So i finally got time to upload some of the progress pics I have to photobucket. I know its been some time since I updated this thread. Iv been working a lot of over time to pay for a backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon with the wife. I have a of pics so I'll be posting them in groups to make it easier on my computer. (it's getting old and runs slow)
Here is how I made the templets for the chest. I use this method for the whole build so I probably wont post too many pics unless asked for.
First I used my Ducktape Form and draw what I want the armor to look like. This can take some time to get the proportions right. First I covered the form in tin foil then ducktape, making sure that i was not making too many creases in the tape.
Next I take off the tape and clean up the lines. I then trace the pattern onto some heavy paper. This paper will be what I use to transfer the pattern onto the foam.
(note: the foam takes up more space than the paper so you will need to add some length when making patterns this way. Bill Doran uses a foam measuring stick to compensate for this. You can look up this )
Youtube vedios to help.)
At this point I label and transfer the pattern onto the foam. Make sure you have a LEFT and RIGHT side. To do this just flip over the paper pattern.
I then do this for the back of the armor. When I was looking at reference pics I could see that the back was different so I had to make new patterns using the same method.
Next I cut out the next layer armor for the tape pattern. Following the same process only this time I traced the tape onto a folded peace of paper. When I was done tracing I just cut out the pattern and unfolded it. I used a ruler to add back some of the details that were on the tape pattern.
I keep cutting down patterns I made and added detail to. This was I have a pattern for each peace I make. I sand off the texture on the EVA foam and use contact cement to affix the layers together.
I'll post more later showing how I made the shoulders and back. Feel free to ask questions.