Mod Squad Guide: Planning your next Mod

[raphael2040]

Since we don't really have one yet, I just thought I'd create a quick guide for all modders; old or new, about how to plan and properly excecute your next mod.


Planning your next Mod


The first thing to do is work out EXACTLY what you're going to do. This means you sit down, look at whatever you're planning on modding, and note down everything you're going to do, from beginning to end. Some people could argue that it's a waste of time, but believe me, it will prove useful in the long run.


Secondly, note down every tool/utensil you'll be needing during the mod. No matter how small, it is essential you note it down, in case you forget you need it during the mod. When you've noted everything down, get it all together. Paints, screwdrivers, power tools, materials, etc should all be at hand when you're modding. The last thing you want during a mod is forgetting where you put your dremel. =/


Next, depending on what you're going to mod, you'll need at least one of two things;

- Sketchup. [www.sketchup.com]
- Plain pieces of paper and stationary.

Drawing your mod out is always a good idea. Mental images tend to be a little deceptive, so drawing your mod out will make the mod easier.

Obviously, I can't tell you which one of the two you should use. Sketchup takes a little time to get used to, but is very useful when working with 3D sketches.

Paper, pencils and rulers can also prove to be very effective, as you can get an accurate scale of your mod, and, providing you measure correctly, you won't have any space/room issues when it comes to your mod.

Note; Do not rush this stage, as it is essential you get everything right and you know exactly what you're doing.


After all this is done, double check everything. Make sure your sketches are correct, make sure you haven't forgotten everything in your plan and make sure you have all the materials at hand.


Once this is done, roll your sleeves up and get cracking. But wait! DO NOT forget the most essential part of modding; protection.

Whatever you do, if you know you're at risk from anything, wear protection. Insulated gloves, face masks, goggles, whatever it takes to protect you from flying sparks or random debris flying around.


Once you're fully protected, get cracking. If at all possible, try and make sure that time is not an issue when modding. Modding is an art, and you can't rush art. Work slowly through your mod, follow your plan carefully, and take as many pictures as you can!



Once your mod is fully completed, remove your goggles and behold your work. When that's done, post it here, along with those pictures you took!






That's all, really. A Planning your next Mod guide, written in about 15 minutes. If I missed anything out, let me know.


Hope anyone and everyone finds this useful. If not, then stfuplx.


~ Tetsuo/Raphael

[Samuknow]

How about a tool guide?

Maybe what paints to use and possibly paint procedures.

Just a suggestion

[raphael2040]

=O

Genius, Mr Sam.

Simply genius.

-goes off to do so-

[aghastpumpkin]

Can I do paint please? With a little help from my friends of course!

[captaincurran]

*looks at your hands*
Tisk. You've already been in the paint.
*Shows you your hands*
There's paint all over your hands, heck it's on your shirt and everything! Get to the washroom and wash it all off before it stains! And you'd better hope it's not waterresistant! Cloasters will have a hayday if it is!

[raphael2040]

Originally Posted by aghastpumpkin

Can I do paint please? With a little help from my friends of course!

Sure thing.

I'm sure you have more experience with paints than I do anyway.

Random idea; if we got a selection of people each covering a guide for each part of a mod, then perhaps we can put them all together and create a super-ultimate guide?

[Samuknow]

That sounds like a great idea. So are you going to put a list together of areas you want and have people sign up?

[raphael2040]

Yeah.

Maybe if we have;

- A preperation guide
- Tool Guide
- Paint guide
- Materials guide


And create a big super guide using all of it. =O

Also, anyone want to add to that list above? ^