justjoseph63

So now that you've pulled the trigger on your armor, it's time to hurry-up-and-wait, Jon. My advice at this point is to keep doing exactly what you have been doing, Jon... getting prepared! Having everything you will need for your build on-hand and studying the various build threads will make your life so much easier, I promise. I am sure you are aware by now that building a set of armor is more of a marathon than a sprint, so take your time and be sure to ask questions if you need to. You'll have your basic approval and be on your way to Centurion before you know it!

Looking SHARP, Kurt, and fantastic job on the ab/kidney and back/kidney connections! Love the fact that you went with the double-snap method.... (I swear by it). I see a Centurion badge in your future very soon, sir. The only thing I could recommend is to perhaps shorten the TD clips a bit so they are not seen, but glad to see you have the backs lined with Velcro, .. a smart move!

Great job on that, Erik! This will provide some serious inspiration for those in the same position.

Sandies schmandies, LOL. I probably shouldn't say that, though... A few of my friends chose that path.

Way to go, Shawn.. GREAT to see another awesome HWT EIB submission!! A few things that I noticed, not that they will affect this round, but hopefully you will be aiming for Centurion next, and you will need to bring your ABS belt up a bit. It should touch the bottom (or even overlap a bit) of the main ab button plate. And for aesthetic purposes, I would weather your pauldron to match that cool armor and pack. Fantastic job, sir!

Can't believe I didn't find that in my research, Brian! Aren't you the one who hooked me up with some 3-D printed sites a while back? I am on my fourth (and final) DD E-11 build, and I want this one to be perfect. I am obviously using one of Tino's incredible finishing kits, but when I saw your work, I knew I had to add that as well. Funny thing is, being a HWT, I don't even carry an E-11. Many thanks for the info., and wish me luck! Side note: If you ever decide to make another one, I would be your first customer. Wink wink, nudge nudge.

Looks great, Marc! I was looking for it in metal, but yours looks pretty darned real to me...(is it metal)? . Awesome job!

Does anyone happen to know where this exact set-up can be purchased? Thanks!

Looking great, T.J... nice job on the fixes!!

It's just an accessory, used for sanding small items. Not really needed for trimming armor.

A lot of it would depend on what sort of repair you are looking to do, Ron. Simple cracks can be repaired with ABS paste, but I would consider reinforcing the area with an ABS patch in the back first to prevent it from happening again. ABS paste is actually not that difficult to use. The key is not to overload the area with it, because it just means more sanding. Once it dries, (and after sanding) the repair can be polished out with a product like Novus, (a three step system). As for adding a section that was cut off too much, that's a whole different animal. I haven't seen that done yet, but would be interested in seeing some info. on it from someone who had success with it, and perhaps a tutorial for future reference.

This is the type that I have found that works really well, Auel. The arm is adjustable up and down. This style runs about $70.00 here in the U.S., or S$98.00 in your currency.

While I'm not too sure they have a Harbor Freight in Singapore, Ryan is spot on in suggesting the table-top style of sander. Using 2 hands will give you much better control when using it. After you do the main trimming of the pieces, I would suggest practicing with a few of the larger ABS scraps to get an idea of how fast this thing can really trim. (And it is fast, believe me). It will save you hours of work, but can take off too much if you are not careful. Best to start out trimming a small amount at a time to get the hang of it. You can purchase different grits of sanding belts, and for the detail areas I would use a Dremel type tool with the sanding drum attachment, like the one shown here:

Looking sharp, T.J.! A few suggestions if I may to help you out... one thing that jumps out to me is that you will need to raise your belt a bit. It should be touching (or even overlapping a bit) the center ab button plate. Also, you will need to add photos showing the top and bottom openings of your forearms. All the return edges (even in the raised part) should be removed (as seen in the photo below). Hang in there, and I look forward to welcoming you to the rank of Centurion, sir!

Did you find the lenses yet, Pete? I can send you a pair for $9.00 including shipping.

Looks like you are almost ready to go, Rick!! Always a pleasure to welcome another HWT to the ranks!

Was it a resin (DD) kit that you added that to, Allan?

Always great to hear that someone is way ahead of the game before even ordering their kit! I always stick by the old Boy Scout motto... "Be prepared". Nothing worse than being in the middle of your build and then finding out that you need this or that, and having to put things on hold. AM is certainly a great set of armor. I use it as my main trooping gear, and have had no problems at all after dozens and dozens of events. Especially glad to know that you have signed up as a handler with your local Garrison. You can learn a lot just from being there and asking questions, and get to know some of the local 501st members as well. As I suggest to everyone building a kit... take your time, especially since you are headed for Centurion. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we are here to help.

There are quite a few on places like Amazon, Scott. A lot have some sort of logo, etc. on them, but it is usually hidden by the armor or you can turn them inside out. Example: https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Apparel-Tights-Compression-Under/dp/B017KIMA7U/ref=lp_2632258011_1_6?s=sports-and-fitness-clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1478817548&sr=1-6

Sorry about that Shawn! I just took care of it, and looking forward to seeing how this bad-boy comes out!

Which title did you need changed, Aaron?

It's been a long time since I ordered mine, but all they came with was bubble wrap and 2 shoe covers for storage.

You might want to edit this post. Mark. Only one of the links actually works.

Andrew is spot-on with that advice, Preston. I found the eye shadow/blush brush at a "Dollar" store, and works perfectly. It actually stays on quite well, and just needs a touch-up now and again. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to clean off the armor when you need to go shiny white TK.

Was that pack approved for HWT, Paul?