How to scratchbuild your own shoulder studs

I've decided to scratchbuild my own set of shoulder studs. I couldn't find a set of keyboard keys that made me happy :D

Although this tutorial may be very simple, It's the least I can do for all the help TDH has given me.

I decided to use a flat wood base I found lying around for displaying some scale models. It wasn't high enough, so I used .40 sheet styrene to add a little height.

You can easily use multiple layers of sheet styrene till you get the height you want. the height of my keys were about 0.7cm.

using the keyboard key as a base, I traced the key around the wood and styrene to create a 1.7cm x 1.7cm square

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/IMG_9880.jpg


I then used CA glue to stick the two together. If you get some CA glue overflow, it's better, when you sand it it will help cover any seams.

After that I drew a smaller square on top depending on how sloped I wanted the sides of my studs.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/IMG_9881.jpg

using a dremel,(or a sanding file) I sanded off the sides following the smaller lines on top along with the bottom edge.

Check from time to time while sanding to make sure you get uniform edges.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/IMG_9883.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/IMG_9884.jpg

After that using some 200 grit sandpaper I sanded all the sharp edges to give them that keyboard key look.

I sprayed some primer to check for imperfections and look at the overall apprearance.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/IMG_9886.jpg

A quick test fit on my collar armor

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/IMG_9887.jpg

I'll post updates when I start to paint them. In the meantime, I'd like some feedback about the size.. Are they too big or just right?

Thanks for viewing!

Impressive and very inventive work on the studs!
I made some 'photo' measurements and I got this result:

Attachment 55414

This might not be the correct measurement but pretty close.

Cool! I've been quietly looking at keys in thrift stores. When the time comes, if I haven't found them I may be using your method!

Im pretty close to your measurements RF! I'm happy! :cheering

I'll post my painting process as well as attaching the bolts and nuts underneath :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Luis

Im pretty close to your measurements RF! I'm happy! :cheering

I'll post my painting process as well as attaching the bolts and nuts underneath :D

---

And pretty close to a standard keyboard key measurement...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Luis

I'll post my painting process as well as attaching the bolts and nuts underneath :D

---

Going ESB? Paint em white :D http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f25/e...-silver-28093/

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by apolifka

Going ESB? Paint em white :D http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f25/e...-silver-28093/

---

I've heard! :D too bad im going ROTJ ;-)

for ROTJ, you still paint them white first, then silver. Then scuff them up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lufo1138

for ROTJ, you still paint them white first, then silver. Then scuff them up.

---

Noted! Thanks!

Thanks for those measurements RF! :thumbsup

I am going to have to use this meathod. I too can't find any keyboard keys that will seem to work. Thanks for the tutorial.

I'll be doing the putty work soon, then start painting.. I've got soo many Boba parts It has became too overwhelming on what to build first! :D