Scratch Build – In Progress Cygnar Storm Strider - Update#28.5 - 9.06.2011

Out of curiosity, do any of you metal workers have an opinion on bending aluminum that can't go through a roller?

Do you prefer annealing or kerfing?

Annealing won't leave all those little cut lines and works on all gauges but reduces the stability of the metal. But you need to take somewhere you can heat the metal up and slow cool it. Even then you have to hope you anneal it completely and not leave any portions normal.

Kerfing is much easier to do and more cost-effective but might detract from the over-all aesthetics. Since I'm going to paint this case anyhow, kerfing, after the gaps are filled with bondo, might be acceptable.

 

I would take the easy option. Like you say it's going to be painted. a little bit of filler can hide a multitude of sins.

 

This is one SICK build!

 

WOW this is really looking good monkeyfun

Pity about the dealy with the casting and with only about 30 days or so to go before Pax i can see a flurry of work AND project logs too.....

Love the warhammer mini (been a long time since ive painted) lovely work on the pinning, never though I would see this in a case mod

 

Looking good!

I worked at a machine shop for years and I can tell you that you DO NOT want to grind aluminum on a wheel.

You can bend the aluminum how you want it by making a home made brake and applying heat to the aluminum with a torch. Sometimes you don't even need the heat. Just depends on thickness for the most part.

This will be at PAX? Cool! I'll try to find it.

 

Thank you!

Thanks! Two more casting sessions and I'll be done with the all the things I'm dependent on other people. So yes, there probably will be a flurry of regular updates. Fortunately I have already casted everything necessary for the main enclosure. I plan on getting absolutely everything else done. Then when I finally get the legs done I can just attach them to the finished body.

Thank you too! Are you bringing Wonder Woman to the BYOC? I hope so, I'm kinda a fanboy of casemods and its cool to see all of the products of work logs in person. I was told that Boddaker might be showing up with the Tron Lightcycle.

 

Update #17: Kerfing works!
Count Down: Only 28 more days until PAX 2011.

In exactly 4 weeks at the time I’m writing this (7am local time), I will be standing in a line waiting for my coffee so I’ll have something to drink while I’m standing in line waiting to set up my computer so I can stand in line later in an exhibition hall at PAX.

Standing in line, it’s a hobby.

My impatience decided that waiting for shop access wasn’t conducive to forum update and my sanity. I decided to give kerfing a try. I started off with marking off all of the cut lines.



Then I simply used my dremel to make small groves in the metal. With the assistance of a rubber mallet, I bent the metal into a curve.




My curve is a little off. But I will re-work it to a better curve. I set up the wall with the posts.



The second wall turned out MUCH better. Fortunately, this is metal and you get second chances as long as you’re not cutting things out.



Next I set up a couple of the pieces to get an idea of how it is all coming together. I’m feeling pretty good about the case so far.





The lightning coils are ready for their putty then clean up. I’ve tested the tubes inside of the coils and they look awesome… of course, you’ll have to wait to see that.



That’s it for now! I should have some more pictures and updates after the weekend.

 

Shiii dude! Awefully nice curves, well done.

 

A complement from the master! Thank you sir. Unfortunately, I have your pictures as a base to judge my quality and I still have much to learn.

 

For one more time.... awesome job buddy!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks!!!

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Just a quick little update, the voting has been closed on Privateer Press's forums. I will be sacrificing a miniature to the furnace. Nemo was selected by the masses:



It's nice to see the Privateer Press enthusiast get excited about this project. I've even gotten a couple of requests to come by and see the case at PAX. Fun times!

 

Now see if you can get Privateer Press to give you the sacrificial miniature for free? In their eyes they might see your case as an gigantic advertising for their game
Regarding the build; awesome job!

 

You going to be in the BYOC? I'd like to see this in person as well if they let me in there.

 

Wooop! Now you got Boddaker thinking about casting too!

 

Actually, it's funny you mention this.... I'll elaborate more after all the details are hashed out.

If not, I'll wheel it out to see you. I'll see what I can arrange.

It's contagious.... come Cheapskate become one of us.... ONE OF US!!!!!!!

 

I have some REALLY exciting news! Privateer Press is going to provide me with the paints I need to paint this case! I have my first sponsor! I am working out how they want me to list their sponsorship and have provided them the paint colors and quantities I need. As an added bonus, they will be featuring this case in their monthly magazine which has an international readership!

*swoon*

If you'd like to know more about Privateer Press, just check out some of the games they have! If you play these types of games, I suggest playing Grind and Warmachine! They're two games I love to play and of course influenced my decision to do this case.

http://privateerpress.com/


Thank you very very much Privateer Press! I love it when the excitement and awe is contagious!

 

Congratulations on the sponsorship! Hopefully you'll not get a crapload of the small 15ml bottles used for the miniatures

 

Actually, that's exactly what I'm getting. Don't laugh, I did the math they only stock them in the 18mL bottles so they're sending over 100 of them!!!!! But I'll be getting enough of them to coat the case, then some, and with multiple colors.

Besides, it fits the motif. I am, after all making a giant miniature.

 

Heh, that's pretty funny actually. You'll just have to open each and every bottle and dump the paint in a bigger can then. Or if you are really hardcore; paint the case with a miniature brush!

 

When it rains, it pours!

I might have a second potential contributor/sponsor!

Details will be posted soon with an actual update!