Re: MK38 Igor build (04/09> LCD Display installed)
So, I've been working on the boot straps and the webbing/buckle system for a partial suit-up (hopefully tomorrow). I guess I kind of want to make sure the main body is working well with the legs and boots, get all of the harnessing/strapping set up properly, and then I'll tackle the trimming of the biceps and attachment of shoulder bells. In a perfect world, that's all getting done tomorrow. :lol
In the meantime, thought I'd share something that I'd never used before: MAGNETIC JOINTS. I usually use chicago screws on my knee and elbow joints, namely because they're tough, easy to finish out, and they work well. The downside is that they require a screwdriver (and a minute) to remove, so for the most part you are stuck with these components attached unless you want to put the work in to disassemble. With Igor, the wearer's hands won't be reaching much past the elbow joint, so with chicago screws the entire arm would have to be removed if you wanted to use your hands for something. Combine that with a bicep that is often buckled to the upper torso, and the entire process can be a hassle.
Fast forward to last week, I had picked up some Dritz brand magnetic snaps for another project. They come in packs of two for about $3, and include both sides of the 'snap' along with backing plates. These little guys were originally made for fabric, and each side has mounting prongs that get pushed through material and bent over:
When I tore open the first package, I immediately noticed two things: First, when stuck together, the two sides spin against each other with practically no friction. Second, while there is only a single magnet on one side of each snap set, it is EXTREMELY STRONG. I'm not sure it's neodynum, but it was an effort to pull the two sides apart with my fingers. After some experiments, I elected to use these as my knee and elbow joint hardware:
I precut the prong holes in the foam, installed them with the metal backing plates, and set the prongs with a pliers and hammer. These things work AWESOME. The chromed finish at the connecting point makes them swivel even easier than my chicago screw-washer assemblies, and it would be nearly impossible to get those joints to pop loose unless you want them too. Separating the joints is as easy as sliding your hand up between the joint pieces and popping it apart. The prong-fasteners also sit below the surface of the foam on the exposed areas, so there will be no issue in gluing the foam detail caps flush over them. Overall, I'm very happy with them, and I don't have to worry about losing half of a chicago screw anymore. :wacko
If somebody wants to try those snaps, you can find them at Walmart of all places. I'll post suit-up pics tomorrow (well actually today) when I get the strapping finished up. Thanks for looking! :thumbsup
So, I've been working on the boot straps and the webbing/buckle system for a partial suit-up (hopefully tomorrow). I guess I kind of want to make sure the main body is working well with the legs and boots, get all of the harnessing/strapping set up properly, and then I'll tackle the trimming of the biceps and attachment of shoulder bells. In a perfect world, that's all getting done tomorrow. :lol
In the meantime, thought I'd share something that I'd never used before: MAGNETIC JOINTS. I usually use chicago screws on my knee and elbow joints, namely because they're tough, easy to finish out, and they work well. The downside is that they require a screwdriver (and a minute) to remove, so for the most part you are stuck with these components attached unless you want to put the work in to disassemble. With Igor, the wearer's hands won't be reaching much past the elbow joint, so with chicago screws the entire arm would have to be removed if you wanted to use your hands for something. Combine that with a bicep that is often buckled to the upper torso, and the entire process can be a hassle.
Fast forward to last week, I had picked up some Dritz brand magnetic snaps for another project. They come in packs of two for about $3, and include both sides of the 'snap' along with backing plates. These little guys were originally made for fabric, and each side has mounting prongs that get pushed through material and bent over:
When I tore open the first package, I immediately noticed two things: First, when stuck together, the two sides spin against each other with practically no friction. Second, while there is only a single magnet on one side of each snap set, it is EXTREMELY STRONG. I'm not sure it's neodynum, but it was an effort to pull the two sides apart with my fingers. After some experiments, I elected to use these as my knee and elbow joint hardware:
I precut the prong holes in the foam, installed them with the metal backing plates, and set the prongs with a pliers and hammer. These things work AWESOME. The chromed finish at the connecting point makes them swivel even easier than my chicago screw-washer assemblies, and it would be nearly impossible to get those joints to pop loose unless you want them too. Separating the joints is as easy as sliding your hand up between the joint pieces and popping it apart. The prong-fasteners also sit below the surface of the foam on the exposed areas, so there will be no issue in gluing the foam detail caps flush over them. Overall, I'm very happy with them, and I don't have to worry about losing half of a chicago screw anymore. :wacko
If somebody wants to try those snaps, you can find them at Walmart of all places. I'll post suit-up pics tomorrow (well actually today) when I get the strapping finished up. Thanks for looking! :thumbsup
. And yes, the helmet is being worn, but it is crazy bobble-head looking :lol
