Aerius

Thanks, I have checked those sites out, and they have a lot of good info, even if the suit made by the first one looks like a Stormtrooper getting sucked into a black hole. Both of those sites use MDF and bondo to make the molds, which I had not really considered initially, but I may try it out just to see how it goes. I do want to try clay molds first though, if for any reason that I don't have to smell bondo. This site seems to have some good info too: http://www.studiocreations.com/howto/stormtrooper/index.html, but I want to corroborate some of that info by seeing what works best for others.

Hello all! I'm just starting up the process of constructing my first TK from scratch, and I'd like a little advice on materials before I go full steam ahead. I'm also new to sculpting and vacuuforming, so my questions may seem a little nooberific. First, the mold sculpting materials. I've been looking around and it seems like Plastilina modeling clay may be the best to use for a mix of the pliability and detail required for some of the TK parts. My questions here are: -Is plastalina a good clay to use? -Is there a better clay to use, or something that may be almost as good but way cheaper? -Is this the best to use for all TK parts, or is a different clay better for some parts? Casting the molds: -Is plaster the best/easiest way to cast the molds? -If so, what are the recommended plasters to use that can hold up to the rigors of casting? -If not, what are alternatives that may be easier/cheaper/better? What do people like to use? Vacuuforming/Thermoforming: -Is HIPS best for beginners, or should I try ABS to start? -What thickness of HIPS or ABS is best? 0.060", 0.080", 0.10"? -Should all parts use the same thickness? Thank you so much in advance for the help. I tried searching for these answers, but I have so far been unsuccessful in finding something that answers these questions definitively ( or at least from the mouths of 501st members ) Thanks! -Laki