Submitted by Steven Beaulieu, a Fellow Warhammer Enthusiast
Hi everyone! I’m Steven, and I’ve been into Warhammer for years now. I’m sure you can relate to the sheer joy (and occasional frustration) of painting and assembling your army. But transporting them? That’s a whole other battle! After a few too many mishaps—like chipped paint and snapped weapons—I decided to magnetize my bases. Let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer! I wanted to share my journey in case you’re thinking about giving it a shot.
Why I Magnetized My Warhammer Bases
Magnets are a hobbyist’s best friend when it comes to protecting your hard work. Here’s why I swear by them:
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Keeps Models Safe: No more heart-stopping moments when your models slide around in a case. Magnets hold them securely.
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Saves Space: With metal-lined trays, you can stack models neatly and maximize your carrying capacity.
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Protects Your Work: We’ve all felt that pang of despair seeing a painted mini get chipped. Magnets help prevent that.
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Speeds Up Setup: If you’re like me, every second counts when you’re setting up for a game—magnets make it super fast and easy.
Picking the Right Magnets
When I started this project, I didn’t know much about magnets. After a lot of trial and error (and maybe some colourful language), here’s what I figured out:
1. Magnet Type
Neodymium magnets are the MVP here. They’re small but mighty and perfect for Warhammer bases.
2. Magnet Size and Shape
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Round Disc Magnets: These are my go-to. They’re easy to work with and fit most bases.
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What I Used:
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For standard bases (25mm to 32mm): 3mm diameter x 2mm thick magnets.
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For larger bases (40mm+): 5mm diameter x 2mm thick worked like a charm.
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Square Magnets: These can work for custom bases, but I stuck with round ones for simplicity.
3. Magnet Strength
Too strong, and you’ll struggle to detach your models. Too weak, and they’ll slide around. I found N35 grade neodymium magnets from Magfine Corporation to be just right.
4. Base Material Compatibility
Most Warhammer bases are hollow, which makes fitting magnets super easy. For solid bases, you might need to drill a small hole—just take it slow and steady.
5. Storage and Transport Case
Pair your magnetized bases with a metal-lined case. I picked one up online and haven’t looked back. If you don’t have a metal tray, adhesive magnetic sheets can be a temporary fix, but they’re not as secure.
How I Attached Magnets to My Bases
Here’s the process I followed (after a few “learning experiences”):
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Prep the Base:
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For hollow bases, I cleaned out any dust and sanded the inside smooth.
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For solid bases, I carefully drilled a shallow hole just big enough for the magnet.
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Choose Adhesive:
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Super glue was my adhesive of choice. If you’re looking for extra durability, epoxy is a solid option.
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Check the Polarity:
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I can’t stress this enough: Check the magnet’s polarity before gluing it down. A simple test with the storage tray saved me a lot of headaches.
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Let It Dry:
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Patience is key here. I let the glue cure fully before handling the miniature.
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Tips from My Experience
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Mark the Polarity: Seriously, mark your magnets before attaching them. Trust me, it’ll save you so much frustration.
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Test the Fit: Before gluing every single magnet, test one base to make sure the hold feels right.
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Invest in Good Storage: A sturdy, metal-lined case is a lifesaver if you’re serious about protecting your models.
Final Thoughts
Magnetizing my Warhammer bases has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve done. It’s made transporting and storing my models so much easier, and I don’t have to stress about them getting damaged. If you’re on the fence about trying it, I say go for it! It’s a fun, hands-on upgrade that makes a big difference.
Have you magnetized your bases? I’d love to hear about your setup or any tips you’ve got. Drop your thoughts below, and happy wargaming!
A Note from Magfine
At Magfine, we’re passionate about supporting creative projects like this one. Our high-quality neodymium magnets are perfect for hobbyists looking to enhance their Warhammer experience. Whether you’re magnetizing bases, securing terrain pieces, or exploring other ideas, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Visit us today to find the perfect magnets for your next project!
