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As most of you know by now, FP makes a killer set of armor. Well ... he also makes a fantastic fiberglass/vac/resin gauntlet kit.
Here are some starter pics of my next project. I will be posting some progress shots of the various steps of assembly, and will be including a few surprises along the way. ;)
Keep watching.
Gator
Can't wait for this...this is exactly what I needed..:cheering
Wow! They look awesome. Is FP still making these kits? If so how much?
How did you know what switches and items like that to buy?
Spideyfett - I am here to help. :D
mandalore697 - PM FP for pricing and availability.
asok -
Use the search function. JK :lol The push button switches on the left gauntlet flame thrower are from an offering here a few years ago. They were the closest to the real deal, that could be found at that time. I think they were from overseas. You can find a similar switch at Radio Shack. The toggle switchs are not accurate at all, but I will be using them to operate a few effects on my suit. I will post all the details as I get things working. The other items can be found in various threads and on TK409's site, ie. machined darts, RussRep missile, brass hose fittings, braided hose, UHF coax connector, etc.
I will post more details as I put the gauntlets together.
Gator
Well hurry up!!;) ...just kiddin...thanks bud.:thumbsupQuote:
Originally Posted by Gator Fett
Definately watching closely. Cause I'd rather learn from others mistakes than my own, lol.
Bad news. The kids got a hold of my digital camera and deleted some of my progress pics. >: I don't even know how to delete pics on the camera. But those tiny little hands hit some random buttons, and ... poof ... good-bye pics. I don't know if I should :lol or :cry .
I will try to describe things as best I can. Some parts are already glued together so I can't get the same shots again, but most things will be seen in future pics. Back to the show.
LEFT GAUNTLET
I started by drilling and tapping the mounting holes in my RussRep Aluminum Missile. I do not want to glue on the missile, so I will screw it to the gauntlet shell. With the holes drilled in the missile, I transfered the hole locations to the gauntlet shell, and drilled the holes in the gauntlet. I then drilled the holes for the LED, LED toggle switch and the two flamethrower push buttons.
In order to install the two flamethrower push buttons and the flamethrower nozzles (ie. UHF coax connector), I cut two access holes on the inside of the flamethrower box. I then cut two pieces of scrap sintra and sanded them to size, so that they would fit in the open end of the flamethrower box and further in the box right about at my access hole opening. I then drilled two 1/2" holes through both piecs of sintra, to hold the UHF connector tubes.
More to come tomorrow.
Gator
Sweet. Great pics too;) Keep em coming!! Look forward to seeing the end result!
D
Nice.
I love step by step threads.
Impressive gauntlets.
cheers.
Here is where some of those missing pictures would have paid off. >: As consolation ... this is my first surprise. :)
To make the flamethrower nozzles, I used the UHF coax connectors that TK-409 lists on his site. The center of the connector, the part with the pin, unscrews from the outside body of the connector. What I did was cut off the pin part of the center, with my Dremel cut off wheel, leaving the threaded part of the center piece. Within the center of the center piece I installed a 3V Laser Module, and then epoxied the center threaded piece to the coax body.
The next step was to cut the 1/2" dia. aluminum tube to the correct lenght and hot glue the Laser/coax connector to the end of the tube. The wires of the Laser Module get pulled through the tube and eventually connected to the switches and a battery pack.
The first shot is of the UHF coax connector, the installed Laser Modules, and the aluminum tube. The second pic shows how the back end of the tubes are supported inside the flamthrower housing.
Gator
I got the upper half of the left gauntlet assembled. I epoxied the flamethrower box to the outside of the gauntlet shell. I then filled in the gaps with bondo, and sanded the piece smooth. Now I am ready to attach the lower half of the gauntlet.
Gator
WOW... THAT IS LOOKING GREAT.
that kit is awesome!!! I really like that rectangular curves and stuff wich my vac formed kit doesn't have.
This batch of pics wraps up my prep work on the left gauntlet.
I attached the bottom shell of the gauntlet using a scrap piece of styrene epoxied over the top and bottom shells' edge on the outside of the gauntlet. I then epoxied another scrap piece on the inside edge of the top shell, and will use velcro to close the gauntlet on the inside. I needed the extra piece on the inside to increase the size of the opening around my forearm. Not every one will need to do this. I believe most people just velcro the top and bottom shells together on the inside, with out this extra piece of styrene. Once the epoxy dried I gave the gauntlet a final sanding and a couple coats of Rustoleum Auto Primer.
Now ... on to the right gauntlet. I plan on painting both the left and right gauntlets at the same time.
Gator
RIGHT GAUNTLET
Using a modified version of batninja's tutorial from this thread:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f25/gauntlet-hose-connectors-2708/
I started by putting together my brass hose connectors. Thanks, batninja. :hug Rather than the wood dowel, I chose to use an aluminum rod from home depot. I followed the other tips, using the electrical tape and two part epoxy to glue every thing together.
I drilled the holes in my gauntlet shell for the four metal darts and two toggle switches. I attached the "bic lighter" piece above the darts, and assembled the whip cord housings. Next step is to attach the lower shell.
Gator
Sweet.....I like.:thumbsup
I attached the bottom shell to the top shell using the same method I used on the left gauntlet. I epoxied a scrap piece of styrene on the interior of the outside edge, overlaping the top and bottom shells. I then filled in and smoothed out the seam with bondo on the outside. I then epoxied the upper and lower whipcord housings, over the bondo'ed seam of the two shells.
Now time for primer and painting. I plan on using the masking tecnique for painting the gauntlets, and since that method is well documented in other threads, I won't have a progress update until it's time for final assembly.
Gator
I am very curious as to how these will turn out!!
Looking very good as always. I like how you keep everything very clean and organized, working out all your electronics beforehand rather than hacking it up after like me!
I find it interesting that you Bondo'd that side seam, just a personal preference thing?
Yes, I was wondering about the bondo on the seam as well.
Thanks guys, I thought I would get that one past you. ;)
While its not screen accurate, I went with the fiberglass upper shell on the right gauntlet as well as the left. The fiberglass upper shell is thicker than the vac'ed styrene bottom shell. This was not an issue on the left gauntlet, since the flamethrower housing covers the outside seam. However, on the right gauntlet it is partially exposed, as you guys know, since you are so keenly observant. ;)
So ... I chose to bondo the seam to even out the thickness between the FG and the styrene. The seam disappears, but it made for a better and smoother mounting surface for the whipcord housing.
Now ... how will I ever be able to go public ... I have a missing seam on my right gauntlet. :lol
Gator
Good thing you'll have your helmet on to hide your face. I'd rather be caught dead than be seen in public with a seamless right gauntlet :lol
could just put in a fake seem, a seem that is not a seem if you like, just mark a grove in the bondo with a razor saw, my be?
Wow, i need one of those kits, i made the mistake of ordering some off ebay and there not up to scratch.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gator Fett
can anyone tell me where to get a set of them pleeeeeaaassseee
I've tried to PM FP about his gauntlets but not had any luck, its a bit dissapointing! But I know he gets busy
I have had a very productive weekend. :cheering I finished the liquid masking, painting and topical weathering on both the right and left gauntlets. Time to start some assembly and then final weathering and dul coat.
LEFT GAUNTLET *EDIT: i ment left not right, it was a late night*
As I stated above, I am putting two red laser modules in the flame thrower nozzles. I wired up the 3V battery box (2 AAA batteries) to the two momentary contact switches and then one switch to each laser module. Then installed everything into the flame thrower housing.
Next I wired a 9V battery to the toggle switch, and then to the 12V LED. Even thought the LED is 12V, it will still light up with a 9V battery. I installed the switch and LED in their holes, then velcro'ed the 9V battery to the upper shell under the dental expander section.
The last part I got to was the Russ Rep missile. I weathered the brass nose with a black wash. For the aluminum parts, I painted on the black, then scratched it off with my finger nail, a brass brush, and an abrasive dish washing sponge. Sorry, the flash washed out the picture a little.
Gator
WOW!! Love the detail...keep up the fine work!
FINISHED LEFT GAUNTLET (with working lasers)
:drool ooooohhh....nice...
Like gonzo said.. NICE :drool
Great work :thumbsup
:albino
Simply gorgeous! :drool
WOW! THATS NICE! :suprise very nice there! :thumbsup
Thanks for the comments guys. :o
The right gauntlet is almost finished, so I should have a few pics later tonight.
Congratulations! :cheering Now how can i steal them? :doh
:fettrotj
saaaweeet!!! :D :cheers :D
FINISHED RIGHT GAUNTLET
Sorry, the pics did not come out as clear as I would have liked, but I tried a few times and this is the best I could get.
The right gauntlet has less accessories but more weathering. I installed the darts, switches and hoses after the painting & weathering. The switches are not wired up yet, because I am not finished with what they will be controlling.
The front switch will control my helmet rangefinder by remote control, I HOPE. :doh I am getting the kit from hyperdyne, and working on my helmet over the next month, so I will keep you posted.
The back switch will control my :jet pack thrusters, that I showed off in the JP forum. I will also be working on my JP over the next month, and tweeking my final thruster design. Again, I hope this works out too.
Thanks for looking, and I hope I did not over due the pics. :b
Gator
They look amazing, Does anyone know where to get me one of these kits?
PMs welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
I still need those switches...
simply wow... :)
You're the bee's knees my friend!
"mmmmmm...right gauntlet....uhhhhh"
Hey Gator Fett,
Very Nice job on the Gauntlets my friend the Job looks really great, would you be willing to pass on any contact Info you have on how i would go about getting one of these fantastic Kits & how much i would expect to pay ?? any info would be greatfully received.
Pm's welcome too.
Thanks In Advance.
Ian
AKA Homer-Fett :fettrotj
Thanks for the comments guys. :o I just hope that this thread has helped when others attempt to assemble their gauntlets.
Just so there's no confusion, I want to clarify what my FP ROTJ Gauntlet Kit contained:
RIGHT GAUNTLET
Top Shell (fiberglass)
Bottom Shell (vac'ed styrene)
Whip Cord Housing (resin)
Top Hose Connection (resin)
"bic lighter" greblie (resin)
LEFT GAUNTLET
Top Shell (fiberglass)
Bottom Shell (vac'ed styrene)
Flamethrower Housing (fiberglass top & styrene bottom)
Calc Pad (resin)
Dental Expander (resin)
Gauntlet Missile (resin)
The other bits and pieces I used and pictured in this thread are parts that I either bought from a store or collected from various offerings here at TDH. It took me over 2 years to get the FP kit and ALL of the various pieces I used to make my gauntlets. I would have had to wait even longer if I wanted to use a REAL MQ-1 calc pad or Dental Expander, but I had to draw the line some where. :lol I don't want to sound like I am bragging or anything, but a set of gauntlets like these (FP Kit, RussRep Aluminum Missile, Machined Aluminum Gauntlet Darts, Brass Pipe Fittings, working lasers, working LED, functional switches, etc.) will run you over $500.
Now ... how can you get one of these kits? PM FP for pricing an availability. Who is FP, you ask? If you don't know the answer to that question, you need to get more pride in your Fett. ;) PM's will be sent to those who asked.
Gator
nice...i am doing a jango..so i was wonmdering where could i get the connectors shown here...
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/attac...tid=4715&stc=1
Take a look at this thread:Quote:
Originally Posted by Bleahhh
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=2708
batninja provided a list and some pictures of the parts you need.
Gator
Hey Gator, what kind of lights did you use for the flamethrower? LED? If so, what type and size. I want to do that as well because I too have FG gauntlets with a machined aluminium rocket and darts and that looks sweet as hell.
They are not just lights, they are lasers. :lol Literally.Quote:
Originally Posted by BobaN00b
I used two 3mW, 650nm laser diode modules, that I got from this site:
http://www.apinex.com/ret2/lsan.html
You are only the second person to ask about these. I guess no one took me seriously when I said lasers, earlier in the thread. ;)
Gator
Sweet! Thanks Gator