Laser Etching Machine

[SaiNumeri]

Ok, I was buzzing around on youtube and saw the site, so I just had to join! Now that that's aside, I was just wondering if(and im sure i'll get flamed later about not posting in the specific forum, if there is such a forum) anyone thought about using one of them laser cutting machines to manufacture the parts used in either molding a set of armor, or using the machine to cut the parts themselves out of plastic($$$$or aluminum, which would be kickass if done then powder-coated$$$$) and if someone had, how much would said project run?

Ive seen one of these laser etchers and some of the work its capable of(a scaled down solid model of an X-wing with its wings in the flight mode, and it was very detailed), and it caught my eye. i didnt put two and two together till now, but hey, better late than never! Anyways, I'll try to find out some more about it and what it needs, programming/price wise, and the availability of such a thing.

One last thing though, my idea for the armor I would like to attempt to make is a set of some busa armor, with a battle rifle and a grav hammer, just for the whole WHAM effect, and I want it painted just like my character on Halo3 multiplayer. Here's the kicker: I have absolutely no experiance in any sort of relative skill needed to completing such a project. Meaning that any help would be greatly appreciated! Sorry for the bloody huge post, and thanks again!

Adam, dude, sweet videos on youtube! Hope to make some of my own.

 

[nuhkschuitykaht]

Well welcome to the 405th. I couldnt tell you about a lazer etching machine but as far as i know nobody has made armor with it but i assume that it would be extremely expensive as the machine is probably a lot and the materials would be expensive too. Your project idea for the busa may sound challenging now but trust me, we all started out where you are.
http://halocostuming.wikia.com/wiki/Pepakura_File_Index
All the files you are looking for are there except the G Hammer which is somewhere else. But i would recomend making it because first of all seeing as your a noob a masive hammer is not the best project for you. In general weapons are extremely difficult to make out of pep in comparison to the armor which is no walk in the park either. As for the actuall armor i would suggest you make the busa helmet first as it is a higher level project. I would recomend either a marine or ODST helmet seeing as they are simple. Once you are comfortable with pep move onto the busa. As for not knowing where to start i was in the same place as you a month and a half ago. All i can say is read, read, read, read, and read. The stickies are there to help you and you can always use the Q&A team. Most people on the site are knowledgeable and willing to help so if you have already tried Q&A and the stickies make a thread.
other than that good luck and have fun

 

[LastSpartan]

Laser Etching, I'm not familliar with the name, but some members used SLA and CNC to make their armor (www.legendaryarmor.com)