Skyrim Iron Helmet (enhanced realism PIC HEAVY)
- Thread starter laxman09
- Start date
laxman09
Active Member
I've got a question for those who attach horns to their helmets:
what is the best way to go about doing so? Because i'm currently just screwing each horn on with one screw, in addition to using some two part plastic epoxy, and i'm not sure how strong that's going to make the whole helmet. I'd just like to hear some input or suggestions before i go ahead and slap on the epoxy and finalize it.
what is the best way to go about doing so? Because i'm currently just screwing each horn on with one screw, in addition to using some two part plastic epoxy, and i'm not sure how strong that's going to make the whole helmet. I'd just like to hear some input or suggestions before i go ahead and slap on the epoxy and finalize it.
Looks beautiful! I'm working on my first mold right now, and since yours came out so well, I was wondering if you followed any specific step-by-step tutorials that you could point me towards. The paint job looks phenomenal too.
laxman09
Active Member
Thanks, it means a lot! as for the moldmaking process, this was my first time making a mold and i did a lot of looking around before i started. I ordered the moldmaking kit from smooth-on and had to purchase just a few extra sample sizes of the silicone. the kits from smooth-on come with a CD that goes step-by-step though the process, in addition to a written manual inside. the only other source i used was volpins tutorials on mold-making, which were similar to smooth-on's but were catered more to how most people make their molds (registration keys, bolt on outer shells, etc.). the combination of these several tutorials helped me figure out how to make the mold, and made the process a lot less stressful. the one main thing i would say about mold-making is that the first few print layers are the MOST important, i suggest doing 2-3 print coats (very light coats, special brush-on technique used) before applying larger amounts of silicone, reason being that you may get air bubbles trapped between the layers, causing possible bumps and dents in the helmet when cast.
this is assuming that you are choosing to do a brush-on mold, and not a pour on mold.
one other good tip is to read up and watch up on the tutorials, get to know the process well and understand possible complications that could happen. if you pay attention to the tutorials and instructions well, then making your mold should be a walk in the park!
link for volpins tutorial
Volpin Props: Daft Punk Helmet (Thomas): Part 2
there's also many more tutorials out there, so i encourage you to look around on here and google, and if you have any other questions about it, i come on from time to time and will try my best to help
also i still want to know if anyone has an alternative way of mounting horns to a helmet
p0rtalman
Well-Known Member
First off, very nice work so far! I've had my Iron Helmet sitting in a tub at about 85% finished for over a year now. Planning on finishing it and the rest of my skyrim gear over xmas.
I had similar issues with the horns as you did, I actually had some sheep horns that were almost perfect, but a little cracked and not exactly the right shape (they were also rather new, so they had a bit of a stench haha). I ended up sculpting mine over some cow horns that were a much nicer shape. Still haven't cast them, they are sitting in the box with the helmet.
I'm planning on using either square keys and magnets, Two screws, or a bolt in the helmet and a nut embedded in the horns (or vice verse).
I had similar issues with the horns as you did, I actually had some sheep horns that were almost perfect, but a little cracked and not exactly the right shape (they were also rather new, so they had a bit of a stench haha). I ended up sculpting mine over some cow horns that were a much nicer shape. Still haven't cast them, they are sitting in the box with the helmet.
I'm planning on using either square keys and magnets, Two screws, or a bolt in the helmet and a nut embedded in the horns (or vice verse).
laxman09
Active Member
Thanks, it means a lot! and do you have any pics of your helmet?
i actually ended up drilling a few holes in the horn and helmet, then used some plastic bonder on it, so that the bonder would seep through the holes on each side and lock it in place. after that i secured it with a screw, and it felt pretty solid. The first person i sold one to loves the helmet, so i'm cranking out a few more now(; I do really like the idea of embedding a nut in the horns, i may implement it into some of my future helmets!
p0rtalman
Well-Known Member
I have a few buried somewhere on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/studioAusFX But I don't think those are up to date.
Having them removable with a nut and bolt would make it easier for transport.
Having them removable with a nut and bolt would make it easier for transport.
laxman09
Active Member
ah i'm diggin' all the props, you make good work!
that's a great idea, although wouldnt they be a bit movable even when secured?
laxman09
Active Member
yeah, looks like a good size. as for implanting it in the cast, how would you go about doing that? i've got an open-end mold for my horns and i usually just hold a metal plate over the opening while slush casting to close it up.. so i'm thinking i could drill a hole to screw the bolt into the metal plate, and hand tighten a nut to it, with a 1/16-1/8" gap between the nut and the plate so that the plastic seals the nut completely into the plastic. Then unscrew bolt after cure, take off plate and bam implanted nut into horn
p0rtalman
Well-Known Member
yeah, looks like a good size. as for implanting it in the cast, how would you go about doing that? i've got an open-end mold for my horns and i usually just hold a metal plate over the opening while slush casting to close it up.. so i'm thinking i could drill a hole to screw the bolt into the metal plate, and hand tighten a nut to it, with a 1/16-1/8" gap between the nut and the plate so that the plastic seals the nut completely into the plastic. Then unscrew bolt after cure, take off plate and bam implanted nut into horn
If by 1/16-1/8" gap you mean 1.5875-3.175mm (round it up or down, because the metric system wins) then yes I would give that a shot.
laxman09
Active Member
screw that, Murica know's what up with our awesome system (;
i just need to go out and buy some bolts now, and find some money to buy the bolts with haha
laxman09
Active Member
I'll try not to make an 'at least our government is working' joke...
Let us know how it goes!
I havent tried it out yet, i just got around to buying bolts today. I will be doing it tomorrow though, and i believe it'll work great!
i do however have an updated photo of a better paint job, one that more resembles iron (in my opinion), so enjoy!
the one with the black horns was before i painted them, but i kind of like that dark look. I might try out painting some darker toned horns to see how it goes
Pyrotechx
Active Member
Wicked
laxman09
Active Member
thanks!
the best thing about making these in my shop at school is that all of the students are simply amazed by it, even though we are at a college for art..tis a nice ego booster
Pyrotechx
Active Member
thanks!
the best thing about making these in my shop at school is that all of the students are simply amazed by it, even though we are at a college for art..tis a nice ego booster
That would be awesome to have all of that room! I am currently building a Rinzler costume and my GF is about to kill me, because I have taken over the dining area, haha.
laxman09
Active Member
Yeah, its really convienient having all the tools i need in one big organized building! only problem is that i'm getting pounded with midterm projects so the opportunity to use the workshops is very little right now. and i'd love to see that, i always wanted to make one of those but havent gotten around to it. But pssh who needs a dining room anyway?
Pyrotechx
Active Member
I am basically having to make everything from scratch, including the identity discs. A lot of trial and error, foam, pepakura, bondo, resin, etc... But I am hoping to have it finished within the next couple of days since Halloween parties are this weekend!
