christmas on infinite earths

So I’ve had the notion to fabricate a bunch of the props for this next project from styrofoam after watching MAKE’s 5 minute foam factory tutorial. However, I did not have a model train controller to use for the power source, and don’t have the space in my apartment to build the mounted, platform-like cutter in the tutorial. So I went and bought a curling iron from saver’s and some metal rod and went to work building a hot-wire jigsaw.

After connecting some guitar string for the blade and plugging the iron directly into the AC outlet, I discovered I was working with too much power: the wire exploded into hot sparks. Twice. So I did some more research, went and bought some proper nichrome foam cutter wire and a spare 9V dc adapter, also from Savers. After hacking the cords together and putting the new wire on, success!

Now the light on the iron doesn’t light up, but it still gets hot enough to cut foam pretty easily, even on low. On high it can cut slowly through denser stuff, like regular styrene based plastics and clear plastics. Now to make some stuff.

Decided to get cracking on a mask prop for my final project. I tried designing it first, but was getting frustrated with that approach and so I just decided to make it.

Gearman Mask, early stage

Gearman mask, early stage with fabric shawl

Gearman mask, cranium complete

At this point I have to go back to the drawing board. The Gearman is supposed to be a steampunk inspired automaton, and I don’t know how to ornament the mask in order to achieve this effect. I want to add cheek pieces, but I don’t know if they will be large flat panels, or just a bit of scrollwork or ornamentation with fabric underneath to cover my face. The mask is very tight and a little uncomfortable to get on, but I can breathe and see out of it, though the line of sight is very reduced.