9x9 Conversion Tray for 40mm Round Bases: How It Works
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up a 9x9 conversion tray for 40mm round bases, pick the right frame height, and convert your units to ranked movement without guesswork.
Quick answer
Use the 9 x 9 Conversion Tray for 40mm Round Bases to turn individually based round models into a ranked unit. Select the frame height that matches your bases so the tray holds them securely without wobble.
Why frame height matters more than tray size
The 9x9 tray gives you a fixed 9-by-9 grid, but the frame height is the variable you control. A frame that sits too low lets round bases ride up over the lip; too high and the tray feels bulky and may not sit flush with your movement tools. Match the frame height to the actual base thickness you use, not to a nominal 40mm measurement alone.
Because this is an MDF conversion tray with an upper frame and lower base, the frame acts as the retaining wall. If you mix base manufacturers in one unit, check the tallest base first—otherwise the tray will only hold some models properly.
When a 9x9 tray is the wrong choice
A 9x9 grid is large. If your unit is smaller than 81 models, or if you play a skirmish game where models move independently, a full 9x9 tray adds unnecessary footprint and may not fit your deployment zone. Also, if your models are on 25mm bases, this tray is not sized for them—use a tray designed for that base size instead.
This tray is intended for round bases used in a ranked fashion. If your rules require irregular spacing or you need to remove casualties from the middle of the unit, plan how you will lift models out before you glue anything down.
Step-by-step: setting up your 9x9 conversion tray
- Measure your bases before ordering: Stack five of your 40mm round bases and measure the total height with a ruler. Use that measurement to choose the frame height option that covers the base thickness. Common mistake: ordering by base diameter alone and ignoring height, which leaves the frame too shallow. Write the measured height on your order notes so you can reorder the same frame height later.
- Dry-fit the frame and base: Before gluing, place the lower base on a flat surface, set the upper frame over it, and drop a few 40mm models into the grid. Check that the frame lip sits above the base edge and that models do not rock. Common mistake: gluing the frame before testing, which makes height errors permanent. If the frame sits below the base edge, stop and exchange for a taller frame option.
- Glue the frame to the base squarely: Apply wood glue to the frame's bottom edge, align it with the lower base, and press evenly. Use a square corner or the tray's own edges to keep the grid aligned. Common mistake: using too much glue, which squeezes into the grid and blocks base placement. Wipe any glue squeeze-out immediately with a damp cloth before it soaks into the MDF.
- Load models in one direction: Place your 40mm round models into the grid from one side to the other, keeping the unit facing consistent. This makes ranked movement and casualty removal predictable. Common mistake: mixing facings, which causes collisions when the tray rotates. Mark the tray's front edge with a small paint stripe so every game starts with the same orientation.
- Check the tray in your movement tray system: Set the loaded tray on your movement template or sabot base and lift it slightly. The tray should sit flat without rocking, and models should stay in place. Common mistake: assuming the 9x9 tray fits every movement system—check the footprint against your rules before the first game. If the tray overhangs your movement template, use the tray only for display or reduce the unit size.
Product facts
- 9 x 9 Conversion Tray for 40mm Round Bases: MDF conversion tray with an MDF upper frame and lower base; frame height is selectable. You can choose the frame height that matches your 40mm bases, so the tray retains models instead of letting them slide.
9 x 9 Conversion Tray for 40mm Round Bases
