Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2010 19:19:52 GMT
Gents,
I'm working on a 24" round, center-grip shield, sort of a gladiator style. Any recommendations on edging (leather or metal) and how to attach. I've been thinking about finding a Tandy Leather store and grabbing a strip of leather and either nail it on or lashing it on with leather strapping or cord. I've considered a metal trim but I'm not certain what to use.
My son and I are both making them and these might see "combat" against rattan and or other wooden wasters- definitely against foam and plastic weapons.
They're 1/2" plywood with canvas and linen coverings, metal boss and red oak handle. We'll get some pics up when they're done. Thanks.
Todd
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2010 19:36:59 GMT
For safety, I'd say a leather edging as a metal edging could easily deal a concussion or even death, especially when dealing with kids. I can't really say anything as to the attaching, though. I doubt epoxy would work on leather, but that's all I can think of, since you wouldn't want a nail or screw coming loose.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2010 0:22:39 GMT
Well, since you don't seem to be going for historical accuracy (you'd need to replace the canvas/linen with rawhide, well, for the shields I know about), I'd recommend the heavy duty radiator hose laced on with parachute cord. It's safe and very durable.
For historical accuracy, either metal or leather would work, but safety would recommend several layers of leather probably laced on. I'm not familiar with the particular type of tacks that would have been used, but rather than nails, some kind of tack was used (you don't want the pointy end going all the way through the shield and you need a broad head to hold the edging in place).
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Aug 8, 2010 1:59:01 GMT
Taran- wouldn't it have been riveted, or peened? I have no knowledge of this sort of thing at all, so please forgive my ineptitude, lol... but from what I've heard of shields, they generally use reivets and peened nails to attach most things. Does that sound at least half way right to you? Thanks. ;D -Slayer
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2010 4:57:12 GMT
I'm going for something akin to a parma. I thought I read somewhere that shields used linen. I had both canvas and linen lying around. Just to experiment with handling, I put canvas on the front of the shield and linen on the back. I could have went with leather but cost is an issue, especially if I'm going to edge it with leather. This is my first attempt at making a shield, so I didn't want to spend too much on it. My hope was to come in cheaper than what I could buy one for.
Thanks for the recommendations.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2010 23:37:58 GMT
Sure, Slayer. If they could afford the rivets. Keep in mind that for most people, metal was a premium material. The less they could use and still have an effective tool, the better. That way they could afford more. Oh, I'm not sure what you meant on one point, so, just for the record, peening is part of the riveting process.
paleryder, I can't think of a way to use canvas or linen that would make an effective shield. That's not to say that it isn't out there and maybe someone on this board can provide a link or a methodology for it.
Keep in mind that a lot of historical accuracy depends on what you are trying to portray. A metal edging riveted would be rather out of place in the hands of the average foot soldier. But a leather edging laced would be rather out of place in a knight's hands.
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