Raulin Arbor wrote:I have all of those things mentioned.
I guess I just need to add patience.
Good... now that was a minimum's list. Having just that stuff means you'll work hard at this. Upgrading to a few better tools means less work and a better result.
You can use almost any blunt chisel to do the ridge line and roll the edge, but you'll be regrinding the tip of the chisel to a different shape for each job. Having the correct stake tools or at least several specialized chisels makes life easier.
A 2x72 belt grinder makes almost ALL the filing and weld clean-up a breeze. You can do most of it with an angle grinder and flap disc, but its much harder. Hand filing is the most labor intensive way. A lower speed right angle buffer/sander makes finishing the smooth surfaces easier than hand sanding.
A throatless bench shear makes cutting the steel sheet easy. A jig saw is more work and mess, but still better than a hand saw or sharp chisel.
A Roper-Whitney bench punch [#10 or #7] makes punching rivet holes as easy as punching holes in paper. A RW#5 hand punch is still good. The Harbor Freight knockoff might punch 20 holes before dying. A hammer and punch over a block of wood is more work. A drill is aggravation and may eventually work.
If you don't have the best available tools, consider asking around to borrow them or barter for the work. The alternative is time and patience.
Once you decide if you have or can borrow the tools, the next step is to study the finished piece and make sure you understand what you're going to be building.
You're buying one piece. By my count, there's 10 or 11 separate pieces you have to make for yourself in the finished picture you posted.
-First, there's 2 armpit plates which slide to give you a bit of movement with coverage. Imagine crossing your arms to grab opposite shoulders... those plates cover the compressed part of your pectorals/armpit.
-Then there's the bottom lip of the breastplate. That may or may not be somethign you can just flare out from the existing piece, depending on how much material is there and where you need your waistline. Depending on your skill/comfort level, it may be easier to cut out a piece and weld it in place.
-There appears to be at least one straight band across both sides below that lip.
-There appear to be 3 plates on each site the buckle onto the band listed above.
-Finally, that picture shows a blackplate, which I find more difficult than the entire front of the peascod with all its moving pieces. Seeing as I cannot SEE my own back, getting the shape even vaguely correct / comfortable requires either lots of trial and error OR casting a mold of my back [add 4-8 cans of spray foam, trash bags, cardboard boxes, and acetone to your list].
If I either [a] lose a lot of weight or [b] find a volunteer for the photos and financing of the project, I will make a tutorial on foam casting your own torso for self armouring.
