I need all the help in the world to make a boffer weapon

My boyfriend and I are coming to our first event in March and were all set except for weapons. I've been trying to put together a couple boffer weapons because we really don't want to show up empty handed and have to borrow something. ( I know thats perfectly acceptable and available, I just REALLY don't wanna do that.)

I've LITERALLY followed every tutorial I could find, mixed and matched methods, spent waaay too much money on materials and have wasted it trying to get something to work and look as realistic as possible. Like I absolutely refuse to walk in with something that looks like a pool noodle covered in duct tape. And I dont want to compromise on the look of weapon I want because whats he point in putting all this effort into something I dont like or even want to use and just wanna throw away.

I cant spend any more money trying to commission a weapon , or to buy a Home Depots worth of power tools, like every tutorial calls for. ANY and EVERY tip you guys have on building a weapon I will greatly appreciate.Also what are the ways that others have made their weapons and have been approved. It'll be the worst to show up with a weapon that I love all finished to find out I cant use it. Im going crazy drowning in foam bits and fumes. Send help!


This is what Im trying to make, as a 18" or less weapon:
i.pinimg.com/originals/64/a6/85/64a6852a...0b41124172ab6795.jpg

And something like this for my boyfriend, as a Small Weapon really only 6" :


What I have:
Blue Camp Pad from Walmart
Puzzle Floor Mat Foam Squares
Thin Craft Foam
Fiber Glass Rods
Utility Blades and a Hack Saw
Contact Cement
Plasti-Dip
Duct Tape
Hot Glue
Sand Paper
Spray Paint and Clear Coat

Msg me on FB @Jacob Ferragamo,

I will happily walk you threw what you need to do
other than that im on the discord allot.