After feeling discouraged from the amount of parts I have screwed up so far since starting to work on this costume, I decided to try something that was a little more familiar to me. In essence, a plasma cannon for this costume is not much different than a lightsaber, of which I have some modicum of familiarity.
I started with a section of plastic sinktube (1.5" OD) and two spray can lids that have been glued together and taped together with aluminum tape to make sure they stay together.
I was able to finally track down the "template" I was looking for. I will use this as a very rough guide for overall shape, but will not try to make a 1:1 replica. Additionally, I have quite a few pictures saved on my computer I can refer to.
I laid out some measurements on a piece of foam board, taking into account that I would want this main section to wrap around the plastic tube and give me a basis for the other details I would want to add later. I laid out a series of lines running the length of the foam board so I could use them as guides for scribing the board to allow it to bend around the plastic tube.
Once my scribing was done to allow the foam board to bend around the tube, I laid out some more lines for cuts to allow the paint can lids to sit properly on the assembly when done.
Once all cuts were made, I mocked up, then glued the pieces in place. I used tape to hold the joints tight while the adhesive dried. Already, it is starting to resemble something.
Next, I spent time carefully cutting pieces so I could cover the entire assembly in craft foam sheets. This serves a couple purposes. First, it covers the unsightly cuts I had to make in the foam board to get the basic shape. Next, it softens the edges and gives the assembly more of the bio-mechanic look that much of the predator weaponry and armor possesses. Finally, the foam gives me a basis to build my other pieces upon to get the nice lines and shapes I am after.
I quit at this point last night, and was satisfied with what I had accomplished. So far, the cannon is coming out at about 12" long. It will be a large piece, but then again, the cannons in AVP were much larger than in other movies. I think this will be alright for my costume.
I started with a section of plastic sinktube (1.5" OD) and two spray can lids that have been glued together and taped together with aluminum tape to make sure they stay together.
I was able to finally track down the "template" I was looking for. I will use this as a very rough guide for overall shape, but will not try to make a 1:1 replica. Additionally, I have quite a few pictures saved on my computer I can refer to.
I laid out some measurements on a piece of foam board, taking into account that I would want this main section to wrap around the plastic tube and give me a basis for the other details I would want to add later. I laid out a series of lines running the length of the foam board so I could use them as guides for scribing the board to allow it to bend around the plastic tube.
Once my scribing was done to allow the foam board to bend around the tube, I laid out some more lines for cuts to allow the paint can lids to sit properly on the assembly when done.
Once all cuts were made, I mocked up, then glued the pieces in place. I used tape to hold the joints tight while the adhesive dried. Already, it is starting to resemble something.
Next, I spent time carefully cutting pieces so I could cover the entire assembly in craft foam sheets. This serves a couple purposes. First, it covers the unsightly cuts I had to make in the foam board to get the basic shape. Next, it softens the edges and gives the assembly more of the bio-mechanic look that much of the predator weaponry and armor possesses. Finally, the foam gives me a basis to build my other pieces upon to get the nice lines and shapes I am after.
I quit at this point last night, and was satisfied with what I had accomplished. So far, the cannon is coming out at about 12" long. It will be a large piece, but then again, the cannons in AVP were much larger than in other movies. I think this will be alright for my costume.
