"Mean As Hell" Dog Helmet

thingiverse

This is perfect for Halloween. That looks **"Mean As Hell!"** is what people will be saying when they see this. The helmet is easily printed and put together. It fits a dog's head perfectly, making it easy to move around in and comfortable. Use the sizing tool (see below) to ensure a proper fit. Sand it, paint it, glue on the accessories, and more. Don't forget to size it carefully with the tool provided. *Sizing* can be tricky if your dog has a very long or short snout. Bulldogs may experience the helmet sticking out past their nose. The helmet was designed to conform to a dog's head, leaving room for the ears and nose. <h2>Scaling</h2> This helmet is ideal for **Medium** sized breeds of dogs. Print the scaling tester files to see if it fits your dog's head. If your dog's head is larger or smaller, estimate the scale in your slicer and reprint. Note down the scaling number you printed at so that you can easily scale the helmet and accessories when you have the right size. <h2>Printing</h2> Make sure to scale the helmet to the correct size using the Scale Tester. I used PETG, but you can use any material you prefer for this project. If you choose ABS, be aware that it may warp if your printer is not enclosed. The helmet comes in two parts with flat faces. If your printer can handle 45-degree angles without issues, you'll do fine. If not, add a small fan and/or slow down the print to avoid problems. <h2>Assembly</h2> **Glueing** Use epoxy or superglue to glue both halves of the helmet together. Epoxy is recommended as it provides extra strength and durability for your dog's safety. **Sanding** Start with 150 grit sandpaper, then move on to 300 grit to smooth out layer lines. **Painting** I used "Filler Primer" from Rusoleum, followed by a thick base coat. You can sand the primer with 400 grit sandpaper for a glass-smooth finish. Next, I applied Rustoleum Textured Paint "Stone" for a rough skin look. Finally, use Gloss Black spray paint and Krylon "UV Resistant Clear" to protect your dog's helmet from chipping. **Horns/Mohawk** You don't have to include the horns or mohawk. There is a printable insert that you can epoxy (glue) onto the helmet first, then attach the horns and mohawk. This ensures a strong bond between the components. <h2>Dog Vision</h2> Consider cutting your dog's fur around their eyes or shortening it to prevent obstruction. I did this with my dog, and she runs around with the helmet on as if it's part of her. <h2>Sharing</h2> Post pictures and videos of your dog wearing this helmet on social media! Tag me: Twitter - @protean_Man, Instagram - @the_protean_man, Youtube - Protean Man (@proteanman1). I'm excited to see how this looks on other dogs!