Almost to the end of the build- Help!

[ShermiesRule]

I believe I have every piece cut and finished that needs a strap. I have not finished the shins (cut not fitted), two button plates, of TD tube. I have no experience with cutting/sewing nylon or installing snaps. I have no access to a sewing machine ( I think I need one) or anvils.
Is there anyone in the same construction phase that would like to split knowledge and materials? I'm so close to the end I can taste it.

I'm in the West Bloomfield area. Thanks

[Husky]

I'm at this point now. Just made a shopping trip to Joann's for snaps, webbing, elastic. I have a snap anvil set.

My wife has a sewing machine and I'm in the Clinton Twp area.

[mbone]

I had good results just cutting the webbing with scissors then running the flame of a lighter over the end to melt it a bit and keep it from fraying. A typical soldering iron makes a perfect size hole for the snaps and will also keep the hole from fraying.

[TK22788]

I had good results just cutting the webbing with scissors then running the flame of a lighter over the end to melt it a bit and keep it from fraying. A typical soldering iron makes a perfect size hole for the snaps and will also keep the hole from fraying.

I'll totally agree with mbone. for the inside of my kit I fitted how I wanted to sit on my body piece by piece, measured the length I wanted and cut and sealed the seams with a lighter/soldering iron. for the torso, garter system and shoulder to bicep connection I used 1" nylon webbing, for parts I need more movement, I used 1" black elastic webbing (shoulder straps to bells).

Everyone says tandy leather line 24 snaps are the best but the new ones they came out with are poorer quality. Dritz and I even found the snaps at Walmart weren't bad. to install the snaps it's really easy. Make a hole in your webbing in the middle of where your snap needs to be (I used a soldering iron for this) stick the male end through, put the female end over that with the material in the middle, and use your anvil set to hammer the peg down until its nice and snug around the material.

I found for extra strength, give yourself a little extra material fold it over then make your hole.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6vS_CjRSlU

[mbone]

I'm not sure if Trooperbay sent me thicker abs sheets or Dritz changed something, but I'm having awful results with them now. The plastic's got to be really thin for the male snaps to get a proper crimp or whatever you'd call it. You might have to sand on the plastic until it's really thin to get good results.

[Deadeye]

ShermiesRule, I'm in Bloomfield Hills and just wrapped up my build and got 501st approved over the weekend. I used Tandy stuff and have the anvils and experience that might be helpful. Let me know if you want to get together and sort it all out. Maybe PM me so I don't miss it.

[ShermiesRule]

Thanks Lord Dark Helmet,

That would be great.

[ShermiesRule]

I would like to thank Lord Dark Helmet for all his assistance, showing me the proper techniques to install snaps and lending me his snap tools. My armor is complete except for painting and installing the button plates. I have to decide if I want to trim 1/2 inch off the bottom of the shins to improve mobility.

Hopefully I can submit in a week. Might be able to make some of those cool upcoming events like Pistons Night

[Mr Fett]

Very cool !!!