Recessing bases into a diorama

[archreptile]

So I'm wondering if anyone has any decent resources for techniques to recess a base into a diorama so that it looks really neat? I've tried the usual way of chopping out a poorly sized hole in the diorama and then filled with putty to try and get a smooth, decent look that will allow the mini base to fit in nicely. Invariably it fits poorly and doesn't look great. For my next trick I plan to try a dremel with a plunge router and I would guess this is the best approach. Any other ideas? Also, does anyone know of any "washers" that would fit existing bases (especially standard GW ones) that could be sunk into a diorama base (maybe just pushed into putty or polyfilla) and which would then allow a base to be neatly dropped in? Hope I've been clear about what I'm trying to achieve....

 

[Zab]

build it out of apoxie sculpt and use the right size cookie cutter or felt cutter or build your base out of wood and use the right size bit View attachment 22537and sculpt terrain/earthworks around it! or combine the two.

 

[shponglefan]

Router is probably your best bet (depending on the material you are cutting into). You can make a template to the exact size of the base(s) you want, then use a top-bearing flush trim bit to route the area you need.

 

[Dragonsreach]

The trouble with a router is the 9000 rpm, one slip and your works stuffed.
Better to go slow and careful, bit & brace, drill press for circular bases, sharp chisel for square ones.
Far better to exercise as much patience on the base as you would on the mini.

 

[SkelettetS]

you can buy something like this

and build the display above it. i know voodoovorx used to have less massive stuff of this kind, cant find it now though...

 

[RuneBrush]

One thing you've not said - are we talking about round bases or square bases?

Square bases, Mike's right - sharp chisels and lots of patience. Drill out the four corners, scribe the edges and then gently chisel out the inner - a piece of plasti-card to get a smooth base. A router with guide would work, but to be honest the size of the plinth you're using would make the whole set up a nightmare to do unless you need a dozen or so.

Round bases. More options. Router in a stand and a 25mm plunge cutter would give you a perfect hole. A drill bit like Zab has linked in a pillar drill or failing that a hand drill (with patience) would give you a decent enough hole, but you'd have a hole bored out due to the centre spindle. If you're looking for a bigger hole (e.g. 60mm) you're really going to need a wood lathe and some skill.

Of course the Secret Weapon bases are also an option!

 

[freakinacage]

Apparently the lids of the gw "bolt" paint pots are perfect for the 25mm rounds

 

[Bloodhowl]

Are you looking for something similar to these:
http://chestofcolors.com/making-display-base-for-miniatures/
http://monstersandmachines.blogspot.com/2013/02/making-winter-themed-display-base.html
http://www.necrotales.com/necroTutorials/tut_base_display_01.php
http://www.coolminiornot.com/articles/1231-scenic-display-bases
http://www.lounge.belloflostsouls.net/showthread.php?11490-Tutorial-Building-an-Army-Display-Board ?

 

[airhead]

for round holes, you need a Forstner bit:
View attachment 22546
They tend to be a bit pricey, but they cut nice flat bottomed holes with only a small pilot.

And they cut better holes than the spade bit that Zab showed.

Ideally, you'd use a drill press, but a hand drill can be done with care.

 

[Zab]

Airhead is right. The forstner bit does a MUCH cleaner job - especially on hardwood which is what a lot of display bases/plinths are made of. If it's just pine the other bit will do, but is still not as accurate.

 

[cyberakuma]

if you are put off by power tools and have some movement trays with recessed areas, there are tons for all types of bases on ebay made from plywood, then you can always make a press mold of a recess then cast a copy up then build the diorama base up from there

 

[archreptile]

Thanks for the replies. Bloodhowl, yep that's the sort of thing I was looking for, good tutorial, maybe styrofoam is going to be better than wood.
Rune, mainly square bases but some round.
Thanks also skellet. I actually have bought one of those and it's cool for singles but for multiples it's more problematic. Going down down the dremel plunge router route with several routing bits but styrofoam is VERY tempting.
I suppose it's a sad social indictment that I didn't even think of a simple sharp chisel - in this day and age must be some power tool to get the job done faster right?
Thanks all

 

[RuneBrush]

Oh it's also worth asking the various companies who manufacture bases. I tend to buy mine from WoodenBases.co.uk and have just commissioned one for my GD entry - 65mm x 5mm recess on a 85mm diameter round plinth. The recess has only added on around a fiver.

 

[Dragonsreach]

I suppose it's a sad social indictment that I didn't even think of a simple sharp chisel - in this day and age must be some power tool to get the job done faster right?
Thanks all

No not really, for me I grew up around wood workers (both Grandfathers) and I know that both of them would be fascinated by the power tools I have which were to them limited to industrial woodworking shops. (Drillpress, Bandsaw, Chopsaw, Lathe, Router & Table Router)
I on the other hand regret that my manual tool skills are nowhere near theirs, for example a Dovetail joint by hand....yeah right give me a year and a lot of wasted wood.

Having said that I think my Paternal Grandfather would have had some serious appreciation for the painting and sculpting skills shown on here as he was an engineering Blacksmith and designed some pretty nifty mining equipment. (The company got the patents.)