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Post by hotspur on May 10, 2008 13:48:50 GMT
As I have mentioned here from time to time, some friends and me do a public meet and greet with swords and such. As the years have gone by, the numbers of swords have increased and tables are getting pretty full. I have some ideas on some simple racks for better use of table space but I am also looking at ground level solutions and the fan type sword stands such as this one keep coming to mind. Although that one only indicates holding seven swords, even if buying multoples, it would be cheaper than the classic Art Gladius display that runs a couple of hundred dollars. I know I have seen at least one personal photo here of someone that uses one and I'm looking for real time feedback on stability and durability. What bugs me is cost and I'd almost rather build stuff if the above are fragile. the Art Gladius wheels are built like tanks but really pricy. For that cost, I could be looking at lazy susan gun carousels with magnets (which would actually be quite ideal). The other spiffy ready made thing I see out there are Mohn vertical ski racks. It looks like I could fit twenty swords in the ST05 by alternately which way the swords lean, two per slot (ten slots) and the cost would be less tha two of the fan type pictured above. www.mohnsportracks.com/products.htmThere are some other sources for display racks for tables in the firearms corner but a ground level and vertical solution to really consolidate space would save table space for books, knives and antiques. I'm looking at some open shelving possibilities as well but the vertical stands seem like an easy to transport and set up solution. Thanks in advance for sharing any experiences you have with the above fan, the Art Gladius floor stand or other thoughts on satble yet accessible vertical sword presentations/displays. Cheers Hotspur; I guess I could just stick them in the ground
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Post by jpfranco on May 10, 2008 14:04:10 GMT
I own two of these kind of multiple sword racks and they are great. This one is perfect for all kind of swords, I love it. It is from Master Cutlery. This one is from Museum Replicas and is discontinued. It is not as versatile as the other one however. I love these sword stands because they allow you to display 13 swords in a 5x2 feet radius. Much better than hanging them on the wall which requires much more space.
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2008 14:39:28 GMT
Any child-safe models? Now, how would I keep my 13- and 11-year-olds out of the swords? Or is it self-correcting?
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Post by swordboy bringer of chaos on May 10, 2008 14:43:09 GMT
wouldn't that warp the blades ? ? ?
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Post by YlliwCir on May 10, 2008 16:31:22 GMT
Franco, I like those type stands. A question, is there room in them to fit the swords in scabbard? The top one, I mean.
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Post by hotspur on May 10, 2008 16:46:20 GMT
Thanks JP, that first one is the picture here I was recalling and the stand that came to mind when I found the seven sword example at Topi Cool's ebay store. That one does look pretty stable and does beat the discount prices on the Art Gladius stand by a good bit, yet yields the same capacity. Is this Master Cutlery piece pretty sturdy and stable? I'm not having a lot of luck finding sellers of it and seem to remember it at a few previously. I have found only one listing for it at roughly a c note. Does that sound about right?
Another fellow who does a similar type of show and tell uses a wall of pegboard and plastic zip ties to display the bulk. I'm trying to come up with less involved and KISS type solutions, hence looking at those Mohn racks and saying "that'd work". I'll likely also be adding some knocked together easel type racks or something else I have in mind for table top as well but the tall European stuff could really use something ground level and vertical (or fanned).
Larry, yes. Safety is a consideration as well. I enjoy getting kids involved at the tables and that is the advantage to having them lay flat. The kids can then heft them over something that can catch them. I like that for the grown up kids too but just my rack of stuff takes up a couple of tables when displayed that way. I would still be able to have a couple out to heft and be able to pass more across the table to the more interested. One good home solution with kids that I have seen is to press a corner cabinet into service.
Swordboy. As the load is not flexing the blades when resting like that, they should be fine. My big concern is how tippy these things might be if someone bumps them, or decides to lean against it.
Cheers
Hotspur; looking at some folding tables too. Those standard institutional jobbies are damn heavy
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Post by hotspur on May 10, 2008 19:59:00 GMT
I think I may have found a usable and economical solution. Long handle tool caddies. This one from Rubbermaid would actually accomodate most of the swords easily. The only modification needed would be adding a bottom, as the base is slotted and bored just like the top and it could use a little extra stability. Alternately, the same rig would work horizontally on a tabletop. $30 shipped via Amazon. A step up is a model with a platform base and casters. I had also thought about wire racks or milk crates but this is about the most economical and useful solution I have seen yet. I'd still love to know of more sources for the first one JP shows if anyone knows where they lurk. i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff95/jpfranco/AStand2-1.jpgCheers Hotspur; I was going to do some book shopping anyway
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Post by jpfranco on May 10, 2008 20:40:59 GMT
wouldn't that warp the blades ? ? ? Not at all. The blade goes halfway in the stand. It is absolutely safe as far as this is concerns. Ricky, mine does not accept scabbard, the openings are not wide enough. I know the topicool one on ebay is advertised as a stand accepting both swords and scabbards (7 swords max I believe.)
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Post by hotspur on May 14, 2008 20:25:04 GMT
I just wanted to touch base on this again, as I did ordr and have received the Rubbermaid long handled tool caddy. Although of very light construct, this will be more than enough stable when loaded with swords. I plan on painting this black and will shoot some pictures loaded when that happens.
There are three rows of round and oblong holes, totalling fifteen, the round holes are an inch and a half in diameter, the oblongs ranging from two, to two and a half, one near four x one and a half. There are also two rows of slots of eight slots. These range from two inches long , to four inches. While the slots are more than ample for blade width, they would probably not accept scabbards with out modification.
If one has skilz and toolz, the whole effort would be easily recreated in wood. While I have some toolz and skilz, I am not really set up here for woodworking and wood half tew find a router to complete the need for speed.
As is, for $38 delivered, it has solved a display problem for the upcoming public show and tell. Most of what was taking up two institutional size folding tables will now only take up a footprint of less than five square feet instead of forty. It might be impossible to utilize all the openings at once for swords but I don't envision a problem accomodating twenty swords of varied descriptions. As the foot section is upside down in assembly, the longer blades will still nest their points on the plastic if slightly offset. No additional bottom will be needed.
A real additional plus is that it breaks down into 8 small tubes that will nest between the two platforms for storage and transportation.
Cheers
Hotspur; thanks again for the pictures of the others, I may still pursue similar
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Post by hotspur on Oct 31, 2008 21:08:06 GMT
As mentioned in black was this Rubbermaid and quite utilitarianfor more racks. one guy couldn't figure out how Rubbermaid was making sword racks ;D These are quite stable when loaded, as the weight often carries the top rack. It would e quite possible to rack more than a couple of dozen with plenty of room. A couple of more thoughts have come to mind and one may be a table display used as a cane rack. Others have revolving racks for rifles that would alos do the trick to put lots of space in small displays. Cheers Hotspur; the racks reach about thirty-six high but one could place a floor
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2008 2:12:03 GMT
I am thinking of making a prototype fan style stand as they seem to be hard to find. If anybody is interested, the idea would be to do a limited run for forum members. The prototype will be in solid oak because it will be mine ;D ;D . But cabinet grade plywood would be a fair option. The questions: Bare blades with scabbards behind? Just blades? or blades in scabbards? It seems to me that if you put a bare blade in a hole sized for a scabbard it would be too loose. How many swords should it hold? 10, 15 Would you be willing to pay $75 to $100 for oak? I am thinking cost plus $20 plus auctual shipping. cause i luv you guyz ;D I will build 1 this week and post pictures. let me know what you think.
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Post by ShooterMike on Nov 4, 2008 2:26:24 GMT
I would be interested in seeing one with either 10, 12 or 15 sword slots. And the idea for one that holds 5-10 swords in scabbards is appealing too.
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Dec 2, 2008 22:28:32 GMT
Hey Stevew64, I have been watching this thread to see what you would come up with. Are you still planniing to build some stands? I am definitely interested in what you come up with. In scabbards especially! We love you too!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2008 1:41:02 GMT
The fan stands look really nice and seem very practical... but there is something so awe inspiring about a wall of woe lined with swords, spears and axes. ;D
That said; I'd like to see what stevew64 comes up with too!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2008 4:40:02 GMT
Sorry It has been so long guys. I got some shop time on this project today, didnt get it finished yet. I should be able to put up some pics by early next week.
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Dec 17, 2008 23:26:03 GMT
Great Steve, look forward to it. Hey Hammersword, if your like me, you already have a wall of woe or two and still need other options. I have a wall covered with Asians and still growing and have some westerns that don't really fit, especially with scabbards, and there still growing too! Though I don't have anything near the "problems" that Shootermike has. Sigh!!! ;D
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2008 2:17:49 GMT
Here's an option for the 'scabbard/no scabbard' fan type stand. Why not make the holes large enough to fit a scabbard, and then build some smallish L-shaped shims to place behind the blade when you choose to display them blade only. You could even cut the stand in such a way as to have a triangular 'cutout' in the front side of the little rectangle of the opening, which the shim would press the blade into, holding it tight. A person could line it themselves or just cut up a cheap piece of wal mart felt to place around the blade in that area. The shims could be made from scrap, then stained or laquered to match the stand. If you did the L-bracket/shims properly...you could even place a safety bar with a lock/hasp that kept them from being removed, thus keeping bare blades locked in the stand. If done properly, I think it could still be an attractive stand, while adding a bit of security and a few options as to how to display the blade.
Just a thought.
Cris
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2008 13:35:57 GMT
Cris "great minds think alike"
I am doing a "wedge and plate" type system to secure the blades and take up the difference in space between bare blade and scabbard. it will have either closed cell foam or cork glued on to protect the blades/scabbards.
I will be working on it today and tomorrow i will post pics as soon as it is finished.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2008 16:52:27 GMT
Cris "great minds think alike" I am doing a "wedge and plate" type system to secure the blades and take up the difference in space between bare blade and scabbard. it will have either closed cell foam or cork glued on to protect the blades/scabbards. I will be working on it today and tomorrow i will post pics as soon as it is finished. LOL that's awesome =). Can't wait to see how it turns out! Cris
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2008 16:35:30 GMT
I love it when creative people get their gray cells moving in harmony with their hands! ................. looking forward to seeing the new stands.
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