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[Bogue]

Greetings everyone.
I could use some advice on how to build the "cheek" area. It has angles, but it's curved as well. I've been doing some trial and error this evening. But it's late & time for bed. I've built a few helmets before, but went with the traditional Fett style cheek area.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[The Bearded Mando]

looks like you may have to start with a flat pattern then dart the sharper angles (like in dress making). i used hot glue on the outside of the cheeks on my helmet, the spot glued the curve as i held it in position. hope that helps. using a bucket that has the curve built in might help too.

[Syko Voss]

Best advice I can give is not to do the shaping work on your own - my wife and I worked together on scratch building our helmets (see our WIP) and having an extra pair of hands/eyes on fiddly things like forming the cheeks (which are by far the trickiest part) made it all the more possible. Be assured that even if you have trouble making the curves match it's possible to even things out and correct any sins with Bondo/filler and sanding afterwards.
Best of luck - it'll be all downhill after the cheeks I promise!

[Bogue]

Thank you, I'll try darting the pattern & see if I can get an extra set of hands to help. :-)

[IWantToBelieve]

If you want them to be angled, I'd suggest just making a plate or each section, like, at each intersection point, you start a new piece. So in total 5 pieces, by the looks of it. Then you can trace the shape of the inner cheek from where each of them meet. I tried using one piece, and even darting, and it didn't come out right, and I wasted more material than was necessary.

If you want it to look curved, though, I'd say, get one long piece, and just bend it at each intersection, and then dart afterward. Helps if you do it with regular, thin paper first, that way you have more give, and it's more malleable. Hope that helps!

[Raestin Ke'Varek]

^^^ This.  I would also suggest using a separate piece for each section.  Like Skekkesh said, use some hot glue to spot weld each piece in place, then once all of the upper cheek pieces are set, use them to make a template for the single, lower cheek piece. Good luck, that looks like it's gonna be a stunning helmet when it's done!

[Bowfanny]

I personally think you can do the upper section separate from the flat section of the cheek base. The easiest way I know to do the complex areas you have there is make a paler template first. Use the original pattern and add in your squared off sections. I'd say addition is the name of the game, as in for each little squared area you added in add the width of the inset plus double (each side depth) for the bends by simply cutting a wedge shape piece and inserting it into the premade cheek part. If you would like visuals I can do that.

Edit:
I went ahead and made a mock up of what I was saying.









Now by having the inserts taper it allows you to keep the same base cheek while adding in the details you want. let me know if you need any further assistance!

[Bogue]

Thanks guys! You all rock! I've been attempting the separate pieces, and trying to match them all up. Once I figure this out I'll post pics.
Thank you again!

[Syko Voss]

That's a really neat idea - cursing that we didn't think of that...  (logging that little tip away for the next set of custom buckets!)

[Raestin Ke'Varek]

Further proof that Bowfanny is the **** when it comes to helmets.   8)

[Bowfanny]

Further proof that Bowfanny is the **** when it comes to helmets.   8)

It's fun to think outside the box Vod! Lol

Thanks guys! You all rock! I've been attempting the separate pieces, and trying to match them all up. Once I figure this out I'll post pics.
Thank you again!

Use cardstock and make the parts androgen trace the taped together parts all together and make a new template then fold and attach it to the helmet and fiberglass it all at once.

[Bogue]

Thank you again everyone! I greatly appreciate the advice and help you all have me. It took me way too long to figure this out but I got it in the end. I eventually used aluminum foil, carefully placed it in there, and shaped it to the basic form I was attempting to get. Marked it up with a sharpie, flattened it out, glued it to cardboard and I had my stencil.

[Adenn'Kal]

I like the look of your visor vod. I'll follow this tread with interest.

[Bogue]

Thanks! :-)

[Bowfanny]

Well that was the easier of the two outlines to do! good job Vod.

[Kavryn Falco]

That looks fantastic! Great work, vod. This should turn out well

[Raestin Ke'Varek]

Wow, that is so awesome!! That is going to be a beautiful helmet!!

[Bogue]

Thanks! I always appreciate and enjoy compliments. I'll be sure to continue with updates and photos. Please stay tuned :-)

[Bogue]

I've been working on the key slot today. Of course have some filler work to do with bondo.

[Kavryn Falco]

Oooh that's nice. Very unique, I like it!

[Bowfanny]

Very nice!

[Bogue]

Thank you! :-)

[Raestin Ke'Varek]

Holy moly. That key slot is SWEET!!!

[Bogue]

Most of yesterday & today was spent applying bondo. Bondo, sand, bondo, sand, repeat a hundred times. I am almost finished with the bondo. Still have a bit to go.
When I get home from work tonight I'll be sanding & spot puttying all night long.

[Bowfanny]

Looking fantastic Vod keep at it!