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Homemade armour?


Moostic

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Now that I've delved around a bit and explored my options, I'm heavily considering attempting to build all the pieces myself, seeing as it would likely be the option that would put the least strain on my wallet. The only pieces I will not be building are the jumpsuit, gloves & boots. They will be bought instead. Modifications will likely need to be made though, which is hardly an issue.

I understand that this option will probably result in a lesser quality suit, due to my lack of experience. It will simply act as a temporary solution until I have built enough experience to build a better quality suit, or until I have the proper amount of funds to buy one.

I plan on using the tried & true method of printing the armour out using Pepakura, accompanied by all the other procedures that come after that. (Fibreglass, Bondo, etc.) So far I have only managed to find a .pdo for the helmet, and no other pieces. I'm not even sure if they exist. If anyone knows where or how I could manufacture my own armour pieces WITHOUT buying a kit, I would be extremely grateful.

So, what is everyone's thoughts and opinions/suggestions? Would I be better off simply buying a kit instead? Is there even a way for me to make all the armour pieces myself?

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5 minutes ago, FarEast said:

First off what armour are you building? Scout or Shore Trooper?

Ah, totally forgot to mention which I am building. Sorry about that!
I am building the Scout Trooper.

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You mentioned in your initial thread that you wanted to join the 501st? While I've seen some 3D printed designs of scout armor, I haven't seen any come up for approval yet. I believe Pathfinder, @MrPoopie has been working on some 3D designs for armor. You could talk to him if you're interested in going that way. As for Pep, I've never seen any work on this site using that method. There might be some additional info on sites like The RPF, but I don't believe any 501st members have been approved with Pep scout armor.

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5 minutes ago, Chopper said:

You mentioned in your initial thread that you wanted to join the 501st? While I've seen some 3D printed designs of scout armor, I haven't seen any come up for approval yet. I believe Pathfinder, @MrPoopie has been working on some 3D designs for armor. You could talk to him if you're interested in going that way. As for Pep, I've never seen any work on this site using that method. There might be some additional info on sites like The RPF, but I don't believe any 501st members have been approved with Pep scout armor.

That is certainly unfortunate. What alternatives do I have, then?

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My 3D printed armor is finished and available for download but I personally haven't put any armor in for approval yet. It has the potential to be be approved but your finish work will need to be good. You'll need to bondo and paint everything to come out with a perfectly smooth finish so it resembles ABS. Take a look and check it out and see if it meets your needs. All 3D files for armor parts and greebles are available for download except the helmet. 

 

https://www.thingiverse.com/MrPoopie/designs

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1 minute ago, MrPoopie said:

My 3D printed armor is finished and available for download but I personally haven't put any armor in for approval yet. It has the potential to be be approved but your finish work will need to be good. You'll need to bondo and paint everything to come out with a perfectly smooth finish so it resembles ABS. Take a look and check it out and see if it meets your needs. All 3D files for armor parts and greebles are available for download except the helmet. 

 

https://www.thingiverse.com/MrPoopie/designs

Unfortunately, I do not have a 3D printer, so 3D printing is not an option for me. Unless there was some way of converting these into .pdo's.

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Yeah, I mean I'm definitely sympathetic to trying to save costs, but buying a set of armor is pretty much your only practical option for a 501st approved scout.

 

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I agree with Chopper. Also, anything with low poly designs such as Pepkura would more than likely never pass approval. 

You might look into a Maker Space in your area and see if you could get access to a 3D printer or other tools that might help you with your build. 

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12 minutes ago, MrPoopie said:

I agree with Chopper. Also, anything with low poly designs such as Pepkura would more than likely never pass approval. 

You might look into a Maker Space in your area and see if you could get access to a 3D printer or other tools that might help you with your build. 

I'll do some looking around and see what turns up. Otherwise, I suppose I should probably just chip in like everyone else has.

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After carefully weighing my options (followed by a quick check of how much is in my wallet) I've decided that while I do not have a 3D printer, it is entirely possible to commission someone locally to print them for me. It is (theoretically) a lot cheaper than buying a full kit, whilst still achieving the same key goals and criteria.
I'll do some more investigation, and come back with a more conclusive answer in the near future.

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Before you commission someone check your local library. The library here has 3D printers available for use and all you have to pay for is the material you use. I have printed parts there and had the staff prints parts for me at a very low cost.

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1 hour ago, Zugor said:

I downloaded MrPoopie's files. I am planning to make a kit for myself and replacement parts for my wife's older Kropserkel kit. Thanks Justin!

Glad to hear it. Keep me updated with how it's turning out or if you have any questions. Most parts are made to be scalable so make sure you measure before you print to get everything to look and sit as good as you can for your size. Scaling down has its drawbacks though, so just be aware of slots for straps and greebles and such. Scaling up is a more forgiving.

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1 hour ago, Zugor said:

I downloaded MrPoopie's files. I am planning to make a kit for myself and replacement parts for my wife's older Kropserkel kit. Thanks Justin!

Nice. Be sure to keep us updated on how it turns out. 

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  • 6 months later...

Hey MrPoopie, I just finished 3D printing your complete scout trooper armor and they look very accurate! I had a SC set a long time ago but I gave it to my brother. Here is a pic of the 3D printed back armor. I am planning to primer, sand and fiberglass the pieces to make them stronger and able to withstand the stresses of trooping in it.

 

20190113_211351-1.jpg

Edited by tb2253
Additional information.
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