Vacuum Formed Combat Evolved Mark V

[Cadet]

Bumping my own thread real quick here becuase I hope to be able to a mini photo shoot this weekend in the woods around my house and get some nice shots of the finished armor.

 

[halokillskat]

this is coming out really well, i just have one question, is there any way to vacu form a helmet. sorry if i missed an answer to this question

 

[Cadet]

this is coming out really well, i just have one question, is there any way to vacu form a helmet. sorry if i missed an answer to this question

I have designs in mind for vac-forming the bucket. Mostly it would be to split it into three pieces, the top/dome, and then the two sides, either split down the front or down the sides. However, I just can't bring myself to cut up my Fiberglass bucket to use as the buck.

 

[Nintendude]

Actually cut it in two halves like the Rubies Helmet front and back. So are you going to do a run of armor anytime soon?

 

[Cadet]

I honestly have no plans to sell any pulls. This is mostly a personal project to upgrade my armor so it’s more comfortable than standard pep-fiberglass gear. I don't really want to get into the business of producing and selling armor. The merchant life style isn't my thing. I'm just a ghost.

 

[halokillskat]

Thanks for replying, sorry i have two questions.1 how tough is the final piece. 2 can a vacu form a clay shin piece i mad with out worrying about it deforming

 

[GunGryphon]

I have designs in mind for vac-forming the bucket. Mostly it would be to split it into three pieces, the top/dome, and then the two sides, either split down the front or down the sides. However, I just can't bring myself to cut up my Fiberglass bucket to use as the buck.

Heres an idea that would avoid this dillema:
First, take a board with holes, and cut out the outline of the helmet where you want the seam. Next, place the helmet in that gap and seal it with a bit of clay. You may also need to support the helmet with something, say duck tape (redneck methods FTW). This should act as a good buck to use in the forming process. You may have to modify your table for doing this, as you need more clearance on the back to accomodate the half of the helm that will be sticking out the back. Also, be sure that the board's edge lines up with the center line.
I recall that I saw method is used in making some multi-part molds, which keep the origional model intact.

I'm quite interested on how this turns out, I've been hoping to copy many of my armor pieces via vacuforming as well.
Hope I can be of help-
-Gryphon

 

[Cadet]

He just wants a hug!

Parade

Super Caboose, AWAY

 

[Cadet]

Couple more pics from Dragon*Con:

Agent Washingtub!

"That was the worst throw ever. Of all time."
"Not my fault. Someone put a wall in my way."

ANDY! NOOOO!! WHY!!? YOU HAD SO MUCH EXPLODING TO DO!

 

[Gilmortar]

I take it you have a home setup using your oven, or did you build your own heating element?

 

[Cadet]

Actually, it's Zarnel's set up, but, correct it was a simple set up using an oven and a shop vac.

 

[Cadet]

I need to rig up a connection between the ab plate and the belt, to keep them seated closer together, but I'm finally almost happy with the build. Thighs are sitting a little low in this pic, but I like how the visor turned out.

 

[Mstruvmgc]

Looks good there, I take it the thumbs up means you found church?? lol

 

[Cadet]

One of the best things about having been a costumer for almost 10 years now is that you have plenty of extra parts floating around. I found a strap with velcro already installed in just the proper place in one of scrap/sapre parts bins, that is the exact length to loop under the belt buckle and attach to the ab plate, keeping it in position directly above the belt, eliminating the gap seen in these picture.

Caboose is going to be out this weekend at MoMo*Con in Atlanta, and I should be able to get some really good picture from my favorite photographer, Bryan Humphrey
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-...a-The-Bryan-Humphrey-Fan-Page/287053524642040)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-...a-The-Bryan-Humphrey-Fan-Page/287053524642040

 

[Mstruvmgc]

Sounds great, cant wait to see some pics

 

[Cadet]

It will probably be a week or so before I get Bryan's shots, but we got some really good ones. In the mean time, here's the best one I've found so far from the con:

 

[thorn696]

Looks great.

 

[Mstruvmgc]

Awesome!! Looks like a game shot when all their guns are pointing down lol

 

[Cadet]

Awesome!! Looks like a game shot when all their guns are pointing down lol

Well, it is supposed to be Caboose from Red Vs Blue

 

[Cadet]

Facebook's a heck of thing. Still might be a while before I get the high res versions, but here's the FB quality shots we got:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-...a-The-Bryan-Humphrey-Fan-Page/287053524642040