PVC pipe blasters (using resin kit parts)
A PVC pipe blaster uses PVC or ABS plumbing pipe (normally 1.25” or 1.5” in diameter) as a base, with parts added on to replicate the look of an E-11 blaster. Many troopers will pur chase a resin modification kit that comes with the pieces to create a base E-11 blaster. The pieces are screwed and glued into place, and the entire blaster is then painted. Some troopers will use PVC, ABS or aluminum pipe depending on their needs.
Some of the advantages to a PVC pipe blaster are:
- Low cost (since you supply the pipe and work to assemble it)
- fairly light weight
- very accurate in terms of size, proportions and details
- they are hollow due the pipe and can have electronics such as sound a lights installed
The only disadvantage is that PVC blasters can be somewhat brittle since most parts are glued on. However, they have been successfully trooped with and only require some attention during handling to ensure a long life.
Troopers can use a template to cut and drill the appropriate holes and shapes into their PVC pipe, before attaching the various parts.
PVC pipe blaster kit tutorial
http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=11326&view=findpost&p=141115
Discussion on sources for aluminum pipe
http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=9495&view=findpost&p=120044
Tips on drilling holes
http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=10450&view=findpost&p=131852
Template for 1.25” pipe
Template for 1.5” pipe
Where to buy PVC pipe blaster kit:
http://www.doopydoos.com/stormtrooper-e-11-pipe-blaster-base-detailing-kit-2068-p.asp
PVC pipe blaster assembled
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/forums/showthread.php/26772-Building-an-E-11
Scratchbuilt blasters
Some troopers prefer to build their E-11 from scratch, using a combination of scratch built components (wood, metal, plastic, aluminum etc.) and found items. Most builders will start by using a common template (see below) as a plan / blueprint for their scratch build.
Most begin with a PVC or metal pipe / tube for the main receiver, then make the other parts using templates transferred to various materials such as sheet metal, aluminum, plastic, etc. Builders can use tools that range from basic hand tools / power tools to lathes / CNC machines.
Building a blaster from scratch allows you modify the design to suit your needs, and you end up with a very "personalized" blaster design. Some are very realistic and non functional, while others have folding and locking stocks, scopes that work, and electronics such as sequentially firing LEDS and sound FX. Many troopers will incorporate hollow pipe and hollow Hengstlers and magazines, to allow room for electronics, batteries, speakers, lights, etc.
There are templates online for various scratch builds.
http://www.imperial-fleet.com/BBC/community/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2
Here are some examples of scratch built blasters
TKDueno’s scratch built E-11
http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=3475&view=findpost&p=44683
Werstrooper’s scratch built E-11
http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=6363&view=findpost&p=81369
Dark Sith lord’s scratch built E-11
http://www.darksidesithlord.com/my-costumes/stormtrooper/e-11-blaster-rifle/creation-01.html
John Hickson scratch built E-11
http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=4628&view=findpost&p=59355