Most common mistakes new builders make.

[Thoramyre]

Okay guys.

Thoramyre here.
I have a question for fellow builders and the old pros haunting the forums here.

What do you think are the most common mistakes new builders make and how do us new guys avoid making the most avoidable ones?

Thanks in advance!

 

[GhostMinion]

Don't use too much resin in one session. It heats up and warps your build.

 

[TheDodgeMan]

Don't think pepakura is easy...

 

[Raigal]

people tend to start with the helmet... just dont...

 

[lovelyandy]

Don't think you don't need to change out of your decent trousers before mixing some paint or resin or anything, YOU DO!

 

[rundown]

use cardboard and not regular print paper.

 

[The Dark One]

Not researching anything; be it parts or the project itself.

 

[Iggy]

Not READING!
Not looking up previous builds, or builds that use similar concepts.

 

[ManotasRey]

Never underestimate the lines and cuts needed on the pepakura files, especially on the curved parts.

 

[Juicebox]

Don't load on the bondo. It's a helmet not a birthday cake.

 

[ironmaided]

SCALING

 

[GhostMinion]

Ah, this brings back memories. Painful memories.

 

[Thoramyre]

Wow!
All great information!
This like any other hobby that requires a certain amount of skill has the "tricks of the Trade".
I started building executive custom aircraft interiors over 20 years ago, and so I know a thing about the tricks that you need to learn regardless of skill.
Thanks guys! Keep the tidbits of wisdom coming!!

 

[Crank729]

Testing the paints you are using before you put them on your nice polished prop. It takes about 1 hour....grab some scrap plastic, and see if the paints work well with each other.

 

[Dumontrudisel]

This happened to me personally. When applying resin, MAKE SURE you're in the right temperature and the entire object is coated. I missed some spots without realizing and almost ruined my helmet in the sanding stage. Oh and buy spare paint brushes.

 

[Paul Taylor]

Never underestimate the time it will take to get a project from pep to finished article. That party you have in a month.......
Also, buy a decent respirator. Not a dust mask. Resin is evil. :devil
And that whole don't do the helmet first? Not sure I agree.... Iron Man's toe isn't exact the inspiration I need to keep going hahaha but each to their own

 

[Beer_Money_Props]

Always clear the re-purposing of old bath towels or seemingly broken kitchen utensils with your significant other/roommate BEFORE you start working with them in your shop.

Also, probably a good idea to not say anything at this point if you have indeed broken that rule and the item in question hasn't been missed yet...

 

[Contec]

Don't use too much resin in one session. It heats up and warps your build.

Same goes with applying bondo..

 

[Contec]

Oh and buy spare paint brushes.

when working with resin,latex and such, use a Silicone Pastry brush. The resin will not stick to silicone

 

[drjag]

Deadline! New guys expect to get stuff done much sooner than they realise, so if you think you can get something done in 2 weeks, quadruple that time!