Brute Spiker Version 2

[smick6]

Thanks for the comments. I think I will be doing a full paint job first just because the primer just seems like it be a problem. I am testing out some colors so I will post some test pics to see what color you guys like.
I think I am going to go with smooth-on stuff for molding and casting. I am still researching all parts of the molding /casting part of this project so that may change.
I am also working on the 3rd revision of the trigger, its driving me crazy. I dont know why I cant seem to get it to look the way it should. Its almost an octagon but not really because there is an extra side where the trigger goes up into the handle. Basically it has 9 inner flats and 8 outer, if that makes sense to you. I cant seem to draw a good template for it. The angles are weird and I dont think the flats are the same size. I will get it sooner or later.

Here are the humble beginings of Spiker. I cut enough parts to make 4 of them but I have only concentrated on the one I have been posting pics of. I pulled together all the parts just to show ya.

 

[smick6]

Here are some pics of the blade arm mounting points. I was going to mold the arm with the metal parts (big rivet) in it and use them as the key in a socket. The holes in the body are the socket (Iwill drill them out on each one). Then I was goint to epoxy them together. Or I can use the rivets in each one and epoxy them to both pieces as well as epoxy something into the hole (or screw) from inside the body. What do you guy think? Will it be strong enough if they are cast and epoxied? I see a test piece in my future.

 

[smick6]

Do you guys think I should do a 2 part poured block mold or 2 part brush on with a mother mold for the main body?
What do you guys think is the better solution? It can be done either way but I cant decide what way to try.

This is a pic of the main body.

 

[smick6]

Well I started painting it. I am trying to get a blued gun effect if you know what I mean. Step one is Kilz white primer. Step 2 is the first blueing coat. (pictured below) I brush on a blue airbrush paint and let it soak in for 30 seconds then dab a rag on it to take down the really dark spots. Next I think I will try a layer of the black primer/wipe off style. I saw the tutorial on that here. Then for some drybrushing and highlighting for the weathered effect. If anyone has any suggestions on painting this thing please fell free to let me know your thoughts, I am not 100% set on doing it this way. So far I am 50/50 on liking it, but it is only step 2 really.

I used that fake leather in pic 2 on the first Spiker but I think I will be looking for something darker this time or staining this stuff. I think its to light of a color.

 

[redhead3031]

100% pure awesome

 

[TexasAggie2011]

The detailing on that looks absolutely amazing. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Do you sharpen the blades at all or is that beveling and grinding just there for the aesthetics?

 

[smick6]

Thanks for the comments. The blades are not sharp but they could be. It is more for aesthetics than anything else. I could spend more time and make them sharper but I dont want to hear about someone who cut there big toe off with it. They are ground down fairly close to sharp edge. I like the rough look of it also so I wouldnt smooth it out. If someone wanted to they could do the extra work them selfs to make it as sharp as they want. The blades are aluminum but I might offer a plastic version also, or a template to cut your own. It might be better for conventions or when ever you roam your neighborhood in Halo gear. I just ordered some molding and casting supplies so you will be seeing pics of that part of the project next. Hopefully next week I will start that. I am doing some more paint tests as well, I didnt really care for they dirrection it was going. I wanted to get the color close to the in game pics but its almost a blue / purple that just dont look right to me. I am testing out darker metallic weathered paint variations now. I think I have a couple of versions I like. We shall see.

 

[NuggetWarmer]

Wow. I definitely want one of these. *drools*

 

[smick6]

Well I tried some different shades of blue, black and gray to get the color you see. I like the way it is turning out. I still have weathering effects (silver drybrushing) and various other things to paint before its done. For now its fine. I will be tweaking the final colors around.

I have turned my concentration to the molding and casting portion of this. You can see in the pics I got some supplies and have started molding some small parts. Wow that stuff is expensive and I dont think I have enough silicone for everything. My real issues are with the two large pieces. For the main base of the gun I figured a 2 piece poured block mold would be fairly straight forward. I started construction of the main box (mother mold), I am using white coated partical board screwed together for this. I know its heavy but I had it laying around. I figured I could put the two mold halfs together and then screw the box back together to support the mold while casting. I will post pics when I get further along. The hollow front part is really throwing me off. I think I am going to try a 2 part poured block mold for this also. Some one posted a pic of how they would mold it so I will probably try that. If any one has ideas or suggestions on that part in particular I would greatly appreciate the help. I think I might be over-thinking it. I am a molding newb in need of guidance.

 

[Monstermaker13]

Looks amazing, Smick.

The level of detail is incredible.

 

[SGT Razor]

100% pure awesome

QFT, bro. QFT.

 

[Loess]

This looks perfect.

 

[MyBloodySword]

Sweet! Hey FYI......if you ever decide to sell these, contact me! lol. xD I would make this my self but I dont have alot of the stuff you need to make this....But anyway, great work!

 

[smick6]

Some progress pics of molding/casting experiment. Smooth cast 300 is super strong, I am very impressed with it. I am only 1/3 done molding and I already ran out of silicone. This is going to cost a small fortune.
I give all you guys major props for pulling off your molding/ casting projects. Its a ton of work not to mention messy and expensive. I will never complain about the cost of a molded and cast prop I purchase. Once you see the amount of work needed you will understand what I am saying. Some pieces are easier than others but its stil a very time consuming project. I will post more pics as i finish stuff.
Thank you everyone for the kind words, it keeps me motivated to finish.

 

[Hackmandude12]

Very amazing.

 

[BlacRoseImmortal]

I havnt followed this thread in awhile and I'm sitting here, my jaw has fallen onto the table top and I believe I'm drooling right now. That is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! Your work is outstanding....mindblowing.....I think i'm having a stroke....

 

[rowan]

I haven't really been following this thread either, but DAMN smick6, you've got some skillz!

 

[Godz Hitman 115]

I Need one for our movie!!!

 

[Skullcandy Girl]

OMG XD SO so incredible!!!

 

[smick6]

Some pics of my first 2 part block mold/cast. I was very happy with the outcome of the cast blade arms. I was worried about the strength of the plastic but once done all worries went away.
I have half of the guns front molded, and waiting for more silicone. It should be here mid next week, then I will finish that part and the main body. Thats a nice chunk of silicone. Keep an eye out for new pics.