WIP Reach Mk V foam and pep build

ToxicRob434 · Sep 29, 2016

So to begin with, this isn't my first build. My first build was Mjolnir gen II, which looked like this:

I wasn't satisfied with it because I didn't fill the obvious seams, I didn't seal the foam properly, and i completely rushed the helmet. So i decided to take a step back to the Mk V armor and make a completely different suit. So far I've completed the chest piece and I'm currently working on cutting out the biceps.

I'll be using contact cement for everything because it's a stronger join and the seams are less noticeable.
*EDIT*
All my files were found on the file archive, if it's worth the mention.

Sturmwulfe · Sep 30, 2016

Looks very nice! Also working on a Spartan 3 so I'm looking forward to see how that goes for the both of us!

ToxicRob434 · Oct 1, 2016

Sturmwulfe said:
Looks very nice! Also working on a Spartan 3 so I'm looking forward to see how that goes for the both of us!

Lemme know how yours turns out dude

Ruby · Oct 1, 2016

Looks good! I know you've learned this but take your time! There is no rush!

ToxicRob434 · Oct 1, 2016

Update time! A major problem with my last suit was that i didn't properly seal the foam. Meaning not at all, rookie mistake. So, in between cutting and gluing pieces for the bicep I decided to test a sealing method.
This little piece is the product of 2 layers of watered down latex caulk and 5 layers of plasti dip.

I think this method will work just fine, if anyone has any others ideas lemme know.

PinnacleCosplay · Oct 1, 2016

Looks like you are going to get a nice smooth surface with your sealing method. How does it flex? Do you get any crease lines from it?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ToxicRob434 · Oct 2, 2016

PinnacleCosplay said:
Looks like you are going to get a nice smooth surface with your sealing method. How does it flex? Do you get any crease lines from it?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can bend it a full 180 and it wont form a crease when it snaps back.

PinnacleCosplay · Oct 2, 2016

ToxicRob434 said:
I can bend it a full 180 and it wont form a crease when it snaps back.
View attachment 32132

Awesome! I might have to try this out! Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Reclaimara · Oct 2, 2016

Sealing foam with latex works very well and is commonly used too.
I recommend checking PunishedProps on YouTube, they have very helpful videos.

TurboCharizard · Oct 2, 2016

CommanderPalmer said:
Sealing foam with latex works very well and is commonly used too.
I recommend checking PunishedProps on YouTube, they have very helpful videos.

Recently Punished Props released a video where they ran through a bunch of different common methods of sealing foam and did some basic stress tests on them which is extremely handy since you can basically gauge the method on your price point/ability/material requirements and have some insight into how the finished product will turn out.

ToxicRob434 · Oct 4, 2016

Badabing I made some progress. Took longer than I would've liked honestly.

And a look at the front of it

They turned out a bit tight so what I'll end up doing is slicing the inner part and add a small expansion piece.

ToxicRob434 · Oct 10, 2016

Six days of no progress up until now. I'm assembling the forearm and it seems rather large on the back end but it'll be fine.

I did have to step away from contact cement because of how difficult it would have been for certain areas like this.

I've found that in areas where you need to glue have three edges surrounding it, it's best to hot glue it but be careful about it and to keep edges flush.

Freefall · Oct 10, 2016

Thoughts on superglue for those tight areas? I'm hot gluing 99% of my first suit due to time constraints, but the next one will be as much contact cement as I can, as I won't be stressed for time.

Everything is looking really good. Can't wait to see the progress/ completion

PinnacleCosplay · Oct 11, 2016

Freefall said:
Thoughts on superglue for those tight areas? I'm hot gluing 99% of my first suit due to time constraints, but the next one will be as much contact cement as I can, as I won't be stressed for time.

Everything is looking really good. Can't wait to see the progress/ completion

I used superglue for those exact pieces on the arm and it's held up really well! I did reinforce it with hot glue after it was cured just to be sure but I haven't had any issues and I wear my armor a lot.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Godwolfen · Oct 11, 2016

Any problems with hot glue melting in hot weather? Or do you use high-temp hot glue?

TurboCharizard · Oct 12, 2016

Godwolfen said:
Any problems with hot glue melting in hot weather? Or do you use high-temp hot glue?

I've had vinyl transfers start to peel up in 30'C heat with direct sun but I've never had hot glue start to let go. I'm not sure what the temperature extremes are for your neck of the woods but I wouldn't imagine it to be an issue for you even without high temperature glue.

ToxicRob434 · Oct 13, 2016

Freefall said:
Thoughts on superglue for those tight areas? I'm hot gluing 99% of my first suit due to time constraints, but the next one will be as much contact cement as I can, as I won't be stressed for time.

Everything is looking really good. Can't wait to see the progress/ completion

I considered super glue but contact cement came in much larger batches. And i believe it's stronger could be wrong though.

ToxicRob434 · Oct 13, 2016

I keep forgetting to take more progress pics. Eh whatever I'll do it later. Anyway I made the GUNGIR shoulder pieces in about two hours

They turned out nice but im gonna layer up more foam to give it a bit more pop

I'm gonna slap the UGPS, made out of foam onto a forearm next. I'll stick an old phone under it and run a video for a few hours on it to give it a "tactical" feel.

ToxicRob434 · Oct 19, 2016

Haven't updated in awhile so here's one now. Decided to scrap the UGPS idea until much later when I detail everything. I traced all the individual pieces for cod piece three days ago.

I really hate the tracing stage for each part. It's unbearably tedious. It took about two days to cut out all of them because I was being as precise as possible.

On to gluing!

ToxicRob434 · Oct 22, 2016

Gluing was an absolute pain and took too long but that's what i get for choosing contact cement

I was able to do a quick fitting test to see if it sits right. I had to take it apart so the contact cement didn't completely set. It's kinda snug and I'm gonna have to use webbing's on the butt plate to make it travel friendly.

I think it sits in the right place. What do you guys think? (sorry about how blurry it is btw.)
A little over halfway there its all downhill from here.

WIP Reach Mk V foam and pep build

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

Member

New Member

Member

Sr Member

RXO and BCO

New Member

New Member

New Member

Member

Member

RXO and BCO

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

Similar threads

Similar threads