7 replies to this topic

[Quickshot-Merc]

Apologies if this thread is an unnecessary rehash of an already existing one, but I want to jump straight into the action.

Having people with actual experience with Steampunk is a dream come true. So can anyone share their best solutions for obtaining simple bits and pieces that can be a starting point for Steam accessories and major costume parts in general.

I mean: Cogs, Piping, Brass, Leather and Hardware.

I wish I had an old VCR to pull to pieces. I've got a Nerf Maverick I can paint already, and some kind of goggle/eyepatch would be my next step.

Thanks,

QM.

Edited by Quickshot-Merc, 08 September 2009 - 09:22 PM.

[Merrick]

VCRs are cool for lots of parts, clapped out typewriters too. Hit garage sales for old mechanical anything, there will always be bits and pieces you can use.

My only thing is I hate seeing good condition vintage machines getting trashed for steampunk bits.

[Quickshot-Merc]

My only thing is I hate seeing good condition vintage machines getting trashed for steampunk bits.

I would rather preserve such machines too, personally.


So I'm going to hit Bunnings something this week, probably Thursday. I'm not sure what I will find, but that's part of the fun, I suppose. There were some metallic pipes lying around in my shed already, which come together nicely to make a walking stick/cane just the right size for me. Now all I need to do is add some paint, greebles, etc. Perhaps a nice gadget for the top, too.

I keep a tidy ship, so there aren't really any obsolete/broken appliances I can demolish, so no luck there. Remaining vigilant for springs and pieces, however. If I had a dollar for every time I had a spring and didn't know what to do with it I would be living in Sydney

Keep the Steam-Powered Arm strong,

QM.

[Darth_horus]

I would also suggest hitting any second-hand market places(trash and treasure) for any old clocks and the like, I picked up 2 non-working clocks to strip out the gears and brass for around $10, also hit Spotlight for cheap curtain rods to make your cane out of, i think you will find them cheaper than Bunnings.

Keep on ticking!!

[Quickshot-Merc]

I'm pretty lucky because they hold the weekly Bundaberg Markets just up the road from where I am.

I don't know why I hadn't thought about that, it's such a great idea. I'm sure I'll find some great peices, pics will come if I do.

Also Horus, it's damn good to see another AFOL on here.

QM.

[trinnyt]

Good place to keep an eye out for (we have one in Brisbane, but I'm not sure you'll have one up in Bundy) is a reverse garbage shop. We have one that you can often get the wierdest bits and pieces from, and I don't really think they're that expensive!

The other thing you could do is go to your local life line and see what they do with the appliances (etc) they are donated that don't actually work.

[Quickshot-Merc]

I've heard of these Reverse-Garbage shops before, but no, I don't think we have any here, unfortunately.

[Old Trenchy]

I've got a Nerf Maverick I can paint already

The Maverick is the is a great go-to toy gun to use isn't it?

Ever since I started looking into Steampunking I've been seeing these Mavericks everywhere. Very tempted to get one myself...