Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club
Mandalorian Armor => Armor Construction => Topic started by: Cattriss Wren on Jun 11, 2021, 09:39 PM
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su'cuy, so i have already been posting on my clans forums but i thought that i might start posting here to for some extra advice and help. ;D the picture of the boots i posted are the ones i am thinking of using. what do you guys think for gloves? the first pair of gloves are made of a cotton like material and the second are leather but do you think leather fingerless glove would be better? i also have the material for my vest that i will start work on when i have the time. also made a grav charge or detonator and ammo for my belt. :sabine:
(https://i.imgur.com/sTlWfWj.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/px4x8nC.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/A5GG9Fj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wK5U2s1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/H34kM5d.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xgWqumQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Dqa5djB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/H02yqAg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SP9Ttm3.jpg)
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Looks cool! With the gloves, I think whichever is more comfortable, they look pretty similar.
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OK, Thanks ;)
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So I have a question for you all. I've been working on my vest, but not sure I should make the Velcro/zipper be on the back are the two sides of it. any thoughts? Which one works better?
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So I have a question for you all. I've been working on my vest, but not sure I should make the Velcro/zipper be on the back are the two sides of it. any thoughts? Which one works better?
I would go sides, not back. Having the closures on the sides will make it easier to donn and take off than a back closure. This is why most real bullet proof vests have side closures as well.
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Ok thanks, doing it on the sides was the one I was leaning more towards doing anyway. Just wanted to double check.
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You’re welcome. My vest has a front closure. Since my armor won’t be directly attached to the vest (instead being connected together with straps), I definitely wanted something that I can wear without the cuirass. I just need to cover the zipper. :rolleyes:
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To cover the zipper you could sew a little strip of material on one side and then snap it on the other side. but you would have to unsnap it before you could
unzipper it. So I guess that could get annoying. Or you could do a sweat shirt style. like how they have the extra material covering the zipper Just some ideas ;)
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Yeah, that’s the plan. The problem is matching the vest’s main fabric. If you check out my WIP thread, you’ll understand why. Simply put, it’s not a home made vest.
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I second the recommendation for the side zipper. If you set it up right, you can position the zipper so the teeth are hidden by the edges of the vest panels, and Tramp is right, it's much easier to get on/off. Just remember to get a separating (aka jacket) zipper instead of a normal pants zipper.
You will have to remember to make sure you can get your noggin through the neck hole though. Using a back closure means that the neck hole basically opens up into a flat line that wraps around your neck, whereas with a side closure, the neck hole is an unbroken circle, so you'll need either a shoulder that can come detached with a zipper or snaps or something, or you can add a slit down the back seam so that the neck hole can "stretch" to let your head through.
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Thanks!! That's really helpful!! I did not even think about how my head was supposed get in there :laugh:
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A third option is to make the neck hole wide enough to fit your head through comfortably without being too wide for the armor to look right.
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Thanks, the more opinions the better.
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So for my vest I use side closures as well (mine are elastic with bathing suit clips) and I made one shoulder Velcro closed. That way I could get the close neck Mando look but still fit my head through without adding a front or back zipper. I did make one with a back zipper during my learning how to sew a vest phase and didn't like it. It was hard to reach the zipper and it never felt quite right. The side opening was much easier and I never looked back after trying it a few different ways.
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Thanks, that's a good idea ;D I really appreciate everyone's help!!!
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For my vest, the sides have some velcro closures and the neck hole is just big enough to get my head through. I really recommend a method which you can get on by yourself, whatever that may be. For me it was openings on the side, I can just pat down the velcro and be ready to go!
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I think I will probably use Velcro, since I have a lot of it that I got for free. Thanks again guys for all of your awesome options and ideas. I will post pictures of the vest when I am finished with it. :P
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su'cuy vods, thanks to all your help, i finished my vest. my next step is to draw patterns for armor. i started the chest pattern with cardboard (see pic) dose it look to big to you? (sorry the cardboard is crooked)
(https://i.imgur.com/WWhyoor.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nvyEbp6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LYJY0qn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jFT89o5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MTOURC4.jpg)
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Hello Cattriss, :)
I do think the plates look a little to wide for you. So a good rule of thumb is that you should be able to lift your arms up infront of you without hitting the plates on the outside or having them fold over each other on the inside. As it is now it looks like it will catch you in the upper arm or even a bit in the armpit area. Which when you wear your kit long term will hurt and bruise you with repeated bumping. Personally I think that the rest looks good. :like:
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Vest looks great! As said before, plates look a little too wide, you should have them so you can comfortably move around. I like to put my plates on and do everyday tasks like water my plants or unload the dishwasher, it really shows you the limits of mobility and how your plates fit on you. But the size and spacing looks generally pretty good!
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Hello Cattriss, :)
I do think the plates look a little to wide for you. So a good rule of thumb is that you should be able to lift your arms up infront of you without hitting the plates on the outside or having them fold over each other on the inside. As it is now it looks like it will catch you in the upper arm or even a bit in the armpit area. Which when you wear your kit long term will hurt and bruise you with repeated bumping. Personally I think that the rest looks good. :like:
. Thanks that's really good advice!! I will definitely trim the plates mentioned and hopefully post pictures of it tonight. ;D
Vest looks great! As said before, plates look a little too wide, you should have them so you can comfortably move around. I like to put my plates on and do everyday tasks like water my plants or unload the dishwasher, it really shows you the limits of mobility and how your plates fit on you. But the size and spacing looks generally pretty good!
. Thanks evening.echiveria!! :P that's a great idea! I have LOTS of plants so it would work well. I will try it this Saturday When I water them
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so i trimmed about 1cm ish off of the collar and chest. i think i will trim some more off though. the cardboard armor dose not sit well on me, mainly because it is being held on by scotch tape. i have ordered some 3mm sintra/pvc board, that should arrive soon.
(https://i.imgur.com/tDEnPKn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hIrBhFU.jpg)
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Looks good, ultimately comes down to if you can move around well in it. Good luck working with the sintra!
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Looks good, ultimately comes down to if you can move around well in it. Good luck working with the sintra!
thanks! I still have quite a few of patterns to make. :knee, Thighs/holsters, hand, Gauntlets, shoulder. So I better get working ???
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The sizing definitely looks better. I think I agree with your assessment that it still needs a little more off. Not much, just a little trim. I would run your templates through your Ruus'alor before you cut into your Sintra, just to be sure its good to go. ;)
Don't let the templates get you down. One piece at a time and soon it will all be there! :like:
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The sizing definitely looks better. I think I agree with your assessment that it still needs a little more off. Not much, just a little trim. I would run your templates through your Ruus'alor before you cut into your Sintra, just to be sure its good to go. ;)
Don't let the templates get you down. One piece at a time and soon it will all be there! :like:
thanks for the encouragement!! I appreciate it :<3: I have been post on my clans forum as well so that's been helpful two. ;D
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Su'cuy, I am still working at doing my patterns, but in the mean time I've been thinking about belts. I have the material to make pouches, but not sure of a good style for my belt or pouches. So I would really love if you guys could post pictures of your belts and what you did.
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update: so i did my knee patterns. what do you think? the pvc/sintra i ordered also arrived today. :porg1:
(https://i.imgur.com/NtsXTfU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/15Z5jTg.jpg)
i didn't have any darts for my knees so i just stuck arrow heads in them. so if they look funny that's why.
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Knees look great! Good luck on the sintra :like:
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Looks like a great fit, they should transfer to sintra really well! I don't know why cardboard armor is so exciting, but it really is. ;D And the fun thing about being shipped sintra is you get more cardboard! :porg2:
It may just be that I'm not familiar with arrows, but those arrow heads look like greeblies that suit the knees really well to me!
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Knees look great! Good luck on the sintra :like:
thanks vod!! ;D
Looks like a great fit, they should transfer to sintra really well! I don't know why cardboard armor is so exciting, but it really is. ;D And the fun thing about being shipped sintra is you get more cardboard! :porg2:
It may just be that I'm not familiar with arrows, but those arrow heads look like greeblies that suit the knees really well to me!
thanks! :) I couldn't agree more about cardboard!!! :porg2: it is great for crafts and just to have fun!!! and it's almost always free, which is a plus. :P.
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so i have done my shoulder armor. i think it should be a little more up my shoulder. do you think its a good size? dose it look to small?
(https://i.imgur.com/78nIbBB.jpg)
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I like the knees, they look about right for your size. The shoulders do look just a smidge small, could just be the perspective of the photos, also if your planning on adding trauma plating (layering plates) that will make the shoulders look bigger. I don't think the CRLs have rule for sizing shoulder plates other than proportional to you. As far a spacing goes, per CRLS the shoulders should be no more than 2 inches away from the collar.
Looking good :like:
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Thanks!! I will increase the shoulders and bring them closer to the collar. I appreciate the help :<3:
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su'cuy, i have been trimming some more off of my chest armor. it is much easier move with it on now that it is thinner. also i have done my hand armor pattern. i have also dyed some white crystal for my kit. i am not sure which colors to use. any thoughts?
(https://i.imgur.com/IdrpxSw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wHzgpFQ.jpg)
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It's intimidating to trim more off the armor, but sometimes it's really worth it. Glad you can move better!
"Use the yellow crystal!!" -- the person who's crazy about gold :laugh:
But really, if your color scheme is the same as in your avatar, yellow would be perfect! And you can add any other crystal as an accent color if you wanted, since it pairs well with any of them. Alternatively, keep 'em all and have the rainbow!
What was your process in making the crystals? They turned out lovely!
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I'm liking the sizing of the chest armor and the hand plates look good to me. :like:
As to which crystal, what kind of reputation does your Mando have? Are you a sith killer? Pick the reds. Jedi killer? (I favor the yellow and blue ones but the green and purple are nice too, though I fear the purple may clash with your red paint.) Or you could be both, carry both reds and the yellow. No ones says you have to just pick one. ;)
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It's intimidating to trim more off the armor, but sometimes it's really worth it. Glad you can move better!
"Use the yellow crystal!!" -- the person who's crazy about gold :laugh:
But really, if your color scheme is the same as in your avatar, yellow would be perfect! And you can add any other crystal as an accent color if you wanted, since it pairs well with any of them. Alternatively, keep 'em all and have the rainbow!
What was your process in making the crystals? They turned out lovely!
thanks :<3: i did not make the crystals i just colored them, use food coloring and clear nail polish, got the idea from the battle cry magazine. i posted the picture of the instructions if you want to try it. i got the white crystals from amazon. my colors for my kit are grey,yellow and red. ;D
(https://i.imgur.com/ap5RVny.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FpU0xd1.png)
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WOAH those are so pretty!! For your color scheme, I’d vote the red AND the yellow (the more trophies the better, am I right? :P) but a darksaber crystal (like the one in the Battlecry screenshot) would look ori’kandosii with your armor! Keep up the great work! :like:
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I'm liking the sizing of the chest armor and the hand plates look good to me. :like:
As to which crystal, what kind of reputation does your Mando have? Are you a sith killer? Pick the reds. Jedi killer? (I favor the yellow and blue ones but the green and purple are nice too, though I fear the purple may clash with your red paint.) Or you could be both, carry both reds and the yellow. No ones says you have to just pick one. ;)
thanks ;D I agree I will probably go with the yellow and the red. I am not a sith or jedi killer/hunter. I am actually part of clan wren. But on a mission for my clan I could have encounter a sith or Jedi and killed them. Or maybe just found the crystals, but that's not as cool :laugh:
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WOAH those are so pretty!! For your color scheme, I’d vote the red AND the yellow (the more trophies the better, am I right? :P) but a darksaber crystal (like the one in the Battlecry screenshot) would look ori’kandosii with your armor! Keep up the great work! :like:
thanks so much kuyan!! :<3: your so right!! I will definitely do a dark saber one next time I dyed some more, which will hopefully be soon ;D
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Plates look good! I'm going to go against the group and say blue for the crystal. It's a good contrast to yellow and red. If you want two crystals, I'd add red (considering in your armor plan your belt is yellow). You don't want too much of one color, and some contrast can be really nice.
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Plates look good! I'm going to go against the group and say blue for the crystal. It's a good contrast to yellow and red. If you want two crystals, I'd add red (considering in your armor plan your belt is yellow). You don't want too much of one color, and some contrast can be really nice.
Ok thanks ;D I will definitely about think about it. It's always nice to have lots of different opinions ;)
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so i cut some of of the stomach armor to match the chest. i also flattened out the armor to use for the pattern. dose it look good? anything to small or to big?
(https://i.imgur.com/MTOURC4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jFT89o5.jpg)
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Looks good!
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i have officially cut my armor out from the pvc sheet. so now it's time to break out the sandpaper. i will also be working on a vibroknife. hopefully :-X
(https://i.imgur.com/xpgnNwJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aYopJZL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ckZ0kew.jpg)
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Wow it looks great! Some light sanding (like 200 or 300 grit) should get the edges nice and smooth. But I recommend heat forming the plates before you sand.
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Thanks for the advice!! :P
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This part can be super exciting, just remember to take it a piece at a time. As far as sanding goes, I always hit my plates with an 80-100 grit before I heat form it to make sure that there are no sharp edges or burls that will catch on either myself or the person I am forming the armor to. Then I hit it again with a higher grit before painting.
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Thanks ;D i will make sure to be patient and take it slow.
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i used pvc glue/cement to attach the handle of my vibroknife and then i sanded it a little bit. i will start work on molding my armor either this week or the weekend.
(https://i.imgur.com/KPPng37.jpg)
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I don't think I was following your build. But I am now! Beautiful clean cuts on your armor!
I can also easily pop into your clan boards since you're in my region too!
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Thanks for following and the complement!! :<3:
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The "scary" part is over. You made the cuts! And I agree with Vercopaanir:
... As far as sanding goes, I always hit my plates with an 80-100 grit before I heat form it to make sure that there are no sharp edges or burls that will catch on either myself or the person I am forming the armor to. Then I hit it again with a higher grit before painting.
Smooth the edges first, then heat form. This also makes getting a uniform edge on all the plates a bit easier. Go easy at first. Then sand the first pieces again at the end to look like the last pieces. Good luck!
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Thanks Jel'Driik, will do ;)
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I saw that vibroknife and got real excited! :porg2: I intend to make one of that model too, so seeing it pop up on your thread is a treat! Looking forward to seeing your spin on it.
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Thanks :<3: that's cool that we are both doing a spin off of din's vibroknife!! I will be painting it and finishing it up when I buy the spray paint for my armor. ;D
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su'cuy, i shaped my armor today and i think it turned out pretty good. there are a few spots on it that i am going to need to curve a little more. :-X
(https://i.imgur.com/ZCGfG0G.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/e6BoijR.jpg)
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Plates look good, you should try them on to see how they fit.
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It's so exciting to reach this point! :porg2: :porg2:
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Plates look good, you should try them on to see how they fit.
. Thanks! I will put them on tonight if I have time, if not I will try them on tomorrow
;DIt's so exciting to reach this point! :porg2: :porg2:
indeed!!!! ;D
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i tried on the armor with packing tape. it fit nice. i need to curve the sides a little more, but other then that and a few other things it should be good. then i will start to attach it to my vest. :-X
(https://i.imgur.com/aydQ6Ya.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LJje6Kf.jpg)
sorry for the VERY crocked armor and bad spacing. :laugh:
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It looks like you have huge hands in comparison with your torso. I had to really pay attention to what I was seeing. :laugh:
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Sorry about that!! I don't even notice that I had posted it that way in till you pointed it out!! :laugh: they are actually my sister's hands. I asked her to try on my gloves so I could take the picture. I finished up the last bit of shaping to my armor. My snaps also arrived, So now I have to start the attachment process. I extremely nervous that it is not going to come out good. ???
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Looks nice! Shaping chest armor is a huge pain and I wish you luck getting it all good.
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Thanks Aster!! :<3:
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Are you planning on going the route your Ruus showed you?
Once you get the snaps fixed to your plates, some tips are to start with the collar. Be sure to place one snap right in the very middle of your collar plate (I.e. Somewhere above your diamond). Dab some paint on your finger and put it on the rim of that "male" snap. Get your plate up as high as you can so that it sits against the base of your neck but doesn't choke you. Try to make sure it's centered as best as possible and press that snap against your vest.
If you did it right, you'll have a nice ring to center your "female" snap onto. Go ahead and set that snap and refit it, choose another snap and repeat the process.
Once your collar is set and looking good, move on to one of the other chest plates. You can temporarily tape the opposite one in place while you work to repeat the process for your chest plate.
It can work best with two people so that you can relax your arms and let the plates be fitted with your body in a relaxed position. Just go slow and take your time!
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Yes, I will be going that route. Do you think that I should use just snaps or snaps and velcro?
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I use both.
If you'd like to do both, sometimes it works well to start with the velcro to get your plates where you want them and then make your marks for the snaps. That way it's held in place fairly well but you can still make adjustments before making them permanent.
With my next kit, I'm using tie tacks with locking backs to secure my plates.
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That is what I will do. Thanks ;D
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So I have not attached my armor because I am sanding it. I thought it would be a good idea to do it first. Cause I might have forgotten to go back over with sandpaper after shaping. Any who I will report when I am done ;)
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i am starting the attachment and i wanted to know what you guys thought of the placement of snaps and velcro. the rectangles are going to be the velcro and the circles are the snaps. did i draw on to many? should i have less?
(https://i.imgur.com/W0eNGnZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/f0ULQfp.jpg)
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Really the amount of attachment is what ever you prefer or are most comfortable with. When I made mine I didn't worry so much about putting attachments in the middle of the plates because of my attachment method. However, 'how much' that is entirely what you feel like doing.
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My clan thought it would be best if I did a lot less. So that's what I will do.
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Got my Velcro attached but I am having a bit of trouble with the snaps. I ordered some different ones, I'm hoping they will be better. ???
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I ordered those snaps too. They're a bit difficult but definitely doable. I used a hammer with those little tools it comes with. What isn't working?
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I ordered those snaps too. They're a bit difficult but definitely doable. I used a hammer with those little tools it comes with. What isn't working?
Well not really, I used their special tools and a hammer as well but then when I connected the cap and socket ( I believe that is what there called) the other end would not fit on properly. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, cause I watched some YouTube videos as well to help and that didn't work either.
I did get the new snaps a few days ago and they are working great so far.
Sorry if this sounds confusing. :laugh:
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Intresting following your process ;D
Geila Alo
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Thanks Geila!! :<3:
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That's so weird that they didn't work :blank: but glad the new ones are working now! Good luck!
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That's so weird that they didn't work :blank: but glad the new ones are working now! Good luck!
Thanks! I am glad they are working well too! Not sure why I could not get the other ones to work, it could have been that I got the super cheap ones or more likely my brain decided to not work. :laugh:
I really like your new profile pic, makes you look like a official member!! ;D
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Hows the progress going for you? :<3:
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I'm doing alright. Thank you for asking!!! ;D though i could be better. I'm still working on attachment. I'm really nervous that it is going to turn out crooked. ??? I'm using two different methods to try to get the snaps perfectly placed. I hope it works.
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Totally gonna hop in and follow this build. Your kit is looking so awesome already, the chest pieces look so great! I love the crystals too. Excited to see more when you've made more progress :like:
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Totally gonna hop in and follow this build. Your kit is looking so awesome already, the chest pieces look so great! I love the crystals too. Excited to see more when you've made more progress :like:
Aww, thanks Dro!!! :<3:
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I am confident it will look great in the end :<3:
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Thank you! :<3: I really appreciate your words of encouragement!!
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su'cuy everyone, sorry it has been so long since a update. so i got my belt done and i should have some more to report soon.
(https://i.imgur.com/l8lZU1h.jpg)
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That looks awesome! Well done!
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Thanks! ;D
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commenting to follow
everything looks great so far keep it up! :like:
its nice to know some other kids are building :boba:
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Thanks caderbug13!! :D
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Looking good. :like:
Gonna follow this
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Thanks karson ;D it's great to see more of clan wren!
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Thanks :)
Gonna be starting my wren kit soon
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That's cool! Let me know when you start, I would really like to follow your kit.
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Will do :)
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Belt and pouches looking good! :like:
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Belt and pouches looking good! :like:
Thanks ;D
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I finally have a update for you all. I was working this weekend on my kit. Got my cape almost done and finished my cod piece as well as started to worked on my girth belt a little. Got more pvc so I can start work on my holsters soon.
(https://i.imgur.com/lbvLpiq.jpg)
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Looks nice! Good work vod!
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Ooooh liking the yellow girth belt. :like:
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looking good! keep it up! :like:
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Looks nice! Good work vod!
Thanks Aster! :D
Ooooh liking the yellow girth belt. :like:
Thanks! I was at first going to go with a lighter shade of yellow but I didn't love the feel of the material, so I decided against it.
looking good! keep it up! :like:
Thanks!!
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I finally have a update for you all. I was working this weekend on my kit. Got my cape almost done and finished my cod piece as well as started to worked on my girth belt a little. Got more pvc so I can start work on my holsters soon.
(https://i.imgur.com/HhJsKI2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cA3YjDK.png)
The girth belt looks great!
can I ask what fabric you used for the cape?
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The girth belt looks great!
can I ask what fabric you used for the cape?
Thanks! The material is the same as my vest. I had a lot left over so I thought that I would put it to good use.
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Su'cuy, I finished attaching my armor to the flak vest with snaps. :D
(https://i.imgur.com/UCFbZw0.jpg)
I still need to add a little velcro to the vest. So now it's time to attach my shoulders and cape. Hopefully after that I will start on gauntlets or guns and holsters.
Also I would really appreciate if you guys could enlighten me about spray paint protocol. Do you prime first? Do you add a protective coating at the end? What are some good brands? What are some problems with it? All that good stuff ;D I have little stuff to do to my kit so I should have a few more things to update about .
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I am 100% clueless, but it looks good so far to me :laugh:
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I havent made armor yet but have done costumes in the past. I think the steps you take are going to depend on the weathering. In general, id start with sanding then priming, then sanding again and paint your base coat.
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Su'cuy, I finished attaching my armor to the flak vest with snaps. :D
(https://i.imgur.com/CyC5mOi.jpg)
I still need to add a little velcro to the vest. So now it's time to attach my shoulders and cape. Hopefully after that I will start on gauntlets or guns and holsters.
Also I would really appreciate if you guys could enlighten me about spray paint protocol. Do you prime first? Do you add a protective coating at the end? What are some good brands? What are some problems with it? All that good stuff ;D I have little stuff to do to my kit so I should have a few more things to update about .
Overall your armor is looking great! Looks like you might need to shape the rest chest "fang" a little bit more to your body to match the left side. Left chest plate might need to slide up ever so slightly as does the center diamond - but this could be the angle.
Now to answer your paint question!
No, you don't need to prime it first. PVC foam board/aka sintra is a relatively porous material so it takes to paint well as is.
Personally, I use Rustoleum paints almost exclusively but it really depends on the available color options at your local stores (in my opinion). Try not to mix and match brands on the same piece of armor as much as possible.
Only problems when it comes to spray painting are either applying it on in too thick of layers which may cause bubbling or dripping or a "dried ground" cracking pattern - same can be said if you try to paint in too cold of weather. Hope that helps! :like:
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Looking good!
While you don't need to prime it, I usually do. I like to do a black primer before I add my metallic base coat for when the paint gets scratched. (It will get scratched) It is harder to see the scratch when the black is what is showing through versus the white. But that is purely my personal preference.
As far a paint brand go, I usually use Krylon simply because they had the shade of grey I wanted for my kit and its easy to source locally. I have another clan mate who only uses Rustoleum and loves it. Honestly pick a brand and follow the directions and it will work out. Avoid switching brands as they don't usually play well together.
If you want to top coat it you can but you don't need to. Clear coats can be tricky and since Mando's usually look like they live in their armor ;) having scratches, dings and smudges only adds to the overall aesthetic.
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Su'cuy, I finished attaching my armor to the flak vest with snaps. :D
(https://i.imgur.com/CyC5mOi.jpg)
I still need to add a little velcro to the vest. So now it's time to attach my shoulders and cape. Hopefully after that I will start on gauntlets or guns and holsters.
Also I would really appreciate if you guys could enlighten me about spray paint protocol. Do you prime first? Do you add a protective coating at the end? What are some good brands? What are some problems with it? All that good stuff ;D I have little stuff to do to my kit so I should have a few more things to update about .
looking good so far! You've got that shaped real well! Everything looks symmetrical and even. So great job!
Few points that could use some work before you start painting:
- The chest plate looks a bit waving on the left there (your left, right on the image).
- your right chest plate fang portion looks like it can be formed a bit more (can't be 100% but it appears to be floating a bit.
- move the chest diamond up a smidge or shave it down on the bottom slightly to get an even gap all around.
Looking good!
While you don't need to prime it, I usually do. I like to do a black primer before I add my metallic base coat for when the paint gets scratched. (It will get scratched) It is harder to see the scratch when the black is what is showing through versus the white. But that is purely my personal preference.
I second this, but since its already plastic, you may be able to get away with just a few coats gloss black coat then a few coats of metallic silver. You may be able to skip the primer if you use a combination gloss black that is formulated for plastic.
after you have the silver base is done, you've got a few choices:
Paint -> sand paper to reveal silver layer (I advice against this as it will out the silver quite a bit and make them appear greyish)
masking -> paint -> peel masking -> add more scratches with sand paper or sharp objects
masking -> paint layer 1 color -> masking -> paint layer 2 color -> peel masking -> add more scratches with sand paper or sharp objects
work in thin layers, I did 6 layers of color 1 (2 layers of primer, 4 layers of color 1) then 8 layers of layer 2. Adjust it based on whether you reached the amount of coverage and thickness you want.
Masking you've got a few options, or you can mix and match them:
- Use some liquid masking fluids and start blocking out areas for the weathering (think corners and large surfaces that see a lot wear)
- Mix course salt with some drops of water and cake them onto areas you want to mask
- Toothpaste instead of masking fluids
* take a look at my WIP for the weathering if you want some picture tutorials
Looking good!
If you want to top coat it you can but you don't need to. Clear coats can be tricky and since Mando's usually look like they live in their armor ;) having scratches, dings and smudges only adds to the overall aesthetic.
I find top coat very optional, and honestly, I agree with vercopaanir that scratches make it more realistic and adds cahracter
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Thank you guys so much for all of your help and advice. :D
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Congrats on the plates! People have already given you tips for how to make the spacing/floating better.
What I do is I use a gray primer (aka what the store has) and then do multiple layers of silver. Then a clear coat over the silver. I think I use rustoleum for my colors but no idea for the silver. I use blick's matte fixative for sealing (I have tons of it from school) and it works great! I've tried other clear coats and they react super weirdly with silver.
Anyway the major tip is do tests. Test your colors, test your primer and weathering methods. Idk how heavy your weathering will be but test out how you'll do paint chips (I highly recommend liquid latex) and how the colors will look together!
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Thanks Aster, will do :D
I have another question for you all. So I was going to scratch build my gauntlets and then buy the missiles and flamethrower for them from Etsy. But I just found out that no one sell the weapons for gauntlets. So should I just buy my gauntlets instead of building them?
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Thanks Aster, will do :D
I have another question for you all. So I was going to scratch build my gauntlets and then buy the missiles and flamethrower for them from Etsy. But I just found out that no one sell the weapons for gauntlets. So should I just buy my gauntlets instead of building them?
I just looked myself, and found at least a half dozen wrist rockets, as well as darts and flame throwers, all on Etsy. I simply looked up “Boba Fett gauntlet rocket” in the search and came up with a slew of options: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=boba%20fet%20gaunlet%20rocket
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Wow thanks!! Guess I was not searching the right thing. Problem solved!!
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Olarom
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You can also look into those punk clothing spikes, I've got 3 on my gauntlet for "darts".
I got the #2 spike from this etsy seller: https://www.etsy.com/listing/975079595/20pcs-bullet-punk-spikesleather-crafts (https://www.etsy.com/listing/975079595/20pcs-bullet-punk-spikesleather-crafts)
I may have a few more sitting around if I can find them and send them your way
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I bet you can handle scratch-building and adding platforms and housings for your gauntlet weapons - admittedly, a classic Boba wrist rocket might be worth getting a quality resin cast but you could give it a go while you wait for it to ship. Best case, two wrist rockets, worst case, some experience gained.
But other things you can put together with Sintra sheet and a raid on the plumbing and tool aisles at the hardware store:
flamethrower - rectangular Sintra tube and some air hose or plumbing fittings.
Wrist darts - sports ball inflators pushed through holes drilled in the platform.
generic Zappers - pocket air blowers (check Menard's or similar) with some sort of shroud to tie them to the gauntlets.
Knee darts - air hose connectors again, you could heat them and push&twist them into the blocks on the side of your knees if it's Sintra, (drill a pilot hole just a bit smaller than the threaded part). they come in steel, brass or aluminum in a few sizes, so variety.
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You can also look into those punk clothing spikes, I've got 3 on my gauntlet for "darts".
I got the #2 spike from this etsy seller: https://www.etsy.com/listing/975079595/20pcs-bullet-punk-spikesleather-crafts (https://www.etsy.com/listing/975079595/20pcs-bullet-punk-spikesleather-crafts)
I may have a few more sitting around if I can find them and send them your way
That's a really good idea about the spikes!!! Do you think that arrow heads might work as well?
My gauntlets / vambraces are going to be similar to ursa's and the rest of clan wren.
I bet you can handle scratch-building and adding platforms and housings for your gauntlet weapons - admittedly, a classic Boba wrist rocket might be worth getting a quality resin cast but you could give it a go while you wait for it to ship. Best case, two wrist rockets, worst case, some experience gained.
But other things you can put together with Sintra sheet and a raid on the plumbing and tool aisles at the hardware store:
flamethrower - rectangular Sintra tube and some air hose or plumbing fittings.
Wrist darts - sports ball inflators pushed through holes drilled in the platform.
generic Zappers - pocket air blowers (check Menard's or similar) with some sort of shroud to tie them to the gauntlets.
Knee darts - air hose connectors again, you could heat them and push&twist them into the blocks on the side of your knees if it's Sintra, (drill a pilot hole just a bit smaller than the threaded part). they come in steel, brass or aluminum in a few sizes, so variety.
Thank you. That's a lot of great advice!! I will definitely keep it in mind.
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If you want to mimic the gauntlet darts - my personal opinion is that plastic real life dart tips are the way to go as they are easy to find and super cheap. That's what I used for mine and this is how they look!
(https://i.imgur.com/KtMXPQR.jpg?1)
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If you want to mimic the gauntlet darts - my personal opinion is that plastic real life dart tips are the way to go as they are easy to find and super cheap. That's what I used for mine and this is how they look!
(https://i.imgur.com/KtMXPQR.jpg?1)
I can always use more ideas ;D
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arrow and dart heads would work too, i’ve seen them done on multiple approved kits.
You should think about what overall aesthetics you are going for with your weapons platform (sleek and streamlined, bulky and intimidating, minimalist, etc), and going with one that works well for your gauntlet.
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Really can't give advice because I have the most simple gauntlets ever but I wish you luck!
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arrow and dart heads would work too, i’ve seen them done on multiple approved kits.
You should think about what overall aesthetics you are going for with your weapons platform (sleek and streamlined, bulky and intimidating, minimalist, etc), and going with one that works well for your gauntlet.
I was thinking of doing more sleek gauntlets.
(https://i.imgur.com/qi47NcO.jpg)
Really can't give advice because I have the most
simple gauntlets ever but I wish you luck!
Lol :laugh: Thanks
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I really have no clue which way to go on gauntlets :laugh:
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I really have no clue which way to go on gauntlets :laugh:
That's alright ;D
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Love the concept for your armor in your first post! Cant wait to see more progress on it!
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Love the concept for your armor in your first post! Cant wait to see more progress on it!
Aww Thanks!! I'm not sure if that's the concept I'm going to go with, I have two other ones I have been thinking of doing.
(https://i.imgur.com/lfdIioI.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/HT36w70.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/xbocxEB.png)
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Aww Thanks!! I'm not sure if that's the concept I'm going to go with, I have two other ones I have been thinking of doing.
(https://i.imgur.com/JNw2d3e.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/WVLpRai.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/70KpGIH.png)
Number three.
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I loooooove number 3 :cookie:
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Aww Thanks!! I'm not sure if that's the concept I'm going to go with, I have two other ones I have been thinking of doing.
(https://i.imgur.com/70KpGIH.png)
Woah that number 3 is awesome! :porg2:
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Number three.
Glad to know you like that one. Sorry if the clan Wren symbol dose not look great I photoshopped it in.
I loooooove number 3 :cookie:
Thanks!! :<3:
Woah that number 3 is awesome! :porg2:
Thank you!!! ;D
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Don't worry, my attempt was worse. :laugh:
Im just a poor boy with my paint 3d
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Don't worry, my attempt was worse. :laugh:
Im just a poor boy with my paint 3d
You might not be saying that if you had seen my first time trying it.
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i love looking at the progress you're making!! Great job!!
:maul:
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i love looking at the progress you're making!! Great job!!
:maul:
Thanks vode! ;D
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Love all the designs, but the specifics on three are awesome!
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Love all the designs, but the specifics on three are awesome!
Thanks Aster!!! I appreciate the compliment!
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not sure if anyone mentioned this, but theres a couple good free gauntlet patterns on the MMCC 3D library:
http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?action=store;cat=19 (http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?action=store;cat=19)
could be a good place to start in terms of getting a good base
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not sure if anyone mentioned this, but theres a couple good free gauntlet patterns on the MMCC 3D library:
http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?action=store;cat=19 (http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?action=store;cat=19)
could be a good place to start in terms of getting a good base
Thanks Ishtob!
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So I bought some westar blasters for my kit and I can't to get started working on them. But I do have a quick question about sanding. Should I use bondo when I sand or do I not need it? Anything I should know before I start?
(https://i.imgur.com/DGUkEng.jpg)
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So I bought some westar blasters for my kit and I can't to get started working on them. But I do have a quick question about sanding. Should I use bondo when I sand or do I not need it? Anything I should know before I start?
(https://i.imgur.com/arOnWae.jpg)
I personally would sand some of the spots that might be rough, then apply a thin layer of bondo. Sand that, hit it with some filler primer, and repeat until it looks like you want :porg1:
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I didn’t use any filler when I sanded mine. I kept the plastic completely bare except for some detail work. The Westar 35 is canonically made with a polycarbonate shell, so I chose to highlight that feature of the weapon. As such, I suggest see what you can get away with withou using bonds or any other filler if possible.
(https://i.imgur.com/G1ayPcF.jpg)
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you could get away without bondo or fillers, but it will take significantly longer to clean up. And depending on how well that model is printed, it may not sand out clean ever. Without paint some models still show print lines.
(https://i.imgur.com/caXj1eZ.jpg)
the was 45 minutes of sanding with 120 grit without any fillers, as you can see it's nowhere near ready. Again, depends on the quality of the print.
You can try wood filler or the filler primer spray too, it is easier to work with but a little less durable than bondo.
For me, I sand with 80or 120 grit to get most of the bad print lines out, then thin layer of the filler in spots that have deep defects, repeat 80 or 120 grit, spray filler primer and sand. Repeat until all the print lines are gone. Then I move up to 400 grit -> 600 grit -> west sand 800grit -> wet sand 1000grit
The end goal is to rid the whole print of any evidence of 3D printing
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I like to wet sand my prints a few times before I consider filler. I'm also a fan of adding a resin coat to nearly all my 3-D prints to increase it's durability, but that is by no means a requirement.
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Definitely use filler primer/ spot putty, it’ll make your life so much easier.
The problem with just sanding 3D prints is depending on what material is used, straight sanding would take an extremely long time when compared to other options.
Like others have said I generally hit the bare plastic with 180 grit to knock down any high print lines and then use filler primer and wet sand with 220-400 grit. Any deep or stubborn spots can be filled with spot putty.
Then you can paint any finish you want after the lines are removed.
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Thirded this.
Unless the print is made at the finest detail layer height, sanding isn't an instant fix all to remove layer lines. There is a process to it to make it look less like a 3d print, and sometimes it includes filler agents. If the machine made a specific area uneven, you have to use bondo or any spot putty to fix uneven spots to ensure it's even. Once any metallic paint goes on to it, the layer lines and uneven places become really obvious. Smooth surface, smooth application of fillers and resins, and less likely those lines will look obvious.
Using spray fillers green putty and/or bondo can help with uneven layers, printer hiccups, and any issues that leave an obvious z-axis seam on the object.
Most of my prints are seamless because I pre sand before applying resins and spray fillers to make sure the surface area is even.
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So my method is using filler primer first, before anything. Fills in the weird cracks and gives you a layer of primer to work with. Then just sand and prime and sand and prime. Only use bondo for significant lines or holes and such, sometimes using to much is just a waste and you sand it all off to still have print lines.
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I sand my prints before I do anything else, so the layer lines are smaller before spraying with filler-primer. After that, using Bondo glazing putty to fill major dings that cannot be covered with filler-primer. I always use higher grits and look for dips, lines, or chips in the gloss of the sanded primer. My perspective is 'if you can see it in the gloss, you will see it in the metallic paint.'
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Thank you all so much for your help and advice! I think I will sand a little using 120 then put some wood filler/putty and then sand some more. Then I will probably use 220.
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Su'cuy friends! I'm finally back at working on my kit. I painted my armor and are working on my blaster still. I put way to much putty on it, so I've had a lot to sand down. I also pained my vibroknife which was exciting :porg2:
NOTE: I also by accidently deleted all the pictures I had on imgur which in turn deleted them off my wip and topic. lucky I had some of the pictures saved on my computer but unfortunately the rest got deleted. I did my best to recreate the photos but if they don't match up perfectly that's why.
(https://i.imgur.com/3gdFCCk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wN9aOOw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/X5gWPRt.jpg)
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You're back! That yellow is VIBRANT and I'm here for it. Let's see some more updates this summer.
That's a bummer about the photos - sounds like you were able to resucitate your images for the most part though.
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Great to see you working on this again Triss! ;D
All looks nice to me, especially the westar.
Pity about the pictures, but these onesclook good.
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You're back! That yellow is VIBRANT and I'm here for it. Let's see some more updates this summer.
That's a bummer about the photos - sounds like you were able to resucitate your images for the most part though.
Thanks, I'll try to update more. I should be starting my gauntlets soon and finishing up my blasters. So updates will be coming
Great to see you working on this again Triss! ;D
All looks nice to me, especially the westar.
Pity about the pictures, but these onesclook good.
Thanks vode! The whole picture thing was a pain. Hopefully it won't happen again. ;D
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What sort of gauntlets are you making?
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What sort of gauntlets are you making?
ones that look similar to these
(https://i.imgur.com/qi47NcO.jpg)
I'm going to make them out of a pvc pipe that I got. Hopefully it will go well :laugh:
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Looking forward to seeing them, it might give me some ideas for my own.
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Looking forward to seeing them, it might give me some ideas for my own.
:like:
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Nice progress!!
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Omg your plates look awesome! So glad you're back at it Triss :<3: :<3:
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Nice progress!!
Thank you!
Omg your plates look awesome! So glad you're back at it Triss :<3: :<3:
Aww thank you so much! I'm happy to be back;D
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Hi Triss
How are the gaunts coming on using pvc pipe?
It's hard to work with.
Iam using 6inch underground drainage pipes for my armour plates but 4inch for the gaunts, shoulders, thighs, knees and shins as its thinner and easier to work with.
I put mine in the oven on 120deg till I can see it bending, then you can ply it to what you want with limited time to do so.
You might need a tapered pole similar to the dimensions of your forearms, that's what I found.
Cheers
andy c
Vok'Chi foundling
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Thanks Andy for the advice!! I appreciate it. :D I have not started with my gaunts yet. I have been working on my blasters, holster and knee armor instead. Probably try to save working on the gauntlets till later on cause they are going to be hard to do. :laugh:
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Su'cuy Vods,
I have stuff to update. I finished my leg armor/holsters as well as did my knees. My cape is attached to my vest now to. Note: gun in the picture is just for show not finished. I still need to attach rocket to my knees.
(https://i.imgur.com/325acSH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AQgjyUj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Cm0ztqZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VrbD5yQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/433AOpy.jpg)
What do you guys think of adding grey edging on my shoulder plates and hand armor? Please excuse my bad editing
(https://i.imgur.com/CAAaMiC.jpg)
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Great work, love the thigh plate holsters.
I like the grey edging idea, makes it more interesting to look at :like:
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those are some very well formed plates! loving your build s far.
I think grey edging would look pretty nice, kind of a reverse color theme of the grey with yellow order we see in the show.
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Wonderful progress! :porg2: I'm going to second the yes to the grey edging, I think it would look good.
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Great work, love the thigh plate holsters.
I like the grey edging idea, makes it more interesting to look at :like:
Thank you Karson! :D
those are some very well formed plates! loving your build s far.
I think grey edging would look pretty nice, kind of a reverse color theme of the grey with yellow order we see in the show.
Thank you so much!
Wonderful progress! :porg2: I'm going to second the yes to the grey edging, I think it would look good.
Thank you!! :porg2: Grey edging it is!
Thank you guys all for your opinions and complements!
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I agree with Ishtob, your plates are shaped so precise and perfect looking!
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I agree with Ishtob, your plates are shaped so precise and perfect looking!
Thank you so much! That's such a big compliment!
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Hi Triss
I'am only a foundling but......
I concur, go with the edging adds more detail and deapth to your build.
Plates looks super clean. :D
Cheers
Andy c
Vok'Chi foundling
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Hi Triss
I'am only a foundling but......
I concur, go with the edging adds more detail and deapth to your build.
Plates looks super clean. :D
Cheers
Andy c
Vok'Chi foundling
Thanks Andy!
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I painted my plates with the gray edging. What do you guys think?
(https://i.imgur.com/KEn1kF4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6MBj9Vp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zpbjyfM.jpg)
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The yellow and gray look really good together. Especially since you're building a Wren kit. Very cool!
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Niiiiiiice. :8):
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Looks great :sabine:
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The gray edging was definitely the way to go. :like:
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The yellow and gray look really good together. Especially since you're building a Wren kit. Very cool!
Thank you ruus!
Niiiiiiice. :8):
Thanks!
Looks great :sabine:
Thanks Karson! :boba:
The gray edging was definitely the way to go. :like:
Thanks you! I definitely agree ;D
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I love the new armor! Your plates are shaped so well and the colors you chose are great! Keep it up!
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Thanks Aster!
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Nice work :like:
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Any progress? :cookie:
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Thank you Saba
Hey Vercopaanir,
Thanks for asking I do have a small update.
So I painted my blaster black so I could see what places need more sanding. I'm also working on a little kals vibroknife for fun. I will be adding the mythosaur to the hilt of it. I also have a few questions. I was told by my ruus that I can't use elastic for my holsters, what other material would work well? Also I'm was going to try to make my gauntlet out of a PVC pipe. Is this even possible? Am I crazy? :laugh: what is the main material that you guys like to use for your gauntlets? 3d printing? I have also been considering using the bo katan black series helmet for my kit. Is this excepted? Or allowed? I was thinking that it would be easier for my first helmet sense it's already smooth so I would just be sanding off the paint. And I would also need to make the inside fit my head. What do you guys think?
(https://i.imgur.com/iHYx0BZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IDZBMpz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VDxFLYT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/egwhUw8.jpg)
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Blasters look great, knife is progressing nicely.
I made holsters from leather, the process is actually pretty easy but if you're not feeling like it, you can make integrated boxy holsters on thigh plates like you see in TCW Mando armor. The whole assembly can be done from Sintra; line the gun pockets with a bit of EVA to keep the pistols steady and reduce paint damage.
PVC tube gauntlets are totally possible; the trick is to account for the more cone-shape of human forearms. Cut the two halves apart by cutting out a wedge to adjust the two openings' diameter. There's undoubtedly a YouTube video of people scratch-building gauntlets from PVC pipe and Sintra.
Using a Black Series helmet as a base is totally acceptable, and the BO Katan helmet would be a great choice. Check out tutorials on the forum and online for making adjustments to meet CRLs - there's not a lot needed.
Keep up the good work.
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Thanks Second son!! Great idea about the blasters holster with eva instead! I had not even thought of that.