Modding DD Heads?

I'm thinking about getting a hdd-01 head and modding it to look like those really cute ones you see on YJA. Though how would you go about modding it?

 

To make the eyes-holes bigger, would I need to get a closed-eyes model and take an X-Acto knife to it, or would I just sandpaper an open-eyed model?

I'm thinking about getting a hdd-01 head and modding it to look like those really cute ones you see on YJA. Though how would you go about modding it?

 

To make the eyes-holes bigger, would I need to get a closed-eyes model and take an X-Acto knife to it, or would I just sandpaper an open-eyed model?

 

I know you can mod an open-eyed DD head to have bigger eyes--I've never done it myself but I had a custom 01 head done with the eyes opened up a little. I think it'd probably be easier as well since you don't have to deal with opening the eyes up all the way!

Yeah, I was going more towards the open-eyed sanding, and I just got some sandpaper from my dad, so...

A Dremel or similar tool is useful as well. It's what a lot of Japanese modders seem to use. Modded DDH-01 heads with larger eyes are adorable though!

Yes, sandpaper. Low grit to high.

Or at least that is what I do since I don't have any of the other tool =(

Needle files are useful, too. You can buy regular steel or diamond ones, I'd recommend a whole set at once, they're not expensive. Even both types, because steel ones tend to have lower grit.

To change some shapes they're much more precise than sandpaper. For example, in corners.

 

Dremel tool is useful too and doesn't have to be labeled "Dremel", You can find many other brands doing the same thing.

But You have to be careful - they have high rpm and may heat and melt the vinyl.

I've heard, that sometimes it's good to put the head in the fridge before modding - cold pvc is harder and easier to sand.

 

***

 

OTOH, I have a question about modding too - do anyone know, which epoxy putty doesn't cure to "stone" but remains a little flexible? Because I don't want it to chip off because of the flexibility difference between vinyl (DD head) and the cured epoxy.

Dridoller says, that Tamiya Quick Type remains a little flexible, but what about Tamiya Smooth Surface or other brands?

OTOH, I have a question about modding too - do anyone know, which epoxy putty doesn't cure to "stone" but remains a little flexible? Because I don't want it to chip off because of the flexibility difference between vinyl (DD head) and the cured epoxy.

Dridoller says, that Tamiya Quick Type remains a little flexible, but what about Tamiya Smooth Surface or other brands?

 

I have really been curious about this as well because if it is possible, Tamayuki could have a boy's chest instead of a sanded S bust.

 

~Sister Kyoya

Needle files are awesome for all kinds of other projects besides just modding heads, actually. Same with rotary tools like the Dremel. (If you're looking for off-brand versions of Dremel, "rotary tool" is probably the term you want to search. I'd say look for one with multiple speed settings, so you can slow it down on soft vinyl and then speed it up for other stuff like polishing metal.)

 

I'm curious about what sort of semi-flexible material they may be using. I know there is a flexible version of Sculpy, but from the one time I worked with it I'm not sure it'd have the right consistency to do the crisp type sculpting you see on official and high-end custom DD heads. :/

I found this thread on the flickr from 2010 about modding DD heads and it shows the results of using epoxy for addition sculpts.

What are "Needle files" ??? >///< .... i cannot translate it XD ...

What are "Needle files" ??? >///< .... i cannot translate it XD ...

 

Here's on a European site.

 

http://www.fine-tools.com/feile4.htm

What are "Needle files" ??? >///< .... i cannot translate it XD ...

I've been wondering this myself, so don't feel like you were the only one! All I could think of is metal files used on fingernails, or something like a bead reamer used to widen holes in beads.

 

~Sister Kyoya

I have a question as well actually. The needle files make perfect sense for modding the eyes, but when it comes to sanding down the nose, cheeks, or mouth to change the shape, what grit sandpaper do you use?

 

High grits I assume would scratch the vinyl... I am only used to working with resin

Vinyl seems much softer and I imagine you would notice any scratches from the sanding pretty easily.

To clarify, needle files are teeny little files, great for getting into small spaces. I got mine for a jewelry class but they're great for all kinds of fiddly projects--sculptures, props, etc.

 

I'm not sure what sandpaper grit to use either. I've been considering subtly sanding down the inside rim of Agatha's headcap to make it easier to open, and that should be a good testing spot since it'd be hidden. (And if it works I may do Nanoha's too, man is hers a pain to get open.) The coarsest I have is 280, the finest on hand I think is 420.

Head is more or less round, so in most cases You can use the files on the face as well, esp. the flatter and wider types.

Diamond needle files are fine (high grit) and I used them on a spare 02 head once, no problems.

You just have to find the right angle to work and to be careful.

What grit of sandpaper would you reccomend?

The lowest I have right now is 600.

What grit of sandpaper would you reccomend?

The lowest I have right now is 600.

 

It really depends on if you are going to do a lot of sanding or not. I use 500 up to 2000 grit

What grit of sandpaper would you reccomend?

The lowest I have right now is 600.

 

It really depends on if you are going to do a lot of sanding or not. I use 500 up to 2000 grit

 

I'm just going to open the eyes a bit, sand off those god-awful lips, and make the nose a bit smaller.

 

I'm going to order a pack of 400 grit from Volks because it's only like 2 dollars for 3 sheets.

Along with the head and the paints, of course.

 

I'm just going to open the eyes a bit, sand off those god-awful lips, and make the nose a bit smaller.

 

I'm going to order a pack of 400 grit from Volks because it's only like 2 dollars for 3 sheets.

Along with the head and the paints, of course.

 

400 sounds fine for nose and eyes. You will need a higher grit for the lips because you might see some of the sanded areas.

I also have 1500 and 1000 grit. I think my dad might have more as well.

I found an article about using epoxy putty - Using Epoxy Putty-It’s not as scary as you think!

 

Because DD heads are slightly elastic, it should be better to have a little elastic epoxy as well.

In the comments someone states, that You can mix two types of putty to get different characteristic.

For example, Blue/Yellow Epoxy Putty (afaik it's the "Green Stuff") hardens to 60 Shore D - eq of Golf ball rubber.

http://www.polymericsystems.com/technical-data/pdf/KneadatiteBlue-YellowTDS(4002-EM07).pdf

Before!

 

 

After!

 

 

My fingers hurt now...

Yeah, carving and sanding is rough on your hands! Had to do a bunch of both on a commissioned sculpture project so I totally empathize.

 

Still, lookin' good! I really like that eye shape.

Before!

 

 

My fingers hurt now...

 

Exciting!!!~~

Can't wait to see her finished ^^

Thank you, guys!

 

I have worked on her further, and made changes to her eyes and nose: