The cardboard templates included with x-wing just don't hold up to extended use.

I have been trying to find a metal range ruler, and I havent found sqaut!

I am looking for something like this: http://corseceng.com/omni-ruler/

It's available in different colors (easy delineation of range increment) and collapses down easily so it would fir in almost any case in about 3 pieces.

UNFORTUNATELY, its in inches while xwing is built around centimeters.

The X-wing range ruler is EXACTLY 10cm/10cm/10cm and I havent seen anything else like the omni ruler anywhere, much less in metric.

I have had even less luck finding movement templates in metal.

You would think this would be the perfect place for some anodized aluminum or stainless steel laser engraved product, but all we have is the cheap plastic stuff, which I think looks AWFUL.

Has anyone seen anything at conventions or anything? Or would I have to order this stuff custom from somewhere (I've gotten this sort of stuff custom made before, but it is NOT cheap, and it takes forever!)

Metal may damage game mats. Just a thought. The acrylic templates and range rulers from litko are pretty nice.

a properly designed metal range ruler or template is no more threat to the mat than a plastic one; particularly if a light-weight material is used (aluminum). And I dont like the look of transparent plastic.

I dont mind it so much for tokens and markers, but I would prefer metal for the templates and ruler.

I am planning on upgrading to the acrylic templates, but in the meantime I gloss-coated all of my cardboard pieces. It really helps them stand up to wear and tear.

There are some really decent looking metallic look plastics these days. These can be cut in the same way as acrylics so maybe this is the way to go.

I'd buy some brass sheet then cut and engrave them myself if I wanted metal range rulers and maneuver templates. So far, the two sets I've got are holding up, and if I ever need more, that's a great excuse to get another core set or two, which means new minis!

A metal range ruler would be pretty simple. Get a bit of reasonable bar stock, cut it to length (30mm), mark it at 1 and 2 (10mm, 20mm). Give it a decent finish somehow so it's got clean and not sharp edges.

Movement templates are a whole different beast. Laser cutters than can handle metal are way more expensive than the ones that cut acrylic. Anodizing is not terribly expensive, but it's fussy for a mess of little parts like that, and there is no good attachment point you can hide the electric connection at (it's an electroplating process, a tiny bit of the surface doesn't get treated where the wire connects). If sold as a product it would be extremely expensive.

You could also google "laser cut aluminum" or "laser cut steel". There are a large number of companies that would be happy to do that for you.

I am fine with the cardboard, and if they get too worn, I could always buy another base set. Given the price of expansions, the cardboard is basically free... and who couldn't use more ships...

Pete

why not make your own out of thick platicard,

i have made a range ruler from 1 to 4 that i use for slave 1 and the falcon, they are larger ships so it seems to me that they should have a longer range, at range 2 and 3 there are no die mods. range 1 and 4 are the same as normal fighters, i dont mod the torps or missiles they are what they are.

metal is a cool idea, but even aluminum has a descent weight to it, and i'd be worried about accidentally striking one of my own ships, or worse my opponents ships and either scratching it, chipping it or breaking it.. then i'd really feel bad

also what was stated above, metal bases could result in tears and heavy scratches to play mats.. but if you're always playing on your own mats.. i guess it's not such a big deal

i wish you luck in your search, but i agree with the majority and say the best option would be to do it yourself or find somebody or a company to do it for you; although that will be costly i'm sure due to labour costs, especially the bases

http://www.appliedperspective.com/acrylic/product/movement-templates/

those are much nicer, i have a set and they are very very nice. extremely well designed and cut.

Get the Mirrored Blue ones. Of the acrylic ones, those look the coolest. Kinda like an engine trail glow.

If you really like the Omni rulers just file down the flat end of one of the pieces to make each colored section 10cm. Given that 4 inches is just a touch over 10cm you will not have to remove much material for each section. This is the same sort of thing I did in my last job to fit generic valve stems on older brass instruments where a part wasn't available. Aluminum is pretty easy to work with and you'll end up with what you want. I'd suggest doing it to one of the inner pieces for each range increment and you may need to take a little off the threads of the piece that screws into it so it will screw flush. Just remember to constantly be measuring!

Personally, I'm getting a couple sets of acrylic templates but I may do this as well for myself.

Frankly a tubular range ruler would suck IMHO. The edge gives you a nice clean line to measure with. A rounded surface would be tough to see compared to either cardboard or acrylic.