How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shelf)

[XOIIO]

Hey everyone, I was wondering, what do you guys do to get accurate measurements from props?

I want to make a display shelf for my portal gun, however the fact that it has a curved section makes it a tad difficult. I'd like to make the shelf in sketchup (or another 3d program) and send it off to be CNC'd or something like that. Thing is I'm not much of a craftsman, but I am a perfectionist, and I would want it to be as exact a fit as possible.

I have a pair of digital calipers but aside from that I'm not sure how to get nice proper measurements on things like that. I've sent an email to NECA asking if they could send me some measurements, I don't know if they can or not.

Aside from that when it's done I'm going to cut the shell off carefully (which will be painfull to do), and add a DC jack and regulator so that I can power it from a wall plug all the time, and I may add some reed switches and additional magnets to the colored stripes so that when you place the orange or blue stripes the gun will automatically change to the right color scheme.

So, what are some tips for beginners in this sort of thing?

 

[division 6]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

A ruler.

 

[Pippspriller]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

Is the shelf to be curved, fitted, dimensional, perforated etc. that you would need super accurate measurements? Without one of those other factors, it's a simple matter of visual composition. What are your ideas?

 

[XOIIO]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

Is the shelf to be curved, fitted, dimensional, perforated etc. that you would need super accurate measurements? Without one of those other factors, it's a simple matter of visual composition. What are your ideas?

the gun would be held on two "forks" made so that it fits snugly, the front of the portal gun where one ofthe forks would be is curved and I want to get it to be as precise a fit as I can, that's why I was thinking if there is a good way to measure the curve and make it in a 3d program I could have it cnc'd and it would be a perfect fit.

 

[Bob Rosland]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

Take a picture of the front of the gun, making sure to center it as perfectly as possible. Open up the picture in any editing program and resize it so that it's 1/1 with the actual gun. From there, just trace the curve and design the rest of the forks. I suggest using Inkscape or a similar program.

Take a look at Ponoko if you're outsourcing the parts. All you have to do is send them a drawing using their guides and tutorials and they handle the rest.

 

[OldSkoolEffects]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

If you're dead set on using a 3D printer, it may not be much help, but Google "contour gauge."

 

[division 6]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

Use a profile gauge.

 

[Pippspriller]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

Use a profile gauge.

View attachment 254488

That's the perfect answer- just be sure to hold it parallel

 

[Pippspriller]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

They're available at any home improvement or hardware store

 

[Trooper_trent]

Re: How to get accurate measurements from ane xisting prop? (making a protal gun shel

You can buy the stand from NECA for really cheap on Amazon. It's accurate as far as the holder and plaque. If you want a tall version that spins like in the game, a member here modified one to do just that. Search "Portal + Stand".

Here's the thread.

http://www.therpf.com/f9/custom-full-size-working-portal-gun-stand-rotating-motor-168580/

Link to the stand.

http://www.entertainmentearth.com/p...gclid=COL-z_Lq3boCFSEV7Aod7m0AAA#.UoFhRPmshcY

Hope that helps!