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Hello all! Hope you're all having a great day!

So I have been planning and testing some storage options for my 3 armies, and I have found that foam just isn't really making me happy anymore. So I would like to go with the option of using metal trays with magnets.

Now I do have magnets but they are quite a bit smaller height wise than the GW bases. And doing some basic research I found that GW bases are 3mm (for 25mm and 32mm) and 4mm (65mm and 80mm). However please correct me if I'm wrong. I can use sprues and such to make the smaller magnets work, but I'd rather avoid doing that.

I've also found some magnets that in theory would work, however I wanted to take to the forums here to ask if any of yous have any recommendations of tried and tested magnets for the bottom of your bases.

Thanks for the info,
cmcorms

3mm or 4mm is to the top of the base, not the underside. So you won't be able to fit a 3mm/4mm magnet. A 2mm with 5 or 6mm diameter will do fine, even there will be a gap between the magnet and the metal tray.

I mostly use 1mm thick magnets, with some steel washers as spacers to make sure the magnet is close to being in contact with the metal tray.

I've found that for 25mm bases, a 1.5mm washer and 1mm magnet work best - so 2.5mm total. For most other bases (32, 40, 60, flyer), I use a 2mm washer and 1mm magnet (3mm total). For some of the bigger models - e.g. wraithknight on flyer-size base, I've just used 3mm magnets. Their pull is strong enough to be overkill for small models though.

Like Hanskrampf said, something like a 2mm thick magnet would work in most cases. The pull would probably be overkill if the magnet was in direct contact with the metal tray (assuming a decent neodymium magnet), but pull strength does drop off quite drastically with distance so if you're going to have a bit of separation you want a pretty strong magnet.

Just watch out though - bigger bases don't necessarily have more space underneath. I've just checked the oval base from an unbuilt Imperial Knight, and though they're as tall as some of the smaller bases, I think the plastic is thicker so there's only about 2mm space underneath.

Okay perfect! Thank you both for great responses. Thank god I didn't go ahead and buy 3 and 4mm magnets right away then eh ahaha.

I suppose I'll do some tests with the magnets I have now (I'm not sure what thickness they are) and I suppose go from there.

Never even occurred to me to use small washers.

Thanks again!

Arts and crafts stores sell magnets far cheaper than hobby stores, at least here in Finland.

For example, these would be perfect to stick under bases:
https://www.sinelli.fi/magneettinappi-halk-5-mm-paksuus-2-mm-100kpl

I usually use green stuff and superglue with my magnets. 2mm thick and 3mm wide. The strength I use is typically N50 or N48 for normal troops/elites and N52 for bigger.

I used 3 magnets on my Knight but probably not needed.
I go for a little bit stronger than most recommend as I have metallic sheets in the lid and at the bottom of my containers.

Good luck and have fun!

 cmcorms wrote:
Hello all! Hope you're all having a great day!

So I have been planning and testing some storage options for my 3 armies, and I have found that foam just isn't really making me happy anymore. So I would like to go with the option of using metal trays with magnets.

Now I do have magnets but they are quite a bit smaller height wise than the GW bases. And doing some basic research I found that GW bases are 3mm (for 25mm and 32mm) and 4mm (65mm and 80mm). However please correct me if I'm wrong. I can use sprues and such to make the smaller magnets work, but I'd rather avoid doing that.

I've also found some magnets that in theory would work, however I wanted to take to the forums here to ask if any of yous have any recommendations of tried and tested magnets for the bottom of your bases.

Thanks for the info,
cmcorms

I found 3mm magnet stick just a weeeee bit over the edge.

4mm wide, 2mm deep though works just fine. 1 for infantry, 2-3 for 40mm base, 4 for knight level monster or for vehicles(2 per track) and model hangs upside down just fine. Could even be overkill on some but whatever.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Aspecti wrote:
Arts and crafts stores sell magnets far cheaper than hobby stores, at least here in Finland.

For example, these would be perfect to stick under bases:
https://www.sinelli.fi/magneettinappi-halk-5-mm-paksuus-2-mm-100kpl

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132012556278

This one sells even cheaper I think especially for larger quantities compensating for shipping fees.

I use 4x2 on 25mm bases, 5x2 on 40-50mm bases, 10x2 on 60mm, anything bigger gets 2 10x2.

in short, use 2 mm thickness.

I use these:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kids-Craft-Magnetic-Buttons-with-Foam-Adhesive/19549343

I have also been considering the switch to magnets on metal, but what do you all use for your actual containers? I am definitely looking for inexpensive options. Thanks!

 Mud Turkey 13 wrote:
I have also been considering the switch to magnets on metal, but what do you all use for your actual containers? I am definitely looking for inexpensive options. Thanks!

Ikea containers with 3mm sheet metal a friend cut to size and two A-Cases.
Ikea also has a metal desk paper organiser which holds my assembled minis until they either get painted or go into the army boxes.

One suggestion I would make is if you use magnets not the full size of the base, I tend to pick rare earth magnets the same ID as polystyrene tube so I can glue/weld it down then put a strong glue inside the pocket and stick the magnet in: makes sure it is really in there.

I second the recommendation for 3x2mm disc magnets, using a bit of putty to get them to the right height.

It's pretty easy- stick a ball of putty to the base, stick the magnet to the putty, press the base against a flat surface to squish down the putty. Apply a bit of superglue and then it's done.

 Mud Turkey 13 wrote:
I have also been considering the switch to magnets on metal, but what do you all use for your actual containers? I am definitely looking for inexpensive options. Thanks!

I use plastic storage bins with steel sheet riveted to the bottom. They're quite cheap and easy to put together. Here's a video tutorial I made on the process.

How do people find gluing washers?

Mine dont seem to stick. I also use pennies.

I have a bunch of metal 25 MM infantry I need to secure. Wonder if 5x1 will be overkill.

 Argive wrote:
How do people find gluing washers?
Mine dont seem to stick. I also use pennies.
I have a bunch of metal 25 MM infantry I need to secure. Wonder if 5x1 will be overkill.

I look for "fender washers" to put in the base to weigh-down the model.
This style has a smaller hole and more metal so it works pretty good.
I suggest scratching-up / sanding the bottom of the base and the washer side you intend to glue (gives more surface area / "tooth" to stick to).
I use LePages 100% Repair Glue (Red Tube, Black Cap), I have used glues and epoxies and that stuff has never let go on me, ever.
Pennies are not a bad choice for a textured surface BUT you are defacing currency which is a no-no, mind you in Canada we have got rid of pennies as currency so they are fair game here.