TROOPER ARMOR / Gluing?

[bounty treasure]

What's the best means to secure/clamp the pieces?

With some of the stronger glue, guessing clamps would leave a permanent impression..

Can it be taped at all, or does that stand the risk of 'melting' in to the piece too?

Rubber bands?

Bubble gum?

 

[JoMamma_Smurf]

Blue masking tape works pretty well....but the clamps are the best way to go. I used both.

 

[MarkG]

Using some plastic glues will soften the plastic so that if clamps are used, it will leave an impression. If you can get clamps with adjustable pressure then they are better, but strong masking tape does well too.

I've since changed to E6000 adhesive. Sticks trooper armour fantastically.. Use of clamps isn't a problem.

 

[Darth Lars]

I have seen people use magnets. The pressure is soft and even.

When I can, I use a bunch of two-piece wooden clothespins, spaced the same distance apart from eachother. Wood does not react to plastic adhesive.

A few times when gluing plastic, I have also added a few drops of fast-setting superglue at key places just to keep it together while the plastic adhesive does its work.

 

[bounty treasure]

Using some plastic glues will soften the plastic so that if clamps are used, it will leave an impression. If you can get clamps with adjustable pressure then they are better, but strong masking tape does well too.

I've since changed to E6000 adhesive. Sticks trooper armour fantastically.. Use of clamps isn't a problem.

Where can you pick up that adhesive?

 

[Madmartigan]

Where can you pick up that adhesive?

In the US, you can pick it up at Michael's Arts & Crafts.

I also used the rare earth magnets on my build -- about 8-10 sets of two works nicely when you are butt joining and putting the finishing strips on longer pieces like calves and thighs.

 

[bounty treasure]

In the US, you can pick it up at Michael's Arts & Crafts.

I also used the rare earth magnets on my build -- about 8-10 sets of two works nicely when you are butt joining and putting the finishing strips on longer pieces like calves and thighs.

Wal-Mart item at all, or more so craft specific?

Does it clean up OK for any 'over' spots?

Saw a disclaimer on it discoloring in sun, so just checking on that too...

Thanks

 

[DL 44 Blaster]

I used the standard ABS glue and Quick Grips with a wooden paint stir stick on each side of the piece being glued so no impression was made since the quick grip was only pressing against the stir stick:thumbsup

 

[swgeek]

If you're worried about clamps making an impression, you can always use an old woodworking trick and use cauls. Cauls, if you don't know, are usually long strips of wood (although you can make them out of anything), that when placed between the clamp and the material you're clamping even out and distribute the clamping pressure, so that you don't get clamp indentations in your material.

I used the standard ABS glue and Quick Grips with a wooden paint stir stick on each side of the piece being glued so no impression was made since the quick grip was only pressing against the stir stick:thumbsup

What he said, damn I'm a slow typer.

 

[bounty treasure]

I used the standard ABS glue and Quick Grips with a wooden paint stir stick on each side of the piece being glued so no impression was made since the quick grip was only pressing against the stir stick:thumbsup

Good call...

All right..

Bonus...



Thanks

 

[bounty treasure]

What's the best way to use ABS glue and not bleed over onto the 'showing' areas?

Can you get away with just spreading on the inside of the armor?

Guessing you need a little on the exterior seams - Just looking for best way for the cement not to bleed into exposed areas and ruin the armor basically...

Those with experience?

 

[DL 44 Blaster]

You can get away with it being applied to only the inside, but you'll need to have the front supported. I did this on my thigh pieces and used duct tape on top. I then used the thin strips to put on top so it would be accurate. You can apply it very liberally in this fashion since it won't be seen.

If you only apply the glue to one of the pieces to be mated, you'll minimize the amount that is squeezed out ensuring a nice bond with no bleed. Remember you're not making it water tight and the ABS glue is meant to bond ABS, so a little can go a long way. It will indeed meld the plastic together and be super strong so no worries:thumbsup

If you do get a small bit onto the surface just wipe it immediately with your finger and get back to it later. You may need some 1500-2000 grit sandpaper to remove any damage from the glue and then use Novus polish to bring it back to a super slick factory shine.

Steve

 

[bounty treasure]

You can get away with it being applied to only the inside, but you'll need to have the front supported. I did this on my thigh pieces and used duct tape on top. I then used the thin strips to put on top so it would be accurate. You can apply it very liberally in this fashion since it won't be seen.

If you only apply the glue to one of the pieces to be mated, you'll minimize the amount that is squeezed out ensuring a nice bond with no bleed. Remember you're not making it water tight and the ABS glue is meant to bond ABS, so a little can go a long way. It will indeed meld the plastic together and be super strong so no worries:thumbsup

If you do get a small bit onto the surface just wipe it immediately with your finger and get back to it later. You may need some 1500-2000 grit sandpaper to remove any damage from the glue and then use Novus polish to bring it back to a super slick factory shine.

Steve

Just curious what you mean by 'thin strips'...

 

[itsalive]

Would Perfecto's fish tank silicone work as an adhesive? That stuff will bond to anything, and it cures up pretty clear.

 

[chefhawk]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40WgoPWn1nE&feature=channel_page

This is the first of Daves video's.Just watch them in sequence. Its very informative about building armor (fx) but can be adapted to other makes of armor.


cheers

 

[DL 44 Blaster]

Just curious what you mean by 'thin strips'...

The strips of ABS that go down the center of the Troopers thigh pieces. The originals were done in the same fashion. They were about 5/8" wide and went down the front-center of the thighs.

 

[bounty treasure]

Do they make hypodermic (sp?) needles for gluing? For tight areas already sealed in some areas?

Guessing one shot deals.

Just curious...