Ifrit
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 19, 2017 5:31:51 GMT
I recently received the top of a broken end table. It is round and thick. I was initially gonna make it into a giant buckler, but I do not have a single power tool with me, so cutting the hole out the center would be quite difficult, so I might go with a strapped shield. It is big enough to cover the whole forarm at least.
Would there be any reason to put a boss on this? I have this steel bowl and I was thinking of asking someone to drill 4 holes in it to screw it on to the center. Even if just to make it look a little cooler. I would like to use this for sparring, so if this is a waste of time, I might just skip this part
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Dec 19, 2017 6:03:36 GMT
No reason to put a boss on it, other than ornamentation. "Look a little cooler" is hard to judge without a photo, so can't usefully comment on that. You can do everything else, then see what it looks like with and without the boss. You could nail the boss on, for drill-free DIY. Mini-boss as ornament: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Highland_targe.jpg |
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Ifrit
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More edgy than a double edge sword
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 19, 2017 6:12:12 GMT
Funny enough, I was looking at a targe for inspiration, since they are basically what I am making. I will try upload some pictures tonight or tomorrow
Thanks for the ideas though
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Ifrit
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More edgy than a double edge sword
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 19, 2017 7:05:26 GMT
 Here is a picture of the table top, with the metal bowl on it with my hand for a size reference. |
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Post by leviathansteak on Dec 19, 2017 9:57:10 GMT
Well the boss would just be cosmetic anyway so id leave it out. Just for looks however, i would add a leather face amd decorate with some tacks like in that link up there. Might get smashed up in sparring however..
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Post by demonskull on Dec 19, 2017 10:57:56 GMT
Most mixing bowls are 18 ga at best so it will get destroyed very quickly so I'd leave it off.
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Ifrit
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More edgy than a double edge sword
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 19, 2017 20:48:46 GMT
Thanks for the tips guys. I was wondering how I would make holes in it anyway. Maybe I'll try get some leather and do a glued on leather cover. Or canvas.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Dec 19, 2017 22:34:37 GMT
No need for a boss unless you need to make room for a hand. I consider 18 ga. armour for the most part costume armour, having said that much depends of the shape, where it is being used, and possible layering. A boss will add unwanted weight and that is something to consider throughout your project. If the shield is too heavy it will be slower and then there’s the fatigue factor.
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Dec 19, 2017 22:46:30 GMT
I'm currently in the process of making a 'mini-Viking'/'mega-buckler' shield myself. My plan is to use 1/2'' treated plywood, and a 14ga. steel boss from GDFB. I plan on doing a leather facing on mine, but if YOU decide to go with canvas cloth---it's really easy to do. Just use regular carpenter glue, then paint it with Kilz primer. This will give you a neutral base that you can paint any color. Then, you can get creative!  For strapping, you can use an old leather belt from a garage sale or GoodWill. If you use the buckle-end, then it will be adjustable.  You really should try to find someone with a drill. Just screwing the parts into the wood will be weak, and would tear out under very much stress. Using bolts, washers, and nuts might not be 'historically accurate'---but, who cares? It's a lot stronger than screws, and a helluva lot easier than riveting. I don't plan on actually using my shield, it's gonna be just for show....but I want some 'go' with that show.  Keep us informed of your progress. I LOVE me some DIY projects!  |
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Dec 19, 2017 22:55:12 GMT
One of the most important factors in a project like this that I totally forgot to mention.....MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE....then measure again, and cut ONCE. |
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Ifrit
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 19, 2017 23:30:49 GMT
Thanks a ton for the advice! Perhaps I will be on the lookout for a second hand drill, so I can bolt the leather with washers. Is it better to add the canvas before or after adding the bolts?
And as for the strapping, I have a leather belt coming in the mail for this purpose. I plan to use the buckle end for the for arm part, in case I wanna adjust it to accommodate some bracers.
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Dec 20, 2017 0:31:25 GMT
Well, Djinn---Here's my thoughts on your project. Before worrying about canvas or strapping or painting, I would think about strength. Your base for this shield is a glued-together table top. Is there anything behind it---backing it up? This appears to be just boards joined and glued together side-by-side. You might want to think about gluing some boards cross-ways of the face onto the back. In picture form, if your face boards are like _ _ _ , then glue at least a couple like lll across the back. Get where I'm going? As far as when you do the bolts/canvas thing----that's up to you---whether you want the bolt heads visible, or under the canvas. It'll paint over just as easy, one way or the other. The ultimate trick would be to countersink your bolt holes on the face, assemble your shield, then fill the holes with wood putty or what have you----THEN, glue on the canvas. Smooth surface to paint on. And YES, do buy decent tools when the opportunity arises. "Tools are good. M'kay?" |
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Dec 20, 2017 1:09:33 GMT
One final thought on tools, before I retire to the boudoir' for the night: If you live in an apartment, or other small space, a good cordless drill and a REALLY GOOD Dremel tool kit will serve you well. Totally worth the investment....especially the Dremel kit. You can do A LOT of stuff with one o' them babies! |
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Ifrit
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More edgy than a double edge sword
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 20, 2017 1:39:36 GMT
Thanks again for the information. Much appreciated. I definitely could use a dremel. I been thinking of shortening my GSOW and that seems like the best way to do it. Plus it makes cutting bolts and such a much easier job. As much as I would like to make wood go in the other direction of this table tops grain, I lack the tools and funds for such an ordeal  However, I once heard that even multiple layers of canvas can make a decent shield, so maybe if I glue more than one layer on? This way I can make a sort of micarta like coating. Maybe if I did this to both sides even. The table top itself is quite thick. Almost an inch thick. But then again, so were the parts of it that broke lol... |
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Dec 20, 2017 2:48:24 GMT
Multiple layers of cloth would certainly strengthen it. My suggestion---Use this as a learning tool. Your NEXT SHIELD will only be stronger and more powerful . *whispy, far-away Force-ghost voice: ''Use the Force, Djinn."* |
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Ifrit
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More edgy than a double edge sword
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 20, 2017 3:32:34 GMT
Good idea  It can be my sparring beat around haha, till I make something better Are you familiar with Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time? I like to see this as my "Deku Shield" (the first shield you get in the game. It is basically re-purposed tree bark) |
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Dec 20, 2017 8:16:17 GMT
Well, I'm not really up on the whole gaming scene....but I am up on the -'save your butt from getting killed'-scene. Just trying to give you mods on a good, functional piece. I may be an old fart here, but an old fart with a sophisticated aroma.  .......Breathe......Just.......breathe....... Yours Truly, Jedi Master Christain. |
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Ifrit
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More edgy than a double edge sword
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 20, 2017 8:38:14 GMT
What is the best wood for a viking shield?
Though, the force is all around us
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Scott
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Post by Scott on Dec 20, 2017 8:53:48 GMT
Linden wood would be a good traditional choice for a Viking shield.
A layer of canvas will make your shield a lot stronger, as will edging it with rawhide or metal. Remember a shield is a consumable item, use it till it dies then replace it.
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Ifrit
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More edgy than a double edge sword
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Post by Ifrit on Dec 20, 2017 8:57:02 GMT
Should I make a few of them, if I plan to stockpile for... Events?
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For strapping, you can use an old leather belt from a garage sale or GoodWill. If you use the buckle-end, then it will be adjustable. 
You really should try to find someone with a drill. Just screwing the parts into the wood will be weak, and would tear out under very much stress. Using bolts, washers, and nuts might not be 'historically accurate'---but, who cares? It's a lot stronger than screws, and a helluva lot easier than riveting. 
Keep us informed of your progress. I LOVE me some DIY projects! 
However, I once heard that even multiple layers of canvas can make a decent shield, so maybe if I glue more than one layer on? This way I can make a sort of micarta like coating. Maybe if I did this to both sides even.
It can be my sparring beat around haha, till I make something better 
.......Breathe......Just.......breathe....... 
