New to prop making

Hi everybody, my name is Joe and i have been prop collecting for a long time. But recently it has become hard for me to continue spending money on my hobby of collecting. I want to start making my own props but i don't even know where to begin. Can anybody give me some advise or maybe point me in the right direction or a tutorial on the basics? anything would help...

Thanks

It helps if you let us know what your interests are and your skill level, from there folks can contribute suggestions.

You can make almost anything for almost any budget. It really all comes down to the time you're willing to invest and how resourceful you can be.

So, it might be easier if you tell us a bit about the movies and props you'd be interested in making, since it's easier to learn by doing, than learning a technique and trying to find a project to fit.

So what movies and props really rev up your imagination?

-Nick

The, "From Pixels to Props" videos on YouTube (posted by our very own MattMunson), has some great introductory videos on how to scratchbuild props. There is also a PDF available for download with some additional instructions.

PAX Behind The Scenes - From Pixels To Props Panel. - YouTube

Sean

Part of the fun of building props is deciding what you want and acquiring the skills and equipment necessary to really do it justice. I would say you need to let the project determine what are "essential" skills, see how other people have built teh things you want or projects similar, and then go from there.

This forum is FULL of build threads that can help you.

What are your specific interests?

Yea, we can't exactly be much help without an area of interest.

Outside them? Tools are a big necessity (files, a dremel, pliers, a vice...at least)

Epoxy putty works wonders - fills any gap, space or piece you need - can be filed, drilled and sanded when it dries. Oatey sticks in the plumbing dept works well, along with hobby epoxy putty like sculpty online - try to stay away from Loctite sticks, unless you need something you can sculpt in less than 2 min.

Super glue is not that super. It can be brittle and epoxy glue (2 part) will bond much better. JB weld is kinda awesome too.

Time, patience, and intuition/creativity play a big role.

when looking for free parts, check re-use places, recycling bins, old junk you have lying around (even think - you can cut it up, take it apart, etc. phone charger? you've got rubber, wires, transistors, etc) even check dumpsters, or estate sales.

plan first.

things look much better after painting. cobble something together, now spray it with black paint. Admit it, you're a little happy with yourself

plumbing tubes are measured from the inside.

learn to solder if you have a few hours, it's a very useful skill even outside prop building.


I..I'm just rambling, I'll shutup now.