I use MicroArt bases because of that, Red Harvest. The bases are thicker and easier to grasp-- I just also have to be diligent of where my units draw LoF since most are slightly taller now from the 3mm taller base. I keep an S2 marker on hand for that, but I'm not rubbing any paint off of my models, so it's worth it to me!
I cut all the slotting bars off. I find them very restrictive when it comes to basing. I make my own custom bases so slots are a no no. I wish the minis would come without them like the TAGs and S5 minis.
This is very funny – my roommate and I joke about this problem all the time. It's refreshing to hear that other people are having the same issue.
Don`t have this problem at all, I cut slotted part from model and pin it to base with some scenic elements added, so only modifications of plastic base is drill one hole for pin)))
I've had this problem with some bases, but not all of them. And it's pretty random too. Some have been easy to cut, others have been hard, and at first I thought it was just my craft knife being blunt, but even if brand new and super sharp knifes it seems one in every five bases just won't cut. I don't think it's a big deal, though, as I'm the kind of person who drills through the bases even when they don't have the bars or spots to do so.
Having just assembled the Operation Cold front models and used the bases from the set, they are not the Adamantium versions seen in the JSA set from earlier this year. Also as I have had the latest orders, for the Keisotsu Butai SWC box and the bases were easy to cut into as well. so looks like things might be back to normal.... :)
Similar, most of the bases I had in cold front were the normal kind, I think just 1 was harder to cut, but by no means adamantium :)
Good to know things are back to normal, my stash of cuttable bases was getting low. *takes chainsaw off Gencon shopping list*
I've always used a drill rather than cutting. It take seconds to do. And cutting the tab down to pegs on the feet is easy as well. To make sure your drill holes line up with the pegs, put a bit of paint on the pegs and mark where your holes will be. Then Drill the holes.
On my Coldfront pack most of the bases were of normal variety, some were of the harder variety I still encounter the thick ones from time to time. Lately I just test the base while I score the cutting area if it is normal I use the modelling knife, if it is thick I use the heavy duty knife.
That's about what I expected, some odd variation in the manufacturing process like not cleaning out the machine between production changes.
I am not sure the problem has been correctly identified, but I feel the mix is now more proper bases than thick bases.
My new Ghulam Support pack had the thick bases still. Hopefully Coldfront will be seeing the Thick bases heading out. Got a terrible stab trying to drill into them, then trying to widen with a file, file got stuck and I lost grip, stabbed in finger.
It seems to be both a different material and a new mold. The bases are smoother feeling so it's likely some kind of glass filled nylon which would make it significantly more difficult to cut.
Smoother could also be from cooling and shrinking. Also it seems the new bases are like the old... why make a mold and then another? If you have to replace a broken one, you know how it has to look (same than the one that broke), not waste time and money doing one wrong in the middle. Nobody has callipers? Does it feel like LEGO? Does "model kit" glue stick the parts?
It varies from when the box was packed - the warcor cold front boxes were mostly easy cut bases again. Any NEW release box should be easy cut bases too, however existing stock will be hit or miss until all the boxes with that particular batch of bases has been bought.
I got the same issue with lately purchased Alguaciles SWC box and Carlota Kowalski but not with McMurrough (indeed, I was beefing up my Corregidor options). I do hope it was some last year issue (JSA box) as I am on the brink of getting a few ASS models more next week plus around end october a big fat batch of MO blisters and boxes along with the shiny new 300pts box. Even if I opted to cut the metal slab part when I started collecting ASS, my Nomads span from 2006 and I try to be consistent with 'cutting bases and slotting the slab' with them (even with StarCo, which you know is the 4thish Nomad sectorial). I suppose that MO will get the 'slab out' treatment if the bases will be casted in adamant - heck cutting the last ones was a very risky and time consuming affair, glad to know it is just a temporary issue.
