Lightshield

[OlynKhorn]

I'm pretty certain there is already a thread on this, but I couldn't find it so feel free to link it here.

I'm interested in creating a new Sith Pikeman costume that uses a short saberspear. However I also want use a shield, similarly to the guards from TOR, and I'd like a like sort of "lightshield" if at all possible. Any thoughts or suggestions?


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[B1ondeange1]

I'm not sure what lightshield in TOR you are referring to. Reference Pictures would be handy.

But this is an idea we are toying with because we want to make Covenant energy shields.

If you want something solid, then acrylic (coloured or clear) should work. If you need the plastic curved, a plastics place should be able to cut and form it. You would need to etch the plastic to create any line details or frost it a little so that the light travels along it, hits the uneven bits and reflects out (to make it 'glow' ). LEDs could be placed around the edge (or centre, or both). Alternatively, two layers of acrylic together with film in between that will catch the light from the LEDs- similar to the way the lightsaber blades are made. Regardless it is going to take some experimenting, and making some trial runs with small pieces first to test the concept you want to use before going full scale and spending that extra money.

We are wanting to make ours collapsible so that it can be transported to events. I'm yet to try the small scale, but I've got some clear PVC plastic flexible sheeting. I'm going to scuff it so that it catches light in a ripple pattern radiating out from the base, and it will have a collapsible stand to support it at a few points. The energy shields in Halo pulsate with outflowing ripples, so ill have the lights set up to pulse at varying rates. If that's successful, ill go large scale. If not, back to the drawing board!

[OlynKhorn]

I'm actually not sure what their title is but this is what I was referring to.

As to the design of the shield, I think you make some good points. It'll take some time for me procure the supplies, but I think I'll end trying something very similar.


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[B1ondeange1]

Ahhh ok. Those are Zakuul knights I believe. Not at all what I was thinking. They are just a regular shield with somelit up strips.

Foam or foam board could be used. If you want something sturdier, go a thermoplastic like worbla or craftiflex. Foam will be lighter though.

For the lit up sections find something to use as a lens that has that ridged effect- shouldn't be too hard, or you cut/ etch/ engrave the lines into plastic to give the effect. Behind it has a line of LEDs, or maybe use something like LV wire to give a solid line of light.

[URNOTSOBOSS]

Ive also actually been thinking of making a lightshield, but i was thinking more like the ones the gungans use in phantom menace.
i was thinking of doing like blue plastiglass with maybe some sort of brass as the trim
Ideas?
Joshua

[Jev Moldara]

Ive also actually been thinking of making a lightshield, but i was thinking more like the ones the gungans use in phantom menace.
i was thinking of doing like blue plastiglass with maybe some sort of brass as the trim
Ideas?
Joshua

Well, here's a good shot of what the shield looks like...




So what you do is build the framework so you have the handgrip area house batteries and electronics, and the outer ring is lined with, in this case, UV LED Light strips facing inwards. From there, you make sure the plastiglass edges are rough and thoroughly frosted so they will catch the light better. Light shines in, reflects off everything there, but still looks translucent.

[B1ondeange1]

Well, here's a good shot of what the shield looks like...




So what you do is build the framework so you have the handgrip area house batteries and electronics, and the outer ring is lined with, in this case, UV LED Light strips facing inwards. From there, you make sure the plastiglass edges are rough and thoroughly frosted so they will catch the light better. Light shines in, reflects off everything there, but still looks translucent.

What he said

Or you can do two layers of plastic with film sandwiched in between and/or some kind of film or material coating it- that's how my friends Halo energy sword is made. That obviously increases the weight however.

Whatever film/ material is used needs to be able to reflect/ scatter the light to give the glowing effect. In all honestly scuffing the plastic will give same effect. I would suggest small trials first

Also you wouldn't have to use actual brass- moulded plastic tubing, lightweight wood or even foam painted brass coloured will make it lighter in weight.

[URNOTSOBOSS]

good ideas all. thanks, and ill keep looking and working on it, and be sure to share my results

[Soul]

Commenting so I get update notifications.

I use sword and shield in the sport I play (Jugger, in case anyone is curious), so I am very interested in people's ideas about making a shield from the Star Wars universe.

[Obese Wan Kenobese]

If it's just cosplay, one could make a wooden frame with color saran wrap to make gungan shields. Natural wrinkles in the wrap with lights on the back could even add to the look.

[theAfanc]

This might not help you, but I figured I'd throw it out there anyway.  My character has a light gauntlet and my plans for construction are to find a clear plastic shin or forearm guard and then run LED lights on the inside.  Once I get disarmed of my offhand saber in my choreo fights, I turn on the shield and use it for blocking.  It will be small and not bulky but will get the point across.

As tot he construction of your shield - cardboard works wonders!  It won't work for the clear one, obviously, but you could find cardboard anywhere and then thicken it up where necessarily with more layers or eva foam.  Then paint it out after it's the right shape and size.