Sign-up for vacuformed "budget" armor kits

The lack of dents should make these kits perfect for the custom mandos! Welcome back to TDH

Your armor looks great! I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors!

GCNgamer128 - I actually used to have dents on my molds years a go, and filled them partially for that reason. Since there are already plenty of great Boba specific armor out there, I thought I would offer something that gives people options :-)

redkraytdragon - Thanks for the kind words, they are much appreciated!

Hey thanks a lot for the sell. I look forward to working with your product.

As an added bonus to get things rolling . . .

The first 3 slots for the Complete package will also receive a set of the new resin extras I am working on absolutely free! These will include a set of knee darts, the hose block for the right gauntlet, and a gauntlet rocket for the left gauntlet.

These will only be offered with the first 3 complete package orders as a free bonus, and will be available for purchase for everyone else later on.

The first slot is already filled, so that leaves two more slots that will receive the bonus items :-)

no way to twist your arm for international shipping?

Respect
P.

I have been asked by a couple others as well. I only stated I would ship within the U.S. due to the high cost of shipping overseas not making it very cost effective for buyers. International rates have gotten pretty crazy here recently.

If you PM me your location I can do a price check on shipping for you. Then you can decide if you think the cost is worth it :-)

Not meaning to be a policeman but please keep in mind of other reasons he didn't really want to go down the international route again.
It's Rims call but I don't think this should open a floodgate of international shipment requests.

Thanks Muad'Dib. I don't mind an occasional overseas order if it is a larger order, and I hate to make it seem unfair like that. The problems that arose before was due to me not quoting high enough shipping prices for overseas orders, and then losing money on transactions. Due to the size of several of the items I make, the boxes have to be larger, and part of overseas costs is the size of the package. Small orders aren't really cost effective to ship overseas for either myself or the buyer.

If any overseas customers are interested in buying a full package, I would be willing to ship those overseas provided the customer pays all additional shipping costs (which I will quote you before purchasing).

But as Maud'Dib said, please do not flood me with requests to ship one or two items overseas, as it really isn't worthwhile. I hate to exclude people like that, but for the sake of my keeping my business up and to avoid headaches it has to be that way. Thank you for understanding.

Id be interested in a full set for a custom im slowly working on. BUT not right now. As long as all go well with these orders (and i sure they will, i myself am adapting similar methods to keep from falling behind) will you take orders randomly? I should have cash around mid febuary.

Absolutely.
At least for now get your rep back up and then decide where to go from there. You've said you've realized you set your shipping too low back then so now you know to take it into account.

Best of luck!

Darth Voorhees - Yes, I plan to continue to offer the armor regularly. I just wont take payments too far ahead so I dont overwhelm myself. Just get with me when you are ready for a set and I can either get going on your set right away if I have the space, or put you on the list to get to soon.

Muad'Dib - Yes, I'm trying to take it somewhat slow to start. I want to make sure I dont bite off more than I can chew at one time. The pace may pick up some in the future if my new system works well, and since I've reworked my vac table to be more efficient timewise as well.

I am probably going to keep the "first three to buy full packages get bonus items" offer going through the weekend, and then I may end that offer. Better act fast if you want the bonus items :-)

how large are the guants?

Originally Posted by Fett 4 Real

how large are the guants?

Well, I made them bigger than "movie sized" so they would fit a larger range of people (myself included). My forearms are a little over 12" around at the biggest point, and they fit me. They could actually go a little larger than that depending how you attach them. They can also adjust down smaller as well to fit smaller arms.

I've decided to end the "free bonus items with full package purchase" deal tonight at midnight (EST). I've had several inquiries about the full package but no confirmations yet, so there are still two slots up for grabs.

PM sent

The last two slots for full sets with bonus items have now been filled.

Now we reaLly need to work some thing out , A whole kit MAN im so in , We really need to talk

I just placed an order for the styrene I need to start knocking out these orders. It should arrive on Tuesday, and I will get going on them right away. I will keep everyone posted on the progress.

As a special treat, I am also in the process of updating all my gauntlet molds, so the gauntlets you receive will be even more accurate than what is shown in this thread. I want to provide the best products I can, and updating the gauntlets is a step in that direction.

Thanks everyone for your support and orders.

I gues the flam thrower box is a seperate peice?

Yes, the flamethrower is made of an upper main shell, and a lower tray, and they are separate from the main gauntlet shell.

I just wanted to update everyone on the progress.

I just received an email from US Plastics saying the styrene I ordered is currently out of stock. Usually when that happens they get more in within a day or so, so I should still hopefully have the plastic this week (it only takes a day for shipping since they are one state away).

The good news is that gives me a little more time to get the new gauntlet molds finished up and ready to go.

I will let everyone know as soon as the plastic arrives. Hopefully its only delayed a day or so. I'm eager to get going on everyone's orders.

Thanks,
Andrew

Ok, after spending forever on the online chat with US Plastics, it turns out they were only 1 sheet of plastic short of shipping my order, and that's why it was backordered. I had ordered extra sheets anyway, so they knocked one off my order, and said it will ship no later than tomorrow. That puts it to me by Wednesday at the latest, so there isnt too much of a delay afterall :-)

Hi rimshot, im in for a set of everything except gaunts. Im doin an esb, also would like some knee darts if possible...lmk

My styrene arrived today, so I will begin forming orders over the weekend, and should be ready to mail some out early next week

Will you add me to the list for chest and collar armor? Thanks, Bill (billy1776)

Originally Posted by billy1776

Will you add me to the list for chest and collar armor? Thanks, Bill (billy1776)

Done

What are the lengths on the gauntlets. They look great.

Originally Posted by CarudAkinolos

What are the lengths on the gauntlets. They look great.

Actually the gauntlets shown in the photo are being upgraded, and will be even nicer. Everyone who has ordered so far will be getting the new better gauntlets, and I will try to get a pic up of them this weekend if possible. I have a little more fine tuning to do to the molds first.

PM sent as far as measurements.

Please add me to the list for gauntlets – the 5-piece set - no flame thrower please. I am making the Super Trooper version on a 3D printer...
DO you sell the left gauntlet top rocket piece? Or do you refer customers to a maker? I will likely buy a little bit here and there from you in the coming month... so I can be like MightyTank! He went from a TD, to a nearly perfect Super Trooper in a matter of days. I have to play catch up. Thanks!!!

Added you whitecommando.

I will hopefully soon be offering an accessory package for the gauntlets with pretty much all the add on pieces needed (including the rocket you asked about) to finish them out. I'm waiting on my masters to arrive from the prototyper, and then can get some casts made and some pics up.

How long will these be available? I'm interested in the full kit...just have to wait until my tax refund gets here. Do you also do the back plate?...Thanks

Originally Posted by VaxKordo

How long will these be available? I'm interested in the full kit...just have to wait until my tax refund gets here. Do you also do the back plate?...Thanks

I plan to keep these available for the foreseeable future.

I do not currently offer a back plate, but it along with another item or two are in the pipeline.

Thanks vode'...i'll be in touch within the next month.

Just a heads up to everyone. The local weather forecasters are predicting a pretty nasty storm coming in Monday evening through Wednesday that could possibly bring between one to one and a half inches of ice to my area. If that happens I may very well lose power, thus no internet. If you leave a message here, or PM me during that time and don't get a quick response from me, that is the reason. I will get back with you as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Rimshot

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to update that the storm is finally passed. We ended up getting about an inch of ice here plus some snow. My county has been under a travel warning for the past few days, with only emergency vehicles allowed on the roads. They have finally downgraded that a bit today to allow people to travel to/from work, but other travel is still restricted.

Needless to say that put me behind a bit on vacuuforming. I'm hoping they finally get the roads cleared enough to start allowing travel by the weekend. It is supposed to be in the low 30's, which is warm enough for me to be able to get some forming done. I should be able to crank out all the vacform parts of everyone's orders this weekend.

I will also be able to get most of the resin cast goodies formed for those who got the free bonus items. I am still waiting on the gauntlet rocket body that my cousin is turning on a lathe for me. He is a woodworking/furniture design instructor at a nearby college, and with the school being closed due to weather he hasnt had access to the shop. He should have it finished and to me soon, and I can get the rest of the rocket assembled and molded as well.

I hate to start off my first sale thread after coming back with a delay like this, but I guess I didn't time things well with mother nature

I am trying to keep open communication this time around though, so no one is left wondering what is going on.

Thanks everyone for your patience.

Rimshot

PP sent for armor and darts!

Hey all,

Ive got a good part of the forming done for current orders. I've got a little more to finish up over the next couple days, and then currently paid orders should start shipping later this week! I will keep everyone updated when packages start heading out the door.

Thanks,
Rimshot

Thanks for the updates, Rimshot. Will you send me your PP info?

Awesome!!

any chance you will be shipping to Australia any time in the future ?
i'm interested in a full set,
any plans for doing the back or a Jango set, ( I want to do an "open season" style armor).
thanks,
Solus

Originally Posted by solus fett

any chance you will be shipping to Australia any time in the future ?
i'm interested in a full set,
any plans for doing the back or a Jango set, ( I want to do an "open season" style armor).
thanks,
Solus

PM Sent

Thanks for answering my pm, in for an ROTJ set!

Hey mate,

thanks for keeping us up to date on the progress. I'm looking forward to getting the parts.

Bill

Here is a photo of yesterday's progress :-)

Very nice! Cant wait!!!

Looking good ,
Im looking orward to getting a set

Any updates?

PM sent

Originally Posted by Vegan Mando

Any updates?

Sorry for being absent for a few days Vegan (and everyone else). I had a bit of a stomach bug the past few days, and wasn't really able to accomplish much other than lying on the couch. I've got the vacform oven heating up as I write this, and am getting ready to form the parts needed to finish up some more orders and get them out the door. I will give an update later this evening or tomorrow morning on what orders are ready to ship, etc.

Rimshot, Will you add me to your list for shoulders and cod? Thanks, Bill (billy1776)

Originally Posted by billy1776

Rimshot, Will you add me to your list for shoulders and cod? Thanks, Bill (billy1776)

Sure thing. You can send payment to the same email addy as before. If you need me to resend you the info just let me know.

ill take a cod piece, how soon would it get to 02908 do you think?

Update:

Hello everyone, Ive gotten everyone's parts vacformed (unless you just ordered within the last couple of days). Orders without any resin accessories (such as rocket, calc pad, knee darts, etc) will be shipping on Monday. Orders WITH resin details will be shipping Wed. hopefully. I had a bit of problem with the silicone I had ordered for the molds (thats what I get for going with a different supplier than usual) and am having to redo the molds for the resin parts. I also got word that my cousin has the rocket base done and mailed it to me today. I should have it on Monday (since we live in the same state) and can get it molded so I can have those castings ready to go by Wed.

So to sum that all up:
- Orders with NO resin parts will be shipping Monday
- Orders WITH resin parts will start shipping on Wed.

I want to thank everyone with their patience. Between the hit and miss weather the past month (one week we got 10 inches of snow, the next was in the 50's, etc.), my being sick for a few days, and my getting back into the swing of armor making after two years away, it has taken me a bit longer than desired to get everyones orders made and shipped.

Thanks,
Rimshot

No worries, I can certainly appreciate how things can get crazy overnight. I ordered a Fett Blaster Signature Edition Replica the other day too. Very exciting have all these things coming in.

Hey bud, were you able to get the armor sets out wednesday?

I'd love to see a picture of these "finished." Has anyone gotten theirs and added all accessories/paint to em? I'm just curious how easy it is to work with... glue, dents, paint, etc.

I'm considering the gauntlets. Mine are pretty beat up and I didn't do a great job on em to begin with.

Bump.....

Any update on these, Rimshot?

Hey guys, sorry for being absent the past few days. My internet has been out, and is still patchy. Of course no one is available to get it fixed over the weekend, so I finally got through to someone today. They did something on their end that is at least getting me patchy connections now, so I have to type fast haha. They are sending out a new modem this week, as supposedly the one I have "only has a shelf life of about a year". I still dont buy that excuse, but at least I am getting a new modem, and hopefully that fixes it. I have a feeling it is the line from the pole into the house though.

Orders not including resin accessories have been shipped (except for billy1776 who wanted a couple additional pieces, PM coming your way).

In order to expedite the casting of the master rocket I finally got in, and the other masters for the resin parts, I bought a kit of alumilite resin at the local Hobby Lobby. Ive always had good luck with their products, and since it saved me shipping costs, and the wait to get it, I went ahead and bought the kit in the store. I made the molds, and waited the 48hrs it said it would take for "full cure" before going to demold my masters. Problem is the silicone was still tacky, and stayed tacky for a couple days after that. I finally had to scrape, wipe, etc. the gunky half-cured silicone off my masters. Thankfully it didnt damage them any. Of course the package says if you have any trouble, to contact Alumilite, and gave their website. I wrote them a message explaining the situation, provided all the info I could etc. Of course I was without internet from Friday through this afternoon, so I just got their response today. Ends up the silicone had been on the shelf longer than it should have been, and they figure that is why it didnt work like it should. They have graciously offered to send me a replacement kit, which should arrive later this week.

This is another unforeseen delay added to the other delays that have been out of my control. I feel really bad about this.

What I can do, is for anyone unable/unwilling to wait, I can go ahead and ship your vacformed parts now, and then send the resin pieces within a week once I get the new silicone, and can get them cast. I perfectly understand anyone who wants this option. It will end up costing me more in the end in shipping, but I will eat that cost if need be to keep my customers happy.

The other option for those willing/able to wait, is that I will wait a few more days in order to ship your vacformed parts at the same time as the resin pieces. This would help me out as far as expenses (extra shipping and boxes) and time (extra trips to P.O.). I understand if no one is willing to take this option. This has taken much longer than expected already, and I never intended for anyone to have to wait this long.

If everyone could please either post here, or PM me with which option you would prefer, I will take the appropriate action for everyone.

Thank you all,
Rimshot

I forgot to mention, as an added bonus for the delay, the majority of you will be receiving some of your armor vacformed in .080 styrene instead of the usual .060. Due to a mixup with my plastic supplier, they gave me some .080 in place of the .060 they were backordered on, and I am passing the bonus on to you all. Not all parts are formed in the .080, but the "higher stress" pieces are.

Mate, I am happy to wait for the parts until you can cast the resin bits.

Just let us know when stuff happens (good or bad) and get the gear out as soon as you can.

I am good to wait as well.

I don't mind waiting either

Hey Rimshot,
Will you ship the pieces I've paid for now and then I can wait on the rest? I think I will do a second payment for the other pieces and get gauntlets (and maybe a kidney plate and backplate if you do them?) as well.
Thanks, Bill (billy1776)

Originally Posted by billy1776

Hey Rimshot,
Will you ship the pieces I've paid for now and then I can wait on the rest? I think I will do a second payment for the other pieces and get gauntlets (and maybe a kidney plate and backplate if you do them?) as well.
Thanks, Bill (billy1776)

Not a problem. I will get them out within the next day or so then. I will PM you once it is sent.

Ive got a bit more wait left in me. Do you make a backplate and kidney plate??

Originally Posted by Vegan Mando

Ive got a bit more wait left in me. Do you make a backplate and kidney plate??

Ive never really considered making the kidney plate, as it is so easy to just cut and heat form out of flat styrene or sintra. Everyone is shaped differently, and differently sized, so it allows for a more personalized fit that way.

I do have a back armor mold in the works. It will be made to line up with my collar armor perfectly. It will most likely go for $30-40 dollars though due to size and shipping costs.

Also, I finally got a phone company repair man to come look at the line outside the house (which I had a feeling was the problem all along). Ends up I was right, and he had to replace one of the lines. My internet is working great so far, so I shouldnt be out of touch from now on.

How long before you expect to have the back armor plate going? I am in need of a back plate in white.

Any plans on doing shin & thigh armor?

Hi guys,

whodat - I don't have a definite ETA on the back armor. I will post an update here when it is ready.

timefiller - Ive never really considered thigh or shin armor, as the armor I currently make is more Boba styled than Jango.

Any updates?

A back armor would be a stunning addition to the set

Any new news on the delayed orders?

Originally Posted by Kord

Any new news on the delayed orders?

I basically got the run around from Alumilite on them sending me a replacement silicone kit. They told me it had shipped, and that I should have received it last week. It never came, and now they wont respond to my emails asking about it. Im having to front the cash for a second silicone kit (from a different supplier this time) and it is on it's way to me as we speak. From this experience, I would definitely advise anyone to stay away from Alumilite. I have had good luck with their products in the past, but their customer service is terrible.

I have been away for a bit, and then I realized... "Where are my gauntlets?"

Also, I do not mind .080 gauntlets. LMK if you can box up and ship out this week. And, a cool thing about .080 is you can take a palm-sander and grind the 70º-90º angles to be sharp edged on thick plastic – despite some soft pulls, you can sharpen outer corners up nicely... only slight concern, is the indentions. Anyway. I sharpened-up some .125" OSCS clone armor... you can get some crisp edges. But, if the indents/in-cut details are not pulled in tight... I may pause.

Send pics to me if you do not mind. john.sale@me.com.

My order is one of your smaller, pretty simple sets (plain gauntlets, no flamer, no rockets) – so, e-mail me if you have one of the simple $55.00 gauntlet sets ready – send some pics, and I will reply if they are good-to-go for you to box and ship.?

Sound fair

Thanks!

John

Originally Posted by Rimshot

I forgot to mention, as an added bonus for the delay, the majority of you will be receiving some of your armor vacformed in .080 styrene instead of the usual .060. Due to a mixup with my plastic supplier, they gave me some .080 in place of the .060 they were backordered on, and I am passing the bonus on to you all. Not all parts are formed in the .080, but the "higher stress" pieces are.

Originally Posted by whitecommando

I have been away for a bit, and then I realized... "Where are my gauntlets?"

Also, I do not mind .080 gauntlets. LMK if you can box up and ship out this week. And, a cool thing about .080 is you can take a palm-sander and grind the 70º-90º angles to be sharp edged on thick plastic – despite some soft pulls, you can sharpen outer corners up nicely... only slight concern, is the indentions. Anyway. I sharpened-up some .125" OSCS clone armor... you can get some crisp edges. But, if the indents/in-cut details are not pulled in tight... I may pause.

Send pics to me if you do not mind. john.sale@me.com.

My order is one of your smaller, pretty simple sets (plain gauntlets, no flamer, no rockets) – so, e-mail me if you have one of the simple $55.00 gauntlet sets ready – send some pics, and I will reply if they are good-to-go for you to box and ship.?

Sound fair

Thanks!

John

Gauntlets are only being done in .060 at this time. I may offer .080 for an additional charge in the future though, as the .080 test pulls I have done came out well. Your kit is ready to go and will be shipping this week. I will PM everyone with tracking info once their respective packages ship out.

Originally Posted by Bill

Rimshot,

PM sent.

PM received and replied Bill :-)

Originally Posted by Rimshot

Not a problem. I will get them out within the next day or so then. I will PM you once it is sent.

Hey Rimshot,
If my chest and collar haven't shipped yet, I'd like to add shoulders and knees. Is that doable? I can paypal the $45 now.
Thanks, Bill

Originally Posted by billy1776

Hey Rimshot,
If my chest and collar haven't shipped yet, I'd like to add shoulders and knees. Is that doable? I can paypal the $45 now.
Thanks, Bill

Sure thing Bill, I had your package ready to send today, but I can instead mail it out tomorrow with the additional pieces. I will PM you with payment info.

Rim, I was wondering if you received my p.m. My computer keeps locking up, and I wanted to make sure everything came through... Thanks!

I am very interested in a full set minus flamethrower, I have a friend in Buffalo willing to accept shipments for me, so please let me know!

Hey Andrew, just curious about the status of my order. Hope all is well.

PM's sent Primrodo and scuba2006.

That is great! .060 is fine for smaller pieces, like gauntlets... but for a clonetrooper chest, a little thin. I can't wait to see the kit!

Thanks!

John

Originally Posted by Rimshot

Gauntlets are only being done in .060 at this time. I may offer .080 for an additional charge in the future though, as the .080 test pulls I have done came out well. Your kit is ready to go and will be shipping this week. I will PM everyone with tracking info once their respective packages ship out.

im interested in the chest armor, collar armor, and shoulder bells. the stuff looks great im excited to work with it.

Thanks for getting back to me bro!!

Hey Never got the PM..Mind sending it again?

any news?

Bump..... has anybody received any items yet?

Originally Posted by Rimshot

the styrene I ordered is currently out of stock.

Originally Posted by Rimshot

should be ready to mail some out early next week

Originally Posted by Rimshot

The local weather forecasters are predicting a pretty nasty storm coming in

Originally Posted by Rimshot

I've got a little more to finish up over the next couple days, and then currently paid orders should start shipping later this week!

Originally Posted by Rimshot

I had a bit of a stomach bug the past few days

Originally Posted by Rimshot

Orders WITH resin details will be shipping Wed

Originally Posted by Rimshot

I had a bit of problem with the silicone I had ordered for the molds

Originally Posted by Rimshot

Ends up the silicone had been on the shelf longer than it should have been

Originally Posted by Rimshot

I basically got the run around from Alumilite on them sending me a replacement silicone kit

Originally Posted by Rimshot

Your package is ready to go (sans darts) and I was already planning to send it out soon without them anyway. I am really sorry for the delay on the resin pieces

Just saying Andrew, it might be time to send these with or without resin bits.

Hey guys, sorry I missed the replies here. Ive not been getting my email notifications of new replies.

Orders have already been shipping without the resin pieces. I will be sending the resin pieces out separately as soon as I can get them made.

Thank you for the lack of faith Bill.

As those who have PM'ed me about the status of their orders know, I received the new silicone this weekend, and I was up half of last night casting parts so that I can get completed ordered shipped out this week. A couple people who had no resin bits/who were unable to wait any longer already had their packages shipped.

I will go ahead and issue you a refund Bill since that is what you prefer.

Everyone else will be receiving complete orders (with resin bits) shortly. I will PM people as their packages have shipped.

Originally Posted by Rimshot

A couple people who had no resin bits/who were unable to wait any longer already had their packages shipped.

Mate, I PM'd you two weeks ago asking that you ship my items without the resin pieces and your response was:

Your package is ready to go (sans darts) and I was already planning to send it out soon without them anyway.

TWO WEEKS AGO. Yet you obviously still haven't shipped them. In two weeks? Couldn't you tell by the thread that people are starting to get worried or didn't you care?

It has been two and a half months since you accepted my money, six weeks since you said orders were starting to ship out (nobody has replied to say they have received anything yet)

Originally Posted by Rimshot

Thank you for the lack of faith Bill.

Well thanks for the lack of communication and committment on your part Andrew.

If you look up through your thread Andrew, you might notice that I was one of the people that gave you several positive responses and said that I was happy to wait for you to sort yourself out. Faith is one thing, blind stupid naivety is another.

Refund or parts, I don't mind but I'll be surprised to see either.

Four more orders were shipped today. Those people who's orders were shipped will be PM'ed shortly to let you know.

I also just noticed where you didnt receive my last PM scuba2006 . . . I will resend it now.

Thanks everyone.