www.TK560.com

tubachris85x · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:24 pm Post subject:

Alrighty then!

I managed to get the pic scanned finnally. I wish I could have made it a bit larger, but my photoshop skills arent all there yet. LMK what you think in comparison!

-tubachris
_________________

tubachris85x · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 5:00 pm Post subject:

I finnally got off my rear and did something productive and got most of the biceps done. The only thing left is I want to add a thin pice of flat wood, just like the stuff I got for the hand guards. On the trapzoid (outside trapazoidal box where the two pieces will meet) and the front rectangular section between the angled section and the curve of the inside, is where I will add the wood to raise the details and make it cleaner looking. That'll be it for the biceps once I do that. Next up, the shoulder armor!

-tubachris
_________________

tubachris85x · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 11:11 am Post subject:

I have started to design the shouldr armor today, and the hardest part of this, is getting the size of it right in comparison to my size. Some things that have to be considered is the proper curvature on the top and bottom (from the front) and the length. In the reference I have, it sticks out a few inches from the end of the actual shoulder. Here is a picture of the design compared to me. I apologize, no one around to take the pic for me, but I had to improvise. Also, its hard to see te full size, because its laying slightly at an angle on my shoulder, its actually larger than it looks...I just need some feedback and recommendations. Thanks

-tubachris
_________________

tubachris85x · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:21 pm Post subject:

Okay, well after much procrastination, I started the mold. I already have the first 8 layers, but it used a whole sheet of MDF (i only get to work with one sheet at a time) so I'll need to get another this week. I did do some more "research" (really just staring at the shoulder of the DT while playing the game) and did realize that it is not cut off as I one thought. It comes to a rounded point. The layer posted in the pic is what I believe the accurate shape (if looking from the top). All im going to say, this is going to be a large mold. The longest length is 1 ft, and after its done is going to be 7 1/2" tall. Very big amor piece.

-tubachris
_________________

jegner · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:17 am Post subject:

Keep us updated! Looking good!

I run through MDF pretty fast too. Currentyl on the second Endor Donut mold.

Jim

tubachris85x · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:31 am Post subject:

jegner · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:42 am Post subject:

Endor Commando Donut, part of the headgear, as seen in Return of the Jedi.

Jim

tubachris85x · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:04 am Post subject:

Oh, the rebal headgear that they wear? I was thinking that may have been it, but wasnt sure. I would like to see that when its done!

-tubachris
_________________

tubachris85x · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:20 pm Post subject:

Almost as big as my foot...

_________________

CJanssen · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 8:58 pm Post subject:

OH the joys of mold making !!
Keep up the fine work.

tubachris85x · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:36 pm Post subject:

For any of you guys going to CIV, (I cant-no money/transportation:cry ) I just found out that they are going to have a 501st panel with representatives of each class. The special ops COG will be making a presentation, and is going to include pictures of the helmet progress and will make note of it being a battle front dark trooper, also will put my full name with it for credit. Yes, I have a last name, but you'll never figure out my middle (for those that actualy see the presenation) I may not be there, but im happy that my project will be getting more attention.

-tubachris
_________________

tubachris85x · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:46 pm Post subject:

Well upon further thought and planning, I have decided im going to scratch build an oven for the vac-former. I went to home depot and picked up some hardibacker 1/2" cement board, 15amp plug, switch box, 20 amp switch and only 10 ft of 10-2 G romex wire. I still need to get the nichrome wire, ceramic posts and the appropriate screw and such. I have most of it, but I need to get the last parts online.

-tubachris

(And I have no idea what Im getting myself into..)
_________________

jegner · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:52 pm Post subject:

The oven is not too hard to do. Scary to think about, but not hard to actually do.

The Thurston James design works well for the size holding frames us trooper armor makers require, and no 'off-the-shelf' solution is cheaper than the nichrome wire and ceramic post option. IMHO.

Here is a link that might help:

http://www.tk560.com/vactable4.html look at the module 4 section.

Jim

tubachris85x · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 6:37 pm Post subject:

jegner · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 8:20 pm Post subject:

The layout is really hit or miss, but if I recall correctly, the outer band is 1 inch apart, and the inner ones are 2 inches. At least that will get you started. It took me a time or two to get it right. Remember, the base of your oven is 28 inches square. The chimney or oven walls are just sitting there on the oven floor. I can take them off, replace, mod, etc.

Jim