Foam Armoring

[RoxyRoo]

I plan on using that stuff for my chest piece. Lightweight, comfortable, and easier than cutting/folding peps, if you ask me.

When the glue is still hot and it leaks out from edges, I always smooth it with my finger nail. You can also just go back over it with the tip of the glue gun, re-heat it and smooth it that way. I'm curious to how you're going to seal it. >.> Will it be a kind of resin? or will it be Modge Podge or the like? *waits for the next video*

 

[rvb18]

go Ben go!!

 

[Minkyboi]

I plan on using that stuff for my chest piece. Lightweight, comfortable, and easier than cutting/folding peps, if you ask me.

When the glue is still hot and it leaks out from edges, I always smooth it with my finger nail. You can also just go back over it with the tip of the glue gun, re-heat it and smooth it that way. I'm curious to how you're going to seal it. >.> Will it be a kind of resin? or will it be Modge Podge or the like? *waits for the next video*

what i find that helps is cutting grooves on the sides of the pieces you try to glue together so that the glue doesnt leak out as much
and im also anxiously waiting on how to seal it too haha

 

[Shade88]

Any updates Ben?

 

[BenStreeper]

Any updates Ben?

lol what updates this was done yesterday

 

[FrostyTheSnowMan]

Check out EvilFX's Bioweapons Blog:
http://bioweapons.wordpress.com/

He goes a little into the process of how he does his Mass Effect rifles with foam. He basically cuts out a space in the rifle and lays a metal rod where he deems necessary.

Also, Privateer goes over what kind of paints you can and cannot use on the foam:
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/27458-Reach-Build

thanks for the links, that is verry helpful =]

on a side note, i was just looking for this foam matting, and bunnings warehouse is the go for any1 in australia. havent checked the price yet cause not available online. http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_polytuf-foam-mat-solid-black-4-pack_5694.aspx.

 

[Ronster]

Would the foam need any gluing?

 

[Minkyboi]

yes, hot glue seems to be the best glue to use when combining the pieces

 

[yoda45]

what do you use to cut the foam with?

 

[SteelSpartan]

Can wait to see the tutorial on the detailing part... I'm now thinking of making a new cod armor in foar for confort...

can you link the other thread where you have pictures of your other foam pieces please... can't seem to find them

Thanks

 

[Ronster]

yes, hot glue seems to be the best glue to use when combining the pieces

Oh ok, cause the video wasn't very clear on any foam gluing...

 

[Minkyboi]

what do you use to cut the foam with?

you can pretty much use anything. ive used those box cutter razors, large scissors, and even an exacto knife. most pieces will come out kinda rough so you need to touch them up with a dremel and the sanding drum bit.

btw, i personally do not know how Ben does it, but this is how i go about building my armor

@SteelSpartan here are a few links that I use to figure out the process (some of which I reposted):

EvilFX's ME Build from The RPF;
http://www.therpf.com/f24/mass-effect-2-n7-armor-builds-89795/

EvilFX's Blog:
http://bioweapons.wordpress.com/

Jarman's Blog:
http://www.yodajammies.com

Timecon's Thread:
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/27231-Reach-and-mass-effects-its-been-awhile-for-me

Privateer's Thread:
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/27458-Reach-Build

@Ben
Hope you dont mind me answering all these questions for you. Figured I might as well do it since I have nothing else better to do

 

[Tau ceti]

thanks for the links, that is verry helpful =]

on a side note, i was just looking for this foam matting, and bunnings warehouse is the go for any1 in australia. havent checked the price yet cause not available online. http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_polytuf-foam-mat-solid-black-4-pack_5694.aspx.

Thanks, Just spoke to bunnings which seem to sell a ;ot of them. looking roughly $17-18 AUD for a pack of four. My big question is: How hot is it? OK for northern hemispere bods, but I live in Brisbane (Aust sub-tropics; Think middle of Florida for you US people). Used to make Armour for the SCA, and heat was a real problem. Foam is fantastic stuff to work with, (I've used it quite a bit on builds), but I suspect chestplate would be unlivable for me. The legs look great, but I could see myself losing 5 kg in water loss in a couple of hours. I'm still using some on my current new build (Noob MkVI) but only for small bits that add on and have *plenty* of breathing room around them.

On another note, keen to hear from any other Aussie builders, Especially any in Brisbane! PM me for my address, maybe we could catch up and shared help with one another.

 

[jks soccer]

My big question is: How hot is it? OK for northern hemispere bods, but I live in Brisbane (Aust sub-tropics; Think middle of Florida for you US people). Used to make Armour for the SCA, and heat was a real problem. Foam is fantastic stuff to work with, (I've used it quite a bit on builds), but I suspect chestplate would be unlivable for me. The legs look great, but I could see myself losing 5 kg in water loss in a couple of hours.

I don't remember who had mentioned it, but someone (with a complete set of foam armor) had said that it isn't as hot as the traditional set of armor. It's still warm, but it's much more bearable than, say, the fiberglass method.

 

[Tau ceti]

Yeah, looking at it twice makes me think that too, now. The armour is not completely body covering (in places like the chest) nor is it form fitting. Think I'd have to go with other stuff for the legs and other close fitting areas (not sure what just yet), but the Chest might just be a goer... I'm spending so much time reading the forums (Learning heaps though), I'm not actually getting a lot done here... Still measure twice, cut once, and It will save a lot of time and false starts in the end, though.

 

[Dark Fang]

i recommend if you use an extaco knife is to heat it up with a candle the hot blade will cut thru the foam leaving a nice cut you just to take your time doing it

 

[soul products]

nevermind you making this awsome tut (foam it glue it foam it glue it)
you just went up on the awsome scale for playing avenged sevevfold in the background A7X FTW!!!!!

 

[dericrw]

I like the idea of foamies but it sounds like a lot more work???

 

[noobzor]

It sound like it would take roughly the same time once you factor in resin and fiberglassing and bondo in the pep version. But this would probably end up being a lot less harmful to your wallet...

If (when) I finally am in a situation to make a suit of armor, I think I will be using this method

 

[DarkBebi]

I may not be the one to say this as I am just a noob but I have worked with insulation foam for my first project that I am still currently trying to rebuild as fiberglass resin and insulation foam does not mix very well, but there is a foam cutter out there, or you could just make your own, quite easy. It leaves nice fine cuts in the foam and very easy to cut through. Just a tip.