Cheap Mannequin build

[Lando]

I decided too build my own cheap mannequin, used this tutorial I found on youtube.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRVQl8wmY34[/media]
after I got all the taping part done I started making the skeleton,
you will need the following items

2 one inch pvc pipes
8 PVC one inch TEE
4 45 degree one inch PVC elbows
1 Hacksaw
2 rolls of duct tape
1 Roll of clear plastic wrap

Once you have the skeleton in the body suit made of duct tape stuff the suit with either bubble wrap , wrapping paper or wrapping soft foam, once stuufed close up all the cuts you made.

very easy to build just needs patience and your gonna need some extra help when wrapping yourself in duct tape.

 

[Nobby]

Excellent!
But you're never going to be able to see outta that helmet :behave

 

[Comicpit]

What it run ($) you in parts??

 

[Lando]

It ran me about $20 dollars in parts

 

[AZAXD]

Sweet thanks for sharing this.
Do you think this could be done on someone's face and head?

 

[Lando]

It could just make sure you use plastic so the tape doesnt stick to your face or hair, and make sure you can breathe

 

[unearthlyjetsam]

Sweet thanks for sharing this.
Do you think this could be done on someone's face and head?

Yep, it can I've done it quite a few times.

You're gonna want to wear a spray sock hood or balaclava, then wrap either tin foil or cling wrap around your head, leaving the mouth open. Then duct tape over that, also leaving the mouth open. (You don't want to suffocate obviously)

Cut it off with medical scissors otherwise you'll be in some pain, trust me it is not fun..

The spray sock hood/balaclava is to protect your hair/head a bit more when cutting the duct tape and tin foil/cling wrap off, so make sure to cut in between the duct tape and spray sock/balaclava.

 

[Kevin Gossett]

You may also want to try a 90 degree bend at the shoulders rather than a 45 degree, so the arms look a bit more natural

 

[Lando]

Yeah ill probably change out those 45 for 90s on the shoulders

 

[omel]

Yeah ill probably change out those 45 for 90s on the shoulders

if you've already glued the pieces together, you can just gently heat up the pvc and bend it to desired position/shape then with a wet/damp cloth cool it back to being rigid.

 

[Lando]

Actually I did not glue the pieces yet, easy fix

 

[Fierfek]

Cool man and nice armor. I've been thinking of modeling a custom Mannequin for pep, but first I have to finish something to display on it.:lol

 

[abs]

What a cool solution!!! how clever are you!!! was gonna cast my own body as manniquins are expensive! cheers your a genious!!!!! ABS

 

[Philyra]

Really interesting. For hanging my chainmail I use the base of this.

 

[Zendragon]

Very nice. May have to try something like this

 

[PrimoOptimoso]

Since I might need to do this sometime I am surprised I never asked any of the duct-tape mannequin people before: How do you embed the PVC into the tape model? Just slit it open in back and wrap around? Do you start padding the pipe before putting the tape dummy on or anything?

 

[Lando]

You pad the pvc with foam or bubble wrap, until you have the desired thickness

 

[PrimoOptimoso]

You pad the pvc with foam or bubble wrap, until you have the desired thickness

No i get that part, i meant getting the PVC inside the duct tape, really.

 

[Mrcosmo]

Great you tube video. I need to make a 7-8' mannequin for my Chewbacca build. Thanks.

 

[hankey01]

I have made a couple using inflatable mannequins off ebay (they are about $10). I then add arms using foam noodles and coat hangers to hold the shape...coat hangers made into hands and stuffed with more foam and ducts tape to make fingers. Of course they are too light to stand up on their own so I just make a round metal base with a metal rod that comes up the back with a couple hooks that cup the armpits. Underarm brackets and rod aren't seen if the costume is robes or has a cape.

Just another idea.