Noob attemting first build.

[Leo8978]

Hi All, My name is Mike and I stumbled across this forum a few weeks ago while doing some research for my sons Ghostbusters Proton pack. All I can say is WOW!!!! So many talented people here. I've been browsing the forum since the day I found it. I've never built any type of costume before, but this site has inspired me to try it. I'm thinking of starting with a Iron Man foam build. I've only gotten as far as buying some foam, but not sure if it would be right for this build. I picked up these foam mats at Harbor Freight on sale for like $7.00. I guess the next step would be selecting a Pep file to work off of. I can't wait to get started. I just hope it comes out half as good as some of the builds I've seen here. If anyone has any tips for a noob, feel free to comment. I need all the help I can get.

 

[Jobiwan319]

I just started mine a few weeks ago. Make sure you keep your work area organized and clean. Above all, I'd say have fun. It's a lot of work, but it's become a labor of love for me. I've heard of people getting burnt out on their builds and I can see why having started one. It can be tedious and time consuming. I say just pace yourself and go for it. I do a little at a time and try not to rush anything. I've learned much from the people on here too, listen to their advice, but keep your mind open for your own creativity. Happy building friend. Post Pics when you have some!

 

[zeafour]

Ive only done a little bit of pepekura myself... But dont loose patience. It might seem like your not making any progress at certain points but stick with it. I try to get in at least an hour a night after work. After a week you can def see where you will be going with the project and judge what type of work you have left ahead of you. Slow and steady as always :lol

 

[Leo8978]

I just started mine a few weeks ago. Make sure you keep your work area organized and clean. Above all, I'd say have fun. It's a lot of work, but it's become a labor of love for me. I've heard of people getting burnt out on their builds and I can see why having started one. It can be tedious and time consuming. I say just pace yourself and go for it. I do a little at a time and try not to rush anything. I've learned much from the people on here too, listen to their advice, but keep your mind open for your own creativity. Happy building friend. Post Pics when you have some!

Ive only done a little bit of pepekura myself... But dont loose patience. It might seem like your not making any progress at certain points but stick with it. I try to get in at least an hour a night after work. After a week you can def see where you will be going with the project and judge what type of work you have left ahead of you. Slow and steady as always :lol

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Now for my first question...lol. While taking a look at the attached pep file, I was wondering if i still need to make the cuts (circled in red) since i'm going to be doing this in foam. I'm sure this is just the first of many questions I will have.

 

[Leo8978]

Another question.....Is the .5 inch foam I bought to thick for the helmet? I'm assuming it should be fine for the rest of the armor. Also, any good tutorials on angle cutting. I know that this costume won't be perfect, but I'd like to get as close as possible.

 

[dabiddabird]

The areas you circle still need to be cut. Those slits allow/give shape and curve the foam. The 1/2 may be too thick for the helmet. You should be fine with everything else.

 

[Jobiwan319]

The areas you circle still need to be cut. Those slits allow give shape and curve the foam. The 1/2 may be too thick for the helmet. You should be fine with everything else.

What he said.

 

[zeafour]

Definetly and make sure the cuts are as level and even as possible on each side

 

[Ood sigma]

Hi there and welcome, Im relatively new myself, Ive been looking into doing an IronMan foam too, I recs, hes also done some great iron man tutorials on youtubeommend looking at 'Stealth's post

 

[Jobiwan319]

Half inch foam, I personally think is too thick for the helm, but I have seen people do it though. I'm using 6mm foam and it's pretty good for the armor, I use 3mm for inlays and details. Here's my thread if you wanna take a look.

http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=131484

I'm definitely redoing the helm and not rush it this time, lol. I used 3mm foam for it. I'm happy w/ the forearm though. I agree, check out the hero tutorials from Stealth on you tube. He gives a lot of good info for both foam work and Pepakura.