acidydragon

Whats a good starter vacuum pump?

Still working on the machine, ran out of some supplies, and haven't had time to go purchase them. For the answers to your questions, I'm following the build that was done at the website listed above in a previous comment,----------His build uses a regular home vacuum cleaner hose to suck out the air. Eventually I would like to create a better one, but I figured this sounded like a good place to start.

Thanks for the advice of the forum, I'll check it out! Much appreciated

The table us being made with the method linked above. And time isn't really an issue. The sheets may be an issue, I've yet to find them. I do plan to make multiple suits. Thanks for the advice.

Thousands? How so?

Thanks a ton! Are there any materials that I can practice with that are cheaper? Also, do you know an estimate of the pricing of ABS? For the bucket being made out of several pieces, how are they attached normally?

My current plan has changed. I'm working on building a vacuum forming machine, (I'll make more than just this suit), and I'm going to make a mold and form my costume. It may take longer, but I'll feel gratification from the fact that I built it. Thanks for all of the awesome help guys!

I'm working on making a vacuum forming machine based on a member of the forums guide.---------- I understand everything there, but I can't seem to find where to find ABS plastic to do the forming. Also, a tad out of place for this post, but how large of an object can you vacuum form at once? Would you be able to do an entire trooper helmet? Or do you have to do it as two different molds?

For the RT-mods price that would take 2 years at 10 bucks a week... Eek! I'll start my jar either way, thanks for the tip!

After all the assistance provided, I'm at a bit of a loss... I emailed ATA, he informed me that his suits where not made for someone of my size, to contact RT-mod about a larger suit (I'm 6'4"). He told me his suits are intended for 6'3", and may require shimming. However, his waiting list is filled for 2013, and is already into 2014, as well as costing nearly double ATA's prices. While I understand it may not be the most friendly method of acquiring, would making my own suit from fiberglass be an okay option? Everything I read on the requirements don't conflict, as long as I can do a good job. Or is there someone else who makes a larger suit, or is there a way to mod regular suits for my size without major changes? All help majorly appreciated! Thanks guys!

I appreciate all of the help that everyone's giving! Would making the armor myself with fiberglass be an option until I can afford the ABS? Like, can I make the helmet and such with Pepakura, and cover it with fiberglass/resin?

Which building material would you suggest? Appreciate all the help!

My appologies for not introducing myself, however, I'm not really sure what to say. Also, where would I find the recommended vendors? Based on the forum link you posted, I'd most likely be looking at HIPS for price reasons.

Hello. I had some questions on some of the requirements for the suit. Is there a material that someone without vaccu-forming can make a suit from? Or at least the helmet? (I've heard reports of people using Bondo, but I'm starting to doubt the validity of those posts.) Whats the cheapest way to acquire suit body parts? Whats the cheapest material? Preferably I want to create as much of the suit as I can by hand, rather than ordering it. I don't have a boat load of money, but I can get some materials and create the costume, if that's at all possible. Checking the requirements page for the costume though, ABS, HIPS, and Fiberglass are the only listed materials for crafting a suit. Is there any way someone without a massive workshop could make a suit out of these materials? Would it be feasible for me to make the helmet from a Pepakura file, and coat it in fiberglass? This is all for now, I'll post more if I get any more... I want to join the 501st, but I don't have unlimited funds. I also like the work put in to building something myself, such as something like the helmet. Thank you for any responses.