Noble Spartan(mod's/add-on's begin)

[drack]

Yeah i was going to give it a water+PVA soak to seal it. The MDF sucks up the water pulling the PVA into it. I have been doing this already because when you sand down passed the first 2-3mm the MDF is not as compact and a little loose so it needs to be hardened for detailing and sanding it smooth.

Also sorry here too dude. If we need to discuss more will move it to my SCAR thread

 

[thorn696]

This actually helps me out with my SCAR build. I was not aware of the primer filler which I am sure will come in handy as MDF doesn't sand so smooth. I though alot of coats of primer would do it but will try the filler out to save on time. Thank you for the info bro

Yes this should help you with that.

One thing that I would recomend when paibting the mdf is to first give it a "very" thin light coat of primer, be sure to let it dry thoroughly, then one more very thin coat of primer, and let it dry thoroughly. Mdf is known for sucking in moisture and swelling dramatically. If you apply a couple thin quick coats before a heavy primer job, it will seal the mdf causing it not to swell.

Sorry Thorn, didnt mean to hijack!!
Cheers,
Cereal

That's cool I haven't had the chance to work MDF in this way yet.

Yeah i was going to give it a water+PVA soak to seal it. The MDF sucks up the water pulling the PVA into it. I have been doing this already because when you sand down passed the first 2-3mm the MDF is not as compact and a little loose so it needs to be hardened for detailing and sanding it smooth.

Also sorry here too dude. If we need to discuss more will move it to my SCAR thread

That's cool I'll have to play with this sometime. Now that I know you are talking about particleboard, Yes I had to remember this weekend where I'd seen MDF. Now the question is I've seen in 3 different particleboard formats here in MI.
1. Low def, high def, wood particle. Reg. particle board
2. Low def, high def, Paper particle. MDF Comes in a(LD) light brown and a (HD)Dark brown.
3. Low def, high def, plastic particle. Trex
side note: I'm not counting chipboard, with would be useless in this app.
I know you're talking about #1 but what def are you using? I know here that the high def( HD is fine wood particles, higher glue rate, and higher compression. ) cost almost twice as much also. But the #2 paper format would probably tool better then the LD #1 and be cheaper. Just my 2cents :cool

The next time I go to the lumber yard I'll look at all the labels on the different types of particleboard and get the names IE. MDF, ect.

Sorry I'm still learning here. But I'll try to keep up. Dang by time I get done here at the 405th you'll probably have me out back building Mech's :cool

 

[drack]

Well in answer to your question I have no idea what grade of MDF/particle board I am using as this is all new to me too. I didn't know they did different grades of it. If its not the high def I will be looking into getting some now. Oh yeah and I am using #1. Didn't even know they did a paper or plastic version.


On a side note if you start building mechs I'll be on the first flight to the US. I really want to make a mech suit that I can step up into. Like from GoW, Avatar or Aliens? I am thinking of asking a friend to teach me how to weld so I can. I already know how to walk on stilts so all I need to work out is a spring mechanism in the feet that can resist mine and the mechs weight combined. Think that might have to be a project for when my boy isnt so parent dependant.

 

[thorn696]

Well in answer to your question I have no idea what grade of MDF/particle board I am using as this is all new to me too. I didn't know they did different grades of it. If its not the high def I will be looking into getting some now. Oh yeah and I am using #1. Didn't even know they did a paper or plastic version.


On a side note if you start building mechs I'll be on the first flight to the US. I really want to make a mech suit that I can step up into. Like from GoW, Avatar or Aliens? I am thinking of asking a friend to teach me how to weld so I can. I already know how to walk on stilts so all I need to work out is a spring mechanism in the feet that can resist mine and the mechs weight combined. Think that might have to be a project for when my boy isnt so parent dependant.

I've run into some of them while doing construction. The wood, most people see, is the low grade. As for the high it's better in moist areas and/or were you need more strength.

the Paper is used mostly for backing and/or for were you need a really smooth surface. This stuff is normally a dark gray or brown depending on what type glue, heat, and pressure, is used to treat it.

As for the plastic I think it's a PVC, I'm not sure I haven't used it myself. Here in the US, it's being used for decking. It comes in a colored format that doesn't need much maintenance so it's perfect for outside. I don't know if it would be good for this type hobby, and it cost to much for me to play with just yet.

On a side note: You should look at drywall stilts, might help you in you're
Dream of a Spring.

 

[drack]

Wow those are awesome! Well the ones I could never justify spending the money on. Not sure if they would be tall enough though but I suppose I could incorporate them into the build. I would want an extra 3' min to my height but this is all dream for when I in the lottery

 

[thorn696]

Wow those are awesome! Well the ones I could never justify spending the money on. Not sure if they would be tall enough though but I suppose I could incorporate them into the build. I would want an extra 3' min to my height but this is all dream for when I in the lottery

Thought you might like those, The set I have are 3 feet tall. It's really hard to get into any doors with them on in a costume. On my last one I had a hard time trying to go up the stairs to the stage on them.

In other news......

This month will be a little hard for building much due to the fact I only have 1 day off at a time. I'm hope to be back to my regular time frame by next month. I however will also try to get something posted this month just not a whole lot of it.

Sorry to let you down, But... I have to work hard before I can play hard. Not to mention I do have to find time for my Wife also.

So till next time.
Don't let your dreams fade away...
Build something....
And remember them Forever.

 

[Cereal Killl3r]

Thought you might like those, The set I have are 3 feet tall. It's really hard to get into any doors with them on in a costume. On my last one I had a hard time trying to go up the stairs to the stage on them.

In other news......

This month will be a little hard for building much due to the fact I only have 1 day off at a time. I'm hope to be back to my regular time frame by next month. I however will also try to get something posted this month just not a whole lot of it.

Sorry to let you down, But... I have to work hard before I can play hard. Not to mention I do have to find time for my Wife also.

So till next time.
Don't let you're dreams fade away...
Build something....
And remember them Forever.

Yeah I know... It's crappy when life gets in the way of things!
I've also slowed down some too, having to focus on the weekends. In the end it's not a race, things will get done when they get done!

 

[Mstruvmgc]

You cant rush awesomeness of your level so dont worry about it man, like cereal said, it sucks that life gets in the way but hey we work with what we got

 

[thorn696]

Yeah I know... It's crappy when life gets in the way of things!
I've also slowed down some too, having to focus on the weekends. In the end it's not a race, things will get done when they get done!

You cant rush awesomeness of your level so dont worry about it man, like cereal said, it sucks that life gets in the way but hey we work with what we got

Thank you for the vote of confidence

Next post in just a few min YES I have a update.

 

[thorn696]

I had Easter off so first of all. Happy Easter to everyone.

Secondly I had time to work on both the AR and the UA.

Weekend of 04-08-12

UA
1.) Sanded.
2.) Primer filler.
3.) Wet sand fine paper lines.
4.) Silver base coat.
5.) Vaseline.
6.) Black Base coat.

AR
1.) Sanded.
2.) Primer filler.
3.) Wet sand fine paper lines.
4.) Silver base coat.
5.) Vaseline.
6.) Black Base coat.
7.) Sand ware marks.

And now time for some pic's



Next week I'll add the hardware and start the paint work. Remember you're only looking at the base paint right now.

Till Next time.

Don't let you're dreams fade away...
Build something....
And remember them Forever.
And as always, Please feel free to leave any and all input, comments, criticisms, and/or suggestions. Or You're just stopping in to say High. Please do For they are all most welcomed and appreciated. (they also keep me from triple posting.) Thanks for watching my build. and remember..... You're Dreams are always within REACH.

 

[Cereal Killl3r]

UA is looking great, and I love where your going with the paint for the AR. Thats goint to look great when its done

Cereal.

 

[thorn696]

UA is looking great, and I love where your going with the paint for the AR. Thats goint to look great when its done.

Cereal.

Thank you Cereal.

04-12-12
PAINT
7 coats of paint/wash later the first part of paint is done on the AR. Just 5 more coats of mat clear coat and 2 coats of wash till it's done.
Time for the Pic's:cool




Till Next time.

Don't let you're dreams fade away...
Build something....
And remember them Forever.
And as always, Please feel free to leave any and all input, comments, criticisms, and/or suggestions. Or You're just stopping in to say High. Please do For they are all most welcomed and appreciated. (they also keep me from triple posting.) Thanks for watching my build. and remember..... You're Dreams are always within REACH.

 

[MikyVengeance]

Looks amazing! I hope my assault rifle comes out as nice as yours did Keep it up man!

 

[Cereal Killl3r]

As predictied... keeps getting better and better!
(sigh). really need to figure out what weapon I will build... and end the jealousy!!!!

 

[Constrictor]

Looks so great man keep it up!

 

[thorn696]

Looks amazing! I hope my assault rifle comes out as nice as yours did Keep it up man!

Thank you.
Just take you're time and you just might do better than me on this one

As predictied... keeps getting better and better!
(sigh). really need to figure out what weapon I will build... and end the jealousy!!!!

Thanks Cereal Killl3r.
The only thing I can say, knowing you're work, Is that when you start you're weapons system the " Jealousy" will just be getting started.

Looks so great man keep it up!

Thank you greatly Constrictor.


I should be able to get some paint on the UA on Mon. So with any luck I'll have a few new pic's up then for everyone.

I'm going to answer a question that I get allot.

well... my helmet has BONDO/RESIN on the inside of the paper... and has a thin coat of RESIN outside, the resin didn't cover it very well... but if I sand into the paper it starts to rip or tear... and then i must sand all the paper away in order for this to not be noticeable ....... ( SO i've decided to stop messing with it and probably just paint it =P or put bondo on the warped/must places...)

I thought about putting another coat of FIBERGLASS RESIN on the outside.... maybe =P

Hopefully other people will have had this problem and would love to answr =D

I sand into the paper all the time

Here's the fix for those whom need/want to know how to do it.

When sanding down into the paper you're most likely using a 80-100 grit sand paper to knock it down fast. So after you're done with cleaning up the lines there will be a few things you need to do.
1.) Prime the area, this will seal it.
2.) Next use a fine 200 grit sand or higher to clean up the paper edges.
3.) now is the time to use a sandable primer and/or primer filler (heavy Primer) this will fill in any of those fine line/pit left over from the sanding.
4.) at this stage I personally use a 400-500 grit sandpaper moving it in small circles to buff out any and all imperfections.

While this may sound like allot of work it's still way faster and easier then the caking bondo on it method.

Thank you to everyone whom has taken the time to stop in and say Hi.
As well as all those whom have been watching my build.
You make this all worth while.

Now go build something awesome.

 

[thorn696]

04-16-12
UA
1.)4 coats of wash.
-a.) Silver
-b.) Black
-c.) Sand.
-d.) Black Highlights
2.)3 coats of Mat clear coat.
3.)Installed

Spine
1.) Template's made
2.) 2 sizes of foam rough cut
3.) Sanded foam
4.) Glued all the parts
5.) Plastic-Dip applied
6.) Base coat
7.) 4 coats wash
-a.) Sand
-b.) silver
-c.) Black
-d.) Black Highlights
8.) 3 coats of Mat clear coat.
9.) Installed to back.

Time for the Pic's







Till Next time.

Don't let you're dreams fade away...
Build something....
And remember them Forever.
And as always, Please feel free to leave any and all input, comments, criticisms, and/or suggestions. Or You're just stopping in to say High. Please do For they are all most welcomed and appreciated. (they also keep me from triple posting.) Thanks for watching my build. and remember..... You're Dreams are always within REACH.

 

[mkshane81]

Holy crap thorn....very nice updates here recently. The AR is coming along quite nicely, as are the additions to the armor. Keep it up buddy!!

-Matt

 

[Cereal Killl3r]

Hey thorn,
The paint job looks fantastic! The weathering is perfect and the UA looks like it was there from day one.

Truly great job!
Dave.

 

[vshore100]

Amazing work on both the AR and the armor and helmet additions thorn.