Well its not that I dont want to build it myself, its that I dont have a working space to do it in, I live in a small duplex for rent here in LA, and im lacking in tools though i suppose my Uncle and Cousin might be interested in this as a project, all right people ill take on the challenge,
where would i begin in recreating my Armor from Reach?
When I started my project my 2 work spaces were:
(1.) my computer desk for getting my files, cutting, folding and gluing.
(2.) And a piece of wood over my laundry tube for applying the smooth cast 321 ( resin ). I now have replaced the tub with a 2.5'x3' work top and have plenty of space for 1-2 pieces and my tools.
If you go with a foam build you can pretty much work anywhere, and/or if you work with resin (depending on what type) you will need a work surface that You don't worry about slopping stuff on. Good ventilation is highly looked for when doing most resin.
BTW one quick question, does the armor have any chance of standing up to Paintball?
Paintball - Yes - Most paintball vest back in the 80's were just thin foam so a foam build will work easily, but might be a little bulky depending on what build style you go with. This will probably require allot more strapping, gluing and fitting/sizing than a regular build just to keep it from falling apart while running and rolling around. It will wear out fast, and need to be fixed often.
Airsoft - No - As seen on the forums here there are a few people that have made armor that could hold up to this type of high power'd hits, but all claim that they are way to heavy/bulky to be running around in and not worth the safety risk to go any further. (this is what Ive been told for Airsoft, I haven't played it. And it seem as there are a few different types of weapons and/or ammo for this.)
All in all I personally would say read the forums and try a regular build before even thinking of using this type armor in any activity. This come from a guy whom has played allot of paintball wearing just a hood and safety glasses before they came out with helmets or any armor. I still have some of the old classic weapons in a footlocker some were. But I wouldn't wast my money building a suit for paintball.
That said, I hope that you do try a build and find that you really enjoy this hobby as much as the rest of us. And when you do please post it, I'd love to see what you come up with.
