Jannix Quinn
Sr Member
Excellent. That's exactly what I meant with explaining the materials and such.
Arkham Asylum/City Grapple Gun VIDEO Build - Progress pic added
- Thread starter MattMunson
- Start date
pandamajik
Member
Really informative videos. I've always enjoyed reading about how people build things and having videos is even better than just images.
Just wanted to put in my 2 cents on the issue of putty since you mentioned it in your last video:
I had a quart size of Bondo from when I used it for resin model kits and used it a bit recently for a helmet I'm making but just didn't like working with it very much on large objects (it wasn't that awesome to work with on small objects either but it was more tolerable). What I ended up doing was picking up some Evercoat Z-Grip which I found at Carquest in town for about $27 for the gallon size. It's not that much more expensive than the Bondo brand stuff but is a lot easier to work with in terms of sanding and spreading. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to using the Bondo brand stuff unless it's for filling large areas before covering with other putty since the Evercoat stuff sands so much better (they claim that the "Hattonite" their stuff contains doesn't gum up sandpaper). I've been meaning to ask others about this same issue since I see some builders on here that have both cheap Bondo brand and better automotive grade body fillers and just wanted to know how other people use them.
Just wanted to put in my 2 cents on the issue of putty since you mentioned it in your last video:
I had a quart size of Bondo from when I used it for resin model kits and used it a bit recently for a helmet I'm making but just didn't like working with it very much on large objects (it wasn't that awesome to work with on small objects either but it was more tolerable). What I ended up doing was picking up some Evercoat Z-Grip which I found at Carquest in town for about $27 for the gallon size. It's not that much more expensive than the Bondo brand stuff but is a lot easier to work with in terms of sanding and spreading. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to using the Bondo brand stuff unless it's for filling large areas before covering with other putty since the Evercoat stuff sands so much better (they claim that the "Hattonite" their stuff contains doesn't gum up sandpaper). I've been meaning to ask others about this same issue since I see some builders on here that have both cheap Bondo brand and better automotive grade body fillers and just wanted to know how other people use them.
That is a good tip, Pandamajik. I think I will pick up some of that z-grip stuff and give it a try.
I only use bondo as a last resort, as I really don't like it at all, but as per my video, if I need to fill in some big gap, it's my tool of choice. Still, great feedback, and I appreciate the discussion.
I only use bondo as a last resort, as I really don't like it at all, but as per my video, if I need to fill in some big gap, it's my tool of choice. Still, great feedback, and I appreciate the discussion.
I started molding some pieces today. The main body is going to be a two part mold, which I will document and turn into another one of my tutorial-style videos. The focus will be on building the box, which is where some trickery can come into play.
Today I designed a custom base for the grapple, and sent off the files to get them laser cut. It's basically the logo from Arkham City/Asylum rendered in 3d. Should be cool.
I'm currently in the middle of making a couple two part molds, and filming it. It's taking a little longer than usual because of the work and cure time involved. I will probably have a new episode up tomorrow.
Here's the latest video:
19 - Batman Arkham City / Arkham Asylum Grapple Gun Prop Build - YouTube
This one took a long time to film, and you'll understand why when you watch it. I needed a few days in between filming to let the rubber cure.
Please let me know what you think! And then go make a mold for yourself.
19 - Batman Arkham City / Arkham Asylum Grapple Gun Prop Build - YouTube
This one took a long time to film, and you'll understand why when you watch it. I needed a few days in between filming to let the rubber cure.
Please let me know what you think! And then go make a mold for yourself.
pandamajik
Member
I've always wondered - is there any advantage to round vs square registration marks or are they more or less the same. I was under the impression that it was just based on what people have on hand (I know Volpin makes his using wells from a plastic paint tray).
Matt,
Any recommendations on who to go to for laser cutting services? What file formats do they accept?
Sean
Any recommendations on who to go to for laser cutting services? What file formats do they accept?
Sean
cboath
Master Member
Laser cutting is a 2D process. Most places i'm aware of take dxf and dwg files. Not sure what other 2D formats would be usable on those machines.
Depends on the laser cutter, and the equipment they have. The person who helps me with laser cutting stuff takes PDF and eps also. Totally depends.
cboath
Master Member
I forgot about EPS.
Our shop downstairs requires DXF even though the equipment takes DWG as well. To me, EPS and PDF are more graphic formats than they are precision design formats.
I'm sure some software would take wmf files as well. I just wouldn't use one.
Regardless of what anyone feels is better than the others, you'll definitely have to talk to the shop you will use and ask them what they prefer. They may work best with a format you wouldn't expect.
Our shop downstairs requires DXF even though the equipment takes DWG as well. To me, EPS and PDF are more graphic formats than they are precision design formats.
I'm sure some software would take wmf files as well. I just wouldn't use one.
Regardless of what anyone feels is better than the others, you'll definitely have to talk to the shop you will use and ask them what they prefer. They may work best with a format you wouldn't expect.
Yeah, it's pretty weird. The thing really changes from pic to pic.
I am thinking of doing a second version of the gun using laser cut parts. It'll be more precise, and I'll be able to address some of the concerns I had with the MDF version. I may just do a CNC version instead.
Or I might focus on R2 for a while
Iv'e filmed another video, but it's kind of boring. I might need to do some more work on the prop before editing it together.
Right now, the mold for the handle is being built. As you could see briefly in the last video, some of the other parts are molded also. It's definitely coming together. Once I get the parts cast in resin, I will basically be building a resin kit, which will also lead to some good documentation.
I am thinking of doing a second version of the gun using laser cut parts. It'll be more precise, and I'll be able to address some of the concerns I had with the MDF version. I may just do a CNC version instead.
Or I might focus on R2 for a while
Iv'e filmed another video, but it's kind of boring. I might need to do some more work on the prop before editing it together.
Right now, the mold for the handle is being built. As you could see briefly in the last video, some of the other parts are molded also. It's definitely coming together. Once I get the parts cast in resin, I will basically be building a resin kit, which will also lead to some good documentation.
cboath
Master Member
I'm working up a high-end 3D model at the moment based on the game model. It's interesting to see the various changes in their development art and cut scenes. Leaves more room for interpretation as you build.
I'd love to be able to do molds, but I have a feeling all i'd be able to do is destroy an actual model and make a gargantuan mess in the process
I'd love to be able to do molds, but I have a feeling all i'd be able to do is destroy an actual model and make a gargantuan mess in the process
Matt, the last video was probably my favorite! Excellent service you are doing for the community here. If I make it to the North Texas prop party, don't be alarmed if I stare at you in awe a bit... :lol
I am really enjoying watching your videos Matt. I wish i had editing software to do the same for my NIKE's.
Also, I am really liking the tutorials/educational episodes (like the bondo squish, mold making and the 3 different types of materials for covering)
Also, I am really liking the tutorials/educational episodes (like the bondo squish, mold making and the 3 different types of materials for covering)
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