[Tutorial] Custom Clear BaseTutorialPrevNextPrevNext

Big thanks to saber087

Update 4/28/2022: Dowel pins for average size scales are 3mm, 3 1/2mm and 4mm. I used 3mm x 8mm, 3 1/2mm x 8mm and 4mm x 8mm for my 1/7 figures. Just make sure to measure them yourself
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Things I got before I started:
1. Clear acrylic discs. I chose 1/4 in thickness and 4”, 5" in diameter. These available on etsy, amazon, ebay etc. (feel free to choose your own thickness and diameter **just note that anything less than 1/4 thickness will be thin...therefore it will be difficult to hold the dowel pins + safely stand your figures on them)if you decide to get a thicker base, you will have to get larger dowel pins.(length wise)
2. 5mm x 32mm dowel pins (the metal rods that hold the standing 1/4s up) I got an assortment box that comes with different lengths from Amazon that I recommend.
3. 6mm x 8mm and 6mm x 10mm dowel pins (the shorter plastic pegs that connect their heels/shoes to the base) I got these from a tool shop. U can find some on Amazon too I think.
4. gorilla glue to help keep the pegs in the base.

Tools I used:
1. Drill press
2. 5mm and 6mm drill bits.
3. Clamp (to hold the acrylic in place)
4. if u plan on using a manual power drill, get yourself a drill guide. (I saw some cheap ones on Amazon that can get the job done with a firm grip and steady hand)

Getting Started:
measure the pegs. The metal rod will almost always be 5mm, but varied in length depending on the figure.
The plastic pegs will usually be 6mm and either 10mm or 12mm in length. Depending on the thickness of the base. I decided to use 1/4 thickness for my bases. (basically the same thickness as the OG white bases most 1/4 have.)

Example:
Arato's metal peg measures at 5mm x 30mm.
Her plastic pegs measured at 6mm x 8mm and 6mm x 10mm.
The thickness of the base I chose for her new base is 1/4.
So I got one dowel pin that measures 5mm x 32mm. Those 3-4 mm will be inside the base. So what i'm left with is 5mm x 29mm to hold her up.
Same thing with the 6mm x 8mm/12mm pins.
Tbh, I've installed shorter pegs and it still holds them up nicely. Just make sure u don't go too short because the figure will wobble/fall over.

Mark the location of the holes from the OG base to the new base. Make sure it's as accurate as possible before drilling.

**Important Note**
When drilling acrylic, make sure you drill slow. but not too slow. keep it on a medium slow.
what happens is acrylic melts fast and what you're left with is a pointy blob at the other end.
I burned through a couple times.

I used a soap dispenser filled with cold water to spray the drill + hole frequently while drilling.
Ventilate often.

After drilling the holes deep enough (but not through) and made sure the pegs don't wobble, I used super glue to hold them down.

I let the glue in the bases dry overnight.

and DONE!


Arato's Base. (OG left and new one right) *4" diameter clear base.*


Erina's Base. (Og left and new one right) *4" diameter clear base.*


Madoka's base. (Og left and new one right) *4" diameter clear base.* I thought she was gonna wobble because I chose a small base, but she's way more stable than she was in her old base


Mai's base. (Og left and new one right) *5" diameter clear base.*


Elizabeth's base (Og left and new one right) *5" diameter clear base.*


Finished product. I saved a lot of space. they also feel a lot more secure in their new bases

Some extra things to note:
Some figures are heavy. If you get a thin, small base for them. the figure will wobble and easily fall over.