Techmagos89's First Mk VI Build

[Techmagos89]

This is my pep progress with the helmet. Currently I am just about done putting resin on it and awaiting to upload more photos. Critique me constructively plz Ill keep uploading photos as the progress continues.

 

[Darkrider9]

Nice pep work! I esee a bit of brim warping to make sure to use supports.

I also highly suggest putting the pep visor in, It really helps to prevent warping.

 

[chefwurm]

I'm more focused on those chips you have there. O_O Great work so far.

 

[Master Chives]

Hey everything looks terrific! You are pretty much in the same boat as I am (with the MKVI) except I have all my pieces pepped and ready to resin.

 

[Techmagos89]

haha thanks for the support guys! Ya I noticed the warping too, but I kinda fixed it while I was applying the resin so hopefully it wont stand out too much now. And yes, chefwurm, BBQ chips makes the pep files go much faster haha. Id love to see your progress with your armor Master Chives. The helmet is the only pep work ive really done so far, and Im just now printing out the cod piece so that will be next. Any other suggestions as to which armor pieces to pep next?

 

[SkullBoy13]

seriously. i repeat seriously. the forums are getting active xD nice helm my advice: next time put in the visor before resining so you wouldnt have problems in warping

 

[Techmagos89]

Here are some progress pics. Just about finished with the resin.

 

[SkullBoy13]

your fast to? OMG im being left behind 0.0 i cant see the brim clearly but i think from this view its all fine nice work man! what are you going to use anyways? Rondo or Fiberglass?

 

[Techmagos89]

Well, seeing as how its pretty rock hard right now after just using fiberglass resin, I figured I would just start on the bondo and then sand down the imperfections. Never used bondo before, then again, I never used resin either. Seems to be going pretty smoothly though.

 

[Techmagos89]

This is my end goal when Im finished. Having a bit of trouble locating the reach security shoulder files, but still looking. Also, does anyone have any advice on cutting tabs off of the resined helmet? Scissors, knife, dremel? Not sure which would work best against hardened card stock. Anyways, Im about to make a progress tracker pic with this pic so itll be easier to keep track of what all is done and needs done.

 

[Sky Dragon]

Well, seeing as how its pretty rock hard right now after just using fiberglass resin, I figured I would just start on the bondo and then sand down the imperfections. Never used bondo before, then again, I never used resin either. Seems to be going pretty smoothly though.

If you want this helmet to last through anything, I would definitely use fiberglass in the inside. At least 1 or two solid layers will give it enough strength to not crack or break during wear and tear. Fiberglass resin alone is enough to give the model a solid shape, but if you notice, you can still push large open spaces and they will bend. Fiberglass Cloth or Mat (or both!) really cut down on the chances that something will crack on your helmet during the bondo stages. I would highly advise further strengthening your Mark VI before bondo to reduce any damage that might occur.

Also, does anyone have any advice on cutting tabs off of the resined helmet? Scissors, knife, dremel?

The Dremel is one of your best friends during the creation of your armor; Let it do the dirty work... It cuts through pretty much anything.

 

[Techmagos89]

Thanks sky, i figured the dremel was my best bet for the cutting, and Ill make another trip to home depot sometime this week to look at fiberglass cloth. So with the cloth, do you just apply fiberglass resin to it to strengthen it or is there another chemical im missing?

 

[Techmagos89]

For a color scheme, I was thinking of doing naval digital camo kind of like what we wear now (im in the navy btw). Just wanted to know if anyone has done this before or not?

 

[Sky Dragon]

Thanks sky, i figured the dremel was my best bet for the cutting, and Ill make another trip to home depot sometime this week to look at fiberglass cloth. So with the cloth, do you just apply fiberglass resin to it to strengthen it or is there another chemical im missing?

Whenever I do a hardening process after initial resining, I start with fiberglass mat (unwoven strings of fiberglass like the first thumbnail down there \/) and cut it into workable pieces about 2x3 inches / 5x7.5 cm. I then resin a spot on the inside of the helmet where I want the mat to go, and apply resin ontop of the fiberglass until it's liquidy (you'll know when there's enough resin on it). It's rinse and repeat for the whole inside of the helmet, and I make sure to overlap my edges of fiberglass so there are no empty spaces. After the mat fully cures, I take fiberglass cloth (picture two at the bottom) and do the same thing to make the pep even stronger. I actually try to use as large of pieces as possible for this step in order to keep the fibers aligned, resulting in more strength throughout the item I am hardening. After the mat and cloth, the piece is definitely ready for bondo. Hope this helps out, and by all means, don't forget an organic respirator!!! < EMPHASIS!

Thumbs: Glass Mat ------ Glass Cloth

 

[Techmagos89]

Thanks again sky, Ill be sure to pick up both at the store next time Im in town. And yes, I have a good respirator already and am SURE to use it every time I pretty much do anything that involves potential respiratory safety. Lots of little nooks and crannys on the inside of the helmet but Im sure with enough patience it can be done.

 

[J326]

I don't think any one has done a full camo paint on their spartan. So cheers you would be the first if you can pull it off!

 

[Techmagos89]

New progress pics.
HJC gold visor came in all the way from KOREA!

First application of bondo. Be gentle with the constructive criticism! This is my first time, haha.