Starting my first Mando today

Hey Everyone! Just to start I'd like to point out how amazing this website is. Everyone seems like great friends on here willing to help each other out.

Since you guys are like a family i was wondering if u could help me out. Im starting my Helmet today and i printed the Wizardofflight diagrams and checked out a bunch of other peoples helmets and im getting started.

Well my question is does anyone have any tips for me, like things i could watch out for and avoid or special add-ons i could use on my custom mando?

Thx

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Take your time to get it right.

When designing your mando you need to think of what specialty you want your mando to be... Sniper, Engineer, CQB etc. This will influence what tools you have on your gauntlets, your paint scheme and what plates of armour you will have etc... Thats really all the help i can give with out more information.

Tracyn

If you don't already have a plan for your colors or general armor configuration, let me suggest using the MandoMaker program.

Mandalorian Mercs MandoMaker

Next you need to decide what your going to use to make your armor. Metal, plastic, fiberglass/resin.

Take your time! That can never be stressed enough.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tracyn Ordo

When designing your mando you need to think of what specialty you want your mando to be... Sniper, Engineer, CQB etc. This will influence what tools you have on your gauntlets, your paint scheme and what plates of armour you will have etc... Thats really all the help i can give with out more information.

Tracyn

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Yes i was going more bountyhunter class
like been in the rough and seen a lot of action

i wanted to go with a black red and grey scheme

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NovallTalon

If you don't already have a plan for your colors or general armor configuration, let me suggest using the MandoMaker program.

Mandalorian Mercs MandoMaker

Next you need to decide what your going to use to make your armor. Metal, plastic, fiberglass/resin.

Take your time! That can never be stressed enough.

---

Thank you this program is very useful!

Hey man! Im in the same boat starting out a mando (actually two
of them)! If you are starting out with WoF's helmet templates then
you seek a thread on this board by Antman!!!(search it out) that
will speed you on your way! There are some shortcuts you can take
with it depending on what you want to do. Look at what Saz is working on now and also check out jangojedi's custom mando build....both are very
helpfull to newbs like you and I. You CANT do enough research and prep/
groundwork for this stuff. Usually Im surfing these boards when I really
want to be in the garage. The surfing is saving me time in the long run.
Good luck with the build -lots of ppl will stop into your thread to check on ya! Why not post up a pic of what you've got to work with so far (that'd
maybe give other newbs ideas too!).
Cheers,
Mike

I've come up with my Mando name I hope u like it

Galak Vih'Torr

Also once project has begun i will post whatever i can to help those who are new at this as well

Hey Mike thanks! This will definatly help.
Ya I'll definatly post some pictures of my progress and if thatll help any one start their Armor I'll be prouder than a Tusken Raider after getting their first bantha!

Hey man im in the same boat you are still working out the design but i look forward to seeing your progress!

Thanks

Welcome aboard mate!

The advice that has been given up to this point is all very good! Listen to it and you will do well!!!

Another thread for you to look up:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showt...light=digifett
Digifett's unfinished helmet tutorial...this is good stuff if you want a perfect helmet.

Good luck mate!
:cheers
A'den

welcome and good luck!

are you from Saskatoon?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bh-7603

welcome and good luck!

are you from Saskatoon?

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Yes, well actually i live out of Saskatoon but quite close

nice. our old singer moved back there. i think shes a radio DJ as well as being in a band and a model. (Amanda Sonic)

sorry off topic.

Alright, last night i worked a little bit on the prep work. I cut out some of the helmet templates and taped them together to see what i should do when making it out of anything else. (Just wondering, what are some ideal materials?) I also sketched up a picture of a mandalorian (I will use this sketch to add on my details as they are decided.)

I am about to post the pictures

I started by cutting out the front of the helmets templates

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1339

I then taped them together (i messed up on the cheek guards they ended up being to long. If anyone can tell me what i did wrong that would be great!)

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1343

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1342

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1341

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1340

I then Sketched up a mando so i could add on my details as i come up with what i want to put on later.
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1346

It is currently drawn to about the chest. When i start adding in more details i will finish the rest of it.

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1347

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1345

There will be more to come

those cheekbone parts go IN not OUT as you have them there.

ya for the cheekbones they will have to be bent a little bit to give the right indentation for the helmet so they won't be too long.

Ya i had them bent in when i started putting it together but tapeing on the back was tricky and i guess i pushed it back out.

Does anyone have any ideas for an emblem that i can use on my mando. (Im planning it all out and drawing it on my mando sketch.)

well are you using card stock (110lb paper)?

you should be using glue not tape. tape has a tendency to do weird things when it comes in contact with resin.

the logo design is up to you. do something local, or merge several pre existing logos. bobas was specific to him. so make some thing specific to you, like a family crest but not as ornate. use a square, triangle or circle as the basic field and add a few smaller gif or pics in it.

O im not making my mando out of it
Im just cutting out the templates and taping them together to see how it will look when i cut out my pieces.

And i will start working on that logo

OOOOOOOOOOOOH!

got it

Ive considered using Sintra PVC Foam Board for my armor. can anyone tell me if this is a good or bad idea.

Thanks

well i use sintra for other things, but its not very sturdy, but it depends on the thickness. id go with thicker. use ABS when you can its stronger in the end.

however youll have to use a heat gun to warp/melt the plastic into proper form. this is why i think metal is easier to work with. also cheaper

Well i don't think im going to use it for anything rough so im cosidering Antmans way CARDBOARD. Im really liking that idea since i don't have too much money to work with.

I am finishing the drawing right now, and browsing other threads. Any other tips anyone could give me that would keep me from making stupid mistakes would be awesome.

I expect to start my helmet in at least a week (Taking my time so i get everything i need for my helmet)



Thanks

Levi

Progress UPDATE:

Finishing Mando Sketch

Looking for materials

Creating my mandalorian story

Browsing TDH for any final things i might need to know when building my Bucket

if you have a membership on mercs, you should check these threads...

helmet info: http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/ind...?topic=13291.0
armor info: http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/index.php?topic=1396.0
softs: http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/index.php

tdh is an awesome site! and there's lots of usefull info i never could have built any of y kits without. however, if custom mando is your goal, mando mercs is the place to be. i'm on both regularly!

Thanks A'den
I checked out those threads and WOW that gave me ideas
I am feeling more confident and now im just trying to choose which material to make my bucket out of.

If anyone could tell me the cheapest possible way to make a sturdy bucket i would be in your debt :D

i've never made a scratchbuild helmet. but, the most successful ones ive seen were made from any material... poster board, cardboard, plastic for sale signs etc. the material wasnt that important. the fact that the interior and exterior were fiberglassed is what made them strong helmets.

once the exterior is smoothed, bondo or body filler putty is generally used to fill and unlevel spots or too make edges sharp then sanded again.

bocus jai built a scratchbuild helmet around christmas time with a bike helmet and 3mm sintra. it turned out quite nice.

Scratch built is the way to go! I start with posterboard, then fiberglass it, then bondoglass the outside, sand that all smooth, then reinforce the inside with 3mm sintra. VERY strong helmet at the end. Check out my TOR mando helmet build:

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f34/new-bucket-armour-32511/

You can use the same process on a normal Fett style helmet as well. Works great. That lid there is my 6th helmet, and I have never had any of them break or even crack. And most have seen plenty of punishment.

Good luck!
:cheers
A'den

well the cheapest way is to buy the jango 2 pc helmet on ebay. cost about 25 bucks.
with a bit of work that costs nothing, its looks better than my jango vinyl 1 pc.

thats def. cheaper than buying cans of resin and fiberglass to glass over your cardboard sculpture.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bh-7603

well the cheapest way is to buy the jango 2 pc helmet on ebay. cost about 25 bucks.
with a bit of work that costs nothing, its looks better than my jango vinyl 1 pc.

thats def. cheaper than buying cans of resin and fiberglass to glass over your cardboard sculpture.

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I bought resin, liquid hardener and 8 sq. feet of cloth for 15 bucks.

But I had a don post helmet to put it on. You would be better getting a rubies 2 pc or something similar to save time and then glass the inside if you so wish.

If you're going to scratchbuild, use the WOF templates and get a 1:1 movie sized helmet. If you use a Rubies 1 or 2 piece as a base, you end up with a smakker than 1:1 size helmet.

Or, buy a Mystery Helmet from Sgt. Fang. They're about $140.00 shipped. You just have to save your penney's.

the 1 and 2 pc fit people under 5'10" nicely....

the MSH are way to big for me. i'm 5'7. the 2pc is too big for several people i know. but they're 5'6

Wow u guys are great! Thanks a million!:hug
You guys have given me a bunch of options and i appreciate it, EXTREMELY!

Im gonna start looking for the things ill need.
Since ill probably be shoping in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ill have to see what i can get there. (Will probably find everything :lol) Weve got places like Walmart, Cosco well pretty much all your basic stores :lol

Ill get back to you guys as soon as possible with updates :)

Oh and I want to give a big shout out to all you guys who keep checking out my thread! Without you guys i'd be going nowhere! Helmets off to you my friends! :hug

Quote:

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Originally Posted by A'den Kyramud

Scratch built is the way to go! I start with posterboard, then fiberglass it, then bondoglass the outside, sand that all smooth, then reinforce the inside with 3mm sintra. VERY strong helmet at the end. Check out my TOR mando helmet build:

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=32511

You can use the same process on a normal Fett style helmet as well. Works great. That lid there is my 6th helmet, and I have never had any of them break or even crack. And most have seen plenty of punishment.

Good luck!
:cheers
A'den

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I really like this way. I think its somthing i could do!:D
Josh if your reading this could you please PM me with exactly how you did this.
That would be great!!!

its a CHORE AND A HALF BUT ITS A LONG PROCESS TO BOOT AND MESSY.

but rewarding when youre done!

Well im going to use Josh's way. Im am in prep right now but once somthing worth taking a picture of has been taken. IT SHALL BE POSTED!

stay tuned :D

Oh and one more shout out. I want publicly say thank-you again to A'den Kyramud.
He has sent me on my way with the building of my bucket SO THANKS A BILLION MAN!

Helmets off to you my friend!
:cheering:jaster

Hey Everyone. Im sure quite a few of you have been waiting for updates.
Well i had a bit of time on my hands today, but im sorry to say i havnt started on my bucket yet (still need materials, i am printing my templates on thicker paper but anyway thats for later :D)
I did though finish my Mando Sketch

I also drew a picture with my mandos Name in english and Mandalorian
with his clan emblem.

It will be a bit before i get the pictures uploaded (my computers being ornery and wont upload them :( but ill figure it out)

Well after a bit of tinkering with photoshop i was finally able to make the pictures able to be uploaded.

Heres the finished sketch of my mando (its only up to the waist because its mainly to show what extra emblems and stuff there will be) There might be more added on when i actually make my armor and bucket. :D

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1356

And here is my mandalorian discription
i know the name is crooked :lol (i wasn't thinking i was ever going to upload this! So i didn't think it would matter when i drew it :lol)

but anyways here it is

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1357

Oh and one more thing

I dont know if anyone will want, but..... im willing to draw anyones Mandalorian sketch for them and or a mandalorian description (like above) for free.
If you would like me too, either send me a PM or post on this thread. :D

The armour sketch looks good! I like the abnormal shoulder bells! nice touch of originality!

:cheers
A'den

:D thanks

I am getting some of the materials i need today. So assembly should start tomorrow, I am printing my bucket templates on stronger paper so i can assemble it and later apply some bondoglass. We'll see how long this will take :lol

Hey everyone
Im back! :lol
I had a bit of a break there

but i am starting up again today (hope there will be no more hickups :lol)

(next time i stop progress SOMEONE GIVE ME A SWIFT KICK TO ZE BUM :lol)

Ahem...consider this thread to be under the watchful eye of myself; and I'm sure my most astute colleague, Adonian, will assist me in making sure that you do NOT slack off.

Consider yourself warned.

:cheers
A'den

HAHA
I better get working then :lol

Ok im kinda busy with sketching peoples mandos and all but i printed the templates and will start essembling them tomorrow (tonight i am sketching Josh's Mando :D)

If you dont beleive me here are the pictures :lol

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1378

and heres a picture of my sketch wall :D

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/pictu...pictureid=1379

Pictures have stopped working again mate.

Hmmmm, well i took a gamble and didn't put them through deviantart so i guess id better keep putting them through there then.

Ok sorry about the pictures

heres my sketch wall
http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs46/f/20...y_Alpha_02.jpg

and heres proof that i did print the templates on thicker paper
http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs46/f/20...y_Alpha_02.jpg
:D

sorry about it being so big :lol

u might think about going to target/walmart and grabbing a few cheap plastic trashcans too... Adonian, Ordeyn and Myself are all building out of trashcans and they usually turn out well if u're willing to stick it out through the heating, and shaping, and cooling... and possibly repeat. I would NOT try to make the gaunts or bu'cuy out of trashcan tho... the plastic's a lil bit too tough to do it easily.

Kal

Ya trashcan was my plan :D

Ok you know how i said i had to kick myself in the butt to get myself going?
Apperently it only gets me going for one step :( So Im going to have to kick myself real hard to get those templates cut out and put together :lol

Man my buts going to be sore by the end of this :wacko :lol

:lol:lol:lol

I can get Adonian and his laserwhip. works FAR better than a kick. :b

And, as Kal'ika said, trashcans are a great way to go. Also, storage bins works really well. ONE END did his gear out of them and it turned out REALLY nice. :)

Ok ill have to look into that
*ouch*
gotta kick myself a few times to get ready to work
*ouch*
one more.....
*OUCH*

umm ouchy!! but i think im ready
*ouch*

Quote:

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Originally Posted by A'den Kyramud

:lol:lol:lol

I can get Adonian and his laserwhip. works FAR better than a kick. :b

And, as Kal'ika said, trashcans are a great way to go. Also, storage bins works really well. ONE END did his gear out of them and it turned out REALLY nice. :)

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I've been searchin threads that I havent seen, and lo and behold my name pops up again :lol .
And did someone mention a laserwhip?

Lemme just warm it up a bit... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzz HHHMMmmmmmmmmmm.

Yup, nice and warm :D

Anyway... yeah, the easy way to start is to get trash cans from wal*mart and trace your pattern with a sharpie, then dremmel them out, but be careful, molten plastic is gonna fly... also go slowly or you may damage your plates.

Alright

*shakes* oh no now adonian is gonna keep checking on me

BETTER KEEP WORKING (no more breakes :lol)

Oh yeah, I'm here right now watching...

Zzzzzzzzz Hmmmmm.

HAHAHA

AAHHHHHHH! :lol

In the brilliant words of Arnold Schwarzenegger.. I'LL BE BAAACKK!!!

and im back :lol

Aw man!!! *deactivates laserwhip*

haha ya i've got arnie on my side :lol
http://forumpolitics.com/pics/arnold_schwarzenegger.jpg

Oh my GOD you just scared the $#17 out of me!

Haha!!!

:D HEEESSS BAAACKKKK :lol

AAAAHHHH MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!!

MINE TOO!!!!!

hahaha

Well he is The Goveneer of Calyfornia haha

No thats Collie forignya :lol

haha true :lol

Arnold is my friend!! :lol at least i wish he was! :D

I still think his best quote is "bend over Collie forignya this wont hurt much."

:lol so true!! lol

Ok i stayed up awhile cutting out the templates last night.

Now i need to assemble them! Im kind of worried cause if i mess up i have to print them out again and start over :cry WELLL im just hoping that doesn't happen.

Could anyone give me a few tips while assembling these?

Thanks

:skull Levi :skull

Be VERY VERY VERY careful...go slowly, and on the dome, go even slower.

If you find a spot that is being a bother, post pics! I think we can walk you through it if we can see where you are having trouble.

Good luck!!! :cheers

Thanks Man!! i new i could count on you guys :D

Definately go slow with the dome, and I suggest folding on the lines with a ruler to get perfect edges.

Ok. Never thought of that.
Thats a great idea :D

This is kinda off topic. But how do you add a picture to your signature?
When i try it always makes it a link.

I just made this in photoshop and want it in my signature. Please help! :(
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/signa...pic10772_7.gif

nvm i got it to work :lol

On the dome, just buy a construction hat or skateboard helmet as a ready made dome, it will save you A LOT of work. Also, Try bump caps.

Ok ill have to go and look for one (i might have one at home :D)

Thanks Ner Vod