TK Calves Question

[mgraeme[TK]]

Folks, I have some questions about aligning and shimming for (AP) calf pieces . . . but first, take a look at this picture . . .

 

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Because of my mutant calf muscles, I'll be using a fairly wide shim at the back and will velcro the two

pieces together.

 

1. You can see the unevenness of the molds when glued together. I feel that when joined together with the velcro, the pieces will even up however by doing that, it is placing some pressure on the joins. Am I better off doing that or should I cut a bit before joining to even the sides up ? With my other calf, its much more even naturally.

 

2. If I do cut, am I right to cut a bit from the top left to get the top right and then the bottom right to even it all up ?

 

3. For the back shim, what is better - a inner shim or outer one ? My FX calves have an inner shim that works well. It would also hide the velcro as its on the inside however an outer shim may look better. Any thoughts from anyone ? Will an outer shim and velcro join provide the necessary sturdiness that I feel an inner shim brings ?

Edited December 5, 2020 by gmrhodes13
link not working, removed gmrhodes13 2020

[pandatrooper[TK]]

If the front hasn't been glued yet, you could use a wider join / cover strip on the front, to make more room at the back.

 

In terms of the "even-ness", I usually use a heat gun and carefully arm up both sides of the armor, and then push the right side, left side down BEYOND the point of where you want it to be. Then cool it down with water, etc. and the shape should be closer to what you want. Repeat those steps until the top is lined up. Hopefully the bottom will line up better. Keep in mind that AP's left inner shin is the same as the right outer shin, so alignment is never perfect.

 

To finish off the back, use an outer shim on the outside of each calf piece. This will hide the velcro much better.

 

Here's a link on shin / thigh assembly if you need it.

 

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Hope that helps!

Edited December 5, 2020 by gmrhodes13
link not working, removed gmrhodes13 2020