Portal gun building questions

[Kiruvi]

Hello RPF! First post here, regarding my first attempt at prop-craftery... Anywho, to be brief- I feel like trying my hand at making a Portal gun, inspired by Volpin's model and a rekindled fascination with said device thanks to Portal 2. So I just had some questions regarding propcraftery in general before I try swanning off into something that I can't finish. Or start for that matter. I apologize if any of these questions are redundant, I poked around to see if there were any other threads of this nature and didn't find any, but I can't claim to have been utterly exhaustive. Anywho- questions. A, what sort of tools should I have? What does the Prop Maker's Toolkit contain? Knives, spatulas, dremels, sonic screwdrivers, cats, etc? What tools are the most important, and what are the more specialized ones that I may only need occasionally? B, what should I know about materials? What are the limits of Bondo, and, more importantly, the human soul? Where should I source my raw materials, such as ABS, apoxie sculpt, etc? Can Bondo and paint be used in lieu of Wonderflex over a semi-rigid skeleton? Or, rather than attempt to answer my vague and wandering inquiries, could somebody point me to a winsome and dandy tutorial or online guide? I've done some googling and most information tends to be at more of an advanced level than I'm at... being Level 0. So, there it is, noob with questions, please don't hit me, thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

 

[JPolacchi]

Re: Hello, I'm a Noob! And I have Questions!

You're warm,but not quite in the right dept.I'd check into the *prop* building/making forum. I've no idea what kind of prop it is you are making and your choice of tools greatly depands on your materials of choice.Do you plan on scratching it entirely out of plastic,sculpting it(or only part of the prop) you intend on making?

Also,much depends on your model building&scratch building skills. Bondo stinks and it can also shrink it being a polyester resin based filler,but I'm not 100% sure on it.You need a good mask w/charcoal filters)otherwise you'll be seeing things and passing out from the fumes.I don't use bondo and I don't think I ever would,but that's not to say others won't or don't.

I don't know where you are geographically,so I can't tell you where to look for plastic sheet suppliers,try the *YELLOW PAGES/PHONE DIRECTORY*.A good hobby shop will have some plastic sheet,but in small sizes.If you need lots and lots of styrene or ABS,you'll need to look else where.

Apoxie sculpt can be purchased On-Line,just do a google search unless you happen to know it is sold at a local hobby store.There are many ways to build/scratch your subject of interest.I suggest finding and accumulating as much reference material as possible(make some skectches),break down the prop into simple components,that will make it easier to assemble or to cast if you plan on making silicone molds and casting in urethane resin.

Check out Micro Mark for tools,they have EVERYTHING you could want/need and more.If yur prop has *kit* used parts kit bashed into it...maybe asking in the forums (with good,clear photo refereces)someone else might I.D it if you can't?Some are better at I.Ding kit parts than others.I'm OK at it,but mostly don't have a clue.That's the best and most advice I can think of to steer you in the right direction,hope that helps.

 

[Kiruvi]

Re: Hello, I'm a Noob! And I have Questions!

Ah, sorry, figured this was the right department since my questions were more about general whatsit and the like. Thanks for the tips, I will continue to Prod the Internet until it yields what I'm looking for.

 

[JPolacchi]

Re: Hello, I'm a Noob! And I have Questions!

You'll find building tips in here,but you should go into the PROP forum of the RPF board and talk to others who make props(or props) for a living.

 

[jeremiahjw]

Re: Hello, I'm a Noob! And I have Questions!

Do a search for "Portal" on the forum here and you will get about 4 threads of people talking about the process of their build. I was a noob just like you until I made my Portal gun. If you have +/- $300 and time, you can do it.

 

[jeremiahjw]

Re: Hello, I'm a Noob! And I have Questions!

If you're someone who likes to rush things, this is something you can't rush. Gotta give things time to dry.