Scrath Building Guidelines

[bobvdijk]

Hello everybody

i was thinking to make this for a while, so here it is, step by step

Thinking what you wanna make

Think what you wanna do, and if it's do-able for you



picking out a method

Pick a method you want to use, here are a some examples

[attachment=16310:Scratchbuilding guidelines.png]



refrence

search for alot of refrenze, this can be something simple as an in game image,

to something advanced like a 3d model



templates

Draw, buy or download all the templates you need \

For pepakura you could use eppakura filed, and if you're not a very good drawer

Spartan II (click me) made some great blueprints and templates



Start building!

For the buiding, and what you gonna need, check the image abov



Member sumbitted tips:

Mustang2500:

- I like to start the "skeleton" of the weapon (or armour, although I have never done it) with a fairly strong, but thin, easy to shape, and readily available material. MDF board is very good for this.

- For fairly simple projects, use foam board to build up the body. The best way to use foam board is layering, but requires a fair bit.

- Foam board is covered in paper, which is not affected by resin. However, when resin contacts the inside, a very small amount of damage may occur. (This varies by brands)

- I do not like to use resin on foam board or wood. Body filler will do just fine.

- Wood is very strong, and holds it's shape. However, it's fairly hard to cut (depending on what you're cutting) and is too heavy for hot glue. (Wood glue or a nail gun should be used)

- Lighter material (such as paper, bristol board, and foam board) can be easily damaged, and cutting proper angles is somewhat of an issue. (Such as curves on the edges, or a beveled edge) However, these are very cheap and can be cut very easily. It's flexibility also makes it a first choice for some builds.

- When building, always, ALWAYS keep your edges and faces smooth and flat. Bondo should be applied in the lightest coats possible. This way, sharp edges are kept, and sanding will be much easier.

- Try to do separate pieces of a project at a time when using Bondo. This means more attention can be put into the current part, and it will turn out better.

- To get the best detail with Bondo, mix a small amount and use less hardener to increase curing time. This allows you to waste less, and gives you more time to shape it the way you want.

- Don't get too ahead of yourself. Plan carefully.

- Make sure you leave room for wires and electronics if needed.

Bob

[mustang2500]

I like the table you have, and you have a few good points. However, I feel like it needs some more detail, such as personal preferences, how to use the right tools, the steps, etc.



If we can add more detail and information from other users (preferably scratch builders, like myself and you) I see this being very useful to noobs.



EDIT: Here's some tips of my own.



- I like to start the "skeleton" of the weapon (or armour, although I have never done it) with a fairly strong, but thin, easy to shape, and readily available material. MDF board is very good for this.



- For fairly simple projects, use foam board to build up the body. The best way to use foam board is layering, but requires a fair bit.



- Foam board is covered in paper, which is not affected by resin. However, when resin contacts the inside, a very small amount of damage may occur. (This varies by brands)



- I do not like to use resin on foam board or wood. Body filler will do just fine.



- Wood is very strong, and holds it's shape. However, it's fairly hard to cut (depending on what you're cutting) and is too heavy for hot glue. (Wood glue or a nail gun should be used)



- Lighter material (such as paper, bristol board, and foam board) can be easily damaged, and cutting proper angles is somewhat of an issue. (Such as curves on the edges, or a beveled edge) However, these are very cheap and can be cut very easily. It's flexibility also makes it a first choice for some builds.



- When building, always, ALWAYS keep your edges and faces smooth and flat. Bondo should be applied in the lightest coats possible. This way, sharp edges are kept, and sanding will be much easier.



- Try to do separate pieces of a project at a time when using Bondo. This means more attention can be put into the current part, and it will turn out better.



- To get the best detail with Bondo, mix a small amount and use less hardener to increase curing time. This allows you to waste less, and gives you more time to shape it the way you want.



- Don't get too ahead of yourself. Plan carefully.



- Make sure you leave room for wires and electronics if needed.



This is all I can think of at the moment. I will add some more later if I can think of more.

[Warpath5150]

Foam board is GREAT for scratch builders who have a small budget, or even not. My build, im almost using 100% foam board, ands its doing decent so far (started 4 days ago)

[MikelCaboose]

Spartan II (click me) where it lead to i click and it go to forum page

[Dh748]

yeah, sorry man have to agree with mustang. It needs ALOT of work, to be honest its almost like you're saying "to foam build, pick a idea. Know that idea, and do it"

you should structure it with main ideas and points I.E.

You will need materials like an x acto knife, foam board or cardboard for example. some kind of adhesive, and reference to run it off of. Make sure you know what you're bulding before you build it etc etc."

It also could use some revision. . . sorry to list all of the points on that. heck I dont even scratch build but it is a kind thought to put it together.