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I have an old skool Orc biker army that I have put on hold for several years. What was commonly used for bike bases were the 60mm bases that were used with the GW trees that were sold in the 90's. Even though Dreadnought bases are 60mm in diameter, they are too thick for my needs. You can still get those kinds of bases but for $4.50 for a set of three in a package? That was just too much money.

What I chose to make my bases out of was essentially chipboard (can use press board as well). It is a type of cardboard that you find on the backs of note pads and graph paper as well as other items that most people generally throw away. More often than not the thickness is 2mm thick.

Now you could go ahead and use plastic card and get the same results but I wanted to do this as cheaply as possible. I also like the chipboard because I can easily cut into it with a pair of scissors.

This is an easy project that you can do while watching TV or listening to the radio so usage in time is not really a factor in cost.

Items that you will need.

1. chipboard.
2. cutting compass.
3. ruler.
4. black primer paint.
5. glue.
6. cheap emery boards.

The picture below is what I used to make some 60mm bases out of scrap 2mm thick chip board. I already paid previously for the items to make other projects with so the cost has been already been allocated.

If you do not have a cutting compass you can use a regular compass, scissors and carefully cut out the circle from the chip board.

OR

if you got one of the citadel paint brush holders, the bottom of the base is exactly 60mm in diameter, then use scissors to cut out your base.

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1. apply the black primer on both sides of the chip board and let dry of course.
2. apply light coats of glue evenly on both sides, letting one side dry first on a cookie tray before applying glue to the other side.
3. lightly sand down any rough edges that might be there.
4. apply a light coat of glue in the exposed areas that you just sanded. Let everything dry before you paint and apply your basing material.

Below are two of my ork bikers. One above is the one that has the chip board base. The other has the citadel base. Both are 60mm in size however my camera angle makes one slightly smaller than the other.

Also my basing material is whatever I swept up the curb on any given day. Works well for some of my basing needs.

This idea also works well if you really need an odd ball base or making a base to finish up a set. I've made a calvary base using the basic ideas in this tutorial. Just made it according to GW specs.

Hope this helps others in saving money

I knew there was a reason I kept my primary and high school supplies (Compass, Emery Boards)... Thanks a ton mate!

Any idea whether it looks acceptable for 40mm? My dog destroyed one of my wraith bases (and 1 nightbringer arm ).

Shaozun wrote:I knew there was a reason I kept my primary and high school supplies (Compass, Emery Boards)... Thanks a ton mate!

Any idea whether it looks acceptable for 40mm? My dog destroyed one of my wraith bases (and 1 nightbringer arm ).

It should, all it takes is your artistic ability and/or stubborn determination to make it happen.

Your 40mm base. I took some quick measurements on one base. Measure the ones you have on hand of course. Top of the base that I measured is 38mm. Bottom of the base is 40mm thickness of the base is 4mm.

My suggestion to you is to cut one 2mm circle at 38 mm, then the other at 40mm. Center the top to the bottom and glue them together. Let dry. Use some filler of some sort to fill in your gaps on the sides and to start your taper edge. Let dry.

Fillers I have used when using chipboard are. Wood filler. Glue paste. Standard glue though it does take time in drying. Cheap epoxy putty that I use for plumbing. Bondo. All of these items I do have on hand so it is what you are use too using. I prefer wood filler, glue/glue paste and cheap epoxy putty. Works well and keeps the cost down.

Follow the instructions above for the applying of the pant and glue.

Use your emery board to sand the tapered side smooth.

Hope this helps