Well I'm just guessing based on past experience. It's quite a few parts and 3d printing is still kinda costly. But I'd rather go that route than scratch-build for this.
templates for the Firefly Lassiter.
- Thread starter jason1976
- Start date
Oh, I understand. If it does end up costing that much, I may not be able to get the parts, but I'm sure they will be great. I mean, I know the kind of stuff you have produced through 3D printing/casting off of those 3D prints. I mean I have one of your Firefly Jaynestown pistol kits, and it's great.
I mean, if I had too, I may be able to make my own version of the pannels that go on either side of the flash light body. And the couple of flate pieces on the front of the flash light., and maybe even the two black boxy thingys one the front. But the parts I don't think I could ever do with any accuracy, would be, the Scope, the scope month, the parts that go on either side of the flashlights handle (just able the grip) And the large boxy piece on the front that has the 2 acrylic rods coming out of it. These parts are way too 3D, detailed, and complex for my skills, eyes, and tools. I would at least need very good templates if i was going to even try doing those pieces by hand, and I would much rather receive them already made. I really don't care how, or what they are made of, I would just like to have something.
pennausamike
Sr Member
HaHaHa!!
I've been saying that for over half a year now!
Between finishing all my unfinished projects,
working on the Hands of Blue Neural Bleeders,
and the appearance of the Jaynestown hideout gun and Burgess laser,
I'm STILL, "finishing up" my Firefly collection.
Keep up the good work and let us know when you are "done" with Firefly props.
hehehe
Mike
PS: "finishing-up my Firefly collection" is the whole reason I haven't taken on the Lassiter.
Bronson BB
Well-Known Member
I'm not DONE `til I'm living in my own bird!
If you get your own ship, I would be happy to move in as your "Jayne", Or "Wash", or even Kaylee, or Zoe, if need be. (in a first officer, or mechanic sort of way I mean.)
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Yeah, when I was growing up, My family had like 3 of that exact make, and mode, of flash lightl, but 5 or 6 years ago, when one of the first threads popped up about this, I found out that my family had through them all out years before. I still thought it would be easy to find one, but of course it wasn't. I finally found one at my favorite thrift store, last year. If I recall, it was just a few dollars.
(I think it's funny, that I fount the flashlight, but after 10 years of look, I've never seen one Supermax hair drier for a vibro axe at a threft store, but a lot of other folk say they see them all the time.)The grip was pretty easy, I just searched ebay, found the ray gun for sale, and..... well..... I bout one. I think it was a little pricey about around $30. If I recall.
I haven't bout any of the switches for the back yet, as the only place I have seen a link to is an overseas site, that requires a credit card that I don't have, and a minimum order that I'm not will to make. They are cool found items, but if I can't find them cheep enough, I will just make something passable for them my self. It's really just the front parts, and the scope, and scope month that I'm most worried about.
LeMarchand
Sr Member
I am still working on mine and still plan to offer it as a kit. The grip requires the most work as the top needs to be reshaped.
I want to finish the flashlight and grip first so i can make plans for accurate good fitting parts as mistakes would be very expensive.
I think people underestimate the work involved in these kind of this and the pricetags that are involved.
I see a lot of people here who say they want the add-on pieces to be metal and they want the lot for $150. I would like to wish you good luck, as unless you have your own CNC equipment or know someone who will do it for you, it won't happen. Machineshops charge you between $35-$75 an hour and i can guarantee that milling/lathing these pieces will take a lot of hours. It is not just milling/lathing time you pay for, but toolchanging and setting up the material as well. Rememer the pieces i had cnc-ed for my Ergo proxy gun out of resin? That set me back 300 Euros at 35 euro an hour
I will keep working on the lasseter and will make molds of the pieces when i am done. I just like to take the proper time to make it as accurate as possible and to make sure that, as a kit, it would require the least amount of cleanup and is easy to assemble. The pricetag that comes with a kit like that reflects the costs and time required on making a kit like that available.
I want to finish the flashlight and grip first so i can make plans for accurate good fitting parts as mistakes would be very expensive.
I think people underestimate the work involved in these kind of this and the pricetags that are involved.
I see a lot of people here who say they want the add-on pieces to be metal and they want the lot for $150. I would like to wish you good luck, as unless you have your own CNC equipment or know someone who will do it for you, it won't happen. Machineshops charge you between $35-$75 an hour and i can guarantee that milling/lathing these pieces will take a lot of hours. It is not just milling/lathing time you pay for, but toolchanging and setting up the material as well. Rememer the pieces i had cnc-ed for my Ergo proxy gun out of resin? That set me back 300 Euros at 35 euro an hour
I will keep working on the lasseter and will make molds of the pieces when i am done. I just like to take the proper time to make it as accurate as possible and to make sure that, as a kit, it would require the least amount of cleanup and is easy to assemble. The pricetag that comes with a kit like that reflects the costs and time required on making a kit like that available.
Most of the add ones are either back, or a dull aluminum color, both of witch can be achieved with paint. If they were all very shinny metal, I could see a need for the replica parts to be metal, but considering the finish on the actual prop, I see no need at all for (at least most of) the parts to be metal at all. The Shapways, or laser cutting routs make much more since.
I didn't just get started here, I have bout a LOT of kits, metal, resin, laser cut, etc. Yes prices keep going up, for materials, etc. but I also know a lot of times folk swear there is no cheep way of doing this prop, or that prop, and they just except that as a fact, when I end up getting the kit I want in the end for what I wanted to pay for it. :lol
Other then my Sidkit Mal pistol I paid like $250. for when they first came out, my CE Qui-gon Lightsaber that I paid $170., and the "Hart of gold" laser pistol I'll be buying next month, that will set me back $170., I have never paid over $150. for a prop. That includes all my very nice metal lightsabers, My metal Zoe Mare's leg, All of my metal Han Solo blasters, all of my replica swords, countless very nice resin kits, etc. etc. etc.
High prices, like death, only happen because we except them as an inevitability. :lol
For those that want to make their kit's the expensive way, more power to you. You will certanely find those that will shell out the doe, as they also except the inevitability of high prices. I do not except that inevitability, and will pass on any overly high kit. I like, life in a Jurassic Park film, will find a way. :lol
Oh, and as for the grip. I don't get it. I guess it must be a different skill set. I mean, I can't even start to think of how I would do the other add ons, but you all say they are pretty easy, and you all say the grip is so hard, but it was one of the easiest mods I have ever done. I guess we all have our gifts. I mean the grip is more s scuplting, and shaping kind of thing, and the other parts are more of a different kind of work, so to each their own.
Jason,
You have basically been asking for stuff for free on this thread, did it ever occur to you that the reason people are not jumping up and saying 'hey, I'll do those templates for you' is that you have not at any point said, 'hey, I don't mind paying you for your time?'
The reason I very rareley do runs on here any more is because of the very 'I want it for cheap' attitude you are displaying here, and I for one, don't feel like offering you anything I might come up with, because that attitude stinks, tbh, it's practically accusing those of us who actually are putting time and money into projects like this of trying to stiff you 'cos you want stuff for cheap :angry
Since you found modding the grip so easy to do, why not share some pics and a tutorial of how you did it, maybe you might get a more positive response if you try, ya know, sharing something you did.
You have basically been asking for stuff for free on this thread, did it ever occur to you that the reason people are not jumping up and saying 'hey, I'll do those templates for you' is that you have not at any point said, 'hey, I don't mind paying you for your time?'
The reason I very rareley do runs on here any more is because of the very 'I want it for cheap' attitude you are displaying here, and I for one, don't feel like offering you anything I might come up with, because that attitude stinks, tbh, it's practically accusing those of us who actually are putting time and money into projects like this of trying to stiff you 'cos you want stuff for cheap :angry
Since you found modding the grip so easy to do, why not share some pics and a tutorial of how you did it, maybe you might get a more positive response if you try, ya know, sharing something you did.
LeMarchand
Sr Member
Here's an example of how i make tons of profit because i drive up the prices of my props as people are willing to pay the pricetag:
-My constantine lighter costs $300 on this forum
-paypal takes $15
-materials, tooling, electricity, foundry costs, plating costs, import duties/shipping, etc $80
-incometax $120
So, my 'profit' is $85 for 8 hours of work, half of what i earn with my hospital job.......you are right.....i am a greedy *******. And i didn't take the time spent on research and prototyping into account
A lot of people just don't understand what it takes in monetary investment and time to make these things. Myself (and a lot of people who have experience with these kind of projects i personally know) find the statements that we are overcharging for our 'products' quite insulting. I suggest you go to a 3D artist and ask him for a quote on the 3D models or learn to do them yourself. Then upload your models to shapeways and get an online quote for a set of the parts or take it to a machinist and ask for a quote......you will be shocked at what you would actually have to pay. I know when you have no clue what it takes to do a run (and i didn't when i joined this board) the prices asked sometimes seems absurd. One of the reasons i haven't finished my Gantz X-gun is because it would take hundreds of hours when build by hand, or $4000-$5000 to have the pieces made (and yes, i asked for quotes on the parts)
-My constantine lighter costs $300 on this forum
-paypal takes $15
-materials, tooling, electricity, foundry costs, plating costs, import duties/shipping, etc $80
-incometax $120
So, my 'profit' is $85 for 8 hours of work, half of what i earn with my hospital job.......you are right.....i am a greedy *******. And i didn't take the time spent on research and prototyping into account
A lot of people just don't understand what it takes in monetary investment and time to make these things. Myself (and a lot of people who have experience with these kind of projects i personally know) find the statements that we are overcharging for our 'products' quite insulting. I suggest you go to a 3D artist and ask him for a quote on the 3D models or learn to do them yourself. Then upload your models to shapeways and get an online quote for a set of the parts or take it to a machinist and ask for a quote......you will be shocked at what you would actually have to pay. I know when you have no clue what it takes to do a run (and i didn't when i joined this board) the prices asked sometimes seems absurd. One of the reasons i haven't finished my Gantz X-gun is because it would take hundreds of hours when build by hand, or $4000-$5000 to have the pieces made (and yes, i asked for quotes on the parts)
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Now see, that is not at all what I said. You high enders always read that kind of thing into my posts. I never said you "over" charged, or that you didn't put a lot to time, effort, and money into your end of it. Of course you do. There are very few around here that are trying to get rich off of their fellow collectors. That has never been my poisnt, and never will be. Please do not put words in my moth, and I wont put them in yours.
My point, is now, and always will be, that it is great that there hard $300. and up, up, up,, well made, exsesively researched, metal props, out there for those that can afford them. That is so cool, for those that have that passion, and the money to fallow it. I'm just saying there needs to be, and is a place, for those of us with less money, and who aren't as obsessed with 100% perfection. Let there be expencive (but fairly priced ) metal kit's for those that want them, but just make room for those of use that want a cheep, resin, or laser cut kit, that may not be 100% If some one can, and is happy to, pay a lot of money, for a really great item, that is great for them, but there is nothing at all wrong if someone wants to pay less for a lesser item, and also be just as happy with their item. (because it fits their budget, and needs)
I'm really happy for those that paid $400. a piece for there MR lightsabers. They are nice pieces, and have only gone up in value. And licensing, research, and manufacturing cost a lot of money, so they weren't trying to screw anyone. However, I got almost all over my dozens of sabers, for less then $150. a piece, most of them are metal, and I am very happy with them. Are they all 100% accurate. No. Are a few of them resin. Yes. (most are metal, but I did have to settle for resin on a few, and I'm ok with that.) Will they go up in value. No, most of them were second hand and I got them so cheep, because they lost value over what they originally owner paid for the. They are just just nice looking dust collectors, but I love 'em.
And that is all that maters. At any price, if the buyer ,and the seller are happy, then all is well. However, if you look, this is my thread, and I did start it looking for templates, to do my own, cheep parts. You are of course more then welcome to talk high end here, but Don't expect me personally, to go from asking for a way I can do it myself, or at least on the cheep, to wanting to pay $300. for way more quality then I'm looking for.
First off, ass I have explained many times in the past. I am visually impaired. I type my messages, in a different window, where the txt is quite large (so I can see it) Once I bring the TXT into the RPF site, it all comes up the same size on my computer, in my lousy AOL 9.0 program. So wall it may look huge, or very, very, small on all of your computers, it comes up exactly the same size as everyone else on my end. If I change my settings, I can not see any of the post on this site. The only way to make it so I can read anything here, is to have it set the way I have it. I used to copy it over in the size I wrote it, until folks complained it was too big, now I resize it down, for everyone elses enjoyment. Again, it all looks the same on my end, so I don't know how, small, that smaller text is, I'm just posting it that way for everone else. Sorry if it is now too small. I have know idea what the real standered size is here. (before I past it to the RPF AOL says it's either 8 pount, or 10 point. The RPF, does not tell me the sizes in the same way.)
As for the grip. I am not saying that I have superior skills. I'm sorry if it came across that way. I was just saying wall it was challenging, I felt it was way easier, then the other parts, you are all say are the easy part. In fact, I know you all have much better skills then I do. and yours will look much better, then mine in the end. I was merely pointing out that it is nice that each of use has our gifts. (not that mine are any great, better, faster, etc. then any one else in this thread, because they are not.)
This, like most thread around these parts, these days, has lost it's thrust. (feel free to blame me for it if you like, I really don't care.) But I find it, like a lot of threads, to have lost it's usefulness, and to have devolved into a discussion, that is neither, the point, nore at all helpful. This thread was posted in search of templates, plain and simple, and now it's this, and that, and what ever else, and I no longer really care. I have far too many other projects on my plate, to argue this and that, or fight over prices, and what not. I grow more wear of this place all the time. and yes I do know a good deal of that is may own darn fault. My place here should be as much as possible as a lurker, like many of the old timers. And that is what I will try to remember.
I give this thread over to you all to make it whatever you like, I will not be posting in it again. If any of you post templates, or do a run I can afford, I will thank you for it. If not, that's fine too. I will not be posting show off threads, now, or in the future. I do my stuff for my own privet collection, to the point that I am happy with them. I have long since stopped caring if anyone around here likes what I do, make, etc. So I have no need to show it off.
Now, let me just leave this thread, by saying. I am truly sorry. My post in this thread, and my others over the last few years, may have sounded snarking, etc. etc. etc. I have the utmost respect for most of the folks here on these forums. You all have better, skills, better budges, better, history here, better collections, and (most of you have) better eyesight. (and always will have better of all of the above) I have been here for like 10 years, and I have offered no runs, and have not as much as cast something in resin. I have just finished some kits, done some mods, and made a frew things of my own from mostly junk I found, for my own collection. I'm a small timer, who has too often spoke out to loudly, and out of turn. I will try to learn my place. I hate it when others do what I have done, and so I will try to set a better example, buy keeping my comments. to tutorials (only when I have something to offer) and thinks like "Interested" and "I'll take one" etc. And other wise stay out off it, if I have nothing to offer, or no links, or pics to help.
As for the grip. I am not saying that I have superior skills. I'm sorry if it came across that way. I was just saying wall it was challenging, I felt it was way easier, then the other parts, you are all say are the easy part. In fact, I know you all have much better skills then I do. and yours will look much better, then mine in the end. I was merely pointing out that it is nice that each of use has our gifts. (not that mine are any great, better, faster, etc. then any one else in this thread, because they are not.)
This, like most thread around these parts, these days, has lost it's thrust. (feel free to blame me for it if you like, I really don't care.) But I find it, like a lot of threads, to have lost it's usefulness, and to have devolved into a discussion, that is neither, the point, nore at all helpful. This thread was posted in search of templates, plain and simple, and now it's this, and that, and what ever else, and I no longer really care. I have far too many other projects on my plate, to argue this and that, or fight over prices, and what not. I grow more wear of this place all the time. and yes I do know a good deal of that is may own darn fault. My place here should be as much as possible as a lurker, like many of the old timers. And that is what I will try to remember.
I give this thread over to you all to make it whatever you like, I will not be posting in it again. If any of you post templates, or do a run I can afford, I will thank you for it. If not, that's fine too. I will not be posting show off threads, now, or in the future. I do my stuff for my own privet collection, to the point that I am happy with them. I have long since stopped caring if anyone around here likes what I do, make, etc. So I have no need to show it off.
Now, let me just leave this thread, by saying. I am truly sorry. My post in this thread, and my others over the last few years, may have sounded snarking, etc. etc. etc. I have the utmost respect for most of the folks here on these forums. You all have better, skills, better budges, better, history here, better collections, and (most of you have) better eyesight. (and always will have better of all of the above) I have been here for like 10 years, and I have offered no runs, and have not as much as cast something in resin. I have just finished some kits, done some mods, and made a frew things of my own from mostly junk I found, for my own collection. I'm a small timer, who has too often spoke out to loudly, and out of turn. I will try to learn my place. I hate it when others do what I have done, and so I will try to set a better example, buy keeping my comments. to tutorials (only when I have something to offer) and thinks like "Interested" and "I'll take one" etc. And other wise stay out off it, if I have nothing to offer, or no links, or pics to help.
LeMarchand
Sr Member
Jason,
When you write:
Props don't have to be expensive at all, people just choose to price them that way, because there are people that will pay a lot for them. It's what the "market will bare". (for now, though in this economy, I see prices going up, and less folks willing, or able, to pay for them.)
It is very hard to read it other than that you think (a lot of) people who make props overcharge for them when offered for sale.
My reply with the constantine lighter price breakdown was to show that, even though a lighter is expensive to buy, not a lot of profit is made on projects like it as you suggested with your statement. Since i don't feel i shaft people in the dark spot when i offer my props at the prices i set, that comment indeed rubs me the wrong way, especially that there has been a growing trend where people who have no clue, complain and whine about prices. Everybody wants class 'A' accurate props, made from the best materials at China prices.
I post in this thread whenever i have an update on the version of the Lasseter i am building. People know i will offer it as a kit and people who know my reputation know i will try to offer it at the best possible price, which i deem fair based on time and money spent on it. I try to go for 'best possible' replica i can do, if the pricetag associated with that effort is too high for some people, that is fine. But like i said, with your statement above, you paint all creators here with the same brush
When you write:
Props don't have to be expensive at all, people just choose to price them that way, because there are people that will pay a lot for them. It's what the "market will bare". (for now, though in this economy, I see prices going up, and less folks willing, or able, to pay for them.)
It is very hard to read it other than that you think (a lot of) people who make props overcharge for them when offered for sale.
My reply with the constantine lighter price breakdown was to show that, even though a lighter is expensive to buy, not a lot of profit is made on projects like it as you suggested with your statement. Since i don't feel i shaft people in the dark spot when i offer my props at the prices i set, that comment indeed rubs me the wrong way, especially that there has been a growing trend where people who have no clue, complain and whine about prices. Everybody wants class 'A' accurate props, made from the best materials at China prices.
I post in this thread whenever i have an update on the version of the Lasseter i am building. People know i will offer it as a kit and people who know my reputation know i will try to offer it at the best possible price, which i deem fair based on time and money spent on it. I try to go for 'best possible' replica i can do, if the pricetag associated with that effort is too high for some people, that is fine. But like i said, with your statement above, you paint all creators here with the same brush
Ripstick
Well-Known Member
So hey... is anyone building FireFly props anymore or is that soooo last decade?
Just curious if any progress has been made by anyone regarding the custom parts that attach to the First Alert flashlight (not counting the grip). I've got one of the flashlights stashed away somewhere, and to be honest I don't even remember if it's the correct model or not -- just that it's beige in color.
However, today I happened to stop off at my local thrift store and was more than happy to part with a mere .99 for this little guy...
Not that I need another project right now, but I did want to check in here to see if it was the correct model for a Lassiter build.
I am quite thrilled to say that it is.
Just curious if any progress has been made by anyone regarding the custom parts that attach to the First Alert flashlight (not counting the grip). I've got one of the flashlights stashed away somewhere, and to be honest I don't even remember if it's the correct model or not -- just that it's beige in color.
However, today I happened to stop off at my local thrift store and was more than happy to part with a mere .99 for this little guy...
Not that I need another project right now, but I did want to check in here to see if it was the correct model for a Lassiter build.
I am quite thrilled to say that it is.
LeMarchand
Sr Member
yup, that's the one
pennausamike
Sr Member
So hey... is anyone building FireFly props anymore or is that soooo last decade?
SNIP
I would say that not many folks are building Firefly props,
and on a board with the kind of NOT-Firefly traffic that this one sees,
even when someone posts, it disappears 5 pages back between meals.
If you want to post about Firefly/Serenity props and not have them get lost,
www.fireflyprops.net
is the place to go.
A little less in resources, but more visibility and more intensity of interest.
Hard to beat.
Mike
My Firefly/Serenity Collection:
SerenityMovie.net :: View topic - Firefly/Serenity Weapons Collection
LeMarchand
Sr Member
i am still working on the lasseter. Grip is as good as done (which has been a pain to do, more work than i anticipated) and the body itself is also almost ready for rubber.
When those 2 components are done, i can start getting the addon pieces milled, lathed and/or lasered.
I think the reason you don't see too much firefly props anymore is because it only lasted 1 season (for which some execs of the studio should have gone to prison for) and it is a show which requires an aquired taste, people either love it or hate it.
When those 2 components are done, i can start getting the addon pieces milled, lathed and/or lasered.
I think the reason you don't see too much firefly props anymore is because it only lasted 1 season (for which some execs of the studio should have gone to prison for) and it is a show which requires an aquired taste, people either love it or hate it.
Ripstick
Well-Known Member
I will go there on occassion, especially when I'm on a research mission. However, since I'm pretty spoiled with the RPF's one-stop-shop, and since I did remember a couple of the great threads already here, I figured I'd rather post here.
Especially since LeMarchand had already been working on the add-ons.
Cool! So are you thinking of offering an entire kit or a add-ons only kit? I have the Galactronic Gun, but the grip just seems too weak and fragile to me. I was thinking of taking it off, shaping and filling it to fit the flashlight, and then making a resin casting of it to make it seem more durable and sturdy. Much like what I think you are doing.
Yeah. It's sad really because that show was absolutely brilliant in every imaginable aspect. As far as original series go, Firefly is definitely in the top 5 of my list. Of those top 5, Firefly blows the other 4 away when it comes to casting, scripting, costumes, props, soundtrack, story-telling, comedy, tragedy...
Hmmm... now that I think about it, it really is hard to keep Land of the Lost in my top 5 anymore. :unsure
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