How to make sprue cobblestones for your base

[@c-r]

It's beyond frustrating you have so few views. Amazing videos.

[@52Miniatures]

Well thanks for the support C! And I appreciate the comment. We'll just have to wait and see what the future holds.

[@philgee486]

The views will come, a series of breakthrough individual vids that catch unexpected attention, that's how it happens. It's more important that every single one of us that really appreciates the quality remembers to LIKE every time and comment down here as often as possible rather than just watch and subscribe. Got to feed the metrics all we can. Stuff of this quality will find it's audience though a lot of painters/modellers are looking to be spoon fed recipes to reproduce box art and this thinking painter's discussion style won't hold them, and that's ok too.

[@Cwright461]

Dremel is your friend! Would be great for smoothing cobblestones!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Corey

[@Strider181]

I don't know why I enjoyed this format so much, but here we are. Good idea's here mate thanks alot. I have kept all my sprues from 2 armies, I have alot of spru, always good to hear of new ways not to make it trash.

[@theartfulrogers]

Thanks man! There I was trying to sculpt tiny bricks out of green stuff, when there was a sprue sitting there right under my nose!

[@BeastnBrushes]

I personally love how some simple sprue can help you get so much more personality into a base. Thanks for sharing as always :D

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! Yeah, sprue goes a long way. Great building material for a lot of things!

[@dekai7992]

Actually, this will probably the way to go for me to do the new Warhammer Quest: Cursed City bases. Aweseome, and thanks for the inspiration!

[@52Miniatures]

Lovely! Good luck with it D!

[@grantfoster8833]

@@52Miniatures Is that good luck with obtaining a copy? Lol 🤦

[@52Miniatures]

@@grantfoster8833 Hah!

[@kaibe5241]

Um, well - guess I finally found a use for my sprues!!!! THANK YOU!!! :D

[@52Miniatures]

Glad I could help!

[@kaijuk]

I love that you reuse your sprues and keep less plastic going into landfill... I use them for bricks and chop them up and put them into a jar with acetone to make sprue goo which is awesome for all kinds of things from basing to moulding small items and gluing plastic and resin...another great video thank you 😊👍

[@52Miniatures]

Yes! Sprue goo for the win :)

[@PacorrOz]

What a cool idea! I'm glad i didn't throw away all those sprue leftovers

[@Jonas_Fox]

I love this idea and look. I think I'm going to try this out on my Warhammer Quest: Cursed City Box. Thanks for all you put out there!

[@52Miniatures]

Go for it!

[@lordofthebitzbox2370]

i knew it had to be a swede making these level of quality tutorials

[@52Miniatures]

discreetly and politely trying to take over the world.

[@philgee486]

I'd been sculpting/pressing the rows into a das/pva mix on the base using bits of brass tube I'd formed the ends of into different sized/shaped squares and rectangles to make irregular and repeating patterns depending. It's quick once you get used to doing it, and more importantly how to smooth/round the edges. I lightly go along the lines with a tooth pick cut off to the ideal diameter and the smooth it over with a wet cotton pad. Used to have to alternate the two till I got it to look right but now I can get most of a base right in one pass. I'm going to love combining both, especially to put archways on my walls, and once I've shaved some sprues down to a regular stone/brick size (even easier to cut) I'm going to love making cotton wool explosions with bricks and window frames erupting through them to place around buildings and walls that have been under fire for a while, for WW2. Will make nice "pinned" markers

[@52Miniatures]

I sure enjoy creating my own solutions. There are a lot of very nice (probably better than I can achieve) products, and 3d printable things. But a little bit of crafting is fun :)

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

lovely and wicked and skillfull idea lol. cheers for sharing

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@superspecky4eyes]

I've been doing something similar but using the bottoms of old plastic takeaway containers. Cut them into little square-ish shards and they make great slate-looking slabs.

[@52Miniatures]

Its always nice to use stuff just laying around ie. Trash :)

[@superspecky4eyes]

@@52Miniatures Also, I don't feel quite so bad about ordering take out :P

[@52Miniatures]

Buying new minis, to get more bases, to eat more takeaway. Sounds like a full circle of life to me :)

[@florianbuhr7553]

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Baking powder is bicarbonate mixed with a weak acid, usually citric acid so that it instantly releases CO2 when it gets wet. Pure soda is definitely better for our purposes.

[@52Miniatures]

Very true Florian! This is a bit of a language thing. In Sweden, they are the same thing pretty much. I use sodium bicarbonate both for basing and baking. But I've made a point of not using the term baking soda any more :)

[@DJRugger]

Your videos are always so satisfying to watch. Thank you.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks you D!

[@edmilo5968]

Thank you this is genius

[@TheLemonFox]

Great video! I realllly like this more casual presentation style where its just you speaking extemporaneously! The bases look sooo good! I've always wanted that cobblestone look but neither sculpting nor styrene sheets got quite the look I wanted. Cheers

[@52Miniatures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardlivings8640]

Really solid idea. Just used it for a squad of warhammer deamons Thanks so much for taking the time to make this vid. So helpful.

[@52Miniatures]

I'm glad you like it! Thanks

[@richardlivings8640]

52 Miniatures - it is one of the few occasions where I started off completely sceptical but by the end of the video ended up convinced I’d give it a go.

[@52Miniatures]

Ha ha! Judging by my stats I need more people like you. Most don’t get past skeptical... But I’m glad you did!

[@MoonhareStudio]

Awesome idea. I will definitely be trying this out on my Mordheim Witch Hunters.

[@Tyrannosaurus_Mechs]

Thanks for the great tips on using leftover sprues. Also, this video triggered memories of my home economics teacher lecturing about the differences between baking soda and baking powder. Probably doesn't matter if it's not going in your mouth, though.

[@52Miniatures]

I love sprue building. Great for beams, and stuff like that to... I must admit I get confused with all the baking soda stuff... In Swedish I'm all covered, be have "baking powder" and "Natriumcarbonit"... thats it :)

[@Silent_Chief]

One point i really like , is the light ambiant , is like clair obscure ,i like it !and Real good video !

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks you S!

[@kaipfannebecker9737]

Thank you for the cool idea! My Mordheim carnival will like those bases very much!

[@52Miniatures]

Good luck!

[@tethys17]

I have kept all of my sprues and as an age of sigmar and bloodborne fan im definitely going to try this.

[@drocka36]

These are gorgeous! May try a snowy version for my thunderpuppies :)

[@dokdestiny2844]

Super cool instruction vid! Keep on!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks, will do!

[@add2ndedition663]

Free and effective. Good technique.

[@benjaminjack867]

Just found your channel and have been loving your content!

[@52Miniatures]

Welcome to the channel Benjamin!

[@atchnael]

Just before I started my first army I found this. It's awesome, They'll look awesome with your tutorial. Thanks!!

[@52Miniatures]

Wow! Thanks! What army are you working on?

[@atchnael]

@@52Miniatures I'm painting A Death Guard Army.

[@52Miniatures]

awesome :)

[@ShiddyWizzard]

These look great! Gonna be perfect for when I start working on my cursed city set. Cheers from Canada!

[@52Miniatures]

Great idea Cole! Good luck with that

[@wasteyelo1]

That is a fabulous idea

[@52Miniatures]

There is a lot of fun to be had :) If you keep your fingers intact. I have a little supply of these always handy. Only just this week threw some out on my latest diorama build thats in my latest video.

[@vorpalkickass8825]

Been looking for an "easy" way to make cobblestone bases. Got 20 rats in line for them, and this seems definitely like one of the better ways. Thanks man, earned a new sub! ;)

[@52Miniatures]

Sounds like a plan! Good luck and thanks.

[@igoruberwald]

Love the sounds. In general your videos have this really calm and soothing atmosphere :D

[@52Miniatures]

Glad you like them!

[@kosachilles2504]

So much content! Great video

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you K!

[@VincBej]

Hey that cobblestone looks really good! Thanks for the tip :) Now to slice a million sprues...

[@52Miniatures]

Yeah.. thats the thing.. mind your fingers!

[@FerShimizu]

What an amazing idea, I have only one question, why use a kitchen knife instead of a good x-acto knife?

[@52Miniatures]

It’s a lot easier to use something with a bit of weight - standing up putting your own weight into it. At least if you want to make a lot of “cobble stones”. Think of it like “cleaving” more than cutting. The sprue splits nicely even with a knife that’s not all that sharp. Chop chop... Try it out (and mind the fingers) For me an x-acto knife is to flimsy, and after not all that many chops you’ll just have quite a blunt x-acto knife.

[@zeroa6]

Awesome technique! I didn´t see this. It´s a great way and a realistic finish!. Thanks!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! And it’s cheap! (If your not charging by the hour) :)

[@zeroa6]

@@52Miniatures Absolutely!

[@Bogul3]

oh boy, it's amazing! love your work!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks M, yeah, these turned out really nice.

[@charlesnunya2347]

nice video, I always like your content. This is an old one and I'm glad it popped up

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it!

[@birgervogt9017]

Very helpfull video. I had been usng sprue pieces as bricks for walls before, but this is an even better use. I had liked and subscribed less than halfways into the video. Will recommend it to my friends.

[@52Miniatures]

Lovely, thank you Birger. Good luck with the cobbles.

[@crazykev5]

Heck ya. Find a purpose for the leftovers!

[@grupa2119]

Upvoted for the knife

[@52Miniatures]

🤘😬

[@oldmanaz.6811]

You can carve rock and stones as well.

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Mark!

[@stephengrayson9680]

Not sure how I haven't heard of your channel before now, but thank you! This was fantastic. Liked and subscribed.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Stephen, and welcome to the channel :)

[@terryramsey5979]

Awesome technique, these bases look amazing. Love the painting on them as well! Great channel, one of my favourites now.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mattdillingham7668]

This is an excellent tip, thanks!! Unquestionable results. I've been trying to pay more attention to my bases, so will certainly be using this and digging into my sprue mountain (this must be what I've been saving them for) a little extra work on the bases seems to make a big difference. Also I laughed when I saw your set of files, I have two sets of that exact file set, never seen anyone else with them. However I find I almost exclusively use the half-round file and rarely use any of the others. Not sure why and I wonder if it is the same with other people.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Matt! Yes, bases are a thing. I think putting a bit of effort in is well worth it. About the files - the half round and the round right? The only ones that tend to end up in my hands. Have a lovely weekend.

[@stephenspackman5573]

Technically, in English, baking powder ≠ baking soda-baking powder has cornstarch and cream of tartar in it, too. I don't know if that matters in this application, but it seems to be a common point of confusion, and I imagine that baking powder is somewhat more likely to do something chemical and unintended(?).

[@52Miniatures]

Yeah, thanks Stephen. It’s tricky to figure out which one is which for me. In Swedish we have “baking powder” and “natriumcarbonite”.. the former is undiluted and is the one I use. I have used both and the diluted one does not disappoint though. Everything pretty much hardens instantly when in contact with the super glue.

[@stephenspackman5573]

@@52Miniatures Indeed-my parents, in England, avoid the ambiguity by referring to “baking soda” as “sodium bicarb” and refusing to let “baking powder” into the house (I don't think my mum is going to let someone else determine the proportion of cream of tartar in her baking)!

[@markbradley3440]

Brilliant nice one

[@BreadSticksHobbies]

cracking idea but if I can ask why don't you use clippers instead of a chef's knife to cut them?

[@52Miniatures]

I find that clippers bends the plastic, squeezing the edge and I don’t end up with a straight edge. I use it all the time for cutting sprue when I just want “some random rocks” but does not work great for these cobbles. Maybe mine are just to blunt? Anyhow, I get a better result with a big heavy knife.

[@BaijoGosum]

Great Video as always. I love basing tricks

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Josh. And thanks for always checking in and giving feedback.

[@Firebirddna]

Great idea. Subbed.

[@tsundre]

Chair needs oiling. Good video. Fro australia

[@52Miniatures]

Sitting on another one now I think 🤔 Thanks!

[@frankymontens]

awesome, great idea. i have used many materials in my dioramas, that would have otherwise been thrown away. Let us be creative, i love this hobby. greetings from Belgium Franky

[@52Miniatures]

I agree. Every time I go to the “recycling station” to throw stuff, I look at all the trashed electronics and think to myself - I should start playing 40k or something. There’s just so much futuristic terrain possibilities. Fantasy is maybe a bit more limited to rocks, graveyards, trees and such stuff.

[@frankymontens]

@@52Miniatures yes, i have collected, many stuff from broken electronics etc, for nature stuff, there are many plants with tiny flowers or herbs than you can use, also moss ; i use hairspray or varnish to preserve them, also drying them upside down ; also roots and branches from dead plants, like lavender and thyme etc, there is so much

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks for all the tips!

[@matthewstafford6504]

Inspired

[@52Miniatures]

good to hear it :)

[@ultimathorax]

Great video - how is this channel not bigger????

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Ulti, I appreciate the comment. I’m happy with the way things are going :)

[@michalsqi]

Thank you for this tutorial. Now I know what theme to use for my Cities of Sigmar warbands.

[@52Miniatures]

My pleasure. Have fun! :)

[@POLKADOTWULF]

"Your not supposed to take this into the shower when your partners showering, sorry that's a movie", Hahaha brilliant placed piece of humor. Nice video and idea, I might try this out on some small character bases. Thanks for the inspiration. I have also subbed & looking forward to more ideas like this.

[@52Miniatures]

There’s a bit of an awkward moment. “Don’t mind me dear, just chopping some sprue.” Anyho, I’m working in new stuff, but hard to beat the “sprue cobbles” :) Thanks for the support!

[@stephanegillot6589]

Super👍😀

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@apexFMUKGaming]

Great Idea and recycling plastic waste plus it looks great! -- I will giving this go on my next characters base.

[@52Miniatures]

My brain is fizzing trying to figure out more use for sprue. Looking forward to seeing yours, let me know and send me a picture!

[@BB-pn2qv]

You gotta do voice work man, that tone, you’d be amazing.

[@52Miniatures]

Hah! Thanks BB

[@cngo1995]

good jorb

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks B! Sprue is quite the bonus :)

[@projecthellfire3888]

i dont have the stuff to make the paste you use for in between the pieces is there another way to gain that affect?

[@52Miniatures]

a fine sand mixed with pva glue / white glue / builders glue. (I mean, baking soda can be bought in pretty much any grocery store so you should be able to get some) Anyway, Or just use a texture paste from your gamestore

[@joemamagaming4477]

would this fit in with aos or not?

[@52Miniatures]

That’s up to you 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Worvach]

Came looking for copper and found gold.

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you P! I appreciate it.

[@8BitJesus]

I did the stupid thing and tried doing this from memory, yeh, it didn't turn out well, now I've covered my sins with vallejo texture paint. I can get away with it narratively, it's the wargaming equivalent of finding a Roman mosaic...

[@52Miniatures]

Even fantasy times would have had some enthusiastic archaeologists right?

[@Gebunator]

Ah, Nordic dry humour just... SPRUCES this up (Hush, I somehow keep calling 'em spruces instead sprues)

[@52Miniatures]

I'm not even sure yet if I'm trying to be funny or if my mind just.. bat filled.

[@moxopal5681]

I have 2 words for you: exacto knife. Thank me later

[@52Miniatures]

for chopping that many small bits of sprue? A big knife that I could put my weight into worked better. For me.

[@moxopal5681]

@@52Miniatures Just do what this random anonymous guy on the internet says

[@SuperWaistcoat]

This is a good video but man I can tell you’re not used to this kind of thing yet plus it was more focused on you and less the base making.

[@OviTube21]

show us only your hands my friend , we dont need to see your funny face :)

[@52Miniatures]

I'm afraid you'll be stuck with the face.