Assault Phaser Build

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 6, 2017

• #1

A couple of days ago I decided it would be cool to make an "assault phaser" from Star Trek V and VI. With that goal in mind I started working on a 3d model. For now I'm working on the overall shape and outside surface details. Once I get that to a point where I like it I'll move on to designing individual parts for a "working" assembly. My goal is to have as many working parts as possible (mag release, slide lock, disassembly lever, those 3 buttons on the right side, etc...)

This is a render of my progress so far:


The final prop will be mostly 3d printed parts with a few found parts (if I can find them).

Any tips/advice/criticism/etc... would be appreciated. Progress will be fairly slow on this project. At this point I'm just working on it a little each day during my lunch break.

 

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 10, 2017

• #2

Still a long way to go, but I've made a little progress.


I'm thinking once I get all the external details to a point that looks right I'll print a solid one and see how it turns out. Then I'll start breaking out individual components and designing the working assembly.

 

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 11, 2017

• #3

Minor update.


All the major pieces are blocked out now. Lots of little details to add before my first test print.

 

Dogless

New Member

• Jul 11, 2017

• #4

Looking great so far Vincent. What 3D modelling package are you using if you don't mind my asking?

 

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 11, 2017

• #5

Dogless said:

Looking great so far Vincent. What 3D modelling package are you using if you don't mind my asking?

Click to expand...

I don't mind at all. I'm using SolidWorks on this project.

 

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 12, 2017

• #6

Just about all of the details on the left side are present now (They aren't perfect yet, but probably good enough for my first print).


I'm fairly happy with the way it's turning out so far, but any criticism or advice would be appreciated.

 

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 13, 2017

• #7

Another Update:


Almost ready for the first test print now. Got a few minor issues to work out and then I'll probably slice it up and print a test to make sure I'm on the right track here. The working version will take much more time and effort, but hopefully it will be worth it.

 

itsgreg

Well-Known Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Jul 14, 2017

• #8

This is so cool! You've given me an itch to build one!

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

 

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 14, 2017

• #9

itsgreg said:

This is so cool! You've given me an itch to build one!

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

Maybe I just haven't looked around enough, but it seems like this phaser doesn't get enough attention. Not many people seem to build these. It's a cool prop imo.

Plus I needed a fun project for my new printer.

 

itsgreg

Well-Known Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Jul 14, 2017

• #10

I agree, it's a mean looking phaser.

 

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 19, 2017

• #11

Finally finished my first test print.

I cut it up into more manageable pieces because I didn't have a bunch of time to print it all at once.


Some areas needs a bit of sanding before I glue it all together but here it is loosely fit together with some rubber bands and such:


My goal with this iteration is just to do some minor finishing work and glue it all together (maybe hit it with some primer and lightly sand to hide the layering). That will give me a really good feel for how my model is coming along. So far it feels a bit over-sized to me. So I need to spend some time checking over my dimensions.

As usual, any advice/criticism would be appreciated.

 

Targets R Us

Active Member

• Jul 19, 2017

• #12

Very nicely done....looks very good!

I do have one suggestion and one question: Printing the emitter as a separate part would make it easier to paint and finish. The question is: had you considered making the front section 'cover' as a separate part to provide better access to finishing whatever is seen through those slots?

-Jeff

 

Vincent V

Active Member

• Jul 19, 2017

• #13

Targets R Us said:

Very nicely done....looks very good!

I do have one suggestion and one question: Printing the emitter as a separate part would make it easier to paint and finish. The question is: had you considered making the front section 'cover' as a separate part to provide better access to finishing whatever is seen through those slots?

-Jeff

Click to expand...

Thanks.

This print is a test, since I'm working exclusively from pictures I really needed to get something physical to make sure I'm on the right track. I agree that a separate emitter and front cover would make things easier, I'll definitely do that on the final version.