Johannes
New Member
Hi everyone,
I'm currently working on a replica of Jango Fett’s WESTAR-34 blasters. I'm relatively new to prop making and machining, so much of this process is a learning experience for me. I know the final finish probably won’t be as clean as I’d like but Ill learn a lot
Handle Build:
I started with the handle, using some MDF I had lying around. I shaped it using rasps, files, and sandpaper. Getting a smooth surface finish turned out to be quite a challenge—the MDF soaked up a lot of filler, and I had to do several rounds of sanding. If I were to do it again, I’d probably choose a different material.
The next step was making a silicone mold, which was another first for me. Despite not having access to a vacuum chamber or a pressure pot, the resin casts came out relatively well. There are a few bubbles here and there, so some post-processing will be needed.
For the machining part of the build, I started with the flash hider. The surface finish turned out pretty decent, though the drilled holes could be cleaner so Ill be doing some more sanding and polishing later on. The barrels also came out okay. The slots aren’t as clean as I’d like, but they’re passable for a first attempt.
Next up will be machining the flat parts—things like the trigger, the details on the underside of the handle, the brass parts and the rear section of the barrel. Once those are done, it'll mostly be a matter of final sanding and polishing.
I'll keep updating this thread whenever I get the chance to work on it which is unfortunately not as often as I’d like.
If you have any thoughts or tips and comments on my process I'd love to hear them
I'm currently working on a replica of Jango Fett’s WESTAR-34 blasters. I'm relatively new to prop making and machining, so much of this process is a learning experience for me. I know the final finish probably won’t be as clean as I’d like but Ill learn a lot
Handle Build:
I started with the handle, using some MDF I had lying around. I shaped it using rasps, files, and sandpaper. Getting a smooth surface finish turned out to be quite a challenge—the MDF soaked up a lot of filler, and I had to do several rounds of sanding. If I were to do it again, I’d probably choose a different material.
The next step was making a silicone mold, which was another first for me. Despite not having access to a vacuum chamber or a pressure pot, the resin casts came out relatively well. There are a few bubbles here and there, so some post-processing will be needed.
For the machining part of the build, I started with the flash hider. The surface finish turned out pretty decent, though the drilled holes could be cleaner so Ill be doing some more sanding and polishing later on. The barrels also came out okay. The slots aren’t as clean as I’d like, but they’re passable for a first attempt.
Next up will be machining the flat parts—things like the trigger, the details on the underside of the handle, the brass parts and the rear section of the barrel. Once those are done, it'll mostly be a matter of final sanding and polishing.
I'll keep updating this thread whenever I get the chance to work on it which is unfortunately not as often as I’d like.
If you have any thoughts or tips and comments on my process I'd love to hear them
