--- /dev/null
+Title: CAD Exercises - Battletech Bases
+Category: Craft
+Date: 2025-09-11
+Tags: FreeCAD, 3dprinting, resin
+
+When I started 3D printing several years ago, I was worried that I would just
+fill my house with plastic toys. I quickly set about starting to learn
+[FreeCAD](https://www.freecad.org/) so I could design printable parts when I
+needed. I've used my rudimentary skill to make replacement parts for around the
+house, cases for electronics projects and occasionally hobby bits.
+
+One point of pride has been printing my own bases for my miniatures. While I did
+start by creating circular bases to match all of Games Workshop's "standard"
+base sizes, I soon wanted bases for my 3D printed Battletech proxies. In much
+the same way as I created my circular bases, I used calipers to match the
+measurements of my [Catalyst](https://www.catalystgamelabs.com) models and
+layed them out in FreeCAD.
+
+{: .image-med}
+
+I learned from a previous project that I could have multiple bodies in a single
+file. This allowed me to copy the first, basic base I'd created and paste a new
+body to modify. First I made a new version with a reinforced peg hole for
+Aerospace models.
+
+{: .image}
+{: .image}
+
+Tonight I find myself needing bases with recesses to accept 6mm infantry models.
+I'll be building three platoons of basic infantry for my [Republic of the
+Sphere](https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Republic_of_the_Sphere){. .anchor} Standing Guard, and
+in looking for suitable models, I found this really interesting project called
+[Canadian Trees](https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/6mm-canadian-trees){. .anchor}.
+(I don't know why they're called Canadian Trees). Each column holds I think
+between 25 and thirty models, each column holding different variants. I found I
+could put 15 columns on a built plate, so I did. That gives me somewhere between
+350 and 400 individual soldiers. I'm set for life.
+
+{: .image-med}
+
+To add these additial base variants took less time than it will have taken to
+write this post. Like my Aerospace base, I was able to make a copy of the basic,
+original body. I placed on the surface a single, 5mm diameter by 1mm deep
+recess, constrained it to a corner, then used a Polar Array to layout copies of
+the recess. As the input to the polar array is a number of units, I could simply
+create the first, then with each duplicate change that parameter. I was done
+very quickly.
+
+{: .image}
+{: .image}
+{: .image}
+
+Now I will export these each as a separate .STL file, and slice them for my
+printer. I find I can print six bases at a time on my small built plate. With an
+infantry platoon consisting of four squads of six, I'll be able to print all my
+necessary bases in two batches. Painting 6mm models is so fast and satisfying,
+these little soldiers will be supporting a strengthened company in no time.
projects / vexingworkshop.git / commitdiff
