Hey everyone!
It's been a while since I've attempted any Halo props or projects. My only successful one being a M6 cast from Justin Branfuhr, which turned out excellent for the first kit I've ever done. I've been working on a lot of other smaller projects here and there, mostly airsoft repaints, metal work, furniture among other things, so I decided I want to give Halo another go. I've always wanted to do an energy sword, so the other night I started work on one.
I didn't photo document the whole process, but I do have a couple pics.
Using this image of a Halo Reach energy sword, I blew it up using Block Posters to get it to a more realistic size. The Halo Wiki states that the Energy Sword is about 4 feet in length. my build is about 3 feet and 7 inches long, just slightly smaller. But the thing is still massive.
I highlighted the outer edge with sharpie and cut out the top blade. As the sword is symmetrical, using only one blade for both sides is ideal and saves resources. Using some spray glue, I applied the paper templates onto a sheet of 1/4 inch thick 1.5x3 foot copolymer plastic, but since the blade is so long, I had to divide the blade into two pieces. Once I cut out the pieces on a bandsaw, I riveted them together using a piece of scrap plastic. I took the template and traced it over to a sheet of 3/8 inch acrylic sheeting, then cut it out. The extra stump piece is going to be cut or ground down eventually when I make the hilt.
As you can see, these blades are rather large. The original plan was to use 2 sheets of cut acrylic per blade to get the shape and rigidity right, but it looks like it would be easier to make a mold and vacuform it instead.
Working on it tonight a little as well, I'll have more pics and progress up later.
It's been a while since I've attempted any Halo props or projects. My only successful one being a M6 cast from Justin Branfuhr, which turned out excellent for the first kit I've ever done. I've been working on a lot of other smaller projects here and there, mostly airsoft repaints, metal work, furniture among other things, so I decided I want to give Halo another go. I've always wanted to do an energy sword, so the other night I started work on one.
I didn't photo document the whole process, but I do have a couple pics.
Using this image of a Halo Reach energy sword, I blew it up using Block Posters to get it to a more realistic size. The Halo Wiki states that the Energy Sword is about 4 feet in length. my build is about 3 feet and 7 inches long, just slightly smaller. But the thing is still massive.
I highlighted the outer edge with sharpie and cut out the top blade. As the sword is symmetrical, using only one blade for both sides is ideal and saves resources. Using some spray glue, I applied the paper templates onto a sheet of 1/4 inch thick 1.5x3 foot copolymer plastic, but since the blade is so long, I had to divide the blade into two pieces. Once I cut out the pieces on a bandsaw, I riveted them together using a piece of scrap plastic. I took the template and traced it over to a sheet of 3/8 inch acrylic sheeting, then cut it out. The extra stump piece is going to be cut or ground down eventually when I make the hilt.
As you can see, these blades are rather large. The original plan was to use 2 sheets of cut acrylic per blade to get the shape and rigidity right, but it looks like it would be easier to make a mold and vacuform it instead.
Working on it tonight a little as well, I'll have more pics and progress up later.