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Actually a few questions.

1 - I am looking into using textured styrene sheets for some hopefully easy but cool looking basing. Are there any guides on this (thickness, how to cut it, what glue to use)?

2 - Most of my models are already glued (using zap a gap, not the plastic melting glue) to plain bases. How hard would it be to get the models off of their bases and what is the best way to get them off?

3 - What sites have a good selection of textured styrene sheets?


Thanks a lot for your help guys!

1- thickness shouldn't matter tooo much though thinner is easier to cut obviously. but if you get a much thinker piece. for flat cuts you can score and bend to snap cleanly.

otherwise get your self a compass cutter or a die punch to cut out circle bases.

glue with whatever you like though i prefer plastic glue (model master) as it makes the bonds mostly permanent.

2- a few options. depending on the model you can just snap them off but would suggest trying the freezing method to weaken the bond (is the rest of your model glued with CA glue to? otherwise take a sharp knife and try to chip it off. (the base shouldn't matter too much if your going to glue plasti card to it again.

3- i actually shop locally for textured styrene. i think plastruct and evergreen plastic should have most of the available texture stuff.

Ah ha! See this is what I am talking about. Compass cutter or die punch. I definitely need to look into those! What should I be looking for (size etc; ) ?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Ps - also does it matter that some of my bases are already primed? I primed them with the models. Would the styrene sheet not stick right because paint would be between the plastic base and the sheet?

Well just get a compass cutter, as it will cut you any size you could ever need.

If the base was painted just take some fine grit sand paper to it to get back to bare plastic.

Desubot, do you find the compass cutter is easier than the 'die punch'?

A die punch should actually be easier and neater.

They are great for smaller circles (like bases and smaller)

I like my compass cutter better. the die punch requires a little bit more work to use and requires the right space and stuff.

the compass is also make different sizes from 20-60mm bases. compared, the die punches require you to buy multiple sizes.

Do you find it cuts ok through styrene sheets?


Edited to add - I looked briefly for circle punches but only saw craft / scrapbooking ones for paper. I'm wondering if there are more heavy duty ones for plastic sheets...

For mine, I set the base down on the styrene and drew the outline of the bottom (the larger part) on the sheet. Repeat with each outline touching to maximize number of bases per sheet.
I then used a set of Fiskers scissors (they are super sharp and hold an edge forever...even after I sliced a finger to the bone) to rough cut the styrene discs.
Then use testors model cement to bond the styrene disc to the top of the base.
Once dry I used the scissors to close cut the styrene to size, then a razor knife to trim the styrene to perfect fit.
Prime and paint as normal.


You can also cut the styrene to make room for other scenery, a warning track and piping in this case:

Super Newb wrote:
Do you find it cuts ok through styrene sheets?


Edited to add - I looked briefly for circle punches but only saw craft / scrapbooking ones for paper. I'm wondering if there are more heavy duty ones for plastic sheets...

It will styrene ok

http://www.amazon.com/Hollow-Punch-Leatherworking-Punching-Craft/dp/B000RB1K4C

that is the punch im talkin about. you need a sturdy secure wood block and a hammer.

Hmm looks like I have a few methods to choose from. Thanks dkellyj and Desubot!