Propcustomz
Member
1. The more hardener you add, the faster it will cure. This is also affected by humidity.
2. Bondo creates an exothermic reaction. Meaning; it generates heat when it cures. Not unlike fiberglass resin, plaster, urethanes, etc. Don't get it on your skin. If you do, wash it off before it starts to set, it can burn you.
3. Bondo will ruin your clothes. Wear old ones.
4. Bondo smells bad, and has harmfull chemicals in it(some known to the state of California to cause cancer and other birth defects)...But what doesn't cause that, according to California? All kidding aside, WEAR A RESPIRATOR, and only use in a well ventilated area.
5. Never put it on your pets(Just to cover ALL grounds). You never know with some people :/
6. Wood carving tools work wonders for getting corners, and details just right. Where the dremel or sander just can't get into. Especially for carving lines or reccessed areas. Files are also a great tool for getting smooth edges where precision is key. You can also make your own custom tools with a bar stock and dremel. They're wonderful.
7. Measure measure measure! Symmetry can be achieved by eye with practice. But perfect symmetry can be achieved by using a fabric measuring tape. They come in dead handy for getting that ever so illusive symmetry. Caliphers can also come in handy for that as well.
8. Bondo can be removed very quickly with an orbital sander. Sometimes to quickly, be patient. I use 80 grit to take down the bulk. Then when I have the shape that I want and it is smooth, I switch to 120 grit. After that, use a sanding sponge. You get get a wonderful surface with that. If you are molding it, you have a very smooth master to mold and do whatever damage to the casts that you want. If you're not molding it and you want a battle damaged look, well then a smooth surface is not what you want.
9. This stuff takes time and practice, use plenty of both. The internet is an endless pit, full of information...Use it. Don't rush yourself, take the time you need to get it right. The end result will be worth it. You want something to be proud of, and you will if you take the time to get everything just right.
10. Try starting from scratch with the poster board instead of using someones pep files. Yes it takes more time. Yes it is harder. But what happens if there isn't a pep of a piece you want to make? I love the idea of using pep files(haven't used one yet) just as much as the next guy. But it is just so gratifying to start from ground zero and work up to a finished piece. Plus it will only make you better
Hope you guys enjoyed my topic. It was my first one like this, so let me know what you think. Also feel free to check out my Security helmet WIP(link in my signature). It was started from scratch as I discussed.
2. Bondo creates an exothermic reaction. Meaning; it generates heat when it cures. Not unlike fiberglass resin, plaster, urethanes, etc. Don't get it on your skin. If you do, wash it off before it starts to set, it can burn you.
3. Bondo will ruin your clothes. Wear old ones.
4. Bondo smells bad, and has harmfull chemicals in it(some known to the state of California to cause cancer and other birth defects)...But what doesn't cause that, according to California? All kidding aside, WEAR A RESPIRATOR, and only use in a well ventilated area.
5. Never put it on your pets(Just to cover ALL grounds). You never know with some people :/
6. Wood carving tools work wonders for getting corners, and details just right. Where the dremel or sander just can't get into. Especially for carving lines or reccessed areas. Files are also a great tool for getting smooth edges where precision is key. You can also make your own custom tools with a bar stock and dremel. They're wonderful.
7. Measure measure measure! Symmetry can be achieved by eye with practice. But perfect symmetry can be achieved by using a fabric measuring tape. They come in dead handy for getting that ever so illusive symmetry. Caliphers can also come in handy for that as well.
8. Bondo can be removed very quickly with an orbital sander. Sometimes to quickly, be patient. I use 80 grit to take down the bulk. Then when I have the shape that I want and it is smooth, I switch to 120 grit. After that, use a sanding sponge. You get get a wonderful surface with that. If you are molding it, you have a very smooth master to mold and do whatever damage to the casts that you want. If you're not molding it and you want a battle damaged look, well then a smooth surface is not what you want.
9. This stuff takes time and practice, use plenty of both. The internet is an endless pit, full of information...Use it. Don't rush yourself, take the time you need to get it right. The end result will be worth it. You want something to be proud of, and you will if you take the time to get everything just right.
10. Try starting from scratch with the poster board instead of using someones pep files. Yes it takes more time. Yes it is harder. But what happens if there isn't a pep of a piece you want to make? I love the idea of using pep files(haven't used one yet) just as much as the next guy. But it is just so gratifying to start from ground zero and work up to a finished piece. Plus it will only make you better
Hope you guys enjoyed my topic. It was my first one like this, so let me know what you think. Also feel free to check out my Security helmet WIP(link in my signature). It was started from scratch as I discussed.
