I have a few updates since I finished crafting the helmet. I've had to remake it two more times. First, my dog ate my helmet.
The first iteration was sized too big. I didn't really follow sizing tutorials and winged it. I took the original .pdo file and resized it bigger by 10%, and then again for another 10%. For my second try, I used the original unedited file. That one ended up too small. My chin didn't quite fit into the helmet.
My final piece was sized at 10% bigger and it was juuuust right.
Notes
If you plan on trying out Pepakura, here are some things that I've learned from this experience:
- When prepping the .pdo file for printing, edit the file so each segment fits on a sheet. In Pepakura Designer 4, press Ctrl + N to "Join/Disjoin Faces".
- Measure, measure, measure! Although, who knows if I'll follow this tip. I'm a trial and error type of person.
- Protect your surfaces. Use a proper cutting board.
- Protect your wrists. Use a precision paper slicing tool with a solid handle and fresh blades.
- For precision, use a ruler. I like the transparent ones.
- Use the backside of your blade to score the folds.
- When gluing the segments, start with the smaller pieces and try to end in an easily accessible area.