General Looking to start my own armor...how viable is metal as a material?

Rahksi

New Hunter
Hey guys, I'm looking to start making my own custom Mandalorian armor. I know it's not specifically a Boba Fett thread but this was the most active thread, and I am looking for general tips on constructing the armor.

I have experience with EVA foam armor (made a Halo ODST), and fiberglass resin (made a cyclops visor), and am wondering how viable metal armor would be (or if I should do one of the other methods). Has anyone tried besides the few that come in the search bar? I'm not sure whether to try thin aluminum or sheet metal, and which would be the most stable and easy to form/cut without heavy tools. Also, which would be the best way to attach the armor to a jumpsuit? Epoxying neodym magnets maybe? metal clips or screws?

I'm looking for a decent overview or information on this, and would really appreciate it. Thank you all!
 
my armor is attached with velcro but clips or magnets working good too! there is a tutorial with magnets and probably i will use it for my next armor. however making a metal armor is not simple without tools.. maybe with a 0,7 mm steel and a strong metal scissor u can cut it but not easy. i tell you i'm doing my harness with this but i's not easy. and bend the metal is the hardest part i think without good tools!
 
Wickedbeard still does metal Fett armour on commission. You can find him on Facebook. He makes his out of aluminum plate. It's tough to do without expertise and the proper tools because of the compound curves on some parts of the armour. It's the same problem as Sintra/plastic board. Even with some curves, it still has sort of a 1-dimensional look to it.

As for attaching your armour, you'll find an even mix of people who use magnets (you can reposition your armour, but the magnets do 'move'), Chicago screws epoxied to their armour, plastic bolts and nuts (pretty secure, but you have to get the holes in your flak vest right the first time), etc.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. Im assuming most make their armor out of fiberglass resin? What else besides cardboard?

Is there a file archive on this site? Sorry Im on mobile and cant seem to find it
 
Most is ABS plastic as Necronaut said, followed far behind by fiberglass, and in a very distant far small percentage metal. The one thing that metal usually fails in is the return edge of the armor. It tends to be sharper edges and therefore doesn't look like the screen used armor.........which was plastic.

Also the armor won't go on the jumpsuit it will attach to a vest. Attachment methods vary; from velcro, to snaps, to bolt and grommets and magnets. Each method holds some value and advantages. I used snaps on my Jango Fett and they have held up well.
 
Rahksi,

Besides the shear difficulties making the armor (as numerous posters have mentioned) you are forgetting the one biggest flaw to metal...its weight. The costume already is extremely elaborate, complicated, and heavy. I honestly do not know if I could wear metal armor for any length of time. Most people utilize steel as mentioned previously due to it's cheapness and availability...but to get the edges correct it needs to be relatively thick. Thick on metal = weight.
 
You all are very helpful. I knew it would be very difficult.

Is there a general guide on that technique? As far as methods, materials, etc. As far as forums go (I frequent therpf, 405th, etc.) you guys are definitely the most details and screen-like. I assume because most aim for acceptance within the 501st? This is a project I've been wanting to start for a while and would really appreciate some insight.
 
You all are very helpful. I knew it would be very difficult.

Is there a general guide on that technique? As far as methods, materials, etc. As far as forums go (I frequent therpf, 405th, etc.) you guys are definitely the most details and screen-like. I assume because most aim for acceptance within the 501st? This is a project I've been wanting to start for a while and would really appreciate some insight.

There are some nice templates and build threads posted on this site. In regards to going for 501st approval I would heartily recommend that you buy the armor premade and paint it yourself. It's far easier to repaint something than it is to craft a whole new item from scratch because your one piece wasn't sized/made correctly. Unless you really want to go through the process of making it yourself it will save you a LOT of work. Most basic armor sets including helmet, armor, gauntlets/parts will run about 1k. This does not include a jet pack which you can buy unpainted for around 350$. You can even often pick up a used items relatively cheap (I got my basic armor off the cargo hold with a fett electronics package for about 350$). A fair number of people here sell raw helmets unpainted (Fett Pride, Animefan to name a few), but whatever you do DO NOT BUY AN EBAY HELMET.

Bottom line on this keep in mind a few basic facts.

1) This is an expensive hobby.

2) Refer to rule #1.

3) Make a budget and decide what kind of Fett YOU want...not what others expect of you.

4) Do what makes you most happy...this is for fun after all.
 
Makes sense, thanks. I'll keep my eye on the cargo hold.

Are there any resources you would recommend for a general overview on the "from scratch" technique? Such as Youtube, another site, a cohesive build thread, etc... I may just go with buying a raw build, but I like the idea of knowing I did something from scratch generally.
 
This thread is more than 8 years old.

Your message may be considered spam for the following reasons:

  1. This thread hasn't been active in some time. A new post in this thread might not contribute constructively to this discussion after so long.
If you wish to reply despite these issues, check the box below before replying.
Be aware that malicious compliance may result in more severe penalties.
Back
Top