This DOOM fan 3D-printed a real-life Shield Saw (and now you can too)

DOOM: The Dark Ages just dropped and you can feel the excitement surging through the community!

As players step into the medieval-inspired armor of the DOOM Slayer, some fans have already been dreaming up - you guessed it - cosplay ideas! Well, we teamed up with id Software enthusiast and talented fabricator/artist Myke Hernandez, aka GameQraft, to bring you one of the DOOM Slayer’s newest demon-squashing tools to life: The Shield Saw! 

GameQraft created this stunning 1:1 full-scale replica of The Dark Ages’ Shield Saw and even produced a second model that he shared with id Software for display at their Texas office. The generosity doesn’t stop there, though, as GameQraft is also sharing his .STL file pack for the DOOM community to download for 3D printing for themselves!  

• Click here to download GameQraft's Shield Saw .STL file pack, subject to the ZeniMax Limited License therein. 

Learn more about how GameQraft developed the real-life Shield Saw, including getting a little help from none other than id Software themselves, and more in our exclusive interview below! 

SLAYERS CLUB: It's great to see you back at it again! In 2020, you wowed us with your polygonally-accurate 3D papercrafted DOOM 3 models - what have you been up to since? 

GAMEQRAFT: Thanks! I've been keeping busy. Since then, I've really overhauled and upgraded my art, now with 3D printing and 3D model creation! Modern games have way too many polygons for papercraft, so upgrading to 3D prints just made sense. 

SC: How did you break down the process of creating a full-scale Shield Saw from DOOM: The Dark Ages!? 

GQ: There's several phases to making something like this. The first step is to port and format the model so it can be 3D printed. The files are then “sliced,” which allows the 3D printer to print the pieces. From there it's just matter of post processing, which arguably takes the most talent! 

SC: Speaking of post-processing, what happens after finishing the 3D printing step?  

GQ: To start, you need sandpaper and a lot of patience! Raw 3D prints have visible layers and seams between pieces, which can be filled with a number of compounds like wood fillers or epoxy. This goes back and forth from sanding, filling and priming for a while until it's ready for paint.   

SC: How were you able to capture the details of the Shield Saw so closely, considering that DOOM: The Dark Ages hasn’t even released yet? 

GQ: I'm honored to have worked with the Bethesda community team on this one! Using in-game assets and textures, I export a new, insanely detailed model with the textures baked into the surfaces. The coolest feature of the Shield Saw without a doubt is the saw itself! It was so cool bringing it to life.  

It's always interesting seeing such a high level of quality on even the smallest details from the devs. Just looking at the structure and textures has me excited about how it will be utilized in the game. id Software games have always been a major inspiration for me, so working with them on this project was so fulfilling for me. 

SC: Did you make any alterations to accommodate the DOOM Slayer’s mighty bladed shield with present-day Earth tech? 

GQ: Since I don't have access to Argent energy yet, I'm stuck with fabricating it out of 3D printed plastic. Objects and surfaces sometimes pass through each other in games, but since there's no ‘~noclip’ in real life, I have to carve out paths for any moving parts including the handle and rotating blades. This is all done in the first phase of creating the 3D printable model.  

SC: Attendees at QuakeCon have likely seen your work displayed in the BYOC hall, including an impressive sculpt of Samuel Hayden(‘s damaged torso) at QuakeCon 2024. What’s it like showcasing your creations to a hall full of id Software fans? 

GQ: QuakeCon never fails to deliver a great experience. It's like a family gathering of the PC gaming community so most people instantly recognize these character models. I meet so many attendees showing me appreciation that it's hard to keep track! Not only do I get to meet fans but game developers, producers and directors. Needless to say, it's a fantastic networking experience for me on top of the unforgettable fun.

SC: Do you have any advice for fellow crafters setting out to build their own Shield Saw replica? 

GQ: Print away! I'm looking forward to seeing what people do with it. I included a pre-cut version for people to easily print on mid-sized printers. You'll need glue, some painting skills and a lot of patience but it'll turn out great!  

SC: Besides the Saw Shield, what else from DOOM: The Dark Ages has you excited? Anything you think could make a good fabrication project someday? 

GQ: My go-to is always the demons! I want to make all the monstrosities DOOM: The Dark Ages has to offer. Maybe the Dragon, Serrat? 

SC: Thank you for sharing your skills, your time and even your files! Where can the community check out more of your stuff? 

GQ: I'm always looking to make things bigger and better, so I'm on a mission to make even cooler large-scale fabrications using 3D printers. The best way to follow is my linktree - and @GameQraft on all social media platforms! 

I'd like to thank id Software for their confidence in my work and huge shout-out to the Bethesda community management team! But most of all, thanks to the fans and community for cultivating support for my art! Can't wait to see you all at future QuakeCon events!