My apologies for the pun, but I am a weak man when it comes to that sort thing.

To make a long story short, after putting aside my Epic stuff for nearly 10 years, I have returned to the fold. My previous experience with the scale was Epic 40k, which means the majority of my forces are on the rectangular bases. Like many of you, though, I have more figs than bases and I want to get them mounted. I see a lot of the classic rectangular bases around. Is there a reason for this, or is it merely a matter of preference/what was at hand? I am open to re-basing all that I have (IG, Orks and Marines).

What bases do you prefer, and why (go ahead and list anything from gaming reasons to modeling issues or aesthetics).

I look forward to seeing what people have to say on the matter (and if this has been covered ad nauseum elsewhere, feel free to mock me and direct me in the right direction!).

- Chris

Rules wise either are acceptable, and in-game it makes little difference. Square bases are slightly more susceptable to BP weapons, but negligably.

Go with whichever you prefer. I use rectangular, since I think they look better and are easier to paint.

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Agreed ... either is fine. Since I've been playing since SM1 in '90.  Most of my Infantry is on the old square bases. But I use some of the new long bases, also.  But as Z said, the long bases are easier to paint ...

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

I find different bases work for different armies...though i do prefer rectangular...
I've got a spare 50 or so sqaure bases if they're any help?
If you can pay postage to wherever you are i'll happily send then for free.
Yrs,
R>

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I prefer the square bases. The rectangular ones look strange to me as it seems unnatural that infantry in a modern war zone would stand in lines like some 18th century musketeers...

The advantage when painting is not insignificant though, and I can definitely understand why many people use them. Some minis in particular are almost impossible to paint well on square bases.

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"We are the sword of fire with which the Traitors shall be cut down."

Or skip it and either cut your own to whatever shape you like (where 30x20 possibly takes preference) or buy Flames of War's small bases and drill half-way holes (if you feel you have to).

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092b85658e746a91d343e53509d357744e56f641

Thanks very much for the replies so far! I am inclined to agree that for some figs, the square ones look a bit better. I'm thinking of bigger, bulkier ones (like Termies) or where you want to go with fewer than 5 on a base. The painting this is definitely an issue - probably the biggest issue. Keep the comments coming!

MoK: Thanks very much for the offer. That's very generous. Depending on what I decide over the holidays, I may get back to you on it.  

- Chris

I've started buying bags of 130 'woodsies' wooden bases from Michael's craft supply.  About 40 1"x2" 40 1.5x3/4" 40 1"x1/2" for $3.

The 1.5x3/4" bases are a nice change from the rectangular bases: gives enough depth to look more like a combat formation.

And wood is great to work with: I've been snipping the corners with a nail clipper to get the flames of war look, and drilling 1/4" holes through the bases to seat the miniatures. I've decided to go with double-thickness bases (so I glue two of these pieces together) mainly to make it easier to pick up the base without having to grab the miniature.

I plan to mount my Tyranids on round 'woodsies' or fender washers. I find I like round basing a little bit better in general, because it reduces the temptation to line units up in parade-ground order.

My last step will likely be to use Kling ferrous paint to make the bases attractive to magnets.

Cool, just pm me if you'd like 'em.
R>

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I use Litko's 20x40mm bases. The .8mm thick stuff with 1/4" holes drilled through them and the magnetic strips to keep everything together. It's an extra ting to buy but I was able to sell off the rectangular bases to buy what I needed and then some.

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Dave

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Sorry for bumping a thread that hasn't been active for a while (even if it is my own), but I had one final question: does anyone have any experience with round bases? I am torn between those and 40 x 20 bases, and was curious if anyone had thoughts on them from a gaming or modeling standpoint.

Thanks again!