MakerM13's build thread (WTF Kits)

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

I used to add the inner strips but over time found I only really needed them for your shins as you are constantly opening and closing them, it's a personal choice, it won't affect approval so up to you if you want to add them

[makerM13[TK]]

Looking for feedback on arm fitting. Forearm just taped for fitting at this point. No strapping installed yet. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 6, 2023 by makerM13

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Looks good to me, you can do any final trimming to avoid armor bites once you have all the armor strapped.

 

Speaking of strapping the elastic from bicep to forearm is normally applied to the top, just off center 

 

[makerM13[TK]]

Arm assembly complete (minus strapping)

 

[makerM13[TK]]

Finishing up thighs

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Looking good.

 

Some arm strapping references:

Note the forearm/bicep elastic is on the top, helps keep them in position when moving arms

 

 

[makerM13[TK]]

Gluing up shins

 

 

 

[makerM13[TK]]

Thighs glued and dry. Will work on filling in gaps at lower end.

 

 

 

Edited July 8, 2023 by makerM13

[makerM13[TK]]

Backplate trimmed

 

[makerM13[TK]]

Question on my WTF kit. The kidney and posterior are molded as one piece tha/ needs to be seperated. This leaves very small return edges in these areas. I see this has been discussed, but looking for tips/suggestions on how to best manage this.

 

 

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

22 minutes ago, makerM13 said:

Question on my WTF kit. The kidney and posterior are molded as one piece tha/ needs to be seperated. This leaves very small return edges in these areas. I see this has been discussed, but looking for tips/suggestions on how to best manage this.

If you aren't using the original style bracket/screw system you should be fine without very much return edge on those edges, I would try to cut as close to the middle as possible. Definitely use a new cutting blade as well, a little pressure and go slow.

 

Here's a WTF separated

 

 

And an EIB strapped and approved

[makerM13[TK]]

@gmrhodes13 thank you! Makes me feel much more confident with this. I'll be doing strapping so no worries. Thanks again.

[FN1313[TK]]

I personally feel that longevity is better achieved with the elastic and snaps method, sure it’s not exactly how they did it in the movies, but I like to have my armor avoid cracks as long as possible.


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[makerM13[TK]]

Working on fitment of helmet.

 

 

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Clamps and magents are the way to go, make small adjustments, I find using bolts rather than rivets helpful as you can adjust the bolts, rivets you are pretty stuck unless you carefully remove them.

 

Although not a requirement DO"s suggest this for ear placement:

 

The "ideal" ear placement is as seen below, where the screws line up with the rear angle of the trap right above it.  Because some armorers design their helmets differently or send them pre-assembled this is not always possible to achieve, but it is suggested that you try to get as close as you can.

 

Note:  Top ear screws should ideally be located directly below the rear of the trap.

 

    

 

A great thread on fitting ears, making the notch on top of the ear can be of great help reducing gaps

 

 

[TKSpartan[Staff]]

11 hours ago, gmrhodes13 said:

Although not a requirement DO"s suggest this for ear placement:

 

The "ideal" ear placement is as seen below, where the screws line up with the rear angle of the trap right above it.  Because some armorers design their helmets differently or send them pre-assembled this is not always possible to achieve, but it is suggested that you try to get as close as you can.

 

Note:  Top ear screws should ideally be located directly below the rear of the trap.

 

@makerM13  As Glen rightly pointed, This is highly recommended when building the helmet from the beginning as you're doing.  keep it up! .  

[makerM13[TK]]

Looking for some help and suggestions for my ab to kidney plate fitting.

 

I've already figured out I need to add about 2" per side with shims (I thought I was thin!).

 

The notch on the kidney doesn't line up correctly to the ab. Any pointers would be appreciated.

 

 

[FN1313[TK]]

Looking for some help and suggestions for my ab to kidney plate fitting.
 
I've already figured out I need to add about 2" per side with shims (I thought I was thin!).
 
The notch on the kidney doesn't line up correctly to the ab. Any pointers would be appreciated.
 

 

The notch itself isn’t a requirement as such it’s okay that it doesn’t line up exactly. I’d recommend trimming as it’s intended to remove the extra plastic and leave the notch as is.


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[justjoseph63[Staff]]

"I've already figured out I need to add about 2" per side with shims (I thought I was thin!)".

 

You will need to trim all the return edges off of the sides, Kyle.  Make sure they are straight, so that they meet up, and the shims are only used to extend the kidney, not the ab.

 

          

 

Here are some photos where Jose @TK 71627 used shims with his WTF armor.  For EIB there is no need to repair (cover) the split as seen below...

 

   

 

BUT, for Centurion (which I hope you are aiming for) the repaired shim seam must be not be seen.  Jose did a really nice job effectively covering these up with ABS paste and some work.

 

   

 

Note how in addition to the shim itself there is an additional piece of ABS inside for strength. 

 

 

Keep those photos and questions coming!  

[makerM13[TK]]

My real concern is related to this diagram I found, and how the notches on the WTF armor are formed:

 

 

 

It looks like the extension from the notch should line up with the bottom of the Ab plate (red line), not the upper line on the Ab plate like my armor is (blue line):

 

 

I know the notch is not required, but I would at least like to get EIB in the future, and hopefully Centurion!

 

Thank you

 

Mark

 

 

[TKSpartan[Staff]]

17 minutes ago, makerM13 said:

My real concern is related to this diagram I found, and how the notches on the WTF armor are formed:

 

 

 

It looks like the extension from the notch should line up with the bottom of the Ab plate (red line), not the upper line on the Ab plate like my armor is (blue line):

 

 

I know the notch is not required, but I would at least like to get EIB in the future, and hopefully Centurion!

 

Thank you

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

CRL L3:  Cut-out notches at the bottom of right and left sides of the Kidney Armor are optional.

 

Hi,  Every armor maker has some details that make easy or difficult to achieve de more accuracy, I would suggest to add the shims with no cut-out notches

As you can see, the cut out is Optional . You can ,(we hope you will do)  apply for EIB and Centurion with out it.

 

 

 

 

[makerM13[TK]]

@TKSpartan awesome. Thanks for the clarification! I do straight across shims.

[FN1313[TK]]

Yeah that’s more what I was intending in my previous comment is that the notch wasn’t necessary.

[makerM13[TK]]

Hello, I was wondering if there is a 'recommended' flow for starting on strapping installation. I wasn't sure if there is one key piece of armor that other parts placements are referenced to.

 

I've gone through a few other's build threads, but just looking for some guidance on where is best to start.

 

Thanks

[TKSpartan[Staff]]

In my case I have always started with the torso section

 

Chest, Back,

kidney, Butt plate