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Erice3339

501st Stormtrooper[TK]
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Posts posted by Erice3339

  1. 1 hour ago, justjoseph63 said:

    I only posted this a few months ago, which is why you may not have seen it.  The best diagram I have is from Jeff (wingnut65) of the Tampa Bay Squad (below).  The only difference in mine is that I use 2 snaps on the shoulder bell to shoulder bridge connection.

     

    wXbXJe1.jpg

    I see. I have this diagram saved. If I order two more 10 pcks from Tandy, I’ll have fifty pieces/snaps. While it’s not enough to fulfill this diagram completely, I think it’ll provide me enough to reinforce most areas. I’ll have to determine what areas I get skimp by with single connections. Thank you again, Joseph. 

    • Like 1
  2. On 6/21/2018 at 1:49 PM, menschie said:

    bought 1/4" x 3/4" x 10' insulating foam tape,

    Hey Menschie,

     

    Good post; I am already experimenting with your settings. To confirm, I found this tape at Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/M-D-Building-Products-3-4-in-x-10-ft-Black-Sponge-Rubber-Foam-Weatherstrip-Tape-06593/100355591

     

    Is this what you got or atleast viable for your dampening setup? Thanks!

     

    ~Eric

     

    Edit: Also, did you change the resonance values from default for highpass and lowpass settings?

  3. 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. 

  4. 10 minutes ago, justjoseph63 said:

    Absolutely.  Much easier to do during the build rather than after.  The areas that I highlighted do not need major reinforcing, just a piece about half an inch wide and follow the curve.  While you can certainly attach the reinforcing strips with ABS paste, I used E-6000 and have had no problems.  I would set them back from the edge about 1/8 of an inch so they don't show, though.

    As for the interior cover strips, also easier to do during the build, and bear in mind that the interior ones are just for added strength.  They are not overly necessary on most joins, but like I mentioned, the front of the calves get stretched a lot from opening and closing them when putting your armor on.  I suggest making the interior strips for those first, and cut them about 1 1/2 inches wide.  They don't have to be pretty, as no one sees them anyway, and will not affect any approval level.

    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. 

  5. 21 hours ago, BDWC said:

    No worries about extra ABS, you'll have plenty once you start trimming out your kit when it arrives

     

    I wished I had reinforced mine initially, as after almost two years of trooping with my Anovos kit, I've added several pieces and repairs with ABS paste fixing those cracks

     

     

    Sent from my Imperial TK communicator

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

    • Like 1
  6. 19 hours ago, justjoseph63 said:

     

    Some spot-on info. from Jim there, Eric.  There should be plenty enough ABS scrap to make all the reinforced areas, and I would also highly suggest making inside cover strips in the calves.  Those get opened and closed a lot, and the wear and tear can eventually lead to the E-6000 failing on the front ones.

     

    Be aware that although Anovos is advertising replacement parts, they are out of stock on many if not all of them for the foreseeable future.

    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. 

  7. On 4/27/2018 at 5:36 PM, Neb Sgird said:

    @TKittell's belt is great, I troop with one myself. Yes, you can definitely reinforce problem areas (corners of the chest, top of the shins, etc.) from behind with strips of ABS, sackcloth, or the like. 

     

    If you do plenty of research, check build threads and centurion approval pictures, post any questions you might have around here somewhere, and always measure twice and cut once, you aren't likely to mess up anything irreparably. There's a treasure trove of resources and helpers here on FISD (and in your local garrison, I'm sure) that will help you through. 

    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!

  8. On 4/28/2018 at 5:34 AM, justjoseph63 said:

    You can't go wrong following Tony's (ukswrath) build, Eric, especially if your are (hopefully) aiming for Centurion.  

    I would highly recommend reinforcing the inside of some of the areas that are prone to cracking/splitting on the Anovos armor, especially in the areas seen in red below:

    nFy89kM.jpg?3  basJPqm.jpg?4

     

    A word of advice on strapping systems:  The "strapping" kit that is included with the Anovos armor consists of Velcro.  Using this to build the kit will work, but is really not all that practical for trooping in the long run.  Pieces can fall off, and the Velcro will eventually wear out from repeated use.

     

    If you don't feel up to going with the "classic" (bracket) system that Tony used, I suggest using the nylon strapping method that most of us use.  It costs a little more and takes more time to construct, but it is well worth it.  I have a tutorial here that will help:  https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/44617-snap-setting-101/

     

    If you haven't done so yet, you should sign up at the Florida Garrison boards, https://fl501st.com/.  You are located in the Everglades Squad area, and there may be someone in that area that can help you out with your build on a local level, but always feel free to ask any questions here that you may have.

     

    Also, I recommend getting all of the items you will need for your build together before your kit arrives.  It will make life easier not having to scramble around at the last minute, believe me.  https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/31404-supply-list-for-your-tk-build/

     

     

    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! 

  9. On 4/17/2018 at 2:22 PM, Neb Sgird said:

    The quality of their molds is good (but not as good as some much more expensive armorers), the armor looks great when built accurately. The belt on the other hand...*cringe*

     

    Anyway, the main quality complaint people have is the thickness of the plastic. It is VERY thin, especially when put next to a more substantial plastic like that in TM, AP, and many others. This means it is more prone to cracking or warping. 

    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)? 

  10. On 2/27/2018 at 4:50 PM, Harbinger said:

    I have never heard of anyone having issues with Anovos gear not meeting 501st standards when assembled correctly. Their track record problems are more on the fulfillment side of things - they make a good product for the price but you will be waiting for it, sometimes a year or more.

    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. 

  11. Hey Eric welcome. We have plenty baseline beginners here with various living situations. With perseverance and hard work you should have no problems assembling the armor to the highest level. I won't lie to you, it may take some time and $ but it is achievable. Hope this helps

     

    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?

  12. 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.

  13. Eric, First off welcome to the FISD! 

    I'm also in Fort Myers,Do you go to FGCU? 

    No need to be intimidated we've all had to make that first cut and with the amount of skill on this board theirs not much that someone hasn't seen or had to fix so no worries.

    Besides I'll be right down the road to give you a hand when you need it!  

     

    I will be attending FGCU in August for the next four years until I get my master's. As of now, I am attending Indian River State College on the east coast. If you are willing, I would be more than happy and extremely grateful if you are willing to give me a hand with my armor when the time comes. I will likely not be able to drive to Tampa all that often as it is, though I do intend to make as many armor nights as I can. 

     

    Thank you for the welcome and your encouragement. For the time being, this endeavor appears to me as a daunting task. I suppose I will get the hang of it eventually though. 

  14. 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. 

    • Like 1
  15. Two of us TKs in the Squad have a pair of those- they are so much fun!  Not to be worn at canon-troops, but the vast majority of our troops aren't cannon, so not a big deal.  It's also kind of hilarious how inept you can be trying to hold them up to open them and get them onto a potential prisoner because you can't see very well while wearing your helmet.  Another Squad member painted a pair gray and carries them with his Naval Trooper.  

     

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

  16. When you receive you 501st approval and start trooping, binders are a great way to get the public involved.  You can put someone "under arrest", which makes for a great photo-op.  You will be surprised at how many people are willing to put them on for a cool pic, but if it is a child, be sure not to point your blaster at them.

     

    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. 

  17. Yep, those are good.  I own a pair myself.  I'm pretty sure that's what most troopers carry when you see the white ones.  Aside from those who DIY them with PVC, that is.   ;)

     

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

  18. Wasn't the icomm system the one that can be installed in the helmet, and it came with hovi mics so that it's more authentic? Where's the link to that? And does it have the "ksssh" sound effect?

     

    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. 

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