Ok totally new, need help. Stunt Build thread for trimming phase.

[CadetNilz]

I am trimming pieces and not sure where to start. I need help figuring out where my lines need to be and if I'm right on the money or I'm off. Return edges freak me out and I'm not even onto the more delicate pieces yet. Here is what I have so far...

 

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[CadetNilz]

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[Rat[TK]]

Hey Josh one thing to remember is return edges are not required anywhere and they really are up to you and how you're comfortable. With that said how will you be strapping it? Since you've removed most of the return edge from the connecting parts like the bottom of the chest and back plates I will guess you are doing snap plates or something similar

 

Now with that out of the way it looks good so far.

[CadetNilz]

Hey Josh one thing to remember is return edges are not required anywhere and they really are up to you and how you're comfortable. With that said how will you be strapping it? Since you've removed most of the return edge from the connecting parts like the bottom of the chest and back plates I will guess you are doing snap plates or something similar
 
Now with that out of the way it looks good so far.

Oooh good question I have no idea, how do snap plates work? I'm really worried I've cut too much and ruined it. I ordered a bunch of stuff to strap on but I'm not sure now. Ugh I'm so overwhelmed and stressed haha. Still haven't trimmed all my pieces.

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[CadetNilz]

I've penciled what I feel like should be returns but not sure. I don't want to start trimming until I know.

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[Rat[TK]]

Oooh good question I have no idea, how do snap plates work? I'm really worried I've cut too much and ruined it. I ordered a bunch of stuff to strap on but I'm not sure now. Ugh I'm so overwhelmed and stressed haha. Still haven't trimmed all my pieces.

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No worries Josh. That is why we are here to help you along and get you in the best looking set of armor possible. Snap plates are essentially a piece of abs with a snap put into it and then placed on your, lets say lower back, you then make another that aligns on the upper kidney plate. You then use elastic or nylon strap and place the other half of the snap in it. Then you connect the two pieces. I used the bracket system, but the idea is the same.

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[Rat[TK]]

I've penciled what I feel like should be returns but not sure. I don't want to start trimming until I know.

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With your thighs I would strongly advise you to remove all the return edge your thighs and "bits" will thank you for it when you start walking around in it.

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[CadetNilz]

No worries Josh. That is why we are here to help you along and get you in the best looking set of armor possible. Snap plates are essentially a piece of abs with a snap put into it and then placed on your, lets say lower back, you then make another that aligns on the upper kidney plate. You then use elastic or nylon strap and place the other half of the snap in it. Then you connect the two pieces. I used the bracket system, but the idea is the same.

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Oh sweet that's awesome I think I bought a bracket system. Also how the hell do I trim this belt piece? Haha

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[Rat[TK]]

As for the general depth of return edge 2-5mm seems about the average.

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[CadetNilz]

With your thighs I would strongly advise you to remove all the return edge your thighs and "bits" will thank you for it when you start walking around in it.

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Like this?

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[CadetNilz]

 I've penciled in what I've seen in reference photos, I'm not sure if this is right or not.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 25, 2019 by CadetNilz

[Rat[TK]]

So the first photo is my belt and roughly how it should look on the fabric belt. The second is the top of my thighs. I had to trim them down for length and I still probably should remove more of the length.

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[CadetNilz]

Perfect this helps a bunch. So then for the bells and thighs would these marks make sense or should I leave a bit for adjusting?

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[Rat[TK]]

A good point of reference is that your 45° notch on the belt should line up with your fabric belt. This will leave you with around 2-3mm overhang with the plastic belt.

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[Rat[TK]]

Perfect this helps a bunch. So then for the bells and thighs would these marks make sense or should I leave a bit for adjusting?

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For the bottom of your bells leave about 2-3mm it helps.

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[CadetNilz]

So rule of thumb is always leave about 2-3mm of return on everything just in case? Like I can always trim it down to fit later right?

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[Rat[TK]]

So rule of thumb is always leave about 2-3mm of return on everything just in case? Like I can always trim it down to fit later right?

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Yes and no it sort of becomes a personal thing for people. Using the bracket system you need a bare minimum of 5mm preferably 8mm to make sure you have room for your screws. The less you leave more likely it is you'll have to use snaps and nylon or elastic strapping.

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[CadetNilz]

Holy smokes this all Latin to me. I don't even know where to start. Now I'm worried I've ruined my chest, butt, kidney, back and cod plates. I don't have any return on them at all.

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[Rat[TK]]

Nothing is really unfixable. Read through some of the EIB and Centurion approval threads. It can help a lot.

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[CadetNilz]

Yes and no it sort of becomes a personal thing for people. Using the bracket system you need a bare minimum of 5mm preferably 8mm to make sure you have room for your screws. The less you leave more likely it is you'll have to use snaps and nylon or elastic strapping.

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What does 5mm even look like, like how would you measure that? I actually forgot to get a ruler so I'm gonna go buy that today. Any recommendations?

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[Rat[TK]]

Any ruler with metric should be fine. I have a standard ruler and a 4' one that I use, that one is handy for straight lines while doing your trimming. Like your shins, thighs, forearms and your cover strips.

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[Rat[TK]]

5mm is pretty close to about a 1/4", well between 1/8"-1/4".

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[ukswrath[Staff]]

Hey Josh welcome to the FISD. Looks like you're well on your way and also looks like Rat has given you an abundance of assistance already. Just in case someone isn't able to respond to your questions right away I highly suggest you also refer to one of 100s of pinned and/or completed build threads as reference, even Rats. These are a great resource and usually can answer most of the questions you might have.

 

Again, welcome and please let us know if there's anything we can do to assist you in your build.

 

Tony  

Edited August 25, 2019 by ukswrath

[CableGuy[TK]]

Hey Josh,

Don’t panic - we all started somewhere.

Personally, what I’d suggest is like Tony said: to take a break from your armour and check out some build tutorials etc. The below link is the tutorials that I followed and were incredibly helpful:

(This is the first - there are many).

Now, this is for a different make of armour but many of the principals are the same.

For my build, I probably watched each of Ross’ videos twice before making a cut, just to get a feel for what was going on. I then sat with the tutorial, listened to a short instruction then paused and copied, listen-pause-copy etc etc.

You can still make good what you’ve got so just kick back, watch some YouTube and get into the groove. You’ll do great. :-)

Dan

[CadetNilz]

Thank you all so much! This is seriously a big help!!

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