Echo327 ATA works ANH Stunt Build Thread

[echo327[TK]]

So after some time spent feeling really good about my progress I took the tape and clamps off and was immediately disappointed. I totally hate the way these peices came out. I think by putting strips on the inside I ended up making it harder for myself with the outside ones to get a perfect fit. The saving grace is that I chose to use E6000 and not zap a gap. Thank you to all who pushed me in that direction. The thing I'm taking away from this is that sh!@ happens, live and learn, and all those other cat posters. I'm taking a day off of building. Tomorrow I'll tear these things apart, clean them off and start over with a clear head. Failure is not an option but it is a temporary shot in the stomach. I'll be in the corner licking my wounds.

 

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[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

I found adding the outside strips first then later the insides, doesn't matter as much if the insides aren't perfect. Also you do need to clamp them down pretty tight, either clamps, magnets or painters tape, or a mixture of all three which is what I use and A LOT of them. 

 

I ordered another 50 since this photo was taken

 

Leaving the glue to cure for at least 24 hours and longer if you have parts that need extra tension to hold strips down. 

 

At least with E6000 they are easy to pull apart and rub your thumb along to remove the excess glue.

 

 

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

Not to worry, Erick!  I don't think there has been an armor build in history that didn't have some sort of temporary glitch.... it's all in how you deal with it.  Sometimes stepping back and taking a day off is the best thing to do.

 

The good news is that using E-6000 was a wise move, and having those gaps will actually save you some time when removing them as you can carefully use an Exacto or razor knife to cut through the glue.  It looks as if the glue didn't set completely.  Did you wait at least 24 hours?

 

One thing that (again) may help is to remove the return edges at least at the bottom.  Having those on does not permit the ABS to flex as much into the oval/round shape you need, and can cause the seams to bow out and the cover strip to not sit tightly.

 

If you decide to re-do the biceps as well, I would remove more of the "scoop" and re-size them before re-gluing which will make them more comfortable.  Also, try to get rid of any sharp areas (red circle) which can pinch you or potentially snag on your under suit.

 

Hang in there, sir, and don't let this get you down.  Enjoy your day off from your build, and know that we are here for ya' when you are ready to jump back in!

[lucnak[TK]]

What Glen said! Tapes and magnets galore! I have ATA as well and quite like compared to others that I've worked on. You're well on your way and you'll get there in no time!

[Bazz[TK]]

strong magnets and clamps is your possible solutions brother

[echo327[TK]]

Take 2 on the forearms. I got rid of all return edges and used the dremmel to smooth out. I think this time it will set much better.

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[echo327[TK]]

Decided to do some work on the chest and back tonight. A little test fit. Happy Friday!!

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[echo327[TK]]

A Saturday well spent. Some test fitting. Almost done trimming. And found the strength to drill some holes in the bucket! Please let me know what you see and what I might want to fix. I gotta say I'm really enjoying this process. I was really scared and nervous at the beginning but now I'm loving every minute!

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[echo327[TK]]

All trimming is now complete! Now onto gluing. I'm happy with the progress I made this weekend. I'm taking the rest of the day off of building!

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[Coastertk]

That’s a great feeling to be done trimming for sure. Have you given consideration to the level of accuracy you’re shooting for with your build?

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Great news, move along, move along  

[echo327[TK]]

14 hours ago, Coastertk said:

That’s a great feeling to be done trimming for sure. Have you given consideration to the level of accuracy you’re shooting for with your build?

To be honest...... I would like to shoot for Centurion but I also think that just being approved and then making tweeks as I go to get there would be ok too.

[echo327[TK]]

I got a little too excited trimming the ears. Reflecting back at my actions I made a fatal error. I didn't check any reference pictures. I assumed that the bottom of the ear wrapped all the way to the bottom of the bucket. In all actuality, it sits kind of high on the cheek. Thinking that it wraps all the way down I trimmed to that and you can see the contour is right but the ear itself sits way too low. Luckily ATA send 2 pairs of lefts and rights just for idiots like me! Thank you ATA!!! All in all I spent many hours this weekend in my workshop and enjoyed every minute. Even the few setbacks!

 

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[Sly11[Admin]]

The choice is certainly yours on how high you wish to go.
One thing I can say is, it will be a little easier to build to Centurion from the outset. It will save you time in the long run, the little extras aren’t very expensive to obtain, and you will have a great sense of pride knowing you went all the way.


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[ukswrath[Staff]]

Coming along nicely Erick, The ATA ears can be a little tricky. Here's a few photos of my ATA bucket. Hope they help.

 

L

 

R

 

Edited July 30, 2019 by ukswrath

[echo327[TK]]

Coming along nicely Erick, The ATA ears can be a little tricky. Here's a few photos of my ATA bucket. Hope they help.
 
L


 
R


 

This will help tremendously! Thank you. I'm gonna give it another try this weekend.

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[echo327[TK]]

Some bucket building and some sewing today. The real victory is getting my wife's grandmother's 1952 sewing machine working!

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[echo327[TK]]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7XQY8QJvTXP5MKuq8
Here's a link to all my pictures of my build. Enjoy!!

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[echo327[TK]]

Test fit of arms was so fun! My forearms are little loose and I gotta move the straps on the shoulder bells but I think its coming along nicely. Also did some painting on the bucket.

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[echo327[TK]]

Sunday morning gluing.

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[echo327[TK]]

Last of the gluing!!

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[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Almost there

[CableGuy[TK]]

Nice work, Erick. :-)

 

As per FB, you mentioned the forearms being a little loose - it looks like you could reduce the circumference of them for a more snug fit. At the wrist end you should just about be able to squeeze your mad through (without gloves).

 

Also, if you wanted a challenge you could try trimming the ears down a little more. ;-)

 

 

Keep yo the good work. :-)

 

[Helotech[TK]]

Good work. Keep it up

 

[echo327[TK]]

6 hours ago, CableGuy said:

Nice work, Erick. :-)

 

As per FB, you mentioned the forearms being a little loose - it looks like you could reduce the circumference of them for a more snug fit. At the wrist end you should just about be able to squeeze your mad through (without gloves).

 

Also, if you wanted a challenge you could try trimming the ears down a little more. ;-)

 

 

Keep yo the good work. :-)

 

I think I'm gonna call it a win on my ears for now. My nerves are still shot from the first time trimming.  I think my biggest problem with the ears is the angle. I'm gonna take a look at them this weekend and really take some time adjusting them. The forearms are perfect as far as getting them over my hands. The problem is after I get them on, my skinny forearms don't hold them anywhere they just slide around. I fixed this by adding a strap from the bicep to the forearm and that made all the difference in the world. They fit just right now and don't wiggle around anymore. Thank you so much for the help.