ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 21, 2015 Report Posted June 21, 2015 (edited) Hey all, I was asked by a fellow garrison member to assembly his AM armor and decided to post the build process. Enjoy. Armor: AM 1.0 Helmet: MTK (Initial ATA build idea was scrapped and a MTK bucket was purchased already built. No helmet build will be illustrated sorry) Note: The original armor overlap connecting sections will be replaced with butt & strip found in current builds for Centurion level approval. The Chest and Back plates will be replaced for Centurion level approval. The Thermal Detonator was replaced for 501st basic approval and the thigh Ammo belt was replaced for aesthetics reasons. For the record, INNER COVER STRIPS illustrated in my build are NOT required NOR are they needed to assemble armor. In my opinion only they make the AM armor assembly much easier and give the interior a cleaner look, for those who care about such things. Tools: Pencil Exacto knives, large & small Scissors Steel straight ruler (metric) Dremel with sanding wheel or sand paper. Small carbide bit for helmet teeth or small file. 3M scotch brite pad (any color, gradient) Drill 5/32" & 1/8" drill bits Leather punch (5/32" tip) Rivet setting tool Hammer Screwdriver (blade) Spring clamps (set or 12 or more in various sizes) Earth magnets 1/2" x 1/8" (12.7mm x 3.1mm), 20 to 40 magnets Pop Rivet Gun Scrap 2" PVC pipe 2" washers with 1/2" hole Painters tape PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): I can't stress enough how important it is to wear PPE, especially when working with some of the tools listed above. Wear it! Safety glasses - Hardware store Cut resistant gloves - Hardware store 1/2 Respirator. Sanding releases small carcinogens into the air. Protect your lungs. - Hardware store or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NDN29O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00 Material: E6000 - two to three+ 2oz tubes, or two+ 3oz tubes Zap-A-Gap & Zip Kicker Nylon webbing - Black 1" wide (6' in length recommended) Elastic - White 2" wide (2' in length recommended) Elastic - Black 3/4" Paint: Gloss black: Humbrol # 21 Testors # 1747 Gray: Humbrol # 5 Testors # 1138 French Blue Humbrol # 14 Testors # 2715 1/8" x 1/4 Aluminum pop rivets. (waist belt) 1/8" Aluminum rivet washers (optional, waist belt) Snaps & Rivets: 1) Ab - "S" snaps (poppers) 15mm, (bag of 15 is the smallest)- http://www.ebay.com/...=STRK:MEBIDX:IT 2) Ab - "S" Snap die punch and set tool 15-17mm, (1x) - http://www.ebay.com/...=item5413a405e2 NOTE: For the "S" snaps and set tool kit you may need to contact the seller who is in the UK and have him set up a auction with US shipping. The original sales did not have a ship to US option at the time I purchased the items. 3) Thigh Ammo Belt - Double Cap Rivets (smallest bag available) - http://www.ebay.com/...=item35d9a33a26 or http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/23970-fs-centurion-level-rivet-sets/or Hobby/Craft store. 4) Thigh Ammo Belt - Double Cap rivet tool (1x) - http://www.ebay.com/itm/DOUBLE-CAP-RIVETS-SETTER-8100-00-8056-00-Rivet-ANVIL-BASE-Tandy-Set-Tool-Kit-/301606252893?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item463922315d, or http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/23970-fs-centurion-level-rivet-sets/, or Hobby/Craft store 5) Ab/Kidney - Split rivets (bag) - http://www.ebay.com/...=item3f34d5521b or http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/23970-fs-centurion-level-rivet-sets/ 6) Ammo to cloth Belt - Pop Rivets (box) - 1/8" x 3/16", Amazon or any hardware store 7) Inner strapping - Line 24 snaps, nickle, 100ct (recommended), Tandy - https://www.tandyleather.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/1263-12.aspx. Fasnap - http://fasteners.fasnap.com/viewitems/snap-fasteners---screw-studs/standard-snap-fasteners? 7a) Inner strapping (canon brackets) Not illustrated in this build. For informational purposes only - http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/20859-accurate-anh-stormtrooper-strapping-brackets-v-20-now-available/ 8) Shoulder to Bicep - Dritz Sew in Snaps, Nickle, Size #10 -http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Sew--Snaps-Size-10/dp/B000A8BMDQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437571813&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=Dritz+4+Sew-On+Snaps+-Size+10&pebp=1437571823499&perid=1H34HYH1DNAAPPP1R3H1 Other: Thigh Garter belt - Canvas Belt - http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/19803-fs-white-canvas-belts/ Inner Drop Boxes - http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/8638-for-sale-inner-drop-boxes/ OR contact Terrell at ATA. Holster - http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/16744-leather-e-11-holsters-35/ Gloves and hand guards - http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/16744-leather-e-11-holsters-35/ Neck Seal - http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/13511-for-sale-anh-hero-neckseal/ Sections: 1. Forearms FINISHED 2. Biceps FINISHED 3. Calves/Shins (lower leg) FINISHED 4. Ab FINISHED 5. Posterior FINISHED 6. Strapping FINISHED 7. Thighs FINISHED 8. Chest and Shoulders FINISHED 9. Shoulder Bells FINISHED 10. Thermal Detonator FINISHED 11. Belt FINISHED 12. Back Plate FINISHED 13. Kidney FINISHED 14. Fitment Alterations FINISHED 15. Final Pictures FINISHED 16. EIB Submit FINISHED 17. Centurion Submit Let's begin. 1. Starting with the Forearms (before trimming) 1a. Prepare forearms for trimming. NOTE: Forearms were marked during fitment. Inner forearms - Locate fitment markings. Identify areas to be removed. 1b. Remove inner forearm excess plastic. 1c. Outer forearms - Identify return edge. From return edge measure out 8mm. Mark location and prepare to cut off excess plastic. 1d. After trimming 1e. In this section we will install cover strips on the inner and outer forearm sections on the side that faces towards the front of your body. NOTE: I've found with armor like AM that uses over lap seams, when converting to butt & strip, starting with the sides that face the front or your body give the armor a cleaner look. NOTE: Prior to assembly leading forearm return edges (near elbow) were minimized and trailing return edges (near wrist) were removed. Fine tuning those areas will continue once the forearm assembly is complete. Clean both inner and outer forearm sections and prepare for assembly. 1f. Making INNER cover strips - Using excess material cut from initial trimming (or spare cover strip material) cut cover strips to 15mm, the same width in which the outer cover strips will be cut. Ready to assemble. 1g. Applying the E6000 glue and cover strips - Apply glue to either the forearm sides or the cover strip. 1g. Using two clamps at the outer edges and earth magnets in between, secure the inner cover strip. NOTE: Regarding E6000 glue drying times. There's been much debate over drying times, in my opinion given the correct conditions 24 hours is plenty of time. Afterwards continue working with the area however, I would put any heavy stress on it. That I would wait 48 hours. 2. Biceps. In this section we will measure, trim and begin to assemble the biceps Before trimming 2a. Preparing areas to be trimmed. As with the forearms, measurements taken for the initial fitment were identified. Starting at the return edge measure out 8mm and mark cut line. Remove excess plastic. 2b. After trimming 2c. Preparing to install the inner cover strips. NOTE: Like with the forearms we will install cover strips on the inner and outer forearm sections on the side that faces towards the front of your body. Clean both inner and outer bicep sections and prepare for assembly. Cut cover strips to 15mm, the same width in which the outer cover strips will be cut. Ready to assemble. 2d. Assembly. Apply glue to the bicep halves or the cover strip themselves, 2e. Using two clamps at the outer edges and earth magnets in between, secure the inner cover strip. Edited August 27, 2015 by ukswrath 5 Quote
The5thHorseman[501st] Posted June 21, 2015 Report Posted June 21, 2015 (edited) Edit: Small typo mistakes have been corrected. It's never easy to work with a foreign measure system ! Don't ever ask me to work with inches, etc... Edited June 21, 2015 by The5thHorseman 2 Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 21, 2015 Author Report Posted June 21, 2015 (edited) Why do you leave 16mm here? Shouldn't it be 8mm? You're correct Germain, typo on my part. Corrected. I was dog tired when I posted this. Good catch Edited June 26, 2015 by ukswrath Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 21, 2015 Author Report Posted June 21, 2015 (edited) Day 2. 2f. Biceps continued.... Remove clamps and magnets and clean up excess glue and prepare to install outer cover strip. 2g. I like to scuff up the area where the outer cover strip will be glued with 3M scotch brite. Gives the glue a bit more to hold on to, and in the case of AM connection areas this is highly recommended. Notice how the surface area is roughed up. 2h. Measure and cut OUTER cover strips from outer cover strip to 15mm. 15mm is the standard outer cover width for the arms. I always add 1mm for any material lost while cutting and cleaning. Remove any burs or sharp edges from cover strips. NOTE: Outer cover strip material is different from the inner cover strip material. It's usually provided in sheets from the armor manufacturer and you should have received some with your kit. 2i. Install cover strips 1h, Back to Forearms. Like with the biceps clean off excess glue, scuff area cover strip will be glued to. Measure and cut out outer cover strips 15mm. 1i. Remove any burs from the edges of the cover strips before installing. 1j, Glue outer cover strips in place. Again, use clamps on the outer edges and magnets in between the clamps. Edited June 24, 2015 by ukswrath Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 21, 2015 Author Report Posted June 21, 2015 (edited) While the glue is drying on the forearms and biceps let's move along to the shin. 3. Shins. AM shins are unique being though they appear similar in the front as most armor (inner and outer sections for left and right shins) however, they are much different in the rear. Like with the forearms and biceps the rear calf sections use a overlap connection. Start off with establishing a return edge line on what will be the left front outer shin. Afterwards perform this task on all four shin sections. 3a. After establishing return edge, we'll measure out 10mm to establish a cut line. 3b. Remove excess plastic on all shin sections. 3c. Now for the rear. Sides WITH a return edge - Locate and mark return edge. Perform this on both left and right shin halves. From there measured out 13mm out (1mm for trimming) to establish a cut line. NOTE: The total between both left and right sections will be approximately 25mm, the standard for rear calf cover strip. Overlap side, WITHOUT a return edge - NOTE: Everyone's shins/calves are different so this section may differ on your armor assembly and fitment measurements. Being there is no return edge on this side first establish a "would be" return edge taking measurements from the opposite side, side with a return edge. From there measured out 13mm out (1mm for trimming) to establish a cut line. 3d. Cut off excess material. This is what you should have left over. 2e. Prepare front shin sections for assembly. Cut inner cover strips. The length of the inner cover strip may vary so basically I will place it just below the upper return edge to just above the lower return edge. The width will be the same as the outer cover strips 20mm. Apply glue to shin halves or cover strips and install. While the calves are gluing let's work on the Ab. Edited July 21, 2015 by ukswrath Quote
justjoseph63[Staff] Posted June 22, 2015 Report Posted June 22, 2015 Looking really nice, Tony... great attention to detail!! Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 22, 2015 Author Report Posted June 22, 2015 Looking really nice, Tony... great attention to detail!! Thanks Joseph Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 22, 2015 Author Report Posted June 22, 2015 (edited) 4. Abdomen First order of business, the cod. Slice off about 2.5cm, then rounded it off. 4a. Mark the cod rivet hole 2cm from the newly cut end of the cod. 4b. Drill 5/32" hole for cod rivet. 4c. Take a split rivet and cut it down. Test fit the rivet to the male snap. 4d. Assemble cod rivet assembly. Start by placing the split rivet on something hard like concrete or similar. Place a old t-shirt between the rivet and the hard object to help avoid scratching it. Using a small chisel and hammer drive the chisel into the split river like a wedge. This should force the rivet to to wedge against the male snap inner wall. 4e. Ab side split rivets. Measure and drill side ab split rivet holes per template. Starting from the top of ab return edge and measure down 20mm, 80mm, 150mm. This will evenly space holes. From the ab to kidney edge measure 10mm. 4f. Using a 5/32" drill bit drill holes. Ab side rivet hole completed and ready to install strapping. 4g. Ab right side snap base. NOTE: In this section the right side snap will be made functional. Starting at the top of the right side ab return edge measure down 20mm. Then measure for the ab to kidney side 20mm 4h. Using a 5/32" drill bit drill snap hole. After drilling hole take a 3/8" drill and by HAND slowly counter sink the hole. 4i. Install side snap base using snap setting tool. Done with the Ab for now. Edited June 24, 2015 by ukswrath 2 Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 22, 2015 Author Report Posted June 22, 2015 (edited) Time for the Posterior. EDIT: All armor adjustments and and rivet placements are made from preliminary fitment measurements of the armor owner. 5. Posterior (Posterior & snaps) Posterior - Remove excess snap section plastic. From outer edge measure and remove 4cm worth of material.. 5. Install snaps. From newly cut edge, measure first hole to drill at 15mm, 2nd hole at 35mm. 5a. Using 5/32" drill bit, dill both holes. Once completed take a 3/8" drill bit and by HAND counter sink the newly drilled holes on the exterior side of the armor. 5b. Install male snap and base. Remove burs, bevel edges and chanfer corners with a dremel, sand paper or exacto knife. Posterior completed for now. Day 2 completed. Edited June 24, 2015 by ukswrath Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 22, 2015 Author Report Posted June 22, 2015 (edited) Ok I was bored in between assemblies and made a few snap mounts for the strapping system we'll be using. 6. Strapping system Starting with 1" black nylon webbing, I cut and cauterized twenty 1-1/2" long sections. 6a. Using a 5/32" leather punch, punched holes for the male snap mount. 6b. Using snap setting tool assemble snap sets. Ok now I'm done for the day. Day 2 completed. Edited June 24, 2015 by ukswrath Quote
The5thHorseman[501st] Posted June 22, 2015 Report Posted June 22, 2015 About the cover stripes, i don't see it mentionned but one thing i like to do before gluing them is to cut the corners: And for the butt plat, i think i would have removed all the flat section and place the two snaps accordingly. If the guy you're building this armor for isn't that large, that would certainly have been enough: 1 Quote
Kredal[TK] Posted June 22, 2015 Report Posted June 22, 2015 How did you decide to cut the butt off by 4cm? Was that a fitment decision, or based on some other piece of armor? Quote
Airborne Trooper[501st] Posted June 22, 2015 Report Posted June 22, 2015 What a lucky guy to have you working on his armor! Are you planning on giving the bucket your electronic makeover too? Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 22, 2015 Author Report Posted June 22, 2015 (edited) About the cover stripes, i don't see it mentionned but one thing i like to do before gluing them is to cut the corners: And for the butt plat, i think i would have removed all the flat section and place the two snaps accordingly. If the guy you're building this armor for isn't that large, that would certainly have been enough: EDIT: To be clear, the cover strip corners will be chamfered, just not at the cannon level angles. For the sake of canon specifications Germain's is correct regarding what cover strips should look like. As for the cod rivets. From preliminary measurements the rivets will remain where they are however, anybody that has built armor knows things change as may this area. Stay tuned. How did you decide to cut the butt off by 4cm? Was that a fitment decision, or based on some other piece of armor? From preliminary measurements of the armor's owner. What a lucky guy to have you working on his armor! Are you planning on giving the bucket your electronic makeover too? HAHA thanks Jason, he will get the Hovi speaker system and possibly my new Stormtrooper Hearing Assist System (aka SHA). Since the complete system is still under development that honor is still reserved for just me......at the moment lol Edited June 26, 2015 by ukswrath Quote
Khazid[TK] Posted June 22, 2015 Report Posted June 22, 2015 (edited) Installing the male snap using the split rivet in the cod plate is an idea I will definitely be adding to my build. Very smart indeed! Edited June 22, 2015 by Khazid 1 Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 22, 2015 Author Report Posted June 22, 2015 Installing the male snap using the split rivet in the cod plate is an idea I will definitely be adding to my build. Very smart indeed! Hey Brandon, Thanks, works very well. Quote
Darth Havoc[TK] Posted June 22, 2015 Report Posted June 22, 2015 I had my snaps the same way on the butt plate. Like you said though, things do change. After some test fits and some uncomfortable poking, I cut a portion more off that tab and put a snap there and another one on the curved section of the butt plate. FWIW. Great build so far and awesome job with documenting it. i'm guessing it was a lot easier that the first order TK. Your making want to build another TK....so addicting. Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 22, 2015 Author Report Posted June 22, 2015 I had my snaps the same way on the butt plate. Like you said though, things do change. After some test fits and some uncomfortable poking, I cut a portion more off that tab and put a snap there and another one on the curved section of the butt plate. FWIW. Great build so far and awesome job with documenting it. i'm guessing it was a lot easier that the first order TK. Your making want to build another TK....so addicting. Hey Jamie, thanks brother. Yea at first I wasn't sure that I wanted to build another classic TK but after starting in on this one it's been a blast so far. Funny, all the things you learn during and after your first build comes into focus on everything afterwards, granted it stays fresh in your mind lol. 1 Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 24, 2015 Author Report Posted June 24, 2015 (edited) Day three. 1k. Forearm cont... Installing the opposite side inner cover strips. Preparation, Clean forearm sections. Cut inner cover strip material. NOTE: Width can vary though I personally cut them the same size as the outer cover strip which is 15mm. On this side we'll need a little help with keeping the two halves together so painters tape works excellent. Stronger clamps will also be needed to help keep the two halves aligned and secure while the glue dries. At this stage applying glue to the strips is the only logical option. Place them into position. Add clamps and magnets. 1l. Installing the outer cover strips. Preparation, after glue has dried clean off all the excess glue. Cut cover strips width 15mm. The length will vary due to the leading and trailing forearm edges will not be completed until this portion has been completed. Bevel rough edges and chamfer corners on cover strips. Apply glue to strips. Installing cover strips. Center the cover strips between the two forearm sections and between leading and trailing edges. Again, leading and trailing forearm edges and cover strip lengths will be finalized once glue has dried. Edited June 24, 2015 by ukswrath 1 Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 24, 2015 Author Report Posted June 24, 2015 (edited) 2j. Bicep cont... Prep opposite side for assembly. Install painters tape to help secure align the two halves. Place outer half of bicep in vise or wood clamp to align sides. Apply glue to inner cover strips. Install and secure with end clamps and earth magnets. Edited June 24, 2015 by ukswrath Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 24, 2015 Author Report Posted June 24, 2015 (edited) 2f Calves cont.... Installing front cover strips. Clean excess glue from calf cover strip surface. Measure distance from the top calf return edged to just above the lower return edge. Cut cover strips. In my case the length was 372mm. The width will be 20mm. Bevel rough edges and chamfer corners. Apply glue to cover strip. Install cover strip from the top of the shin to the bottom just above the return edge. Secure with clamps and earth magnets. 2g. Installing calf rear cover strip (right calf). Measure the right calf section from just below the return edge just above the lower return edge. Cut rear cover strip length, in my case 326mm and width 25mm. Beveled rough edges and chamfer corners. Apply glue and install cover strip from just below the upper return edge to just above the lower return edge. Edited June 24, 2015 by ukswrath Quote
russellr2d2[TK] Posted June 24, 2015 Report Posted June 24, 2015 Another masterpiece on it way! 1 Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted June 24, 2015 Author Report Posted June 24, 2015 Another masterpiece on it way! Haha, thanks my friend. Quote
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