Update 4/7/2020: added cork holder, use size 9 corks (most used in commercial wine bottles), screw-down into place and secure with a pin underneath.

Background

I had a look around at the different holders that are out there. And even though some had some good ideas I felt none of them solve the problem for me. So I created this remix based on 2 holders and added my own ideas. There are many ideas I also want to play with but the base system is ready

News

miniVICE X-Series version that improve some issues and supports both round and square bases can be found here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2992815
I will still continue to improve this version as well

How it works

This holder uses a modular chuck instead of a rubber band to hold the base down. This allows you to have access to the base for painting.

The chuck that holds onto the miniature is designed to be portable (modular), so you can quickly attach to, or disconnect from, the other parts in this system using the rare earth N35 magnets. You're not limited to only 1 way to paint your miniatures and you can even set your wip down on multiple stand types and pick right back up when you're ready. with mulitple chucks, you can switch between miniatures easily and only need 1 chuck driver and handle

There are 2 sizes of holder chucks

• 25mm - 40mm bases with the small collet
• 45mm - 60mm with the large collet.

This system provides multiple handles so you have multiple ways to hold the miniatures to suit your style. there are even rounded versions so for people who might find them more comfortable.

The stand/grip can even come apart to become 2 stands in case you need to set your wip down. The main part of the stand/grip has the same foot print as most dropper paint bottles which means it can also be used with any project box or paint station that has holes for Vallejo, Army Painter, Reaper. There is an optional adapter for use with Citadel holes in stands and project boxes.

There are plenty of more things to come

What you will need

To make each of the chucks that grips the base of the miniature you will need (you can find all of these cheap online)

• 3x Cable Ferrules 2.5mm^2 (aka: Bootlace, Pin Crimps, Wire Sleeves). They have a pin length of about 8mm
• many x N35 5mm x 2mm rare earth magnets. Make sure they are earth magnets otherwise they might not be strong enough. You are welcome to get stronger magnets as long as they are 5mm by 2mm they will be fine
• 1x Rubberband:
  For 25mm-40mm base size N14 which is about 50mm
  For 45mm-60mm base size N18 which is about 76mm or N19 which is about 87mm

Dont have a 3D printer?

If you cant print and want to use Shapeways. you can find the "all sizes" miniature holder here:
http://shpws.me/QrLC
but for the price you're better off buying one, learning how to use it and printing all sorts of cool things like terrain

Updates

1.1 (29th jun 17)

• added new stand/grip bases (untested) that are compatible with citadel paint pot stands and project boxes. The new bases can also be flipped to be used as a stand. there is both a mini version and tall version to suit your needs
• added a new size of collet, there is now a small collet that supports 25mm - 40mm bases and a large collet that supports 40mm - 60mm (untesting)
• added new square base adapters (untested): there are adapters for 20mm, 25mm and 40mm bases. 50 may also be supported without an adapter. Each adapter is only 1 side, print 2 for use.

1.2 (1st july 17)

• Fixed handles for 60mm base update
• updated main case to suit new handles (however old case works fine)
• added new larger maincase top for large base

  1.2.1 (3rd july 17)

• fixed large collet
• updated larger maincase top for better support
• rounded versions of handles added for a more comfortable grip.

  1.2.2 (4th july 17)

• updated square base adapters

To do list

This is still a work in progress with a few items pending

• airbrush/grid stand
• DONE citadel paint hole adaptor (added: tall and short versions) needs testing
• DONE square base holder (added adaptors for 20mm, 25mm, 40mm bases) needs testing
• subassembly holder
• large base holder