First Build, May be a bit mixed

[ThePlebPanda]

Im building my own spartan costume using files from MoeSizzlac (you're the goat btw), im going to be using MC armor from halo 3 and a recruit helmet from halo 4. I have a close friend who is helping me 3d print these pieces out of PETG. do you guys have any tips for gluing pieces together and also smoothing the print lines? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Cadet]

I would recommend checking out our Tutorial Index:

Tutorial Index

Tutorial Index This index is a gateway to a wealth of knowledge shared by community members here at the 405th. Each of the tutorials below was created by a community member who wanted to share their own expert tips, strategies, and creative solutions with all of you! This index is updated...

www.405th.com

You will find tutorials on both of those topics there, as well as plenty of other aspects of armor building.

 

[billeybob250]

hello,
i do believe i am doing the same armor set files you may be doing. i did out of PLA (its what i had on hand PETG is widely considered better). I look forward to seeing your progress. I used 2 part CA glue its like super glue but it has a spray activator so it sets almost instantly. for seams bondo and sanding are probably going to be your main go to's but i would definitely read over that tutorial cadet linked.

 

[Bargo]

Hey!


It really depends on what part you’re trying to glue or smooth. Here’s how I usually go about it, based on what’s worked for me so far:

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Gluing & Connecting Parts​

• Small details or thin areas:
  → I use super glue with an activator spray – quick and holds strong for light pieces.
• Larger surfaces:
  → I go with 2-part epoxy glue. It’s reliable for structural or load-bearing connections.
• Thin shells or wall sections:
  → I usually tack them in place with super glue, then weld them together using a 3D printing pen or a soldering iron.
  If the part will be under stress, I reinforce it with metal – either using metal rods made for this purpose or just bent paperclips, which I melt into the plastic with a soldering iron and seal it over with matching filament.

---

Smoothing & Sanding​

This depends heavily on your print quality – especially the areas with heavy support.

1. Rough areas (especially under supports):
   → I sometimes go over them gently with a soldering iron to smooth things out a bit.
2. My usual sanding steps:
   • Start with 80 grit for rough shaping
   • Then move to 120 grit
   • First coat of spray filler/primer
   • For seams: use Bondo or automotive filler (depends on what you have access to)
   • Sand with 240 to 400 grit dry
   • Another layer of spray filler
   • Then move to wet sanding with 400–800 grit

You can go finer depending on how perfect you want the finish and how clean your prints are.

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Extra Tips​

• Check out Galactic Armory’s videos – really great sanding/finishing tutorials.
• And don’t forget to read through some tutorials here in the forum – there’s a lot of great info.
• Oh, and my number one tip:
  Put something on in the background while sanding – a series, podcast, or audiobook.
  Otherwise, you’ll go insane

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Best of luck and most importantly – enjoy the process!
Would love to see your progress pics when you have some!


~ Bargo

 

[xaero]

Im building my own spartan costume using files from MoeSizzlac (you're the goat btw), im going to be using MC armor from halo 3 and a recruit helmet from halo 4. I have a close friend who is helping me 3d print these pieces out of PETG. do you guys have any tips for gluing pieces together and also smoothing the print lines? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

No advice but I think your armor is going to look awesome!