
I started using MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) for basing terrain pieces. It takes paint well (it's made of compressed paper/wood fibers, so it is a really dense, 1/8"-thick, paper material -- wood pulp), without warping; it is easy to use, as most glues will adhere to it; it is fairly strong; and best of all, it is inexpensive: I paid $3.50 for a 2-foot x 4-foot x 1/8" thick piece.
I considered, briefly, using it to make the skeleton of my card stock castles. Currently, I am using 2-3mm thick cardboard. I glue regular paper printouts to the cardboard, glue the cardboard pieces together, reinforcing the joints with a square, balsa wood rod glued in the seams. Works really well, and a lot easier to cut the cardboard, than it would be the 1/8" thick MDF... The MDF would add incredible strength, and hefty weight, to the wall sections, towers, etc. Still something I might experiment with.
I am in need of a couple hundred, 2"-square bases, for 54mm Army Men figures, for an upcoming game. I have a Table Saw, so I set it for 2" cuts, and chopped a 2-foot x 4-foot piece, down to 2" wide strips. Then I tried to cut a 2"-wide strip into a 2" square... The Saw hurled it, at high speed, back into me. OUCH! "Wrong answer. Thank you for playing. Next contestant, please!"
Next, I tried my trusty Band Saw, which is notoriously bad at making straight cuts. I created a jig, to slide my stock against, to make a 2" cut... It works well enough. There are slight angle issues (sides not true), but it is GEtGW (Good Enough to Game With). I Hot Glued some figures last night, then I painted the bases with PVA, and I dunked and swirled them in a mixture of tan, and green sands. Turned out quite nice, actually.
Bottom line: I recommend MDF boards for larger bases. Great product. Will be using it for basing terrain pieces, such as towers, siege engines, and larger miniatures (50+mm tall). Be careful how you cut it, though. A laser cutter is ideal, but expensive ($300+, typically).
Also, when cutting this stuff, it will generate prolific Stinking Clouds of dust! Wear a paper dust mask, and make sure you have plenty of ventilation. A Shop Vac connected to your saw, if applicable, will help, immensely, as well. Wear old clothing, as you will likely be covered in fine dust, when done. Cheers!
I considered, briefly, using it to make the skeleton of my card stock castles. Currently, I am using 2-3mm thick cardboard. I glue regular paper printouts to the cardboard, glue the cardboard pieces together, reinforcing the joints with a square, balsa wood rod glued in the seams. Works really well, and a lot easier to cut the cardboard, than it would be the 1/8" thick MDF... The MDF would add incredible strength, and hefty weight, to the wall sections, towers, etc. Still something I might experiment with.
I am in need of a couple hundred, 2"-square bases, for 54mm Army Men figures, for an upcoming game. I have a Table Saw, so I set it for 2" cuts, and chopped a 2-foot x 4-foot piece, down to 2" wide strips. Then I tried to cut a 2"-wide strip into a 2" square... The Saw hurled it, at high speed, back into me. OUCH! "Wrong answer. Thank you for playing. Next contestant, please!"
Next, I tried my trusty Band Saw, which is notoriously bad at making straight cuts. I created a jig, to slide my stock against, to make a 2" cut... It works well enough. There are slight angle issues (sides not true), but it is GEtGW (Good Enough to Game With). I Hot Glued some figures last night, then I painted the bases with PVA, and I dunked and swirled them in a mixture of tan, and green sands. Turned out quite nice, actually.
Bottom line: I recommend MDF boards for larger bases. Great product. Will be using it for basing terrain pieces, such as towers, siege engines, and larger miniatures (50+mm tall). Be careful how you cut it, though. A laser cutter is ideal, but expensive ($300+, typically).
Also, when cutting this stuff, it will generate prolific Stinking Clouds of dust! Wear a paper dust mask, and make sure you have plenty of ventilation. A Shop Vac connected to your saw, if applicable, will help, immensely, as well. Wear old clothing, as you will likely be covered in fine dust, when done. Cheers!