jtshoger Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikerScout007 Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woobiee Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M.J Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 Hi ya Josh and Welcome.. not really sure in the 3D department though I can assist when you start your soft parts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtshoger Posted February 22, 2022 Author Share Posted February 22, 2022 Hey again everyone, I have completed the printing for the Scout helmet. Next phase is sanding! Any tips on the sanding process? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtshoger Posted February 28, 2022 Author Share Posted February 28, 2022 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… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woobiee Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 Do mask up in a well ventilated environment -- maybe even have some eye protection! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retrofire Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtshoger Posted February 28, 2022 Author Share Posted February 28, 2022 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retrofire Posted March 1, 2022 Share Posted March 1, 2022 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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