Daft Punk: Guy Manuel's helmet question

[Pilopew]

So, first post, here goes,

As youve probably guessed, I want to recreate Daft Punk Member Guy-Manel de Homem-Christo's helmet(thats a mouthful). There already is another thread by Volpin, as I am perfectly aware of. Now, Ive done my research, read everything I could find on making these helmets, and I feel ready to get started. So the actual question is: what should I use as a base? Ive been thinkng of balsawood, thatd be excellent to get the shape I think, but its not very sturdy. Same thing goes for pepakura, and Id lke to give the shape myself. Does someone have a good idea? Modifying a motorcycle helmet? Nope, want a serious replica

Oh yeah, and please avoid the "its very difficult for a beginner" and all that nonsense. Ill figure that out for myself, thank you very much...

-Nothing is impossible, only highly improbable
- Ill take the chance man, thanks

Cheers,

Pilopew

 

[Volpin]

If I could go back and do mine again, I'd do nearly the exact same thing I did the first time, just without using as much apoxie sculpt at the beginning.

I liked the air dry clay with bondo on top method. Details later in apoxie sculpt and wood.

If you fancy yourself a very steady hand, you can try an oil clay sculpt over a foam armature, like a mannequin head. There are a lot of very straight lines on Guy's helmet though, which is why I preferred to sand instead of sculpt.

 

[Pilopew]

Hmm, ok, so you say expanding-foam, right? That indeed must be a good start, especially if someone like you advises so!
One last question, about the bondo, doesn't that make it a lot heavier? See, I do not have molding capabilities, and I doubt theres anyone in Brussels to help me
There wouldn't be a lighter work-around, would there?:/

Thanks for the fast reply,

Pilopew

 

[Volpin]

Hmm, ok, so you say expanding-foam, right? That indeed must be a good start, especially if someone like you advises so!
One last question, about the bondo, doesn't that make it a lot heavier? See, I do not have molding capabilities, and I doubt theres anyone in Brussels to help me
There wouldn't be a lighter work-around, would there?:/

Thanks for the fast reply,

Pilopew

eh, if you're going to make one thats wearable without molding, I really can't help all that much. The pep files out there aren't terribly accurate, and thats really the best way to make one where your sculpt IS the final product.

Even still, pep helmets will require bondo and fiberglassing. They'll be heavier than most resin cast pieces.

 

[stan]

eh, if you're going to make one thats wearable without molding, I really can't help all that much. The pep files out there aren't terribly accurate, and thats really the best way to make one where your sculpt IS the final product.

Even still, pep helmets will require bondo and fiberglassing. They'll be heavier than most resin cast pieces.

i'll chime in here and say that i've read in more than one place that the original helmets started out life as motorcycle helmets. this may not be the easiest route but i'm testing the method out myself and so far its looking like if you have the right one and scale the templates properly, it could make a very nice shell. the icing on the cake is that motorcycle helmet innards are very comfy!