Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Add Reply
Removing Metal Models from Plastic bases?; And not destroy the base..
Topic Started: 15th July 2005 - 03:02 AM (296 Views)
RadStar
Member Avatar
Chieftain
Heya..

I got a bunch of plastic bases with diagonal slots and I need the horizontal ones for a bunch of new models.. and I have a bunch of skirmisher models which are using horizontal bases that could just easily use the diagonal slots.. so I am thinking of just taking those off and then switching bases :)

The models are just primed.. so im not worried about paint job or anything but I do need to keep those bases intact.. and they are super glued to the models..

So any advice on how to remove the bases?

Cheers!!
Roger
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
hakoMike
Member Avatar
More grey every day.
If there isn't a huge amount of super glue stuck to the base, I've found that super glue is brittle enough that gentle flexing of the base along the axis of the slot will break the glue bond without stress-fracturing the bases too badly.
So old. So so old.
My CMON Gallery
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
RadStar
Member Avatar
Chieftain
Ah I put a good amount of glue to make sure they dont come off after some handling :P
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Tilara
Grey Seer
I heard you can put metal models in boiling water for a bit, then rinse them in cold water. The heat causes the metal to expand and breaks the bonds, then the cold contracts the metal again and it just falls apart. I'm not sure how that would work to take bases off, but might be worth a try. Just be careful not to burn yourself in the process and watch to make sure the bases don't melt.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
scrivener
Member Avatar
*toot*

If you're really desperate, any chance of applying a solvent such as acetone to the tab? If you apply it on from underneath the base, any solvent damage to the plastic base won't be noticeable anyway. Just swaddle your model in tissue and clingwrap first, you don't want acetone getting on the paintjob.

warning: Because of the risk to your paintjob, only try this as a last resort. Don't use any other solvents like paint thinner.
hannanibal
 
*Angry mob assembles*

"WHAT DO WE WANT!!??"
"A THINNISH, WATERY PAINT WITH A GREENER TINGE THAN AGRAX EARTHSHADE!!"
"WHEN DO WE WANT IT!?"
"QUITE SOON PLEASE AS MY LAST POT IS RUNNING OUT!"
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Warlord Gnashik
Backing Veer-myn Dreadball teams!
There's actually a product marketed specifically for removing superglue. I found some at the local Dollar Store when I was disassembling some 40k bikers a few years ago. It worked alright and was cheap.

I have used this method for removing paint from miniatures, it might work for superglue: put non-acetone nail polish remover in a shallow dish and set the miniature in it (just cover the base in your case). It won't eat the plastic at all and should soften the superglue enough so that you could peel it apart.

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Warlock Master Shikkish
Chieftain
Super Clean dissolves superglue if you're not worried about it also eating the primer into nothingness. It won't hurt plastic or metal whatsoever (though if any of your conversions involve an aluminium part, watch out, it dissolves Al. :P
Neek-neek...MEOW?!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Saint Anger
Member Avatar
Holiest Of Angered Furriness
i found the product known as "super glue remover" works rather well, cant imagine why though (i found it in my local D.I.Y shop)
singthescreams
 
anger continues ranting about the desecration of his tomb, his fancy sword, and the cost of crude oil
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
« Previous Topic · Painting and Hobby General Techniques · Next Topic »
Add Reply