TK Monkus

I couldn't wait so decided to continue with removing most of the return edge on the right side bicep as well. I have found that I prefer to use the Dremel and sand technique. back top front top bottom I removed the return edge on the Right forearm as well, but will post pics tomorrow. So I think I am now ready to size both biceps, also a tomorrow job with pics and questions to come.

I made my first cuts. I took most of the return edges off of my left bicep pieces. I tired out a couple different ways of doing this to see what worked best. First I tried using the Dremel as there was not to much that needed to be trimmed from that top back piece. I noticed it wasn't as "clean" as I thought it would be so I then took some 220 grit sandpaper to try and smooth it all off which seemed to work. next I tried the curved small scissors which seemed to work pretty well, except as I tried to round it out it would kind of "fray", see pic below. So I decided to take the Dremel to it to smooth out those bits and then sand after that to completely smooth it out, which seemed to work. I also tried a small piece just using a razor blade which gave me a very clean and smooth edge, but I wouldn't have been able to do that around the curved bit. Maybe if it was straight I would go that route. See below the pics of the results, and please let me know how it came out or if anything should be modified. I am going to hold off on the right bicep until I know I am doing it correctly, haha. I noticed the left side is thicker than the right...does that need to be evened out? There is also some of these marks that I think maybe from the sandpaper? Is that a normal thing or should that not be there? Also looking at this I think that needs to be sanded and smoothed a little more. Thanks!

That is something I am a bit worried about, having things look off because its to small. I am going to post some pics before slimming down and hopefully catch that before its to late. Foam may be in my future.

I also have thin arms so hopefully this helps hold it in place so there is no wobble.

After looking at a few more pictures of the original RS suit, it seems where I have marked in red on the back should actually stay, so I am just going to cut where I have marked in black.

Bicep Return Edge Cuts So I have marked my return edges where I think I will be making the cuts. I am going to be removing all return edges as that seems to be most screen accurate. I am also going to make these cuts, and then size it to my arm for those cuts. Here is the Left one: Here is the top front portion Here is the back top portion. Should I be marking this even lower and taking out that whole curve marked in red? Here is the bottom Right Bicep Here is top front Here is back top. Again should I be cutting along the red line instead? Here is the bottom If you think I am going about this the wrong way please let me know. Thanks!

Got it. thanks for that. I am thinking of maybe keeping a small amount on the outside but taking everything on the inside off. I am going to mark and post some pics.

Hey David, Are you talking about on the bicep or forearm? I will be removing all the return edge on the forearms, but am a little unsure how much to keep on the biceps. I will need to look at some pictures for the biceps to see how they were on screen.

Thank you!

Hello Mario, thanks for those words of encouragement haha. When I click on the video you linked it just takes me back to my build thread page...could you try re linking that? Thanks!

Hey Joseph! I'm super glad you are in here as I have a lot of your links guiding me, and you have already been huge help with resources up to this point. So it sounds like my first trims should be to cut/remove the return edges to where I want/need them? Then I was looking at @A.J. Hamler bicep/forearm and he actually uses that overlap to measure. I don't know why I am so stuck on exactly how to measure, but I think that is very helpful. So my question is will I just be cutting from one side of the armor? For instance on the left bicep, will I fit it to my arm (after taking return edges down) having the front side way overlapped and mark where that fits. Then cutting half that distance on each side of the front only? Or am I supposed to cut a bit from each piece, front and back? I will do a trial run of marking and post pics a bit later.

Next the forearms. So again I haven't done any trimming or sanding, just taped as is. I was able to figure the left from the right thanks to @AsBlondeAsLuke tip about 11 and 12 dimples, that was the easy part. I need to take these in a lot as well, see left forearm pic below. I also know I need to remove all the return edges for Centurion, which is going to make these even bigger. Am I supposed to just trim from both sides kind of where the marks are here in order to get the fit proper? I feel like in order to get a proper fit I will need to go over that "ridge" that is there. I also have that same problem as with the bicep of the sides of my right forearm overlapping, but maybe I just need to start trimming down on the sides and it will all come together? The two sides also don't seem to match up size wise but that could also be due to just having to cut them down to size. Also that second picture may be a bit confusing, the left forearm is on the right side of the picture. I don't want to take anything in to much as you can't change that, but I also don't want anything to look wrong because its so "skinny" Look forward to tomorrow and maybe making some first cuts!

Thanks, I am very excited as well! Yes the "looking off" bit is something I would love to avoid. I will definitely check out some of your vids, thanks! I think the build was a TM suit. This is the one I'm looking at.

If you say so! So today was a bit overwhelming to be honest. I am still very excited but after looking through a bunch more build threads and seeing people with full on machine shops I got a little worried as I have never really done anything like this or used these tools before. I ended up watching the RS build videos, which duh why wouldn't I since I bought an RS suit, and felt a lot better. I am definitely more of a visual learner so seeing a video is very helpful for me. All that being said, I didn't make any cuts yet but have taped a few things up and am ready with some questions, so here it goes. First I am going to be starting with the biceps and forearms as it seems those are the best intros into it all. I am pretty skinny, as you will probably see in the pictures, so I think a lot of what I will need to be doing is sizing everything down to fit properly. I apologize in advance for some of the pics as I am doing this on my own and trying to take some of these pics alone isn't easy. So the biceps. Again I haven't made any cuts or cleaned up any edges yet, just taped things together as is. This is the left bicep. The right is in a similar state. I am pressing it against my body so I can get the picture, but it obviously needs to be taken in a lot. In the RS video, he mentions leaving some of the return edge so as to give it a bit of a bigger look while still slimming it down. If I cut the return edge from this, it will make it even bigger correct? I am trying to go Centurion and know on my forearms the edges need to go. Can I leave these on? This is the side view. I know I need to flatten out those butt joints (is that the correct word?) but on the other side, the ends don't even touch, they overlap. See pic below. Do I need to just trim from all sides evenly until 1. both long ends sit flush with each other and 2. it is a lot tighter on my arm? I feel like if I do that, it will be very small? Also in the RS video he had mentioned to line up the bottom parts of the biceps as the tops will be covered by the shoulder bell.

Hey Dan! Thank you very much! I actually have your build thread as one that I am following and gleaning info from! I actually just went and watched the first couple RS videos which I will definitely be following. I am actually probably a bit smaller than the originals at 5'10 and skinny so I think my problem is going to be sizing things down. Yep, I will probably be posting a lot of questions and pictures in my thread which hopefully after a little bit maybe I will get the hang of things.

Oops, rookie mistake!! Yes I meant the hovi tips, thank you. I am going to look super green to RS haha. I looked up the RS build videos put out by RS as I am a very visual learner. I think those will be helpful but I am also going to look at a few build threads as well as probably over posting in here with my million questions. I will look at the centurion and EIB apps and see what the locals have to say, thanks for the tip!

Thank you very much, excited to get started!

BBB has finally come! I am starting my build thread and will post anything in there from here on out. Thank you all for your help this far, I know it is only just beginning.

Well the day has finally arrived where I got to see those BBB's at my door. I ordered a set of ABS armor from RS Prop Masters and after about 4 months, due to a fire at the RS shop, it has arrived (minus neck seal which is still en route)! Luckily everyone at RS is ok and all of their original molds are safe. At first glance it looks amazing! Being my first ever build and not actually ever interacting with any armor before, I initially thought it would be thinner, but I am very glad to see it does feel sturdy. First sight Bucket parts. Probably will save for last...if my will power will hold Everything all laid out Strapping pack from RS even though I think I ordered everything separate as well since I want to try and go the double snap way I had done a good amount of research before purchasing, and then even more after and while I was waiting for it to a arrive. I decided to go the route of build it myself even though I have never done this, and have received a good amount of support already before even starting. I have also decided to go the route of Centurion right from the start. I will say after opening it all up and seeing it all...it is a bit daunting. I know this is the place to ask questions and I'm sure I will have plenty but just want to say I am super excited to get started! OK so I already have some questions. 1) I am planning on following build threads, but do I need to necessarily follow a thread to my type, ie RS? I saw the top build thread is for an Anovos set going for Centurion and briefly skimmed through and can see differences. I would guess it is pretty much the same, but maybe finding an RS thread would be better? I also have Diana's thread marked to follow and I think she went Centurion? 2) I got a big piece of what I think is ABS, see in the back of the picture of everything all laid out. What is that for? 3) There are a couple pieces that seem like one is a lot bigger than the other. Forearm and thigh (I think) come to mind. Thanks, Matthew Edit: I just realized that I think the vocoders are missing on the helmet. I have emailed RS and expect they will send them, but if anyone notices anything else is missing please let me know!

Thank you, it does. I'm sorry it was such a hassle.

Thank you!

How long did it take to get your blasters? Also did you need to specify what blaster you needed?

Did you order through the Etsy shop? I am considering ordering one for ANH build I am starting but wasn't sure if they are configured that way already or if he needs to do any modifications. I reached out through the Etsy message system but haven't heard anything back from him yet. Also about how long did it take to get after you ordered it? Thanks in advance!

I could ask if they would allow me to purchase one, however when I ordered I seem to remember they only would sell them if you did the full commission. I went the route of self build. I will email them anyhow as you are right, it couldn't hurt to ask.

Thanks so much for the input! I am planing on finding a few builds here and mainly following them, so thanks for the additional people to check out. I think I am going to alter my snapping and go the double snap route so am ordering the necessary supplies for that, but good to know they come with everything just in case.