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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: ironmammoth on 20 December 2013, 12:35:06 PM

Title: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: ironmammoth on 20 December 2013, 12:35:06 PM
I have just posted a tutorial explaining how I built my Crystal Spires Sci-Fi terrain pieces, to my blog.

http://ironmammoth.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/eye-catching-sci-fi-scenics-crystal.html (http://ironmammoth.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/eye-catching-sci-fi-scenics-crystal.html)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hiscrbf6pIo/UrMbnmXwg1I/AAAAAAAAKng/jv-sgrXpJ1c/w958-h719-no/DSCN2373.JPG)
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: imurdentist on 20 December 2013, 01:27:25 PM
Now this is really good!
Thanks for sharing  :o
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: commissarmoody on 20 December 2013, 02:22:19 PM
That's pretty damn cool!  :D :-*
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: Elk101 on 20 December 2013, 03:03:49 PM
Very clever! It would make great Rogue Trooper terrain.
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: Dr Mathias on 20 December 2013, 03:45:14 PM
Very cool!

Have any extra clear acrylic cuttings laying around that you want to unload? :)
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: AndrewBeasley on 20 December 2013, 08:20:03 PM
 :o

Stay away from me though - I could murder for some of that off-cut for my Inuit set  :D
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: ironmammoth on 20 December 2013, 10:01:40 PM
Thanks for all the comments!

I do have quite a lot more of the spare acrylic bits, but I still have future plans for some of it! Still, I might be persuaded to part with some of it  lol
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: Predatorpt on 21 December 2013, 12:06:58 AM
Wow, amazing work. What kind of glue did you use on the pieces? I'm asking this because superglue usually 'fogs' acrylic (at least the cheap one I use).
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: FramFramson on 21 December 2013, 12:38:29 AM
Maybe two-part epoxy? That stays transparent and good ones won't yellow.
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: AndrewBeasley on 21 December 2013, 12:45:28 AM
Best glue I found was Litko Type 33 clear http://www.litko.net/products/Craftics-%2333-Thick-Acrylic-Cement.html

I got mine from Figures In Comfort at a show.
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: ironmammoth on 21 December 2013, 11:16:17 PM
Wow, amazing work. What kind of glue did you use on the pieces? I'm asking this because superglue usually 'fogs' acrylic (at least the cheap one I use).

The best glue to use is a Dichloromethane based adhesive. EMA Plastic Weld is one of the best (unfortunately they wont sell it outside of the UK...). However, I actually use straight dichloromethane from a chemical suppliers. It isn't very nice stuff, but the advantage is that it actually welds the acrylic together. Melting both surfaces into each other and leaving a totally clear join.
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: Predatorpt on 22 December 2013, 01:01:31 AM
The best glue to use is a Dichloromethane based adhesive. EMA Plastic Weld is one of the best (unfortunately they wont sell it outside of the UK...). However, I actually use straight dichloromethane from a chemical suppliers. It isn't very nice stuff, but the advantage is that it actually welds the acrylic together. Melting both surfaces into each other and leaving a totally clear join.

Thanks for the reply. As a matter of fact, I've got some Plastruct Plastic Weld and it seems to do the same thing. It says that:

Quote
Plastruct sells a general purpose plastic solvent cement that can be used with a variety of plastics including Styrene, ABS, Acrylic and Butyrate. Solvent is applied to the two surfaces that are to be "welded" and then the parts are held together. The solvent will actually melt the plastic surfaces and join them in a strong "welded" bond.

I'll give a try on some acrylic beads.
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: 6milPhil on 22 December 2013, 02:50:26 AM
That works really well. It's occurred to me you could do it upside down too, and use it as a flight stand for a Sci-Fi aircraft, although it would have to be big enough to accomodate the light source.
Title: Re: Crystal Spires Sci-Fi Terrain
Post by: magokiron on 26 December 2013, 12:58:57 AM
 o_o  o_o  :o  :o  :-*  :-*  :-*

This is truly IMPRESSIVE!

A GREAT idea and a VERY USEFUL step by step explanation with a detailed tutorial.

Thanks for sharing.