FTL900

I have 2 small (2 or 3 inch) fans that run off a small USB power bank. They're not enclosed, but my plan is to mount them down low. I don't have long hair or facial hair so that isn't a problem. Also they're very quiet. I'm also reseearching audio options, hoping to use some off the shelf stuff when needed, and cobble the rest together. I really want everything to run off USB to eliminate battery issues. 2 fans for $11. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0821YC2NW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Also, props to UKSWrath... I ordered Hovi tip speakers from him earlier this evening, and I already have a tracking number for it. That's fast!!

Another thank you for writing this up, I'm starting my first build and very confident in my ability to measure once, cut three times. Bookmarked for use, and just bought a compass on Amazon.

You're doing loads better than me, I got my 2 boxes in December, and.... consolidated it into one box. I built the thermal detonator and it turned out okay. I've been in too much of a panic to cut much of anything else, all the videos seem to contradict each other, or just be vague on certain subjects. I started a build thread yesterday and will probably tackle a lot of it this weekend, with support from this forum.

OK, so it looks like this is ANH version, yes? https://www.etsy.com/listing/118253486/stormtrooper-e-11-blaster-prop-han-solo?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Stormtrooper+E-11+Blaster&ref=sr_gallery-1-17&organic_search_click=1

Yeah, E-11... that's what I ordered. Which one SHOULD i have ordered?

Since I'm much better at shopping than actually building things, I ordered this E-11 blaster awhile back. Since then, someone mentioend to me that it isn't the correct blaster that I should be carrying. Can anyone shed any light on this, and what blaster I should have? https://www.etsy.com/listing/722047026/star-wars-e-11-blaster-rifle?ref=yr_purchases

Thanks Mario... that's really helpful, as well as the thread on return edges... bookmarked both of them!!

OK, pics it is.... here's my progress!! Altho that black folder with red trim is a really cool set of files, large and small.

@LTM suggested i start a build thread, to document my progress (little to none) and allow others to help with advice when I get stuck. That seems like a great idea, so I'm starting it here. I bought an RS Props trimmed kit, and it arrived in December. So far I've completed the thermal detonator (reasonably well but not perfect), trimmed the wrist end of the top forearm piece (but couldn't figure out how much to trim on the elbow end) and I trimmed the helmet a little, as well as cutting out the eyes and the frown. RICHIE STORMTROOPER videos helped a lot with that. RS Props videos helped a little less, he runs through things like you already know what he's doing. I'm reasonably close to the average guy build... 5'11" and 200-210 pounds, more stomach than I'd like, but i just bought an electric bike so I'll get out and ride more often.

That's exactly where I'm at... get everything out,. watch 2 different YT videos on the same subject, get an unclear or contradicting answer, put it all back away. I'm trying really hard NOT to screw up any cuts and have to reorder from the UK, but in doing so, I'm pretty much paralyzed in inaction.

I'm kinda tip-toeing through it hoping things will ease up and we can have a costume party, where I can actually see a finsished product and ask questions.

Don't take that personally. It wasn't about quality or build, it was about setting a realistic price limit for myself that allows me to continue to eat each day. I've grown rather fond of that. I didn't intend that as a slam against you or your work. I liked the idea of the separate magazine for greater authenticity, but again, it went beyond what I was willing to pay at that point. I didn't say it wasn't worth the money. If you read between the lines, I was interested in buying it at $425, but no longer interested at $525. Again, my personal price limit. Also, I posted on this thread before you did, so I don't feel any compulsion to stop following it.

I'm just getting started and more than a little overwhelmed by all the decisions. So far I built the thermal detonator, and I cut out the eye holes and teeth from the helmet. Every time I start on anything else, where to cut and how far to trim gets really vague as the YT video guys zoom through their 22nd build and don't seem to agree with each other. With RS Props armor, I don't relish the idea of having to order new pieces from them. Also, measure once, cut three times.

I emailed the guy and then someone else about the weight of a resin blaster, and both said a little over 2 pounds. I was very interested in the aluminum one until I relaized that the magazine is sold separately for $99 more. No thanks.

I got the nomex gloves and they're actually all black, they don't have flecks of white or grey like up in that picture I previously posted. So I'm very happy with them.

OK, after a quick search on 3DPOGO and finding nothing, I pulled the trigger, pardon the pun. He says he'll do returns/refunds within 30 days, so I'll give it a shot and see how it goes.

I just ran across this blaster on Etsy from 3DPOGO. It looks really good, anyone have any experience with it? It looks well made for $170. Link below the picture. -----------

Thanks!! 20 years in the army taught me how much fun rubber gloves are, with or without liners. I'll go with the nomex for now, and if i need to upgrade later, it's not a big bucks item.

Perhjaps partner with someone in the US that can make these locally and avoid the overseas shipping costs??

I'd prefer to avoid rubber gloves if possible, I know how quickly they can get hot inside. I beleive the spec says rubber, leather, or Nomex. Would these be acceptable? https://www.amazon.com/Original-Military-FLYERS-GLOVES-Flight/dp/B07CWH3V85/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=black%2BMilitary%2BNomex%2Bgloves&qid=1605834985&s=apparel&sr=1-7&th=1

I've been emailing the local garrison and getting very informative replies each time. I'm sure they get all the same questions from every n00b that comes along, but Clay has been very helpful and patient with me. I wish we weren't as nailed down as we aree, and I think Las Vegas is fixiing to close up shop again for another 2 weeks. With all that happening, there aren't any build nights, and not even events that I could attend as a spectator.

I just sent a bunch of cash to RSProps for a trimmed ANH TK. Other than that, I'm doing LOADS of reading and learning.

That's good advice. I wasn't thinking of using it in any particular application, just that i have one. Also, speaking of trying things on scraps, I've been using a product for years to glue ABS plastic motorcycle parts back together... and it typically comes out as strong as the ABS. It used to be available in Ace Hardware, but now they carry JB Weld brand and it's total crap. Amazon still carries this Devcon brand. It's about $8.

Okay, this is getting scary expensive. $750. https://www.ebay.com/itm/E11-BLASTER-KIT-VINTAGE-HENGSTLER-M38-REPLICA-RAIL-TTRACK-REAL-STERLING-MAG/283409840309?hash=item41fc8af8b5:g:5tUAAOSwHQxcgtE7

What's the scoop with this one, anyone ever see one in person?? It's out of South Carolina. It looks incredible since it's mostly made of metal and not plastic trying to look like metal. It's big bucks, but I don't wanna buy several better ones until I get there. It's $425. The unassembled kit is $399, so I'd likely pay a little extra to have them drill and grind and assemble it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/E11-BLASTER-BASIC-BUILD-REPLICA/283271586772?hash=item41f44d63d4:g:y5kAAOSwKOZb9aZW