First Time Prop Weapon´, Looking for Advice prior to build!

[Korlix]

Hello all,

Apologies in advance for my lack of expertise relating to props, as I have only recently started to do research as I wanted to work on a cosplay. I am trying to learn as fast as I can, but I am still completely overwhelmed with the amount of information, so I thought it be best to ask here. If this is the wrong place to post, then please do inform me and I will remove the thread and post elsewhere! Thank you!

I would like to create a cosplay for the character 'Draven' from League of Legends and I wanted to start working on the weapon(s). He wields two (identical) axes, both reaching from the ground to his waist (see pictures). Since the weapons are the largest part of the cosplay, I wanted to make them out of a material that is both light but can also be detailed. Following what most weapon guides suggest, I would plan to make them out of EVA foam material. However, since I live in Germany, most Eva foam used by cosplayers here is individual sheets from floor mats (see picture). Originally, I planned to trace the axe(s) on the sheet and then work with the material, however I fear they will be too large for any sheet. Therefore, I may have to trace them onto two seperate sheets and glue them together (which I worry will not be as durable, or may fall apart).

My questions would be:

1. Do you agree with my material choice for this project of EVA foam?
2. Will my plan of tracing on two individual mats and gluing work out?
3. Any general advice to avoid classic first time mistakes? (I'm sure there will be plenty)

Thank you very much in advance to any respondents! I really do appreciate it

Kind Regards,

Korlix

 

[McFlyte]

Bill Doran of punishedprops.com has some great gear here: http://punishedprops.com/new-maker/

Maybe look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6htIMtmRsvA

 

[Korlix]

Thanks for the links! I will study them thoroughly

 

[Zinger]

Hello all,

Since the weapons are the largest part of the cosplay, I wanted to make them out of a material that is both light but can also be detailed. Following what most weapon guides suggest, I would plan to make them out of EVA foam material. However, since I live in Germany, most Eva foam used by cosplayers here is individual sheets from floor mats (see picture). Originally, I planned to trace the axe(s) on the sheet and then work with the material, however I fear they will be too large for any sheet. Therefore, I may have to trace them onto two seperate sheets and glue them together (which I worry will not be as durable, or may fall apart).

If you use contact cement to glue the sheets together, they won't come apart. Properly applied, the glue bond is stronger than the foam.

Here in the US, I use Barge or Weldwood cement. There must be something similar in Germany.

To apply, spread a thin, even coating on both pieces to be glued. Use a bit of scrap foam to make sure it's thin and even.Allow the glue to dry for a minute or two, then add a second layer of glue. This helps to ensure that the glue penetrates the foam.

Allow the second layer to dry until it loses it's shine and is just tacky. You can speed this up with a heat gun set to low or hair dryer.

When fitting the two pieces together be careful. Contact cement will stick to itself instantly. It's hard to correct any mistakes.

Evil Ted has a good tutorial on how to make clean seams in foam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPDjeT8cOi8

 

[Korlix]

Thank you for the feedback! Very detailed explanation that cleared up some of my uncertainties, such as how well contact cement sticks. Evil Ted seems great, I'm just taking in so much from his guides.

Does it matter how large the prop is, since it will not fit on a single sheet? I was thinking removing the edge of two floor mats and then contact cement gluing the edges together (would have to do this twice for the right thickness of the weapon). From there, drawing the pattern and cutting etc.

Thanks again for the reply

 

[Uridium]

If you are doing the foam double thickness, then just make sure your seam where you join two pieces along the edge isnt in the same place on each layer. (so the seams are not directly on top of each other)

Fore anyone new to foam work I always like to link this thread ---> https://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=148889&highlight=JfCustom's+foam+file+thread

Oh, and the foam mat you posted, that's pretty much what we can get in the UK too.

 

[Solos blaster]

Just some general advice, but take your time and don't rush it. Better to take longer and make it look fantastic than rush through and make it look like crap.

Welcome to the board!

 

[Korlix]

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate all the advice and support. I'll read some more about using EVA foam and watch some videos and then get started. Once I'm up and running I'll link a thread to this one where I'll post updates on the build with pictures (If any of you are interested).

Thanks guys!

Korlix

 

[Zinger]

Does it matter how large the prop is, since it will not fit on a single sheet? I was thinking removing the edge of two floor mats and then contact cement gluing the edges together (would have to do this twice for the right thickness of the weapon). From there, drawing the pattern and cutting etc.

Thanks again for the reply

Here's an Evil Ted video in which he builds a thick foam ax using multiple layers of foam. It's very similar to what it sounds like you're trying to build.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atVy_y5V0dg

Does your floor mat foam have a texture on one side? If it does, it will be hard to glue together multiple layers. TNT Cosplay has high quality foam which is smooth on both sides. Much easier to work with when using multiple layers.

http://tntcosplaysupply.com/index.html

 

[Korlix]

Thanks for the links! I do think it will be similar to Evil Ted's axe, but both longer and thicker. Definetly a good reference point!

Unfortunately, I will have to go with floor mats, as most cosplay product providers, such as TNT cosplay, only ship in the U.S (I live in Berlin). So current plan is to buy floor mats, work around the seams as good as I can, and smooth the rough side with sandpaper. Will have to see how well that works once I make the order (haven't had time yet, but soon!)