HOWTO: Make a return edge on armor using a heat sealing iron

[pandatrooper[TK]]

I have a lot of people asking me how to do a return edge, or tips when they've bought a heat sealing iron and can't get it to work. So I figured a video tutorial would be helpful.

 

Pete / Stukatrooper came up with the original concept and created the original web tutorial here. Pete's stuff is always inspirational, so many kudos to him for this!

http://whitearmor.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=2313

 

I did a lot of trimming and return edges on my AM build here, also good for reference:

http://whitearmor.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=10434

 

Here is another tutorial for modifying the thigh armor tops to create the "ANH" look (notches)

http://whitearmor.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=11836

 

Here's online sources for heat sealing irons:

 

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towr3250.html

 

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN101

 

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXB361&P=0

 

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXB363&P=0

 

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVPROFIL=++&FVSEARCH=sealing+iron&search=Go

 

With that out of the way, here's a 2 part video tutorial for how to create return edges using a heat sealing iron. I hope it's helpful for all the people asking for tips on how to get a better return edge!

 

 

[TK bondservnt[TK]]

nice job terry! pm sent.

[RogueTrooper[TK]]

To bend an old saying, no pun intended.. "a picture is worth a thousand words"... then a video is worth a million. Brilliant Videos Terry

[Sgt Steve]

You rock terry! Saved them to fav's and just ordered a iron online!

[rikarus]

Awesome tut! Was trying out some stuff last night, and the iron was actually melting plastic and making a sticky mess, I am thinking I just need to turn down the heat, is this correct?

[pandatrooper[TK]]

Your heat was probably way too high.

[BlueGrot]

Did you use the cloth padding for the iron?

[pandatrooper[TK]]

No, but mine is teflon coated. Using the fabric boot will prevent the plastic from sticking unciated irons.

[john danter[TK]]

Yeah you need to watch. Mine is coated but if it's too hot it will stick to the plastic sadly

 

A test bit of plastic is a great idea for something like this as usually where you want that return edge is your final cut line.....don't want to mess that up

[SandFlea[TK]]

Just wanted to say thanks Terry. Very helpful and will bring my AM armor to a whole new level.

[TK_LEPER]

 

You da man!

[seantrooper[TK]]

VERY HELPFUL MATE! one of the best tips out there

 

Used this extensively to mod my fx kit