Trimming tools - advice

[captDunn]

Hi everyone 

 

I wanted to see if anyone had trimming advice. I bought a set of shadow trooper armor from a 501st member who was stepping away from trooping he sold me his entire under $500 so it was a pretty good deal. The armor is somewhere between 10-15 years old but is in great condition (no cracks or chips) but I want to be extra careful with it considering how old it is. 

 

I need to trim assembled biceps, thighs and shins. I was wondering if anyone has tool recommendations or advice for cutting older sets of armor. 

[Sly11[Admin]]

Hi Martin.

I use a combination of tools to trim, like Lexan scissors, both curved edge and straight.  A Dremel rotary tool with a sanding drum attachment whish works really well, and a good old pair of tin snips to remove larger areas.

Like any trimming for size, mark a lenient cut line first, then check the size. If further trimming is required, mark new lines re check size, then make your next cut.

 

Golden rule here is measure twice, cut once.

Also when sizing parts like limbs, make sure you have your under suit on for a good fit.

 

I also do clean up with finer sandpaper along all the cut edges, this works well for any micro adjustments before glueing.

 

Hope his is somewhat helpfull.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Personally I use a Dremel (a nock off brand) rotary tool, well 3, all with different tips, I'm too lazy to waste time swapping tip tools, they have a cutting disc, drum sander and debur tip.

 

Some great info in this thread 

You will also find A LOT of information in this thread 

Good luck with the build, look forward to seeing your progress