im going to attempt to make a masterchief action fihure from halo. i want to learn want kinds of joints to use and how to make them. or should i just use joints from existing toys

I use joints from existing toys.. and due to the fact I like ball joints I bought a few Xevoz figs for KB fodder. If you have questions about em or want some dirt cheap, pm me :D

You can chop up a Stikfas and incorporate its ball joints into it.

 

Or, you can buy the real thing :P

if you're going to build a master chief figure, i recommend going 12" scale. For that, use either 12' gi joe figures, or better yet, ultimate soldier's line from 21st century toys.

thanks guys but i still want to learn how to make joints for toys :tftongue

If you feel like special-ordering from Japan, you can look up WAVE Option Parts on HLJ or something. They have polycaps, and even some prefab joints you can work with. Hands, too! (Though they're more Gundamesque than what the Chief has).

okay, I see what you're saying **primus**.

 

You want to FABRICATE the joints from scratch.

 

To do that, first you have to determine the type of joint you'll need. This will vary depending upon the fuction asked of the joint. next, you will need materials and tools to manufacture it. For tools, i recommend the dremel rotary tool system, with the general purpose accessory set. It's usefull for small-scale machining.

 

After that, materials: i strongly recommend ABS plastic, which is available at plastic supply houses. (check your local yellow pages.) As far as maching goes, it's pretty much trial and error, but if i were you, i would use an example to work from.

 

 

i do applaud you determination to learn this craft. But honestly, making your own joints is a Starscream to accomplish. i can only give you limited info on this due to the fact that most of what i know can only be shown visually, and not very well with a digital camera. i wish you the best of luck.

so im gonna use an optimal optimus to make my master chief. making joints seems to hard. anrybody got any idea what i shhould use on actually makin detail and molding. ive heard that milliput is good. also how should i take out the joints from my optimal optimus. I NEED HELP

Don't use optimal optimus. the proportions are all wrong.

 

First off, it will be a lot cheaper and better for you in the long run to use a 12" ultimate soldier figure from 21st century toys. these retail at around 10-20 bucks, depending. Or try GI joe 12 inch.

 

secondly,. for detail, i would recommend a black body suit, and then use (you're not gonna believe this!) cardboard and masking tape for the armor.

 

before you brush it off as stupid, hear me out: it's far more durable than plastic, and more flexible. plus, if you use krylon fusion paint, it won't chip off like most paints. plus, due to the fact that you can cut it easier with scissors, it will greatly speed assembly. i have several figures in 12 inch scale that i used cardboard and tape for their accessories, and you'd never know that i had used the stuff!!

 

Concerning milliput; NOT FOR FIGURES. The reason i say this is because milliput is a type of filler putty. when applied to anything that has joints are needs to flex, IT WILL CRACK. I se plastic welder by devcon myself, or sculpey and sculpey superflex.

 

If you neex more extensive advice, PLEASE feel free to pm or email me.