Re: Daft Punk Helmet Build
Holy crap, an update!
No, this project has not been abandoned! Its not finished yet, but we're moving forward.
I've decided to employ a "shotgun" tactic with regard to chroming. I've taken all I've learned so far about the process and sent out three helmets to two different shops with very, very, very specific instructions on how to best handle them. If all goes well, ONE of the three will return intact, unwarped, and to my standards.
If by some freaking miracle I get all three back in good nick, then I'll make one for myself and sell the third, then go buy a lottery ticket because there's no way in hell I could possibly be that lucky.
In making the next round, I played around a bit with dyes and different resins. I used some spare Smooth-on Onyx for the middle helmet. While I like the color, the plastic itself is very, very brittle and doesn't take to drilling well. If you're using a bladed bit like most drill bits, you're going to get significant chipout. I don't think I'll be buying it again for a mold like these.
The visors are done, the wire dome is done, all the lighting is done and the control box is finished. Once I get a good chassis to install all of it into, things should start moving again. I really want this thing out the door - its taking up SO MUCH desk space!
