Props and Costume Armor: Create Realistic Science Fiction & Fantasy Weapons, Armor, and Accessories

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, master prop maker Shawn Thorsson uses his unique blend of humor and insight to turn years of painful experience into detailed explanations. He'll show you many of the tools, methods, and processes that you can use to create professional-looking science fiction and fantasy props and armor. The ultimate collision of creative imagination and practical maker skills, making props and costume armor involves sculpting, molding, casting, 3D printing, CNC fabrication, painting, and countless other techniques and technologies. In this book, you'll learn: Basic fabrication methods using inexpensive, commonly-available tools and materialsSimple, low-cost methods to make foam armor out of easy-to-find foam matsHow to use the popular Pepakura software to build 3D models with paperMultiple molding and casting techniquesHow to build a "vacuforming" machine to make armor from plastic sheet stockPainting and weathering techniques that will bring your props to lifeJust enough safety advice to keep you from losing body parts along the way Whether you're just a beginner or a seasoned builder with countless projects behind you, this book is sure to be an invaluable addition to your workshop library. Contents......Page 5 Preface......Page 7 Acknowledgements......Page 15 Part I: Prototypes and One-Offs......Page 17 Chapter 1: Building with Sheets and Tubes......Page 19 Chapter 2: Working with Pepakura......Page 45 Chapter 3: Eva Foam......Page 73 Chapter 1: 3D Printing and CNC Carving......Page 97 Part II: Molding and Casting......Page 101 Chapter 5: Mold-Making Basics......Page 103 Chapter 6: One-Piece Molds......Page 109 Chapter 7: Multi-Piece Molds......Page 125 Chapter 8: Molds for Rotocasting......Page 149 Part III: Vacuum Forming......Page 169 Chapter 9: Vacforming Basics......Page 171 Chapter 10: Build Your Own Vacuum Forming Machine......Page 191 Part IV: Painting and Weathering......Page 207 Chapter 11: Basecoats and Masking......Page 209 Chapter 12: Faux Finishes......Page 225 Chapter 13: Weathering......Page 237 Part V: Brining it All Together......Page 259 Chapter 14: Shaping and Padding......Page 261 Chapter 15: Showing Off......Page 279 Index......Page 285