motman241

http://www.imperial-fleet.com/BBC/commu ... hp?f=4&t=2

To me, no. Maybe others not in the group might. The forums here do, yes. I don't know about your own site, but yes, I think there needs to be something. Too many of the same questions and problems. I haven't been to your site, so I couldn't say. I have not seen that one, either. I guess I figure things out for myself, more than having someone show me how they did it. Overall, just a section for "how to" and stuff might be good. Not that will ensure people will read it before asking the same questions.

Link?

Yes, that's what I was meaning. A sleek, slim, short lightsaber, like a generic Yoda saber or something. ....Hmmm... I may have to make something like that now.

If you want to at least be true to the Star Wars world, do a lightsaber like in McQuarrie's original drawings.

The pauldron does look a bit more dirty than anything else. Also, don't forget to dirty your gun.

Yes, I made that for an FX, but really, it'll be close for whatever. The best template will be your own armor. Whatever you cut out - that's what size you need to replace. Look at lots of reference pictures of the original armor. That will always be your best guide.

I prefer what you see in the movie - an almost overstuffed padding around the neck. Just one of those finer details to keep in mind.

Ask a sandtrooper in your local garrison to borrow their pauldron. That's easy, costs nothing, gets you all your measurements and patterns, and also gets you in good with the local costuming crowd. They could probably even give you some ideas on what to do.

There's a whole board full of people here that can help. Instead of just guessing, it would save you tons of time and headaches to copy an existing design, and change/improve upon that.

I can't find the picture I wanted. But it also occured to me that there were not only different hand backs, but different variations on the cheesegrater handback. You just have to pick something you like, and go with it. You can change things for a different event, if you wanted. Or if you get tired of something, try it out later on. I've not worn the cheesegrater, as I'm not really a fan of that look, but I might try one out, see how it goes, and take it from there.

Pretty certain that's not the same guy - he's in a different position in those pictures. I'll check other screen caps and see, though. The concept is right, though - things changed in the movies. Just do what you like.

That's kinda my point - making anything look good is what takes the hard work knowledge, skill, and patience. If nothing else, making a bad suit look good takes more work than making a great suit look decent. It's that homework, love of the art, skill and drive that let us turn piles of white plastic (no matter the manufacturer) into what we call sandtrooper armor. Greater skill, a better love for Star Wars, more commitment? No way. A keener eye for detail and value? I'd go along with that.

Gotta stop you right there. It's about money and time. I bought my FX armor almost 9 years ago, and cost more than $700. And that was the cheap armor, compared to the other maker/s (which I didn't even know about, then. Armor makers were very 'underground' at that early stage.) My armor fits well, looks good, and functions as it should. I frankly don't have the dough to shell out and start all over again. I'd love nothing more than to build another set of armor, but that just isn't gonna happen. Immersing yourself in the hobby, working hard, and taking your skills and commitment to a higher level have nothing to do with what manufacturer you choose.

I had plenty of brains and know-how, since I made my own, too. Less than $30. That leaves plenty to spend on other things. But, to each his own.