Recasting a Sci-Fi Icon; The Classic Star Trek Communicator

[pielock373]

I noticed your moire ring is different. Did that come with the kit?

No, I machined it myself to match the screen caps of Friday's Child. Its an idealized version of the best features of different comms from the show. I also sanded the shells as thin as I could make them and still be able to fit a stopwatch in it. Its a real fun kit to build!

Steve

 

[DrMcoy]

Pie,

When you sand your shells, do you just place the entire shell flat on sandpaper and move it up and down or circular? What grade sandpaper did you use -- and did it take long to sand yours down to where you liked them?

This is always a nerve-racking part of the build for me, because if you screw it up, it's impossible to fix.

 

[pielock373]

Pie,

When you sand your shells, do you just place the entire shell flat on sandpaper and move it up and down or circular? What grade sandpaper did you use -- and did it take long to sand yours down to where you liked them?

This is always a nerve-racking part of the build for me, because if you screw it up, it's impossible to fix.

Circular motion, even pressure. I slimmed my comm down quite a bit so I started with 60 grit to get it close to where I wanted it. Then when to 150 then to 200 to put the finished edge on it. Find a surface you know is flat and keep checking to make sure the shell bottom isn't getting rounded and all sides are touching flat.

Steve P

 

[phez]

Don't forget to go both directions to help keep it even. Four circles to the right, four circles to the left. For some reason it seems like the edge of the shell in the direction you are turning gets a bit more material taken off than the other side and going both directions factors this out (maybe it is just me :lol).

 

[DrMcoy]

Thanks.

 

[pielock373]

Well here is the finlized version of my Idealized TOS comm.

 

[jlong]

Killer.

 

[Howard]

John, what's the shipping cost to the U.K. for this kit please?

 

[Onigiri]

Very clean/pro build, Steve *THUMBS UP*...she is a beaut!

 

[feek61]

Wow Steve, great looking comm. Looks just like the real deal (which strangely enough is fake :lol )



Will

 

[Gregatron]

Great build-ups, guys!


I decided to plunk down for both the hand phaser and comm kits, and am eagerly awaiting them. Are they still in the process of shipping? I ordered mine a few weeks ago, and I presume they're being shipped in the order that they were ordered in.

 

[robn1]

Nice work all around guys. My kit shipped yesterday, I can't wait to get it!

Rob

 

[jlong]

The next wave is going out today, and tomorrow

 

[pielock373]

Wow Steve, great looking comm. Looks just like the real deal (which strangely enough is fake :lol )



Will

:lol

Steve P

 

[pielock373]

The next wave is going out today, and tomorrow

So John do you get any time to sleep these days?

Steve

 

[jlong]

Nope.

 

[jheilman]

Mine is in the city. Should be at my door tomorrow! It's just like Christmas!!

 

[AMP]

These are simply AMAZING!

 

[robn1]

Mine came today. Awesome kit, thanks John!

Rob

 

[jheilman]

Got mine and it's beautiful. I did a quick comparison to the Rodd.com and the differences, while subtle, are quite numerous.

My only nit is the printed moire patterns. My printout has some pretty distinct white lines through it. Also, I would have really liked to see a two-part spider moire with one pattern printed on clear film. I know I have the file somewhere and can print my own. Other than that, it's awesome.