How To Make a Star Wars Action Figure Diorama (Free Design!)

[@tested]

Design files for this project here: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4569657 Tools and materials: Glowforge Laser Cutter: amzn.to/2ZVtowa Cricut Maker: amzn.to/2O5STFI LED light strip: amzn.to/3ePmcrA Black .02 styrene sheets: amzn.to/3fj62Y0 Tamiya Thin Cement: amzn.to/3g4ppUt Star Wars Black Series figures: amzn.to/3kLGcio Black matte Acrylic: shop.glowforge.com/collections/acrylic/products/black-acrylic-cast-matte-glossy Frosted Acrlyic: shop.glowforge.com/collections/acrylic/products/frosted-acrylic-cast-translucent-glossy

[@passingFable]

Hi all people from Tested (Adam, Norm and all the others). I would like to take a moment to thank you all for bringing the amazing content at an almost daily basis. It has become one of my daily rituals watching a new video. Thanks for taking our minds of some of the hard things most of us are going through these days, stay safe!

[@noobiusmaximus6314]

You could create a magnetic chain track (underneath the floor), to have a little Mouse Droid scurrying around Vader's feet.

[@BlackieNuff]

I LOVE that idea! LOL

[@BTN1979BoBo]

Try putting the magnet under, swap metal plate with a magnet. it and use 2mm weld wire in the feet. Might work. Awesome video. Cool Star Wars AFD.

[@daniellezepess]

I had the same thought. It's likely much easier to find metal to fit the figures' peg holes than a strong magnet that small. :)

[@BTN1979BoBo]

@@daniellezepess you are absolutely right. 2mm TIG Thread would be my pick of metal. A fridge magnet would it could do the job?

[@daniellezepess]

@@BTN1979BoBo I don't see why not. Some fridge magnets are pernicious... I have a couple that won't come off for anything!

[@BTN1979BoBo]

@@daniellezepess Agree :D

[@wobblysauce]

This.

[@spoonz202]

I know a bunch of people just complain whenever Norm does a video (or probably anyone but adam), but I honestly can't see the value in videos where they use a $5k tool for toy projects. most people won't have access to it so the knowledge is fairly niche. I can't imagine many people find it very helpful.

[@user-uw5sy7qx1x]

Star Wars is just amazing! It’s the best series ever!!

[@Gerald5000]

You can frost the clear, with some fine sandpaper.

[@tekvax01]

"What's a diorama?" - Ralph Wiggum

[@BlackieNuff]

Diorama is when you eat too much Mexican food and you're on the toilet for 3 days. :-P

[@theSilentCutter]

i squished my wookie :(

[@carrolbrooks2143]

You can use an "Air Eraser" with baking soda to etch acrylic flat after installing the windows. Great Job!!!

[@mudpuddle8805]

Miniatures? I wanted to see Norm make a full scale 1:1 Death Star! Adam can make it functional!

[@wolfe1970]

Yes, this is going to be my first diorama project, really looking forward to starting it, my head is a buzz with ideas.

[@3.k]

Next video: lighting up Vader‘s lightsaber.

[@FinalConsensus]

Photoshop

[@JoannaHammond]

For me the fun of any diorama is designing and creating it yourself.

[@The_CardWizard]

Great video! it seems like it would be relatively easy to scale up the size and make a diorama for a 1/6th scale figure!

[@Szlater]

“The ‘T’ on my cement has worn off” “Really powerful stuff”....I see what you did there!

[@mathewcox9371]

Szlater i was waiting to see this comment....you are a person of culture, I see.

[@lasarith2]

I felt a presence I’ve not felt , since the last time he picked me up .

[@LarryPitman]

put some of the bigger magnets on the metal plate underneath, that should help the smaller magnet hold on (as long as you orient them the correct way)

[@benh9220]

For the magnets, I would check McMaster Carr. They have all sorts of sizes, shapes, and types

[@DenisRyan]

This is seriously impressive. I thought it was a diorama for the 12" sized figures from the thumbnail. Very, very cool.

[@johnsantiago1872]

Put a strong magnet underneath instead of the metal. (make sure the polarity is correct) Great video, awesome idea.Thanks again. John S.

[@tonythemedtravels]

I think I'm not the only person with this idea, but maybe try placing a strong magnet under the floor and a small metal peg, wire, or the small magnets you currently have in the feet?

[@stinkyham9050]

When he said "vintage series" of figures at first I thought he ment he got original Kenner toys from the 80s and opened the boxes. I about had a complete mental break down until I realized they were new figures from 2 years ago. Cool diorama.

[@796studios]

Would love to see you do this in a 1/12 scale

[@78riotact]

This is awesome... for anyone who has access to a laser cutter.

[@DIGITALidYOUTUBE]

Add some folded over cookie sheet wax paper behind the frosted glass to defuse the light a little more.

[@SecretNatureChannel]

Neodymium magnet underneath and loading the feet up with metal is a good idea. Could also drill a wider hole in the bottom and fit a larger magnet. You don't need to stick with 2mm.

[@Imkiritai]

This is one of those beautiful things that has me starting on multiple dioramas. Such a great piece you've made that will spawn multiple variations. ☺️ Thank you Norman

[@TheCreativeWill]

Have you tried embedding the magnets in a stack of 3 or 4? In my experience its a good way to boost your magnetism without buying thicker/stronger magnets. Works well with neodymium magnets I've used in the past. Hope this helps!

[@DarthLuthier]

Love the design and thanks for the free svg files! I plan to scale this up for some larger scale figures, and use EL light sheet, instead of strip LEDs. As for the removal of the protective film, lay some gorilla tape over the surface to pull it up. Makes getting the smaller bits that much easier, and less likely to scratch the surface.

[@exoticcarfactsofficialchan7050]

Your diorama projects are very satisfying to watch. Great video 😎👍

[@jekster]

So impressed by this work Norm! Killer stuff.

[@simonhutchinson3850]

I really like Norm's videos. More please!

[@PrimalEdge]

what if you added quarter size magnets to the plate? that might magnetize the plate

[@bartrabiej]

It's beautiful Norm!

[@KolbWorkshop]

Drill the holes deeper and stack as many magnets in there as you can. also put magnets on the bottom to attract the foot magnets.

[@FrankFromAcc]

Hi Norm. I had never even considered using the cricut to cut styrene. Thats an amazing idea and it works so well! Can you explain your settings a little bit more? Do you think it would be possible to just etch by using less passes in certain spots? Are you using the standard plotter or an add on blade?

[@kevinnelson66]

That is really cool.

[@mattemonx4315]

Norm you are a cool dude! I appreciate your contribution to Tested!

[@ryane.3539]

Thanks Norm, now I’m looking at getting a Glowforge. Like I need another hobby.

[@ryane.3539]

Yup, 4 months later and I have a glowforge on the way. I blame you Norm.

[@timalbrecht2311]

Hey Norm you recommend the Glowforge or the Muse laser. Any Recommendation will be very helpful im new to lasers thanks.

[@zarnistastudios]

I really like what you have done. I love building dioramas I posted a couple I have done but you have me rethinking my approach. Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@brucecashman4871]

Such a wonderful geeky project!!! Thanks Norm. I really enjoyed this video.

[@WhiteysWickedWorkshop]

Instead of using the metal on the bottom, Could you use another magnet to hold the smaller magnet?

[@fernandopalenzuela]

Put a strong magnet under your floor and put the metal in the hole in the foot of the action figure.

[@3dluke]

Is this possible on a CNC router, or is it too detailed? Looking at getting a cheap cnc router and would love to do something like this

[@guard961]

what kind of laser cutter do we need for acrylic? Im really interested in making these at home..

[@aarondaniel1974]

Can you cut the metal to fit their feet- and put magnets under the floor?

[@gary6300]

Hi buddy cool diorama looks fantastic would you ever consider making some more and selling them for people who can't buy the tools needed as I for one would buy this set.for my figures. Cheers Gary from the UK 🇬🇧

[@gabe2472]

Hey!! Do you think you could make some 1/6 scale dioramas? I collect 1/6 scale figures and really want to make some awesome dioramas for them but I just dont know where to start. I wanna make something for tattooine. Thanks!!

[@dennisearhart5453]

Try using Neodymium magnet's and make the floor with a sheet of metal.

[@woodengamer]

Try steel pins in the foot pegs and put strong larger magnet under the floor? might have a little better luck?

[@andy-in-indy]

Norm - Try a hard drive magnet under the acrylic, (or use painted steel for the floor).

[@wolverinesnikkt]

Wow! I love it!

[@RRshawncash]

Amazing!

[@justinreilly6619]

Genius design! 👌

[@Dave_W861]

Awesome work and a really well put together video. We have a cameo 4 which can use a cutting mat, which is really handy for not losing bits you cut out, I think the cricut has the same option, which might be handy for the styrofoam relief bits. It isn't an option on the cameo 3 though.

[@coreys2686]

what about using a larger magnet underneath the metal plate? the interaction from the different pieces should help

[@matthewgoetz4570]

How would you scale this for a 1/12 figure like the Bandai kits?

[@landonashby2029]

Perhaps try reversing your idea for the magnets. You could but a larger stronger neodymium magnet under the display and insert ferrous rod into the figure's soles.

[@TheAnnoyingThingOutdoors1]

Magnet thouths, what if you place a metal plate undet the acrylic?

[@spikeshostagetv5935]

I see a big star War fan 💪😉🤘

[@Tigrillo]

Great idea for display, Thanks

[@MatthewJorgensen1968]

Reverse the magnets and metal. use a steel a grub screw in the feet and tape the magnet to the floor.

[@Zero6BravoZ6B]

Norm. Why not stick a thin piece of steel to the feet and fit a strong magnet underneath?

[@biojui1]

What if you put a strong magnet beneath the floor and little bits of metal into their feets? Seems easier.

[@novmikvis]

What tool did you use to peel off protective film from acrylic pieces?

[@hiimollielol1663]

I've got a few random star wars figures and now I've got something to use them for

[@ethansykes9373]

Make a vid on you making it

[@bonezofficial1417]

Wow. Soo awesome

[@Plastic_Crack]

For 1/12 scale, how much bigger should I make the walls?

[@tested]

About 8 inches tall!

[@BlackieNuff]

I would not imagine the "magnet in the foot peg hole" tactic to ever work cos those pieces going into the figure's foot are way too small to be effectively gripped to a magnetic surface. Not enough material. You'd be better off to somehow get a custom cut-out of the figure's foot shape and line the entire sole of the foot with a layer of magnetic material. Bonus if you can attach/glue a wee peg onto the cut-out so that the magnetic soles are removable (as permanently plugging up the peg hole seems a bit "bridge burny" to me, in case you wanna dispaly the figure on a conventional environment that has the pegs). I'm thinking maybe that thin, soft, pliable magnetic stuff that is often used for "fridge magnet business cards" - it's thin enough to cut (probably with scissors or a utility knife - but if your fancy laser cutter can do the job, then rock on!) and it should not end up looking like a figure's footwear converted into KISS platforms, lol. As for pegs, you could either "break" off actual pegs from the little display stands or whatever, but I would try and figure out a more "from scratch" inception, using a small piece of Q-tip baton or whatever will fit nicely into the foot peg hole AND fasten securely to the magentic "sole" layer. Certain generic/alternate brand cotton swabs have the hollow plastic batons (oftne blue in color), which might better serve to contain adhesive or glue and guarantee a more secure adhesion to the magnet layer. Q-Tip brand batons are solid, and appear to be composed of compressed paper and would probably not work very well. I imagine they would disintegrate from the glue or just not adhere to the magnet layer without a gluey mess or something? I could be wrong, but I'd try the hollow plastic ones. They make great WD-40 nozzles, so why not also action figure pegs? LOL I don't know if this is making any sense or if I'm conveying the idea properly, but just jamming a small piece of magnet into the peg hole will NOT work due to sheer insufficient quantity, so it doesn't matter how powerful a magent you use underneath, that tiny piece in the foot won't grip to anything (not even directly, let alone through a floor), especially with the weight of a figure factored in.

[@TheSalemCrow]

If you get the right kind of magnet, it works great. I've seen it done with 1/12 scale figures, which are heavier than these 1/18 scale figures, and they work great. They even hold a Spiderman figure upside down with no issues.

[@BlackieNuff]

@@TheSalemCrow Cool. Haha, an inverted Spider-Man on the "ceiling" - that would be sweet, lol.

[@immunosuppressor]

This is a seriously cool project. The only question I have is how to convince my wife that the purchase of a Glowforge is a good idea. 😁

[@Randavian]

If she is like my wife, she will enjoy all the things you can make for her to add to her crafts.

[@TheSalemCrow]

Instead of stopping and flipping the acrylic over to cut the shiny floor section, couldn't you just flip that pattern so it cuts in the correct orientation when complete?

[@carnsoaks1]

make your own magnetised inserts. like magnetising screwdriver tips

[@briyun9610]

Very cool

[@tobynobel5671]

That is Absolutely fantastic!! When are there going to be more costume/prop one day builds?! 🙂

[@Mrfungolao]

What is that thing that you connect to light-strip?!

[@kevingreenfield9991]

Hello my name is kevin and I'm from Colchester Essex England and I'm a massive starwars fan and I love making starwars costumes and I want to work in a Factory where the starwars merchandise were made.

[@manuelparga1120]

How about cutting the flat magnet into the shoe size I stick in the mud on their show. maybe that work

[@telescopereplicator]

Maybe it's better to turn the system around : Put a few small pieces of steel inside the feet. Drill the largest hole possible and fill it with a steel rod. Then put a large and very strong magnet underneath the floor. Problem solved.

[@southkiwi2010]

I Love this

[@levifout60882]

Freaking sick man!

[@Nanolis]

Would be cool to do something with the first Resident Evil movie's laser hallway.

[@darrenmcgovern4719]

You can just reverse that process insted stick a large magnet on the base that way you can fill the feet of the figures with a highly magnetic metel will work just as good and easier as small strong magnets are hard to find as they are small they dont generate enough ' force' pun intended for this video 👍

[@drazi85]

Change Magnetsize to the Metalplate and put some Metal into the Pagwholes.

[@StephenTurnerVlogs]

For those of us who don't have access to the machines and want the acrylic, could you sell kits?

[@zachbaer2655]

thank you

[@Fotai19]

Why not reversing the chalenge. Why not stick a small piece of steel wire inside the boot. And be able to choose more easily a strong muck biger magnet to go below the deck?

[@luckyyang9622]

Magnetize the feet... then make ice cave Luke dio for your fridge!

[@swank1975]

I really wanted to go to the tested store to check the merch. I noticed there are no tall sized t shirts. That would open your merch up to a whole new group. I just cannot wear non tall tshirts. Having to go up to a 3xl to get the length I need when a XLT fits isn't an option.

[@yohannklein1107]

Wow ! 😍

[@NowahBoddy]

Put a strong magnet under the diorama and put a small piece of metal in the feet.

[@Bachini]

FREE STRONG MAGNETS: Grab an old cellphone, open it, go to de tiny speakers, crack them open. You'll find super small and super strong magnets. I don't know if they're gonna work for that, but I do use them as clippers for turning my glasses into sunglasses so, they might work just fine for you.

[@blurb3330]

love it

[@GadgetTrish]

OMG I LOVE THIS!!! (SUBBED)

[@rey0107]

Norm, why not place a strong magnet on the floor and place metal rods on the figure. 🤔

[@ShiryouOni]

Neat!

[@marufasharmin6396]

It's extreme!!

[@Raysboss302]

Hey Jazz inc. 🤟🏽

[@DanielBowkett]

Put metal on the feet and a more powerful magnet on the base

[@mr.b415]

Love this, any chance you or someone else would offer this as a kit for those who don't have a laser cutter?...