How do I trim armor?

[supersteve]

I have looked and can't find a definitive answer. I bought some armor and it's way to big and I need to trim the thigh, ab, back and butt pieces. I want to do it right the first time of course. Basically I want to know what to use to cut it. Do I use a carpenters knife or something else?

[Quebectrooper]

I have looked and can't find a definitive answer. I bought some armor and it's way to big and I need to trim the thigh, ab, back and butt pieces. I want to do it right the first time of course. Basically I want to know what to use to cut it. Do I use a carpenters knife or something else?

 

Hi.

I've build 4 armors , some thinner or thicker than the other and what i've used was a dremel,exacto knife ,scissors, a grinder with cutting discs, sand paper,my oven to bend the plastic ...

 

Just take your time. Search in the armor building section you'll find tutorials and videos.

 

Pat

[TK_LEPER]

All you need is a utility knife to score the plastic, and then snap it off with your hands.

[TKittell[501st]]

All you need is a utility knife to score the plastic, and then snap it off with your hands.

 

I second that. Then hit the edge with a bit of fine sandpaper and you're good to go.

[stormtrooperguy[501st]]

there isn't a definitive answer to give. everyone does it differently.

 

i use a variety of tin snips / shop shears, a dremel and a razor, depending on which cut i am doing at the time.

[john danter]

Exactly. As my favourite is tin shears and plastic curved scissors

A bit of wire wool and she's a beauty!

 

Everyone does it differently. I feel scissors give you more control but take longer than a score and snap

 

Only thing I won't suggest is a bread knife

[pandatrooper[TK]]

I prefer lexan scissors used for trimming rc car bodies.

[sskunky]

I use a chainsaw. I find the level of control is second to none.....

 

 

seriously though, I use a mixture of utility knife and snap it along the score line or scissors for cutting plastic , depending what parts I'm cutting.

 

If you have some scrap I suggest trying out all the given techniques and find what works best for you.

Edited January 17, 2011 by sskunky

[RogueTrooper[TK]]

We suppose to trim this stuff!?!?! Ah, now I see, that's why my suit is sooo hard to wear... <_<

 

All kidding aside, here is a link that gives you the basic tools needed for armor building:

 

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Edited December 16, 2021 by gmrhodes13
link not working removed

[Quebectrooper]

I use a chainsaw. I find the level of control is second to none.....

 

[Calculon]

BTW, don't forget to protect your hands. I'm using Nomex flight gloves when I make a cut with a utility knife (no need when using scissors).

[Quebectrooper]

I use Nomex gloves when i go to the bathroom!