|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 5, 2021 16:43:39 GMT
Huzzah! I would like make my own Scotish targe. I have looked up youtube videos but still left with a few questions.. I'd like the shield to end up similar to this..  I have bought a 10/11 oz 24" x 24" veg leather  just wondering.. I need to dye, engrave and harden the leather.. what is the correct order for these 3 steps? how much dye would I need? what is the easiest way to engrave the leather? Thanks so much! |
|
|
|
Post by paulmuaddib on Sept 5, 2021 18:17:03 GMT
When you say engrave to you mean carve some leather from the surface? Because the shield you’ve shown is not engraved/carved but embossed (I believe that is the right word)which means the pattern is pressed into the leather. Watched my cousin make a veg tanned leather holster for a S&W .44 Magnum pistol. He wrapped the gun in Saran Wrap, soaked the leather in water overnight then molded the leather to the gun. When it was dry I punched the holes and laced it up with rawhide.
If you want embossing on the leather I think the pattern of the embossing should be on the wood of the shield. Soak the leather then press it to the wood. Just a suggestion as I’ve never done this big a project. Good luck and if you make it please tell us how you did it and show us the finished product. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 7, 2021 14:50:58 GMT
oh yes! Embossed! that is what i mean. I see! I should make patterns on the wood. I will try and definitely will keep you updated. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by paulmuaddib on Sept 7, 2021 18:21:54 GMT
Again just a suggestion. If you want a raised pattern on the leather, like in the above shield, I think it would be easier to make the shapes you want out of wood and glue them to the wood base. Then press the leather onto it. If you want the opposite, that is some sunken or concave design, then carve out the wood base then press the leather into that. The most difficult part is going to be holding the leather in place until it dries. I’m guessing that shield was made with two molds clamped together over the leather. Not sure I explained that well. I know Zen Hydra has made at least one shield but I think he used cloth. Can’t remember, will have to look up his threads.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sir Thorfinn on Sept 8, 2021 16:30:13 GMT
Are you making an all leather shield, or just using leather to cover the metal face?
|
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 8, 2021 16:41:10 GMT
Again just a suggestion. If you want a raised pattern on the leather, like in the above shield, I think it would be easier to make the shapes you want out of wood and glue them to the wood base. Then press the leather onto it. If you want the opposite, that is some sunken or concave design, then carve out the wood base then press the leather into that. The most difficult part is going to be holding the leather in place until it dries. I’m guessing that shield was made with two molds clamped together over the leather. Not sure I explained that well. I know Zen Hydra has made at least one shield but I think he used cloth. Can’t remember, will have to look up his threads. Thanks! I'm guessing rising up with shapes of wood would probably "take" easier than a concave design.. although i may have chosen to thick of leather for either to work (4 mm leather!) I plan on using brass round tacks like these.. to hold in place and also for design!  |
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 8, 2021 16:41:53 GMT
Are you making an all leather shield, or just using leather to cover the metal face? well, my plan is to cover a wooden shield with leather |
|
|
|
Post by paulmuaddib on Sept 8, 2021 21:26:06 GMT
Again just a suggestion. If you want a raised pattern on the leather, like in the above shield, I think it would be easier to make the shapes you want out of wood and glue them to the wood base. Then press the leather onto it. If you want the opposite, that is some sunken or concave design, then carve out the wood base then press the leather into that. The most difficult part is going to be holding the leather in place until it dries. I’m guessing that shield was made with two molds clamped together over the leather. Not sure I explained that well. I know Zen Hydra has made at least one shield but I think he used cloth. Can’t remember, will have to look up his threads. Thanks! I'm guessing rising up with shapes of wood would probably "take" easier than a concave design.. although i may have chosen to thick of leather for either to work (4 mm leather!) I plan on using brass round tacks like these.. to hold in place and also for design! That is pretty thick leather fo what you want to do. Might just want to go with a smooth shield with just tacks on it. Good luck. |
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 9,519
|
Post by pgandy on Sept 9, 2021 13:03:58 GMT
I think a thinner piece of leather would a better choice, both in weight saving and workability. I suspect the embossing done in your picture was done by rollers before attaching to the backing. Do you plan to wrap the leather over the edge of wood or to terminate it on the face at the edge?
|
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 10, 2021 15:55:15 GMT
Thanks! I'm guessing rising up with shapes of wood would probably "take" easier than a concave design.. although i may have chosen to thick of leather for either to work (4 mm leather!) I plan on using brass round tacks like these.. to hold in place and also for design! That is pretty thick leather fo what you want to do. Might just want to go with a smooth shield with just tacks on it. Good luck. good point! was planing on make leather armor as well.. so I will buy new thinner leather for the shield Thanks! |
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 10, 2021 15:56:07 GMT
I think a thinner piece of leather would a better choice, both in weight saving and workability. I suspect the embossing done in your picture was done by rollers before attaching to the backing. Do you plan to wrap the leather over the edge of wood or to terminate it on the face at the edge? yep, i realize that now! going to use the think leather for armor.. and will buy thinner leather for the shield.. Thanks so much!  |
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 9,519
|
Post by pgandy on Sept 10, 2021 18:44:57 GMT
I think a thinner piece of leather would a better choice, both in weight saving and workability. I suspect the embossing done in your picture was done by rollers before attaching to the backing. Do you plan to wrap the leather over the edge of wood or to terminate it on the face at the edge? yep, i realize that now! going to use the think leather for armor.. and will buy thinner leather for the shield.. Thanks so much! :) I know nothing of your intent with armour but 15 oz is considered armour grade. |
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 14, 2021 15:56:11 GMT
yep, i realize that now! going to use the think leather for armor.. and will buy thinner leather for the shield.. Thanks so much! I know nothing of your intent with armour but 15 oz is considered armour grade. well i would like the armor to be true "armor" grade.. but i am going with the thinner stuff for now.. my first attempt at making armor probably wont be that great! LOL but if all goes well, eventually i will make the good stuff! Thanks! |
|
|
|
Post by demonskull on Sept 21, 2021 1:40:29 GMT
If I might make a suggestion: First use 2-3 oz leather. Pick a pre-dyed piece in the color you'd like (this will decrease the time and effort you have to put into it. Forego the embossing and concentrate on the pin pattern for your first shield. For your wood backing, if using plywood use 3/4". Cut out you shield and predrill and countersink any grip holes you need, insert your hardware and cover the predrill holes with wood putty. Sand down the the wood putty to match the surface of the wood shield. Glue on your leather and trim or fold over the excess leather (depending whether you're planning a rim or not.
Align several pieces of graph paper and tape them together. Outline the size of the shield onto the graph paper. Before you start to draw your pin design, make a notice where on your shield the grip hardware is so you don't try to put a pin over your steel hardware. Draw your design and mark where each pin goes in pencil first (then I recommend you use a fine point red flair pen, it's much easier to see). Once you have completed your design tape it over the leather on your shield. With a dremmel tool carefully drill pilot holes 1/8-1/4" deep, depending on the length of the pins you plan on using. Once all your pilot holes are drilled carefully remove the graph paper. Dip the tip of your pins in an adhesive (superglue works well) and tap them into the pilot holes with a wood or rubber mallet, carefully so you don't bend the pins. Start in the middle of the shield and work outward.
Attach your grip and add a shoulder strap if desired.
If all goes well you can then try embossing with the next shield but this is difficult as no matter how you plan on doing it you can only do a small section at a time. Glue, press, wait till it dries and then proceed to the next section.
Good Luck and post pics when done.
|
|
|
|
Post by paulmuaddib on Sept 21, 2021 6:08:39 GMT
wstalcup, sounds like demonskull has done this before and gave very good instructions. I’d listen to him.
|
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 28, 2021 15:39:22 GMT
If I might make a suggestion: First use 2-3 oz leather. Pick a pre-dyed piece in the color you'd like (this will decrease the time and effort you have to put into it. Forego the embossing and concentrate on the pin pattern for your first shield. For your wood backing, if using plywood use 3/4". Cut out you shield and predrill and countersink any grip holes you need, insert your hardware and cover the predrill holes with wood putty. Sand down the the wood putty to match the surface of the wood shield. Glue on your leather and trim or fold over the excess leather (depending whether you're planning a rim or not. Align several pieces of graph paper and tape them together. Outline the size of the shield onto the graph paper. Before you start to draw your pin design, make a notice where on your shield the grip hardware is so you don't try to put a pin over your steel hardware. Draw your design and mark where each pin goes in pencil first (then I recommend you use a fine point red flair pen, it's much easier to see). Once you have completed your design tape it over the leather on your shield. With a dremmel tool carefully drill pilot holes 1/8-1/4" deep, depending on the length of the pins you plan on using. Once all your pilot holes are drilled carefully remove the graph paper. Dip the tip of your pins in an adhesive (superglue works well) and tap them into the pilot holes with a wood or rubber mallet, carefully so you don't bend the pins. Start in the middle of the shield and work outward. Attach your grip and add a shoulder strap if desired. If all goes well you can then try embossing with the next shield but this is difficult as no matter how you plan on doing it you can only do a small section at a time. Glue, press, wait till it dries and then proceed to the next section. Good Luck and post pics when done. I should have listened to you! here is the outcome sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/65739/homemade-shield-complete my next one will be much better! (I hope) LOL |
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 28, 2021 15:40:17 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by demonskull on Sept 29, 2021 8:23:19 GMT
That's not bad at all, pretty good for a first attempt. We are our own worst critics . |
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 9,519
|
Post by pgandy on Sept 29, 2021 12:13:47 GMT
Looks good.
|
|
|
|
Post by wstalcup on Sept 29, 2021 15:51:03 GMT
Are you making an all leather shield, or just using leather to cover the metal face? oh BTW how would you make an all leather shield..do those exists? sound interesting! |
|
