Scratch built jet pack

Well, I've started laying out my jet pack thanks to WoF's AWSOME templates. Just a couple questions.

1. Whats the best material to build out of? I was planning on using cardboard, foam board and hopefully reinforce it so it's sturdy.

2. With out extra reinforcing, how sturdy is the pack?

3. What do you usually use join the pieces? Hot glue? WOod glue? Not sure what the best would be.

4. Before painting, what do I need to seal the cardboard with to keep the paint from warping it?

5. From what I've seen, alot of you use Bondo on the joints to smooth them out. Is this correct?

Thanks for your input in advance!

Hi buddy. I used foamex (sintra) 3mm for everything except the back, top and bottom, for which I used 5mm. I used super glue on the edges to build it. To strengthen the pack I used expanding foam inside which helps to hold it together and give the pack a pretty 'solid' feel. I did not build the full pack and foam it up, I used expanding foam only in the areas I wanted it and I filled sections as I built, for example in the bottom section first and so on. I also drilled out some areas to allow the foam to reach it, for example the fuel cells.

I used some bondo, just to fill and gaps, or where required. I also used epoxy putty to sculpt some areas, namely the areas around the fuel cells.

Hope that helps. Rob.

Rob has done an awesome build up... and should post here! (hint)

I used cardboard for the tube sections, side tank top and bottom caps and missile/rocket. The rest of the pack was made from 1/8" hardboard ( pressed wood basically ).

Then the entire pack was sealed with polycrylic sealer, primered and painted. then a final coat of clear coat to protect the paint job.

As for what glues to use... it depends on what materials you're using.

Originally Posted by Mojo-Fett

Rob has done an awesome build up... and should post here! (hint)

Cheers buddy, I would not have had ago if it was not for Jango72's thread, nice pack, maybe I will do soon

Thats a great start! Thanks for the input guys. Much appriciated.

check out mine at SHOWOFF: jet pack or rocket pack ***updated 12/03/08*** under prop building this one is fun