Make: Props and Costume Armor

Make: Props and Costume Armor

by Shawn Thorsson
Released October 2016
Publisher(s): Make: Community
ISBN: 9781680450064

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Book description

Have you been trying to think of a way to conquer your local comic convention through cosplay? Do you gaze with envious eyes upon the fan-made suits of armored awesomeness strolling around every year on Halloween? Do you have a spot on your wall, bookshelf, or desk that desperately needs to be filled with a screen-accurate replica of your favorite science-fiction or fantasy weapon? If so, look no further. We've got just the book for you!

In this book by master prop maker Shawn Thorsson, you'll learn:

  • Simple, low-cost methods to make foam armor out of easy-to-find foam mats
  • How to use the popular Pepakura software to build 3D models with paper
  • Multiple molding and casting techniques
  • How to build a "vacuforming" machine to make armor from plastic sheet stock
  • Painting and weathering techniques that will bring your props to life

    And much more!
    •

    Publisher resources

    View/Submit Errata

    Table of contents

    1. Preface
    2. Acknowledgements
    3. PART I: Prototypes and One-Offs
      1. Chapter 1: Building with Sheets and Tubes
        1. Starting Off Simple
        2. Battle Axe for the Wolf Warrior
        3. Hunter’s Rifle
      2. Chapter 2: Working with Pepakura
        1. Pepakura Boot Camp
        2. Putting Pepakura to Work
        3. Making It Hard
        4. Making It Smooth
        5. Detailing
      3. Chapter 3: EVA Foam
        1. Sourcing: Where to Get Foam
        2. The Basics: Making Foam Obey Your Every Whim
        3. Patterning
        4. Final Detailing
        5. Prepping for Paint
        6. Paint!
      4. Chapter 4: 3D Printing and CNC Carving
    4. PART II: Molding and Casting
      1. Chapter 5: Mold-Making Basics
        1. The Simplest Molds Ever
        2. Mold-Making Material
        3. Mold-Making Terminology
      2. Chapter 6: One-Piece Molds
        1. Easy Version: A Part with a Flat Backside
        2. Slightly Harder Version: A Piece with Details on All Sides
      3. Chapter 7: Multi-Piece Molds
        1. Starting Simple: A Two-Part Mold with a Mold Box
        2. Not So Simple: A Three-Piece Silicone Rubber Jacket Mold with a Mother Mold
        3. A Few Tips and Tricks for Better Castings
      4. Chapter 8: Molds for Rotocasting
        1. Prepare the Prototype
        2. Prepare the Work Space
        3. Building Up the Rubber Jacket
        4. Building the Mother Mold
        5. Rotocasting
        6. Trimming and Prepping the Cast Part for Painting
    5. PART III: Vacuum Forming
      1. Chapter 9: Vacforming Basics
        1. Terminology
        2. Designing the Forming Bucks
        3. Building the Forming Bucks
        4. Choosing Plastics for Vacforming
        5. The Simplest Possible Vacforming Setup
      2. Chapter 10: Build Your Own Vacuum Forming Machine
        1. Begin by Building the Clamping Frame
        2. Heat Sources
        3. Common Configurations
        4. Building the Platen
        5. Vacuum Sources
        6. Putting It to Work
    6. PART IV: Painting and Weathering
      1. Chapter 11: Basecoats and Masking
        1. More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Paint
        2. Basecoats: Building a Believable Finish Starts with a Solid Foundation
        3. Masking and Stenciling
      2. Chapter 12: Faux Finishes
        1. Metal
        2. Leather
        3. Wood Grain
        4. Carbon Fiber
      3. Chapter 13: Weathering
        1. Additive Weathering
        2. Subtractive Weathering
        3. Mud
        4. Rust
        5. The Path to Patina
        6. Scorches and Burn Marks
        7. Burnt Metal
        8. Blood Spatter
    7. PART V: Bringing It All Together
      1. Chapter 14: Strapping and Padding
        1. Padding
        2. Armor Attachment Options
        3. Strapping Materials
        4. Buckles and Related Hardware
        5. How to Attach Straps to Stuff
        6. Design Considerations for Strapping Your Armor Together
        7. The Tricky Bits
        8. Odds and Ends: A Few More Strapping Tips
      2. Chapter 15: Showing Off
        1. Handlers
        2. Field Repair Kit
        3. Posing for Photos
        4. Planned Photoshoots
    8. Appendix A: Further Reading and Useful Websites
    9. Appendix B: Hunter
    10. About the Author
    11. Index

    Product information

    • Title: Make: Props and Costume Armor
    • Author(s): Shawn Thorsson
    • Release date: October 2016
    • Publisher(s): Make: Community
    • ISBN: 9781680450064