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Post by Tormir on Feb 2, 2009 16:03:43 GMT -5
Ok. My BIGGEST problem with weapons making is that I cannot cut blue foam evenly or cut it as pretty as I've seen it cut. Now I know there are some really really amazing weapons makers out there. I was just wondering if you guys could share any tips?
Another problem is gluing the pieces straight. I've tried waiting til the DAP is tacky and it works most of the time. The rest of the time it fails and screws up my piece. Any tips there?
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Post by Skeith, the Forsaken on Feb 2, 2009 17:01:40 GMT -5
Measuring and precision really. You gotta cut everything in a pre-determined measurement then glue.
Also try making the dap tacky first then place the piece.
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Post by solusar on Feb 2, 2009 17:49:46 GMT -5
After putting your two DAPed pieces together, put lots of pressure on it for a while to ensure the bond stays true. And after you put it all together, don't do anything to it for 24 hours. Don't cover it, don't touch it, don't look at it. Wait 24 hours.
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Post by Buddha on Feb 2, 2009 17:51:30 GMT -5
Measure out your strips of foam and then outline them with a Sharpie marker. Use scissors to cut them out, following the lines, if your lines are straight, then so will be your cuts.
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Whisper MoonSon
Heroic Adventurer
Just another lunatic - that's me.
Posts: 126
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Post by Whisper MoonSon on Feb 2, 2009 20:14:55 GMT -5
Use a long, metal straight edge, such as a level or carpenter's square, and a REALLY SHARP box knife or Exacto or razor. Mark your lines, and then use the straight edge to help you cut in a straight line. Let the blade glide through the foam - don't drag it or force it. If you have to drag or force it, replace your blade because it's dull. Cut in two or more passes if you have to.
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Post by Lizard King on Feb 3, 2009 12:26:22 GMT -5
I will bring all my stuff to Gates with me and we can sit down and talk foam man. It is one of my favorite things to do so I have a feeling we will have a lot to talk about! Also I showed Kurai and Kye a basic "how I do" when I make my stuff. They aren't too bad of smiths themselves, They might be good to ask before gates. OR I get off my lazy arse and put my tuts together
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Post by Varadin on Feb 3, 2009 16:49:24 GMT -5
Use a long, metal straight edge, such as a level or carpenter's square, and a REALLY SHARP box knife or Exacto or razor. Mark your lines, and then use the straight edge to help you cut in a straight line. Let the blade glide through the foam - don't drag it or force it. If you have to drag or force it, replace your blade because it's dull. Cut in two or more passes if you have to. best advice that can be given. Too many people are too eager to get things cut and rip the foam.
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Orrin None-son
C-Box Moderator
The Mouthy Urk
Steward of Ravenwood
Posts: 1,355
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Post by Orrin None-son on Feb 3, 2009 18:27:05 GMT -5
My favorite 2 things for cutting are a SHARP razor knife. #2 is kinda funny. At our wedding, our cake knife broke, so I used one of hte swords we had on hand... Long storry short, I rebuilt the handle and now use the cake cutter. The really long serrated blade stays sharp, and gives you a long smooth cut with straight edges.
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Post by Buddha on Feb 4, 2009 17:43:39 GMT -5
I have heard of people using the electric turkey knives to cut foam. Works really well if you want curves.
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Ogg
Nooblet
Posts: 20
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Post by Ogg on Feb 4, 2009 18:25:34 GMT -5
i had the same problem, but i found that instead of unrolling the blue foam, i actually tape it together coiled, the measure out the strip and then i cut it with a kitchen knife one slice at a time. The cuts come out very straight, it takes a few times to learn how to keep the cuts straight through. it is much faster to cut up a mat this way.
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Post by Szabo Erinach on Feb 4, 2009 18:50:25 GMT -5
I personally use scissors. Big scissors. Then when everything is glued together, I trim it to a perfectly flat edge using a pocket knife that I sharpened to the grade of a filet knife. Sometimes I'll sand it after this.
If I'm being really anal, an iron and wax paper smooth out any further irregularities
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Post by Tormir on Feb 4, 2009 19:23:01 GMT -5
Hmmmm... I'll certainly try out some of these methods. I like the idea of scissors and the cake blade thing, And with the metal thing and marking, I need to get smaller sharpies I think. Or a pen that will mark on foam. Cause all I've used so far were far too large sharpies and the cut was un-even.
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Post by Lizard King on Feb 4, 2009 22:47:30 GMT -5
Buy yourself a nice fine tip gel pen. They aren't cheap but as long as you don't lose it you are good. If you don't get one by Gates I have MORE than a few laying around. I can bring ya one or two
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Post by Kurodo Otono E`nume on Feb 4, 2009 23:16:44 GMT -5
Well for starters, everyone has some interesting ideas I'll have to try for myself, (Kudos to you all). So far I've made all kinds of boffers except Latex or Injection Molded weapons so I'll indulge everyone to some hints... 1. 8 inch to 12 inch "Taping knife" (Found with the drywall accessories in ANY hardware store), sharpened with a "Draw Sharpener" made by "Smiths" (Found in the camping section in Wal Mart.) The longer the Taping Knife, the straighter the cut..I use the 12 inch...Giggity! 2. One word...Exacto! (Or if you don't want to invest in a good Exacto set try the "break away" style disposable box knives.) These are both great for detail work! 3. A good sized straight edge. (I found the 60 inch straight edge that I use, at Tandy Leather. I originally bought it to start the straightest edge on leather for belts.) The longer the Straight Edge, and the less you move it while cutting, the straighter the cut. 4. A good "Square". (The "L" Shaped Ruler for those wondering, check your local hardware, craft store) You want a nice, square cut, so your end product looks as best as possible. I don't go half-arsed into a project...I put my whole arse into it! I hope these hints help...Everyone feel free to PM me if you need in depth help with Boffersmithing! Play on players. ...Pics, so you get a better look at supplies...and a few of my toys. Enjoy!
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Cyodie Centrawoven
Board Imp
Master of Catgirls
Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you
Posts: 525
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Post by Cyodie Centrawoven on Feb 5, 2009 1:40:14 GMT -5
do those pass?
Oh and I use a T-square the one with the adjustable thingy. Then i measure out my blade edges and mark them, BEFORE I CUT ANYTHING. then with all the blades measured, i then measure the flats, (depending on what you use, for a core, Pvc or fiberglass, or whatever, adjust for the thickness) measure that, then i use a razor, not in a box knife or an exacto, but a cheap, 5 dollar for ten blade, razor, one for cutting the blue foam, one for cutting tape, one for cutting the daped stuff. and so on. I recently found out that i like using Carpet Tape. i have not had any problems, and i have used dap for over 3 years. But making a weapon out of carpet tape, makes for fast weapon making. AND if you put strips of ducktape down the sides, they become really strong bonds.ducktape holds the world together. LMAO!
anywho, most of what i learned was that the more anal you are about making your weapons, the better quality and the longer your weapon will last. XD
Viva la Foamsmithing!
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