Han Carbonite build.Scratch building panels UPDATE 26/11

[_Lee_]

Hi all,

Having wanting to build a Han carbonite for years now, ive decided to take the plunge with my son- but there is a difference-its going to be a scratch build. Im going to see how much i can do this for although i will be getting my Han cast from KJ which will be the only relatively expensive piece of the build. Im lucky enough to work for a builders merchants, so get some good discounts aswell as the odd freebie. Ive been studying the fantastic HIC,s done here, and the advice and expertise given is second to none. Hopefully some of the many veteran builders here can help me along the way, so any input on this thread as i go along is appreciated.

I got the frame done yesterday at a cost of zero this was a top sheet from a pallet of 9mm ply. It was cut with a handsaw and sanded down. Just finished cutting and marking up the top panels as i finally figured out how to size them ( sorry to have bothered you MC ) these are made from 9mm MDF and are all marked up and ready for cutting.

As i said guys, please feel free to give any advice or criticism

Thanks

Lee

 

[_Lee_]

Re: UK Han Carbonite build.Started Nov 2015-step by step.

Hi all,

Quick update on my build. I managed to get quite a bit done today as it was raining all morning. I have finished the box and am quite happy with how it turned out. Im trying to stick to a budget so used odd bits of timber I had lying around to do the braces etc. The panel cut outs are pretty rough but I intend to bondo the edges and smooth to a nice finish. I also left the corners of the box clear so I can bondo them and add the slight corner.

Staying with the budget idea, I found 4 pallet corner protectors at work and thought they would be a great basis for scratch build panels. Ive used a heat gun to shape one into a similar shape to the original panels, although not perfect.

As always, comments are appreciated.

Lee

 

[Yeats]

Re: Han Carbonite build.frame and box done.Update Nov 7th.

Looking good! I think i might make one of these for a coffee table

 

[_Lee_]

Re: Han Carbonite build.frame and box done.Update Nov 7th.

Got a little more done today. Blanking sheets for panels etc and started filling some screw holes with filler. Think im going to go over them again with bondo. Total spent so far £20

 

[_Lee_]

Hey guys.

So ive got the main box and frame done. Decided to have a test on which glues etc will work best to dry quickly because its bloody cold here in the UK at the moment. Also started building some side panels from scratch. I had thought about buying a set but cannot really push for the dosh at the moment, and this is a budget build. They don't look perfect, and wont be screen accurate but im trying to get as close as possible. All these have been made from scrap wood, plastic etc as im trying to see what can be done on a small budget. The only real expense im doing is KJ's Han cast.

As always any info / advice appreciated.

Lee