going to build an ALL aluminum proton pack, looking for tips and advice...

[prototype7]

I know... I know....
First off... I know it's going to be expensive... I know it won't be easy... I know. But... my brother just recently got his welding setup to include aluminum so eventually I'm going to go for it.

So I'm looking for tips or advice from anybody who has ever done this with metal before. Any huge roadblocks or unforseen obstacles would be nice to know about.
Also... if anyone has any... ahem... better, plans or blueprints than what is available in the current public sector send me a pm and maybe we can talk shop... ya know.

So... any help you have please post... and for those telling me I'm nuts... keep it to yourself please, I KNOW I'm nuts! Nuts for Ghostbusters!

 

[almar bouwman]

An aluminum proton pack, wow. That's gotta be heavy dude. I have a Sandtrooper backpack and I can tell you that's pretty heavy after a day of trooping. But a pack completly out of aluminum has got to weight a ton. Or are you the Schwarzenegger type :lol?
Anyway, good luck with the build and keep us posted.

 

[Funky]

An aluminum proton pack, wow. That's gotta be heavy dude. I have a Sandtrooper backpack and I can tell you that's pretty heavy after a day of trooping. But a pack completly out of aluminum has got to weight a ton. Or are you the Schwarzenegger type :lol?
Anyway, good luck with the build and keep us posted.

I agree. Granted, a metal pack would be cool as hell but who'd want to carry it? :confused

 

[prototype7]

Heavy yes... but impressive! And imagine the look on friends faces when they ask to put it on and you finally drop the weight of it on their shoulders!

 

[replicaprops]

This is what I suggest, Find a large press and form the alluminum instead of trying to weld it. Make inner and outer molds from cheap plywood and then press it into shape.

Watch the American Chopper episode season 5 episode 26 Schussler Bike

They did exactly what you need to do to form the metal.

Sheet aluminum is really easy to work with and you can pre soften it with a map gas torch.

 

[micdavis]

Nevermind.

 

[runnriottt]

Being a machinist, depending on the gauge of the aluminum could be just as light as an MDF or plywood, and will be far far cooler.

On the up side, it will be solid. Also if you plan on any game mods, the moving parts have a better place to mount to.

Also, it will be sharp, the corners better than wood and such. More idealized.

I like the idea.

How often do you really wear it? Mainly it sits on a stand and looks cool collecting dust.

Go for it!

 

[exoray]

Good luck on your quest, it's one I will do at some point (no time soon) after I get to what I consider my De Facto set of plans done and then can beg my machinist for 5 axis CNC machine time....

There was a guy several years ago that welded up a steel one, some compromises were made but it definitely had wow factor...

 

[prototype7]

I remember the steel one! Great pics but good god... STEEL?! Now I'll be the first to say that it HAD to be more or less un-wearable! I think we're going to go with some pretty thin aluminum in most spots. I actually think we might make the motherboard out of steel since that's where all the weight of the electronics and "other stuff"... yes I said other stuff... is going to rest. I have lofty goals for this and I appreciate the fact that nobody has flat out told me I'm crazy and I suck!
And Exoray... I'll probably be commin' at ya for some of those blinkies I hear so much about... not soon though... but just a heads up.

 

[TK-1776]

Couldn't you just make a plastic one and use Rub and Buff on it like guys use for their Jango Fett helmets? That stuff makes plastic look just like metal.

 

[gunnerk19]

Hit the bank now for a re-mortgage before the rates go up again... :lol

 

[exoray]

Couldn't you just make a plastic one and use Rub and Buff on it like guys use for their Jango Fett helmets? That stuff makes plastic look just like metal.

Sure you could, and most do make plastic ones with faux finishes... But, nothing is more realistic then real metal... Not to mention there is ever indication that the primary hero gun was originally all metal, so it's a step towards making the most accurate...

 

[TV8]

Tip: hit the gym!

But seriously, good idea. Are you going to cast any parts? The bumper for instance? An aluminium bumper would be super useful for anyone's pack, regardless of construction material, as it seems to attract the most damage.

 

[KrangPrime]

I agree. Granted, a metal pack would be cool as hell but who'd want to carry it? :confused

the resin one isn't exactly light either ;o)

 

[OldSkoolEffects]

Unfortunately, the density of aluminum (generally speaking) hasn't changed in the past 5 years.