First Time ROTJ Scout - Help Welcome!

[jtshoger]

Hey y’all,

So this is my first time building ANY costume at all, let alone a 501st armor build. I’ve started with the 3D printing for the armor, and I’d welcome any tips and comments along the way. Starting with the helmet first.

[BikerScout007]

24 minutes ago, jtshoger said:

Hey y’all,

So this is my first time building ANY costume at all, let alone a 501st armor build. I’ve started with the 3D printing for the armor, and I’d welcome any tips and comments along the way. Starting with the helmet first.

Hey Josiah!  Joining the Pathfinders was my first time doing any of this stuff either.  We will get you through it!

And even though I live in sunny Los Angeles, I am a native Marylander, born and raised.  So hey, man!  How bout dem O's?

As far as 3D printing, make sure you are starting at a good place.  There are a lot of STLs out there for Scout armor, but many of them have issues that keep them from being approved.   For armor your best choices are MrPoopie or ChristhePropGuy.  For helmet, ChristhepPropGuy or Jesus Salmeron

Any other questions?  ASK!

[woobiee]

Welcome fellow Marylander! It was my first time too when I started and I can say everyone here is super helpful -- you're in good hands here!

Hope to see ya around at some troops.

[Chopper]

Hey, welcome Josiah. I'm also in Maryland. Listen to Mickey about the 3D armor files! And please let us know if you have any questions as you progress through your build!

[M.J]

Hi ya Josh and Welcome.. not really sure in the 3D department though I can assist when you start your soft parts

[jtshoger]

Hey again everyone,

I have completed the printing for the Scout helmet. Next phase is sanding! Any tips on the sanding process? 

[Chopper]

I generally do a once over with 220 grit sandpaper for overall smoothing. Then you can either use XTC 3D or filler primer (Rustoleum 2 in 1 filler and sandable primer) to fill in and remove the print lines.

XTC 3D is resin based. Filler primer is sorta like spray on bondo and can take a few coats of spraying and sanding to get rid of the print lines. I do a spray, then a wet sand with 400 grit and then spray and sand again.

[jtshoger]

The armor is now in my hands! Base helmet, visor, face plate, chin strap, and 2 pins are what I have to work with now. Now starts the sanding. Oh boy…

[woobiee]

Do mask up in a well ventilated environment --  maybe even have some eye protection!

[Retrofire]

42 minutes ago, woobiee said:

Do mask up in a well ventilated environment --  maybe even have some eye protection!

Andy is dead on! Recommend a dust mask at the minimum and eye protection to keep grit/dust out of your eyes. As a long time modeller working with resins and plastics you want to protect yourself.

[jtshoger]

Does anyone have suggestions on sanding methods? Should I be doing it all by hand or  is there a point where a power sander would be handy?

[Retrofire]

A power sander may be the way to start to do the rough sanding then move to hand for the clean up work. Just be sure to keep a closer eye on the surfaces when using a power sander to ensure you don't overdo it.