Custom Commissions available.
The majority of projects here at Arcane Armoury are commission pieces for collectors.
Sometimes people want something they can’t buy or that just doesn’t exist and that’s where we can help you!
I create hero / museum quality props from metal, wood, plastic etc.
If you have an idea for a project, feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to discuss it.
FAQ’s
“What’s the process of starting a commission?”
First we have an initial discussion on your requirements during which time you will provide me any reference or sketches you may have for a design. Over a short period ( approximately 3-7 days ) this information is reviewed and I will ask a number of questions that may be relevant to the construction.
Once we have a clear picture of what is required, we can take a look at sorting out an estimate for the project and an initial price can be given.
Once the price is paid in full fabrication can be timetabled and then begin.
“Why do I have to pay in full first?”
You have to pay full price for any item in a shop or online before you receive it, the same principle applies.
“How do you arrive at the quoted price?”
The quoted price is a combination of a number of factors:
Design Time : CAD work i.e. 3D computer aided design / rendering of any 3D models for 3D printed elements, production drawings etc. charged at an hourly rate or an agreed flat fee.
Material Costs : this includes anything needed to make the project from materials such as woods, plastics, resins, and metals to consumables such as hardware, paints, adhesives etc. These items are charged at cost.
Labour Time : this covers physical time to fabricate the project, including machine set up times, jig making and any R&D required. Charged at an hourly rate or an agreed flat fee.
Shipping and Packing Costs : these are location dependant, usually an insured, tracked service charged at cost.
“How long will my project take?”
This depends on 3 main factors :
My current work load.
The complexity of the project.
Project deadlines.
“I have a design revision, can I change part of the design whilst in production?”
In short yes… though it’s strongly discouraged! Sometimes the smallest design change can take a great deal of labour time to execute, so expect an additional cost to suit. Projects are generally constructed in the most efficient build order. Backtracking or rebuilding can mean having to set up machines again or dismantle parts that were never intended to be deconstructed and could cause potential damage, requiring rebuilds of other parts which will be charged for accordingly.
“Can I get multiple copies of my project?”
Yes and the good part is the more you have the cheaper it is per unit! In cases of short turn around times it may be that I need to outsource some pieces to other machine shops or production facilities, so that I can get a box of parts to assemble to ensure a deadline is reached.
“That’s a higher price than expected, what can I get for X amount?”
This happens a lot and is perfectly understandable. For me to build a copy of a commercially available £30 prop, for example, could cost hundreds (or thousands) because of all the quote factors listed above. I will always try to work to a customer’s budget where possible but sometimes their budget wouldn’t even cover the material cost. It will never be cheaper to get a prop maker to build something than to buy the commercial version.
“What sort of things can you make ?”
I will literally turn my hand to any project!
Any genre: Cyberpunk, Steampunk, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Medieval, Goth, Industrial etc.
I work in metal, wood, leather, resin, hand pewter casting, clay, fabrics, 3D printing etc.
I can do puppets, animatronics etc.
I make tools , jewellery, decorative items, random creative stuff, magic wands.
In short I have far too many interests!
“Can you send prop weapons internationally?”
Sadly, no. Due to both UK laws and shipping restrictions there is no way for me to send prop weapons internationally.