TK-409 Scratchbuilt Ammo Belt *PICS* update 7/4

UPDATE 7/4 Finally done, now with tutorial comments:

http://TK409.com/images/fett/ammobelt/13.jpg

<font color="#FFFFFF">TUTORIAL
http://www.TK409.com/fett/ammobelt

Here's the updated template:
http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/ammobelt/template.gif

OK, This must be the toughest part of the costume - especially building it from scratch. Research and development is a freaking bear. No wonder these things are so expensive! This project is ongoing so here's my progress so far...

<font color="#FFFFFF">THE BASE
I decided on balsa wood as a base. It's lightweight and cheap. I didn't want to mess with making functional pouches, because...well...it would take until Episode3 for me to finish.

<font color="#FFFFFF">THE LEATHER
I started by going to a leather shop and rummaging through their scrap bins. I spent about &#36;40 in scrap leather and leather dye (I guess it would've been cheaper to do vinyl). My leather scraps were in odd shapes, so I had to develop a pattern that would make the most of the pieces I had. I made a pattern (download it here) that you can print out - and it is already to scale. So you just print and cut.

I cut out the leather and glued it to the wood using Liquid Nails - but I'm sure you could use anything. Use a rubber band to hold the leather while the glue dries.

Also, cut out 12" strips for the pouch flap. This will vertically wrap around the pouch. For stitching, I used quilting thread. It's thicker and more visible than regular thread. You'll also need a leather needle for your sewing machine (&#36;2). Then you'll need a Mrs. to coach you on the sewing machine - or just do it for you. (Thanks to Mrs. TK-409!)

I'll post more photos as it progresses. I'm certainly not the expert on this - all knowledge I have on the ammo belt is from this forum - you guys are awesome. I'm not going to be making & selling these. I simply offer the tutorial for those that want to "do-it-yourself."

Lookin' Good, there, Pard! Good idea with the block to retain the shape.

Looks great. I'd love a pattern! ;)

That's looking great so far :thumbsup
We'd be interested in templates also.
Can't wait to see them finished. :)

looks awesome mang! i went the same route and made my own out of vinyl. i was doing it about the same time as SC was making his and someone thought they were the belt they were getting off of him! buuuut eventually i put it on ebay and got sum loot to fund my costume further. heres a pic:

SC's Pieces of art!
http://200.72.134.171/cdref/tdh/img/4-1-2-3.jpg


my own fruits!
http://200.72.134.171/cdref/tdh/img/Belt_most.JPG
http://200.72.134.171/cdref/tdh/img/Belt_end.JPG
http://200.72.134.171/cdref/tdh/img/Pouch_close.JPG

Template uploaded -

http://www.tk409.com/images/fett/ammobelt/template.gif

SC belts are great!! :) and TK-409 are right on track.

Great job TK 409! looks like you know what you are doin. Thanx for the template bud! :)

More photos! See first post above.

http://www.TK409.com/images/fett/ammobelt/7.jpg

Looks good man! :)

The far left and right of your template print out at around 3.3/8 inches, is this correct? :)
Thanks,
ST

drvfett, I'm not sure I understand your question.

I've updated the template again, now with measurements. If they don't appear, just reload the image.

Kool, that helps a lot. Thanks so much for including measurments. It makes building things so much easyier :D :thumbsup
Cheers,
ST

Nice! GREAT Job! :D:thumbsup

That is one of the best non-production belts I've seen. Are you going to add the grommets to the back of it?

Thanks!
Yeah, I definitely want to add the grommets, but I'm putting it off until after I finish the other major parts of the outfit. Almost done!

......OK, TK:,....I just met you just a few months ago in this group.....and (how many things so far you've created from scratch)?........GOD!!! YOU'RE A GENIOUS!!!

Remember the time that I told you that "you're not longer an apprentice, but a MASTER now"?.....now I have to tell you that you should replace that green-midget, nasty long-eared, recycled-blob, booger-shaped, whatever-it-is thing sitting on the Jedi Council Main chair-owner (Yoda), cause you're the MASTER OF MASTERS in this forum....:lol:thumbsup

I'm just amazed of your skills! BTW, what do you do for a living??? :lol

Robert :fettrotj

Ha! Thanks! Geez, I wouldn't go that far though :D I can't cast molds or work fiberglass or anything, so unfortunately all I can do is make stuff out of nothing :D.

For my day job, I'm creative director for the web at an ad agency in Sacramento. I handle interactive design and animation for the web.
Thanks again!

Great looking belt and youve inspired me to do my own belt instead of buying one.

Can anyone help get some leather and post it to the uk?
If so please PM me.

cheers

neil
uk-scout
WWW.UK-SCOUT.CO.UK
ukbikerscout@hotmail.com
http://www.uk-scout.co.uk/ukscout-webbanner.jpg

Neil,

there's a hand made shoe shop here in Bristol. I got some offcuts from there to make my pouches. There was more than enough and it cost me £10. Do you want me to go and have a look tomorrow for you, and get some if there are any available?

LMK.

Si

hi si

if you could that would be great :)
Ill use the above tutorail that chris has supplied, cant wait to start on this project and ill post some pics as soon as i start it.

thanks chris for supplying this tutorail.:)

cheers

neil
uk-scout
WWW.UK-SCOUT.CO.UK
ukbikerscout@hotmail.com
http://www.uk-scout.co.uk/ukscout-webbanner.jpg

TK409,
Great job! One of the best belts I've seen to date (puts mine to shame and I used the same approach).

What did you use to cut the wood? Hacksaw? Sabersaw?

Quote:

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Quote:
...What did you use to cut the wood? Hacksaw? Sabersaw?

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Thanks a lot! I used a hacksaw.

C,

You're a madman! Awesome job on the ammo belt!

Stay safe.

Tim.