This section is divided into three subcategories ( Kit, Tools and Methods ) to acclimate you to the building process and get you started.This is not a step-by-step guide. Refer to our Modifications section for tips on assembling specific parts.

KIT - The "Godzilla" kit is the only complete Tusken Raider mask kit that I'm aware of. It is very accurate and comes with everything you need to build it except for various adhesives and an Xacto knife.

Click here to see an image of all of the components that come with the mask kit. All of the items listed in the Accessories section will need to be purchased separately. Detailed below are a number of tools and other materials you may also need.

Keep in mind that this is not an off-the-shelf, ready-to-wear costume. You will spend weeks (if not months) cutting, sanding, drilling, gluing and riveting your project. A good costume also requires a substantial financial investment...so start saving!

Have a look at the photos in the Gallery section to see what the completed costume looks like in action. E-mail me if you need help finding the "Godzilla" kit.

TOOLS - This is a list of tools you may need to complete your costume. Perhaps one of the most overlooked "tools" you'll need is a functional, well-ventilated workspace. Clean out the garage or buy a bigger house if you have to! Multiple electrical outlets are recommended to avoid plugging and unplugging tools. Exactly what modifications you want to make will determine which tools you'll need. Keep your receipts and you should be able to return what you don't use. One more thing: Look for members of your local 501st unit who may already be Tusken costumers or visit the 501st Krayt Clan Detachment message boards. An extra set of hands and some veteran know-how will be of considerable value. Okay, click here for your handy-dandy printable shopping list.

METHODS - Here we describe the various methods that can be used to assemble your costume. You'll need adhesives, hot glue, and velcro. Sewing skills are also a great asset for the cloth parts.

Adhesives - The "Godzilla" kit does not come with adhesives as they are dangerous to mail and how much you'll need depends on how you choose to build your costume. You will need Goop (for attaching metal to latex), Barge Cement (for attaching fabric to latex) and 2-Part epoxy (for attaching leather to latex). The epoxy will also be used for assembling the gaffi stick. Household Goop or E-6000 adhesive is also good for the boot wraps.

Hot glue - Make sure you get a regular size glue gun as the mini glue guns don't hold enough glue at one time. Also, make sure your gun is a HIGH temperature gun so that the glue is nice and runny when you use it. Hot glue is not recommended for high-stress applications such as putting your gaffi stick together or assembling the mask. In fact, the only place you might need hot glue on the Tusken costume is to install fans or lenses inside the mask.

Velcro - Unlike the Stormtrooper armor, regular velcro seems to be fine for the Tusken Raider costume. The industrial strength velcro is too thick and rigid for use on cloth and bandages anyway (Click here for a comparison of standard velcro and the industrial strength velcro). You can use the velcro for the wrist wraps and possibly the back of the mask.