September 1, 2025
Description
Updated Aug 31, 2025
A customizable base for holding painting clip sticks that can be adjusted as needed. The number of rows and columns can be adjusted to get different sized bases, though a couple of handy sizes are supplied pre-made.
For fine tuning the size of the hole for the sticks can be adjusted, along with the overall height of the base. These are the two most common things needing tuning to get different sticks to be held well with minimal wobble.
The underside of the top has a bit of reinforcement for the holes, but the main stability comes from the bottom plate having tapering openings to help easily guide sticks into place and then hold them firmly with minimal wobble. The distance between the top hole and the bottom holder provides for good stability without the need for any material in the middle.
The fit of the top and bottom pieces should be fairly tight, and along with the ridges from layer lines this should do the bulk of the work keeping the pieces together. The latches (4 on larger versions, 2 on smaller) are mainly there to prevent slight bowing of the lid and to assist the friction fit.
If a custom model is needed, just open up the .FCStd file in FreeCAD and change values in the spreadsheet. Number of columns, number of rows, base height, and hole diameter should all adjust simply. The provided assembly in the file is used to get the parts into the correct orientation for printing.
Additional values can be changed, but not all combinations have been validated. Automatic checks and limits against poor values have not been added as of yet.
Select a matching top and bottom and print them in the provided orientation. Pre-made files are provided in both .step and .stl format. Supports should be minimal, but functionally the print should be fine without them. The main area that supports are recommended for are the flat places on the bottom edge of the top piece where the latches fit, but even those might be fine if your printer does well on overhangs.
The top and bottom can be printed individually if desired. The key points to a successful print are to have your settings fairly well calibrated and perhaps test a section of the bottom where the latch has a print-in-place hinge with the rest of the bottom.
Most of the design has been done with forgiveness in mind, and has been run through my Neptune 4 Plus with a 0.4mm nozzle as a baseline, and does not require the accuracy of my Centauri Carbon with a 0.2mm nozzle (although it works well there too).
Note: I really like the small 4x4 size, as it is small enough to hold comfortably in my hand, yet large enough to hold a few miniatures steady.
The latches will need to be freed from the main bottom plate when done. Depending on settings this might be easier or harder. If the latch is holding on a bit, hold the top of the hinge with one hand and then gently lift the latch upwards, grasping it as close to the hinge itself as possible. A bit of gentle up and down should work it free.
If the top holes are slightly too tight for your specific sticks, they can be cleaned up using a pin vise and a bit of the proper size.
To use simply press the top firmly down onto the bottom, then lift up each latch and push it into place on the sides. Insert clip sticks in from the top and keep them upright until you feel the stick slide into the guides on the bottom. Once a stick is seated properly there should be minimal wiggle.
When done with painting just ensure the sticks are wiped clean and then they can be stored inside the medium or larger cases. Even with some clip sticks left stored inside the base, the base should still be usable for inserting and holding sticks. Smaller cases can still store a few helpful things.
Magnets can glued into the inner wall indentions to allow bases to hold on to each other. By default the space is set for 10mm round magnets, but smaller can be placed without changing the size. A few jigs have been provided to hold a reference magnet outside in a position for getting glued inner magnets properly aligned.
Be sure to have magnets on opposite sides have opposite alignments. I like to orient ‘north’ away from me and to the left. I also color the north sides of the magnets red so I can tell them apart and ensure all are properly matching.
Inspired by u/IBNobody, updated to have magnet placement areas on sides for 8mm or 10mm magnets to hold different bases together.
Added simple jigs to help with placement of magnets of different sizes.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution
10
joncruz
