Some days ago I was thinking about a way to storage my new 28mm miniatures. Now they are hidden in a lot of spare boxes without order and disciple. I need a new solution. So I visited IKEA catalogue to find ideas. Then I wrote to TMP board to start a brainstorming. This the dialogue:
mass mosc – 15 Feb 2013 2:48 a.m. PST
I’m looking for something small to storage some 28mm miniatures. Something to put inside a closet. I find this one from IKEA:
ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/70198031
Calculating an occupied area of about 2cmx2cm per each miniature, with this storage form I could found space for almost 825 miniatures. Not the definitive solution, but almost something…
It is in metal, but can it stand my heavy miniatures? What do you think?
In meantime I found this blog where a girl utilise it for inks:
itsascrappylifeforme.blogspot.it/2012/04/kvissle-bless-you.html
Your opinions, please…
The Editor of TMP – 15 Feb 2013 3:17 a.m. PST
Won’t keep out the dust, will it?
Chrixter2 – 15 Feb 2013 3:28 a.m. PST
To temporarily store stuff while working on them it may work. However, as a more permanent solution you want to keep dust away so any open solution is a no-no. Furthermore, if you fill it with miniatures and then want to move it somewhere, well, that will not have a happy ending!
johnpreece – 15 Feb 2013 4:37 a.m. PST
I have used these and like them.
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00107874/
they take the weight of cavalry and are deep enough for standards etc. they are fairly sturdy and incredibly cheap.
It is a more bulky option where space is at a premium and the paint does flake a little when the sides of the drawer are bent into shape so not for a damp envionment where rust could be a problem.
Mick in Switzerland – 15 Feb 2013 5:33 a.m. PST
I also use the Ikea HELMER metal drawer unit on castors as John Preece recommends. I have six of them.
DColtman – 15 Feb 2013 5:39 a.m. PST
Another vote for the Helmer, I have one and would like to have more. Bonus if your bases are magnetized.
Extra Crispy – 15 Feb 2013 7:39 a.m. PST
I buy nice cardboard boxes in bulk then apply nice labels. Attractive, cheap, easy to replace, lightweight.
TMPWargamerabbit – 15 Feb 2013 7:58 a.m. PST
I use Apple boxes cut down and painted a common green shade with nice pictures on box lid ends. The boxes come from the local store by asking the produce manager. Some of them are now almost 40 years old and stack nicely since they are the same size. The excess cardboard material is use to double line the bottom and create “separation walls” grid in each box for the units.
WR
mass mosc – 15 Feb 2013 12:21 p.m. PST
I’m waiting the spring to reorganise all my little boys… I’m still confuse about where to put them… A big space problem for little things.
religon – 15 Feb 2013 12:43 p.m. PST
I too use Apple boxes, but mine are the ones laptop computers ship it. They are deep enough without being overly so. They also have a tough plastic veneer making them very strong.
Brandlin – 15 Feb 2013 5:42 p.m. PST
825 minis is over 12kg of weight. Those shelves will certainly bend, but I doubt they will fail.
bsrlee – 16 Feb 2013 2:07 a.m. PST
It would actually make a good core for a transport case for magnetically based figures if they weren’t going too far. Airline baggage handlers would destroy just about anything – DAMHIK.
If you are worried about the shelves bending it would not be too difficult to glue thin ply or hardboard (masonite) to the shelves – even underneath works it you want the magnetic effect to remain. Just use a rubbery glue like contact cement not PVA or a wood-to-wood glue.
Rogzombie – 16 Feb 2013 8:37 a.m. PST
The Helmer looks nice. I am very limited on space now and this might be a great solution. I think several of these would even fit in my gaming closet. I live 2 miles from Ikea, I should go have a look.
Thanks for the ideas. I have come into a very tight living condition and forgot how Ikea specializes in this. A shopping trip is in order…the only problem, no money!!!!
Rogzombie – 16 Feb 2013 8:40 a.m. PST
Uh, just for the record, dont buy Ikea stuff else where such as amazon they hiked an extra $30.00 USD on the damn thing plus a bunch of shipping 🙁
I looked because amazon often has free shipping and lower prices. Not on Ikea stuff apparently…
Gokiburi – 16 Feb 2013 11:50 a.m. PST
I just picked up a Helmer a few days ago, I really like it so far. (I’m hoping that the flaking paint issue that johnpreece mentioned doesn’t become a problem)
Those long drawers hold a suprising amount of figures, and they’re also very attracted to magnets: my Yu Ching are hard to remove without damaging them. (I may have to figure out a way to swap out some of their magnets for weaker ones)
Rwphillipsstl – 16 Feb 2013 11:53 a.m. PST
Really Useful Boxes have various sized boxes that are strong and are stackable, and come in various colors. Perfect, though can get more pricey if you have a large collection.
johnpreece – 17 Feb 2013 5:28 a.m. PST
Goiburu
I have had 5 for about 18 months, as I live 500 yds from the sea and every thing rusts I was worried about the bare metal.
I gave the corners and runners a light spray of silicon lubricant and they are still absolutely mint conditon. The drawers also glide perfectly with heavy figures inside. In fact there is so litle resistance you have to be careful not to give it a tug ad send the contents over the floor. Fantastic stuff and about £3.00 GBP-4 a can.
