Modeling tutorial: How to make dual purpose bases for Chaos Daemons in Fantasy & 40k

One of the great things about Daemon armies is that many of the models can be used in both Fantasy and 40k but the problem is that the bases are different, square or round.

Many will just use the square base, so that it is possible to rank the minis up for a Fantasy game, but some might say it gives an unfair advantage in 40K.

Here's the solution: I made up a method to swap bases easily between the two game formats.

Here are both stacked up, they are the same size across, 13mm.

I decided to try to make bases for my Plaguebearers. I like magnets and have a large stash, so I figured I would use a metal washer to mount the mini and then make the bases both fit the same washer.

I used a thin steel washer with a small hole (carridge washer) which is the same size as the top of the round base, $.08 each at the hardware store.

you can see how it fits on top of both bases

Next drill out a pair of holes in the slot for the magnets and super glue the magnets from the underside.

Clip the tab off the bottom of the mini and file it flat and glue to the washer

I used some Bondo Spot filling putty , but you can use greenstuff too, to build up the corners on the square base, and texture the top of the washer.

Lift out the mini on the washer straight up and let the putty dry.

Replace when dry and brush on a PVA glue and water mix

top with some sand mix.

again, lift out until dry.

Primer both parts separate

when dry, reunite and paint the base

Here is my finished base

These came out better than I thought they would, and I discovered another good feature.

When using the square base for fantasy, you can adjust the position of the figure for clearance in the ranks.

If you are a Daemon player you should give it a try, with a little modification using different Fantasy bases or just some balsa wood sheets, you can use the same technique to make great movement trays.

John