removing bases from minis

[Demi_morgana]

I have a problem and need some advice...
as some of you know I am praparing pretty large display based on lovecraft's novels and I decided to use some minis from west wind productions;
I have everything planed and works are at pretty advanced stage now but last week I ralised there's a problem:
minis from west wind are casted with bases (examples below):

Click to see full-sized image

I need to remove these bases;
it's not a big problem in case of running/moving models where feet barely touch base (a few minutes with xacto knife will do the job) but for the project I chose minis wearing coats or robes and because of this I'm not sure xacto knife will be enough to cut through such a thick piece of model
so do you have any similar experiences? of maybe some ideas how to remove without charming the sculpts?
I purchased some hard xacto knife blades and if I won't get any better ideas I'll be slowly carving bases off the models...

[Skrit]

If there is a coat connected to the base then an Xacto blad is not going to do it. Better yet, look out for splinters when the blade breaks! (yes, experience is a wonderful thing!)

In the end I used a very thin saw to get it off, mixed feelings though as you do hurt the model a bit.

[flintfish]

Hi!

I can see three ways of doing this. Either cut of the feet with a very fine saw like this:

Click to see full-sized image

You would go through plenty of saw blades cutting that off, but might be worth a try. Another option would be to use a heavy pair of clippers (or a dremel perhaps) and remove most of the bases (if you cut too close to the feet you might bend/hurt the model). That would leave the models with "lumps" on their feet that could be removed with files and an emery board.

A third option might be to use a belt sander, and just sand the base down to the feet (most figure metals are really soft so it should be pretty quick), or at least thin the base enough for easier removal with clippers or knife.


/FF

[Dargrin]

Dremal tool at first and then nail clippers when the base is real thin.

If you choose Dremel take your time. If you dig too deep it might kick back on you. Use eye protection.

[Demi_morgana]

I deeply hoped for some powertool tips - thanks guys!
I think I'll try to sand the base off the model and if that's not gonna work - I'll give a try to the saw

[arctica]

You just want a chance to use power tools then? ^^

[Demi_morgana]

no, but I feel sick when I think I have about 8 bases to get rid of using only xacto knife

[Dargrin]

You could also use a drill bit to drill out a series of holes around the feet. That might make it easier. Just a thought.

[Demi_morgana]

I will try that and report!

[NAVARRO]

Unconventional tools ze bug way... get a screwdriver and a hammer... now make some noise XD