JFcustom's FOAM files

[fryiee]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

It is difficult at times to see from the model on the pepakura designer which bit overlaps, folds valley or mountain and which bits have ledge between the pieces, My best tip would be to not only follow the pep file but also look for a nice clear image of how it should look on google and reference that as well you should be able to tell what goes where from that well this is what I do in any case so hope its helps ive posted up photos of mine not only to show my builds but also to give people an idea what the files should come out like. the tip about the cutting a wedge out from behind is a really good idea and once you get the angle right its easy

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also take your time theres no point in rushing it ive been building on and off for about 2 years and my gluing is still not perfect and I do make mistakes

Thanks for the kind words billymaya, its stuff like this which is why this community is so great!
Ive been practising on scraps for the last 20 minutes trying to get the angle cut down, and i think I have it! Ill keep practising tomorrow, when I get a good rhythm I'll get started on some pieces again.

 

[billymaya]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

no worries we all started some where my first attempts were awful lol but with time they got better and I improved they are all really helpful on here so im sure you will be fine im no expert by any means but if I can help or give advice I will have you checked out stealths tutorials on youtube just type in hero tutorials they were a great help to me when I first started

 

[Duo Monkey]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

So ah... I clicked Thor, it won't open in any program, not even my unzip one. Help?

 

[cama900]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

So ah... I clicked Thor, it won't open in any program, not even my unzip one. Help?

If youve got windows, try 7Zip its free, after you install it you should be able to right click thor.rar > 7Zip > open archive And your set!

And thanks for unfolding my Guy helm JFCustom! I was debating weather or not to attempt a foam one and I never even noticed it Ill have to try it now!

 

[JFcustom]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

I must confess I also collect an impressive amount (half a suit so far) of missed parts due to missed moutains...

cama900 -> thanks to you, for your great models ! I've been sent them with credits and labeled "free to share", I didn't even know you were member here :$... Thank you ! Too bad though I couldn't grab so far any transparent foam to get a see-through spherical visor ^^ What would be your tip not to bump into each wall ?

 

[Durkness]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

Still one of my favorite threads..... Thanks for simplifying the Iron Patriot helmet. I know I didn't add in the details on the top but it will work for what I use it for.

 

[Toreador]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

Hi, I'm a beginner with pep/pdo files. I was wondering, the bits that I see when I zoom out, usually left of the pages, are they important? Do i need to print those as well, and if so how?

 

[sq10e]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

The bits outside of the pages are outside of the pages because you do not want to print them. They are ot needed.

 

[Toreador]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

Thank you, I figured that may be the case. Alright now to start my first build.

 

[billymaya]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

Bit of progress on my Iron patriot helmet using jfcustoms files I had to resize the helmet as the first one I made was massive lol.Here's the helmet with neck section and I've just printed off the 30 pages :S for the chest and back



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excuse the glue this was taken before a good clean up

 

[Mig407]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

Just wanted to share the update to my IP suit. The templates were great as usual.....

that's awesome...What scales did you use?

 

[Durkness]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

that's awesome...What scales did you use?

I'm 5'11" - 185lbs
Boot - #360 - 10.5 shoe size
Everything else - #392.74

The biceps were really wide but the length was good so I cut the upper portion out on the back so they fit better under the shoulders. Also added 1 3/8" to each side of the cod piece.

 

[daninboo]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

I feel like I should share my work in progress being that I'm using FJ's temps so here it is! It's a it's a concept build, TDK/lego batman electro suit! He wanted the lego bat suit, but that would have been too easy so I spiced it up! Thanks FJ ps sorry there sideways lol

 

[JFcustom]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

whiteraven, Billymaya, Durkness, and every others : Great Work guys, it's nice to get some feedback, and I'm really pleased to see you all have fun with foam

I also ended up finishing a suit two days ago, using (obviously) my own templates from robo3687's excellent model. Now I'm getting used with the material, this one is probably one of my cleanest, and so theorically the next one will turn out even better :







I sometimes happen to fall quite disapointed seeing these speed-foam templates often considered as a lazy way out that provides some partial and simplistic suits. We may mistakenly be likely to tend to use them only on the rush and against our will. I've already been asked few times for some real or full foam unfolds... So as a reminder : carving a detail on a single piece of foam, or adding an edge through an inner V-cut, is ten times faster and cleaner than building it from multiple small pieces. That makes the overall build faster, yes, but does not dispense in any way with being patient, working tidily, and constantly keeping a carefull eye at the original model.

View attachment 177938View attachment 177939

Terrific :lol Epic concept, I like it !:love I'm a big fan of kid-sized suits !

This one for example still fuels my thoughts and overloads my brain with ideas :

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I9v0EdhwlM

 

[billymaya]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

Jfcustom how on earth do you get your lines and gluing so neat I've built several of your helmets now and can't get it that neat and tidy lol

 

[JFcustom]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

I'm using PE foam, that almost never blends under heat. Unless you try to on purpose. But the most efficient tips are these both :

a point by point gluing, that helps keeping the two pieces in place before gluing the whole seam,

and managing to get every glue overflow on the inside of the suit, this way :

bad ->

good ->

Then, don't release your foam untill your glue has cooled down, never attempt to glue more than 2 or 3 inches long at a time (max), and if you'r not satisfied of a seam you can always re-heat the glue with the tip of your gun and start over. I could take some close ups of my very first suit, you could see I've certainly not always built that way...

 

[The Armorer]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

I just wanted to say, thank you for all of your hard work (and the work of others that you editted) I want to attempt (yeah, I know, everyone's like "Oh gosh, not again..." but I digress) a war machine (mk 2 Iron patriot) soon, and I'll be using your edits for the templates. I think that (for foam, currect me if I'm wrong hardcore foam masters) if doesn't have to have every single detail and pivot, they are costumes after all, not 3d printed suits of armor And I for one, won't mind (if) I use them for a costume.

-The Armorer

 

[Durkness]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

I don't know who planted the seed of these being lazy templates but I have completed 3 of your suits and have yet to feel like they are lacking in anyway shape or form. They are very easy to read and the folds go right where they should. Your work is unbelievable...

And I can't wait to see that suit finished daninboo!

 

[-VERTIGO-]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

Yeah I don't see this as lazy especially with the steps people are now taking with foam by coating in Smooth-On or Doc's method of PVA, LET, and Bulldog, or some people rondoing them. Sure it may be faster or "easier" (honestly foam confuses me more then actual pepakura, I'm weird like that) but if done right you can easily achieve level of details with an additional layer of a cut out of 2mm foam for a detail in the ribcage of Iron Man. I love both methods, but at the end of the day you do what WORK FOR YOU.

 

[billymaya]

Re: FOAM speed building files'n'tricks ►Multi-Hero cowl◄ added.

I don't know who planted the seed of these being lazy templates but I have completed 3 of your suits and have yet to feel like they are lacking in anyway shape or form. They are very easy to read and the folds go right where they should. Your work is unbelievable...

And I can't wait to see that suit finished daninboo!

That's some awesome builds durkness well done I'm working on Iron patriot at the mo hope it come out as clean as yours