Hello,

I posted this on another fourm also but this looks like the prefect section to post it on this forum. I want to obtain as much feedback as possible before I start machining these pieces.


Let me start off by saying how amazed I am on how much accuracy and detail that is attempted to be applied to every costume part. Many years ago I purchased my Vader Costume mostly through GT. I always thought that was the cream of the crop. Come today I am finding out that I am light years behind the latest and greatest replica pieces out there.

This brings me to my present dilemma, updating my costume to be accepted into the 501st garrison. I have spent the last few days reading this forum and others page by page post by post. In conclusion I have found that obtaining the most accurate pieces from ANH, ESB, RTOJ and ROTS is not the easiest thing to do.

Since I have to update most of my costume I will be making my own pieces. I have access to a CNC laser cutter, CNC milling station and a CNC lathe. Before I start to make any pieces I will post a AutoCAD drawing for review by all. I would like to get POSTITIVE and NEGATIVE feedback before I start loading the programs into the machines. I will then make any necessary changes. When finished I will post pictures of the piece. At that time I will be offering to make more per request. Pricing will be posted at that time as well.


My first piece will be updating my belt buckle. For my ESB costume I need a 5 slot but I will make both while I am at it. Here are the drawings I made of a 5 and 4 slot buckle. Please review these and let me know of any changes that need to be made to make them as close to 100% accurate as possible. All 3 pieces will be made from billet aluminum. They will made up using the CNC laser, CNC mill and CNC lathe. The backing plate will be powder coated gloss black. The 2 remaining pieces will be finished in brushed aluminum. If there are any problem with these finishes please let me know.

Here are my latest AutoCAD drawings. I have tried to gain as much info as possible for all 4 buckles. Please review them at let me know if these are accurate. I would like to start machining the prototypes some time next week.

****Update 12/20/09

Thanks for all the feedback and PM's. Here are the final prints. I will start making the prototypes on Monday unless someone start screaming stop the presses..LOL. I changed the ROTJ to a 5 slots and changed some dimensions on the RTOS buckle. Here is a picture that I photoscaled to get an accurate size for the RTOS buckle. I used the 2" belt for scale.



Thanks

Michael Parent

Just curious, are you able to import a .JPG file and then do an overlay analysis by viewing your schematic at a perspective that matches that of the photo?

Mac,

Yes, Just send me the picture and I will do it up.


Thanks....

Michael

Hello everyone,

Trying to clarify if the RTOJ has 4 or 5 slots in the buckle. I have seen screen shots showing 4 and other pictures showing 5. If anyone has some information on this subject it would be of great help.

Thanks..

Michael

Five...

As i worte in the other forum,because of the RotS buckle:

This pic i have, is from the Star Wars Celebration 3.


Resize the pic that the beltbuckle ( black part) is 6,8 cm ( 2,67 inch) in high and 8,9 cm (3,50 inch) in lenght.
Than you have all other messurements you need.

Well... I don't know of the 501st standards... they may be less than what we generally strive for here, which is near 100% like screen used, warts, imperfections and all... which may not be well suited for costuming or trooping. For more in-depth info on the 501st requirements, you should probably check with these guys: http://www.501stsithlords.com/forum/index.php

TMG,

I am trying to make these 100% screen accurate as possible. There should'nt be any problem meeting there requirements with the correct pieces. This is why I am asking for everyones input so I can make these buckles to be screen accurate. Once I think the drawings are complete, I will start making a couple of prototypes. I just figured I have all the equipment at my finger tips, why not make the best possible pieces while updating my costume. If you guys like what I end up with I have no problem making more for anybody that wants one, or maybe I am wrong about all of this?

Thanks..

Michael

I'm also think as you Michael.
I'm always on the hide after better parts to make my Vader accurate as possible and not look at the minimum standarts of the 501st.
I make my costumes for me and not for other and i want to make it best as possible.

So i'm at the same point of view as you.
Keep at it , i'm looking forwad to your results.

Great. That makes sense. What you need to know about the ANH/ESB buckle is that it sits askew on the black back-plate. There should be good pictures showing the details of the pieces. Would be interesting to see what you come up with.

Hello everyone,

The final prints are done. I will start making them on Monday. I should have to prototypes done by the beginning to the new year.

Thanks..

Michael

Very cool project. I want to upgrade the belt buckle (RussRep) from my ANH belt. So i might be interested in pending of accuracy and price.

ROTJ version received, very good job

Here are the pictures of the completed buckles.

Please PM me if interested...

Michael

Thanks again !!!

I hope you enjoy your new buckle.

Michael