Mannequins....

Ok, so I got my first mannequin today to start displaying my screen used stuff properly, only one...ok three minor issues.

1) TOOOOP Heavy, I have to lean him to wall or he is over backwards in full kit. Is that jsut the way they can be when you are decking them out in armor and such?

2) This dude is a BIGFOOT! Cant get boots on him (size 10.5), should I jsut chop off his toes?

3) Girly fingers that are to close together (large gloves), what can you do to fit his gloves on?

Thanks for any suggestions you might have, when I am searching mannquin stuff I am getting a million threads, but pouring through them was making me crosseyed! :-p

anyone......buheuler......anyone???

1. I display spacesuits, and often they get top heavy because of the helmets and backpacks. I either grind down the stand to compensate or construct another base for it that holds up the dressed figure.

2. One of the main problems with footwear is that the mannequin foot doesn't bend like a human foot that your costume boots are made for. I'll cut the foot off at the ankle and install support straps at front and back and both sides of the lower leg on the rare occasion I can't get boots on. But a little patience and constant wiggling of the shoe usually works wonders.

3. I either cut up the fingers or make new hands, depending on the glove.

Cool, I kinds thought thats what I might need to do, but I am a noob and wanted to get some experienced input before I go all hacksaw on my mannie's feet and hands! tyvm!

:-)

Where can I buy Mannequins for a decent price?

Rikarus said:

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Ok, so I got my first mannequin today to start displaying my screen used stuff properly, only one...ok three minor issues.

1) TOOOOP Heavy, I have to lean him to wall or he is over backwards in full kit. Is that jsut the way they can be when you are decking them out in armor and such?

2) This dude is a BIGFOOT! Cant get boots on him (size 10.5), should I jsut chop off his toes?

3) Girly fingers that are to close together (large gloves), what can you do to fit his gloves on?

Thanks for any suggestions you might have, when I am searching mannquin stuff I am getting a million threads, but pouring through them was making me crosseyed! :-p

For the boots/shoes, Just start by cutting off the end of the foot at the toe line. If that does not work cut off a little more at a time till it fits. I do this all the time with mannequins, and it doesn't hurt the balance or lack of once the shoe is on. I find that a dremel tool with a cutting wheel works easiest with this. For the hands, you can always cast new ones for it. Just go to you tube and look for videos on casting hands using alginate. Once you have your mold you can fill it with latex, plaster, or a liquid plastic like easy flow 60. Hope this helps. Joe

bluester101 said:

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Where can I buy Mannequins for a decent price?

The best place to find thes cheaper is on craigslist. Make sure to type in mannequin as well as mannequins, as both bring up different results. Joe

Awesome, thanks Joe!

Yep, I agree with the posters above - pick a good spot, and saw the ends of the feet off! I saved about an inch or two past the heel to get SOME sort of support in place. Fortunately, if your costume has boots, they will often support themselves pretty well, if the costume isn't too topheavy.

For hands, I plan to use wooden blocks for the palms, and wire wrapped in foam for the fingers and thumbs. i will bolt on the hardware from the removable mannequin had so that the new one can be mounted in its place. Make sense?

-Raj

ARGH... i thought this thread was going to be about something completely different.



good luck with your search!

^ Back when she was hot...maybee but now....... :-p

Jeeves said:

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Yep, I agree with the posters above - pick a good spot, and saw the ends of the feet off! I saved about an inch or two past the heel to get SOME sort of support in place. Fortunately, if your costume has boots, they will often support themselves pretty well, if the costume isn't too topheavy.

For hands, I plan to use wooden blocks for the palms, and wire wrapped in foam for the fingers and thumbs. i will bolt on the hardware from the removable mannequin had so that the new one can be mounted in its place. Make sense?

-Raj

Totally and thanks!

bluester101 said:

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Where can I buy Mannequins for a decent price?

Ben Mannequins on ebay has them, send an offer and he'll accept it(I've bought one half off before!)

Yeah, I get all mine from Ben Mannequins and mannequinsonline.com