DAVIDNOLA62 wrote:PolishGI, how do you get your hexes to fit together so well? The ones they send me sure don't.
GHQ is not going to want to hear this but I make my own hexes. The cost of the GHQ hexes matched with the surface spaces that I create is a bit more than I care to pay.
I go to the local home improvement store (e.g. Home Depot) and pick up a couple sheets of 1-inch and 1/2 –inch thick insulating sheathing. They even come in 2-inch thick…
I made a ‘template’ hex out of a .040†styrene sheet. I trace the template hex onto the insulation sheet and then use my x-acto saw to trim out the hex. Once removed from the insulation, I clean up the hex to verify that each side is vertical or a degree or two inward. This increases the chances of the hexes fitting together better at the top of the hex (or the playing surface). Not everyone one of my hexes are perfect, the kids want to help so I gave them a few to cut to make them feel a part of the process.
Once cleaned up and ready, then I use a water-based flat brown to paint the sides and top. Then that hex is moved into a new holding area as it is ready for terrain material. But I typically get about 60-hexes (12 rows of 5 hexes) per insulation sheet and its maybe USD $5-6. Just time in on my part. But that works for me.
Same process occurs for the ½ inch hexes to make streams. I have been meddling with finding a way to come up with trenches using the ½ inch insulation pieces. Need to finalize that before it is put into effect.
Using the insulation sheets allows me to trace multiple hexes together to create a single large piece like a rice paddy. Since I use the template, the measurements are very close and allows the paddies to fit right into the playing surface without minimal disruption to the flow of the table. And yet the paddy section is a single solid piece.
Not sure if that helps explain the process. Let me know if you have any additional questions. I'd be happy to assist.
Charlie don't surf!
