BatNinja's FPH Progress Thread

[batninja]

I see a lot of other FPH threads, so that was motivation for me to finally start working on mine!

I started with the keyslots today. Using my Dremel (okay, it's a Craftsman, but I don't feel like typing Craftsman rotary tool, therefore it will called a Dremel), I used a small standard drill bit and did a rough carving in each of the slots. There were a few glitches, but nothing I can't correct with sanding:



After that, I tackled each slot with a hobby file set (special thanks to the other Eric (superjedi), as I never would've thought to use them. The entire set of files is about $10 at any hardware store. I didn't get a picture as I was so excited with how well it turned out. After a light sanding, I added a single coat of primer (apparently the same color that ol' FP uses):



The great thing about the primer coat, is it allows me to spot 'problem' areas that I couldn't see before. Thanks to my meticulous (read: anal-retentive) nature, I can now go back and re-file and sand the few areas that didn't pass:



Tomorrow, I'll do the final filing and will hit the back of the helmet with another light coat of primer.

After that, it's off to sanding and steel wool on the aluminum ear pieces!

[HeadlessHunter]

Off to a great start, those keyslots are a bugger

[DarthMiller]

this is going to be fun!!!

[TK876]

That looks very good, Mr. Ninja!!

Having absolutely NO skill in working with fibreglass, I´ll be watching this thread with great interest!

[Spideyfett]

Nice work so far.... BOUT TIME!!

[superjedi]

Alright! Another one under way. Will yours be ESB or ROTJ?

[batninja]

ESB, as far as the helmet goes. ROTJ for the rest of the costume.

Gonna work on the earpieces tonight!

[superjedi]

ESB, as far as the helmet goes. ROTJ for the rest of the costume.

That's the only way to go!!

[evan4218]

BN, you always do the best build up threads on here. I look forward to seeing more photos of your progress.

[batninja]

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Wait 'til I get to the visor install...talk about a treat!

[HeadlessHunter]

That's the only way to go!!

As a TRUE ESB man I will have to disagree with you there Eric Cant wait to see the visor installed

[Gypsyboy]

Those slots are a real pain in the butt. You're doing a great job on them though.

[batninja]

It's time to resurrect this thread...

After months of staring at a primed FPH helmet sitting atop a mannequin torso, I've finally decided to start the painting. Of course, it helps when you have a friend that motivates you by getting you such a nice present for your 40th birthday:



So now, I've applied two coats of Krylon Metallic spray paint, with a light sanding in between. Recommended by SpideyFett and DarthMiller (thanks guys!), this paint is fantastic! It dries quickly, and provides a great surface for painting:



I'll try to take some better pics in more appropriate lighting as the project moves along.

Oh, I guess it would be a good time to mention that I've decided to go completely layered on this project, after seeing the outstanding results from Terminal Fettler's thread:

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f23/just-when-you-thought-safe-another-esb-paint-up-25265/

They say patience is a virtue...

...we'll see.

[Sixxgunn13]

BN, great to see you back...

wow, layered..

I may do that.. well see how your turns out..lol

will you be doing a FULL tutorial? w/lots of pics!!

[suspect86]

YES!!! Another layered! Soon all will be turned to the dark side.
Muahahahaha!!