Apparently, you can just buy anything.

Not a surprise really, but think back to the old days (for those of you old enough): where do stores get things like product racks and .. well, mannequins?

These days, its far easier. In my case, a combination of eBay and Amazon.

So I bought a mannequin from Ebay and a black body suit and gloves from Amazon. He definitely looks funny now but should start to take shape as armor pieces are added.

…

So I have had for many years a stormtrooper helment.

I’ve always wanted a whole stormtrooper but (quality) suits are stupidly expensive. So I’ve started doing something equally stupid.

I’m building one.

Starting with the chest piece, which took several prints to get right, I’ve been learning how to tune my printer and how to properly slice models for printing.

Probably one of the most difficult aspects is how to handle parts that are far too large for my 256mm^3 print volume. Well, you have to cut it up, print it, then assemble the parts. I failed at this a couple of times before learning how to configure ‘connectors’ in OrcaSlicer.

…

You’re doing what now?

I’m an idiot.

So …. I bought a modern core-xy 3d printer. I have to say I’m impressed. I’ve not used a 3d printer since they were mostly ‘kits’ delivered as a box of parts and some questionably translated instructions. They definitely aren’t that anymore. They’re very nearly ‘appliances’. Just plug it in and use it (nearly).

I’m not an artist. I’m not particularly crafty. But a 3d printer would be handy for making enclosures for electronic projects, brackets, fixtures, etc.

…