Afew newb questions...

Hey everyone,
First time poster, just tryin to start up my own mando. I was wondering about a few things:
1.Where can I find templates and patterns for buckets, armor, etc.?
2.Why do people use trash cans for scratch built armor parts? Is there an advantage over Sintra?
3.Where can I find Reference materials for custom Mandos?
4.Where can I learn common painting techniques for the armor?

Any and all help is appreciated.
WH:cheers

Here are a few links you should look at:

Soft parts:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=23197
Armor:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=23196
Some painting help:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=3630
Some tutorials:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=33783&highlight=helmet+templates


2. I guess people use trash cans as they might be cheaper than sintra. Sintra is real easy to work with though!

3. Register at www.mandalorianmercs.net I guess.

4. Search the forum... Find something you like and ask how it´s done. People here will help gladly!

Other than that, you in the best place you could ever be when it comes to all things Mandalorian, and then some!

isn't sintra brittle though?

It can be when it is over-heated: the internal structure crystalises and makes the plastic brittle; if heated correctly though, it remains semi-flexible.