Edward Elric automail arm

[nyaa]

Edward Elric's Automail Arm
www.amethyst-angel.com/automailpattern/edreference01.jpg

I've been thinking a lot on how I will go about this arm. Considering I am a poor college student I would like to go about the cheap way but still making it look professional. Here are my options for the materials in making the automail armor.

$6.10 - .020" Thick High Impact Styrene Sheet 40" X 72"
$58.00 - Wondeflex Jumbo Sheet 40" x 55"
$39.95 - FRIENDLY PLASTIC IVORY PELLETS 28oz
$1-2 - Craft foam
priceless - posterboard/cardboard/paper mache

I have viewed Amethyst Angels's Automail Making Tutorial ->http://amethyst-angel.com/armormaking_automail.html and might I say she is a genius! She designed her automail from styrene, craft foam and vinyl for the outter layer.
I really want to make it out of styrene but my only concern with using styrene is that I don't know how to work with it, it seems hard to cut some small pieces.
So does anyone have a tutorial on how to work with styrene and how to cut it? Also, if having a craft foam as an under layer be good to make it thicker and a soft cushion against my skin or just using styrene?
If anyone has any other suggestions on how to make the arm, I'm all open for advice.

If anyone is going as alphonse we should spar sometime

[lirinisxaldin]

XD I would say if you want cheap. Cardboard and ducktape. But If you want it done good and right I would ask the edward whoactually made his arm and leg. he is on myspace. But you migh tbe able to find him on here.

[Findabarr]

I knew a cosplayer who used cardboard and foil. You should try that.

[ohjay]

I made mine with soda cans, a shirt sleeve, and LOTS of hot glue. It turned out pretty good:

chibicowolfie.deviantart.com/art/Kawa-Con-10-Ed-Elric-159123021

ohjayfmamaniac.deviantart.com/art/Automail-146960007 (This pic was before I added the shoulder)

ohjayfmamaniac.deviantart.com/art/Height-159195004

I did cut my fingers on the sharp edges a few times because I was to stubborn to wear gloves, and just scissors will cut them fine.