Erice3339

I’m surprised I have not seen/read this thread before now. I haven’t even started on my first set of armor, but I can tell this system is going to be helpful. Thank you Joseph; great work here! Edit: We’ve talked about this system before in a PM about a year ago. I have thirty (Tandy Leather) Line 24 snaps on-hand at the moment. How many more do you think I’ll need if I just want to reinforce the vulnerable areas with the double snap method? Please excuse me if this has been asked elsewhere on this thread.

Excellent, thank you again Joseph. You always seem to know what I need to do better than I do. In addition to Wrath’s build thread, I’ll be sure to reference back here as I build the armor.

Thanks for your input! I am definitely going to take your advice and reinforce problem areas.

That’s good to hear; I had forgotten about the inevitable ABS scrap. Do you think I should reinforce these areas as I build or, after I have everything assembled and ready for wear, should I go back and reinforce the areas designated in the photos you posted earlier? I imagine it might be easier to do the reinforcements and extra cover strips after I have the parts assembled, no? As for the ANOVOS extra parts, you are right, but, absolute worst-case scenario, I could order parts and wait. I rather take my time and do this right; however, if that means waiting on extra parts provided I make an irreversible mistake, then so be it.

I’ve been doing my best to do that and more; there are many intricacies associated with armor builiding it seems. I was also relieved to find out ANOVOS now offers replacement pieces should I mess up, but I will be sure to measure thrice before cutting. Thanks for the replies, reinforcement suggestions, and other advice!

Thanks Joseph! We had spoken on FISD almost 8-9 months ago, and I obtained similar information from you then. I’ve since followed it best I can, and have made contact with a TK named David, a 501st builder. Long story short, with the preparation near done, I am just waiting on ANOVOS (which, to me, is fine). It’s been a year and change so far, but I am in no rush. I intend to use the snap system over the classic or ANOVOS-supplied setup. I’ve already gotten most of the supplies to do so from Joann’s and Tandy Leather Factory. David uses the same system too. As for reinforcements, should I just purchase ABS plastic from Lowes or Home Depot, cut/shape it, and then glue it with E-6000 underneath the armor? What about sackcloth like Neb suggested? Thanks again for the help!

Thank you for the feedback. A recent kit update by Anovos changed the belt from being assembled upon delivery to coming in pieces. I intend to purchase a better, canvas belt from Kittle. As for the thickness, there are ways to reinforce problem areas, no? Another question I have is, if I do follow Wrath’s build closely, will I still be likely to skew the accuracy of the build (again noting that I am a first-time builder)?

I ordered an Anovos ANH TK kit at last Star Wars Celebration myself. The wait has surpassed a year now, but I personally do not mind the wait at all. I am much much more concerned about the quality of the product. It seems there is much ambivalence surrounding Anovos— probably a result of their alledgely poor customer service; however, I am having trouble discerning between customers upset with the lack of replacement parts (which they added to the site recently), poor customer service, and long shipping times, and customers actually disatisfied with the product they received. If I do end up cancelling my first TK kit order ever, it won’t be because of the long wait. Instead, it’d be because someone testified against the quality of Anovos armor.

Skill level is deficient, but I do have all the tools you listed and then some. Regardless, thanks again for both your time and commitment.

Thank you for the reassurance and the build thread. I see it being extremely useful and potentially confusing (not a bad thing necessarily as I welcome the challenge). I know it differs for everyone, but, for a beginner, how long would you expect it to take on average if you are willing to estimate?

Hello, I've just received notification that my Anovos kit will ship sometime in July after having ordered it last Celebration. Bluntly said, and knowing it has likely been asked before, how difficult is this process for someone who has minimal crafting experience and is a first-time builder? Additionally, I am a college student with little free time hence the lack of my own build thread; nonetheless, I've been researching vigorously since the Celebration and reading this thread in particular. It seems a bit overwhelming to say the least. If I am to achieve Centurion status, would it be possible to simply follow this guide section by section until completion or is there some other algorithm necessary (aside from submitting photos for approval of course)? I've also taken to armor parties despite not being able to attend one thus far if anyone wishes to speak to that. Thank you.

I think the premium may be worth it for me. With my deficiencies in crafting, I could likely end up buying wrong material(s) more than once or twice if I were to scout for them locally. Likewise, I am short of funds, but I am also short on time to go from store to store and dig through specifications. I will probably order one large order from Trooperbay down the road for most of what I need thereby qualifying for free shipping at TB. Anything else I will manage to find locally (such as the paint). Like you said, supporting a fellow 501st legionnaire is a plus. Thanks again for your time. I have also been skimming your build thread so thank you for taking the time to post that.

If you are willing, could you give some examples of what may be cheaper locally?

Sounds like fun. I am sure it is just as funny to watch.

Yes it is helpful, thank you.

Is Trooperbay a reliable website to get most of these materials/hardware from?

Having recently ordered my Anovos kit, I am having second thoughts? Is it really that bad of a set?

Thank you Joseph. I've reviewed the conduct thread on public appearances. I have a long way to go still before I ever make it out the door in costume. Your thoughts on the binders are almost exactly why I am purchasing them.

Thank you for the link

Excellent, thank you. It seems this is one of the first good finds of my building process at last.

The app mentioned is $14.99 and be found easily on the app store.

You can also use the iOS app called Trooper Talk with your smartphone accompanied by a splitter. It has all the sound effects and voice modifications needed which are then projected through the Akers mic and speaker. I am not familiar with icomm or hovi, but this method seems rather inexpensive relative to other electronics I purchase.

Hello, Once again, I have found an eBay lot for another component of my TK build. What does anyone think of this pair of binders? http://www.ebay.com/itm/262926964214 Thank you in advance for your help. ~Eric