1. Cutting the panels out with the dremel using a cutting wheel. Notice the flex shaft. The rainbow colors are the reflection off of my TV, cool huh? Tip: before cutting out, label all panels and inside the outer dome so you know where to put them back (think match game).
2. The panels all cut out, edges smoothed and sanded with the dremel sanding kit, surfaces roughed up a bit, and ready to paint. Tip: roughing surfaces helps the paint to stick to it without peeling off later.
3. The dome as displayed at Starfest/Robocon 2008 in the Model Room. Since I still need to cut out the inner dome, I used the tacky stuff you hang posters in dorm rooms with to put the panels and eye on. It really holds great! Tip: for temp holding, use the tacky stuff that comes off easily.
4. The top of the dome to get a better look of the Rustoleum Hammered Gray paint job. It really does look like hammered iron! Tip: use a large cardboard box lined with newspapers to spraypaint items in. This prevents paint from spraying all over. Don't forget face and eye protection specifically for paint.
5. The EYE! Four hours with an airbrush with a very small jar of bronze hobby paint. I couldn't be happier. Azman is hooking me up with a bronze-tinted lens. Tip: there's more than one kind of paint. Shop around and READ LABELS FIRST! Tried a spraypaint for plastic only, didn't work on alum.
6. Another view of the eye to show the paint job. Tip: use a small amount of paint thinner in the airbrush to keep paint from clumping in the crevices. Trust me on that one!
Hope you enjoyed your quick tour of AL's partial dome.
Until next time,
Jawa Jaka
No comments:
Post a Comment