A pep to an Encore in 2 months! (hopefully)

[zer0g]

Good thing is I haven't started slushing the inside yet! I have both bondo and a little bit of mat on hand.
I'm not really familar with the Rondo technique, is it easier than going with the mat?

[cama900]

I would say its quicker, but still more brittle then the mat and can get really heavy if you use too much... Rondo is just mixing 50/50 the fiberglass resin and bondo body filler (with both hardeners or just the liquid hardener), another good thing about it is it makes it easier to sand through the paper is need be. It is also self leveling and you can use it to get a smooth surface fairly quickly (I used it on my Guy man visor to get it smooth and it worked great!)

Rondo - http://forum.soaringhammer.com/viewt...4c01a992963685

P.S. After using rondo on my helmet, I think I would use fiberglass mat unless you know you will need to sand through the paper.
P.P.S If you do decide to use rondo, make a tiny test batch because it can sometimes be finniky and wont cure properly...

[zer0g]

Okay, now it's starting to intrigue me. I'm still a bit indecisive on which route I'll take though, or whether I'll take both. In the meantime I'll just keep working on the outside!

[zer0g]

Hate double posting but I was wondering, if I were to take the mat route how many layers would be decent? 1? 2? 909?
And bit of an update, I found a couple of cracks on the lower visor and the bottom of the jaw. ಠ_ಠ
But I'll get to fixing that, so not much to worry. I'm also going to order the wire in the next week. I've been kinda stalling on this thing but now I have more free time, so I'll get back on it!

[Crank729]

If I was to suggest something; don't go the rondo route. The stuff is super brittle and cracks incredibly easy. I know rondo is easier to apply and less time consuming, but one layer of Fibreglass mat will be enough for the helmet. Couple of coats of resin too and then you are off to bondo.

Rondo still works, and I have used it for my helmets before, But I believe actual FG is much more strong and reliable.

[zer0g]

Okay this thing is really starting to p*ss me off. I usually have it resting near a pizza box I use to catch the resin, and over the course of the windy night I'm guessing it fell over and got stuck to the cardboard.


The pep itself wasn't built good, and putting on resin only magnified the deformities. I said I won't completely give up, so I am going to make a helmet at the end. So I've come to this, today I will head down to Michael's to get cardstock and Home Depot for some more resin. That's right, rebuild time! It should come out better than the last, which btw shall be called Thomas V1. V2 work will commence soon. Wish me luck guys!

[DaftSauce]

Welcome to the "rebuild a helmet" club.

[Crank729]

You'll only get better from here.

For example, this was my helmet one year ago.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65207720@N02/5938516190/

Now, I have this:



I can remove the images if you want, but I think it shows how experience is the most important thing with these helmets. The more you work on them, the better they get. You just need to have determination.

You'll get there in the end man, just keep plugging away!

[zer0g]

Definitely a inspirational turn around. And I know this one should go better. Most things I do are better the second time around. Like the gloves I'm making. I've gone through 3 revisions cause I wasn't happy with the way they came out. And each has been better than the last. I'll keep picking at this though, my inner perfectionist shall be satisfied!

[zer0g]

Good news everyone. I'm almost done assembling Thomas V2 (just needs the ear pieces) and I can already tell this should go much better. It just looks better overall.



The only problem I have is it seems to be a little tall towards the upper visor and dome, but maybe that's just me.



I should probably get the syrup on this guy by tomorrow.
Fingers crossed guys!