Transformers _ All Spark _ Condensed Cube

cavx

Master Member
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I am a fan of the Michael Bay TRANSFORMERS films. One prop I have wanted for ages is the condensed "All Spark" cube.

Like my Fifth Element Stones, this is a budget build where I am once again thinning out the pile of MDF. I decided that I would send the parts off to a board cutter so that each part would be "square" and cut to size.

After reading comments here, I have decided on a cube with 9 inch side.

I had found a few versions of the graphics online but they were all 4.5 inches or 1/2 scale. One was colour and the other black and white. So I took the BW version and scaled it up 2x in MS Paint.

I then broke up the template to make 6 panel files to be printed on A3 paper which I then glued to a cube panel with PVA glue. I had decided to glue one and carve one side at a time using a rotary tool. I was struggling to find a cutter I liked the feel of and as a result, some of the graphic parts are not 'round' like they should be. I don't think it will matter on my rep prop. If it does bug me, I can always print a paper panel and fill in the groves with some D65 and go again - NOT.

My found graphic

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The raw MDF "cube"

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First side panel glued.

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First side complete

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2nd side complete

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So whilst not perfect, I have 2 sides done and will continue tomorrow.
 
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There are two tools in my kit that are like mini rasp files. One has a flat end and the other is pointed. I just found that the pointed tip tool worked the best. Basically, by holding the tool at about 45 degrees, I was able to drag the tool backwards over the lines. I then went back a few times until I had the details deep enough. Like my other MDF projects, I want to seal this in epoxy, and because the epoxy tends to fill in, i need the groves at least 3mm deep.
 
Sure you can if you want to make one for yourself.

I glue the detail on with water based glue, then cut into the cube with the rotary tool.

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These images are were taken at various stages. The glue just ensures that the details do not move.

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And all painted up. Just need to seal it now. I did a base coat of black, a mist coat of white and some silver highlights.

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And a quick coat of clear to seal it up. If I can get some liquid glass, I would like to coat it in that.
I think after this dries, I can call this part done.
Then to make the stand.

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Geometry is weird. So I wanted to pose the cube on a stand so it sits with a rotation of 45 degrees, and a tilt of 45 degrees.

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As it turns out, I need a cut out that is an equal lateral triangle. In my mock up, I also added a 45 degree taper. This is needed on the base of the triangle, but not sure if needed on the other 2 sides.

This is kind of how it will look.

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Thanks. Part of me feels that I should track down the deception from the same series. Problem is, this was one of those impulse buys at a Con, so not sure if I will find the same thing in a shop.

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