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Koyaanisqatsi

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Posts posted by Koyaanisqatsi

  4. My New Boots

    in Build Threads Requireing Maintenance

    Posted

    ...

     

     

    20150822_113628_zps2norxmd3.jpg

     

    Here I'm confident that I've done a thorough job.  You'll notice that there's some of the black dye on my rag but you'll also see that the boot still looks black.  Again, that's okay!  Once you've completed this initial step, wipe your boots with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess deglazer and let them dry a little bit before moving onto the painting step.  The Deglazer that I'm using is alcohol based so it actually dries really fast!

     

     

    How do you know when it's ready? When the color stops coming off onto the rag? How long did you rub? I'm using acetone on Bass Amsterdams and I've definitely taken a layer or two off - wondering how far I need to go before I can paint...

     

    Thanks!

  5. Favorite Tools

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted

    Hey, noob talking here, why the curved lexans over straight?

     

    I guess there must be a reason, like it makes it easier to cut because plastic doesn't bend like a piece of paper does or something... Thanks :)

     

    I actually have a straight pair too, but there are so many curves that the curved scissors work best. They also help with trimming 'just a little bit'.

     

    Tip: I find it helps to have the part i'm removing on the left (I cut with my right hand) and as I cut I peel the left piece up and forward. This creates a little more space for the scissors, and reduces the tension making it easier/smoother to cut. Does that make sense?

  6. Caboots OK?

    in Boots, Soft Parts, and other Accessories

    Posted · Edited by gmrhodes13
    link not working removed

    I swapped the rag for some cotton wipes - similar to cotton balls, made for taking off makeup, etc.. These seem to work better, but even after 15-20 minutes on one shoe, i don't really notice much change. I did see paint coming off onto the wipe, and the amount actually went down over time, but the shoe doesn't look much different.

     

    It's the left one in this picture that I just worked on:

    ----------

     

    I'm beginning to wonder exactly how far I may need to go before the white paint will work...

  9. Caboots OK?

    in Boots, Soft Parts, and other Accessories

    Posted · Edited by gmrhodes13
    link not working removed

    I got the Bass Amsterdam's yesterday and they fit great!

     

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    Pretty stiff, but they are new boots after all.

     

    -------

     

    I taped the bottom (don't think i needed to for this part, but being safe) and started a bit with the acetone but I can see it's going to take a long time. 15 minutes or so did almost nothing - just took the shine off... lol

     

     

     

    I need to get some chemical gloves for this - I don't want acetone touching my skin for that long! (do it outside too - don't breathe it!)

  12. Favorite Tools

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted

    This is my first build, but now that I'm getting towards the 'home stretch' I thought I'd share a few tools that I found essential.

     

    Curved Lexan Scissors

    For me these work much faster and give me greater precision than using a dremel alone or doing 'score and snap' - the best $10 I spent! I do use a dremel to fine-tune edges, especially in areas the scissors can't reach well, but I have cut out almost all of my armor with these.

     

    I had a hard time finding these at first, too, so I'm giving a link (below) in case it helps.

     

    YJM9uDO.jpg

     

    Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006O5KEG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

     

     

    Snap Fastening Pliers

    This one may depend a bit on how you are doing your strapping. I am doing a lot of snaps - e.g. double snaps for all the main body strapping, and I'm using webbing for my snap plates. I have the 'hammer' type tool too, which helps in certain places where this can't reach, but I can make snap plates pretty quickly with this puppy.

     

    qrtDoC0.jpg

     

    Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BB5GYS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

     

     

    Sanding Sponge (150 grit)

    I use regular sandpaper too, but found that when it comes to finishing off the edges, the sanding sponge makes them feel super smooth - almost like they were 'made' that way. I love it!

     

    aU3fnJF.jpg

     

    Just had to share in case this helps someone.

     

    What are your favorite tools?

    • Like 1

  13. Caboots OK?

    in Boots, Soft Parts, and other Accessories

    Posted

    Let me know when you get them, and how they fit - I might need to get some if the Amsterdam's don't work out! :)  (FWIW, I ordered a 10.5 in the Amsterdam's - that was another 'nice to have' - a half size larger but we'll see)

     

    This is kind of how this whole process is going for me - I commit to one thing, and then learn a week later that I probably should have done something else. lol

     

    Thanks!

  14. Caboots OK?

    in Boots, Soft Parts, and other Accessories

    Posted · Edited by Koyaanisqatsi

    Thanks! I did see those and like them, and I totally see what you mean by the height, but they don't have any reviews and when I was looking, they didn't have a size 10 (they show they do now). They also take until almost October to arrive (from the UK), which is too late for me - I want to finish my TK in September (by Oct 1 is my goal).

     

    Trying to get past the 'analysis paralysis' and get things moving, I ordered the Bass Amsterdams (I can get them now), some acrylic leather paint, and some high gloss 'finisher' (hoping that will help but not sure, lol).

     

    Basically following this approach: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/27565-how-i-did-my-boots-tkboots-alternative/

     

    I hope it works, but if not I'll have some budget left to try something else... :)

  16. Removing cover strips (glued with E-6000)

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted · Edited by Koyaanisqatsi

    Well, that 'was' the inside of the arm. Should I put on a new strip at 30mm (same size as the one I ripped off), or 15mm (official size)? or, does it matter as long as it's the inside? Honestly, a 30mm strip would cover the glue/sanding/yuck best...

     

    This is confusing, but I'm kind of glad I ripped that piece off if for no other reason than learning how easy it is! :)

     

     

    Thanks!

  17. Caboots OK?

    in Boots, Soft Parts, and other Accessories

    Posted

    So these Bass shoes would probably work better, right? I know they are acceptable, but the reviews are just not as good, so I worry about comfort... (people seem to really like the Clarks) :)

     

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LZT9FO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

     

    And yes - convince Caboots to get rid of the seam! Do you see all the people needing boots right now? Imperial boots is the only viable option these days, and they are in China, plus not responding very well these days (I know - vacation, etc. but still...) :)

     

    Thanks!

  18. Removing cover strips (glued with E-6000)

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted · Edited by Koyaanisqatsi

    So, that's what I originally thought, but then was told that the cover strip needs to be 15mm regardless of the 'step' size. I kind of already took it off... :huh:

     

    I'm also going for Centurion ultimately, that may have a bearing on this - and I actually don't mind the look of a wide step with a 15mm strip. I can't fit my arms into the biceps if I make them any smaller, either.

     

    Any pros have advice here?

     

    Thanks!

    • Like 1

  23. Torso & Back Sizing

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted

    Thanks - I have been checking Centurion application posts out and doing my best to emulate (they are super helpful!), and I will keep researching.

     

    I'd really like to make Centurion if possible, and hope to ideally find out the limits/tolerances before I end up needing to redo half my armor. :)

     

    Thanks again!

  25. Does my back plate need more trimming?

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted

    Thanks - glad I asked before trimming! :)

     

    I went ahead and taped the pieces together to get a better sense of how it all goes together - how does this look?

     

    I started by putting it together like this:

    XhPEfdV.jpg

     

    9W1Y9tG.jpg

     

    MnfoTnv.jpg

     

    But it seemed too small (I 'tried it on' as best I could) so I made the gap between the back and kidney bigger. Is this too far? It seems I could open up the kidney/butt gap a bit maybe? What are the acceptable gaps for Centurion?

     

    IfCU583.jpg

     

    9W1Y9tG.jpg

     

    YGrKlBz.jpg

     

    Thanks!

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