ms267
Registered
Posts: 44
|
Post by ms267 on Dec 5, 2023 0:20:02 GMT
Hi,
Would anyone know if any of the the Windlass steel butt caps would fit the shaft of an Arms and Armor pole arm? Specifically the Friedrich IV hunting spear?
It’s a fantastic piece, for those of you who have ever been interested. Though the head is a little smaller than the actual item it is based on, without a doubt it would do damage. Very thick blade at the base. The wings are solid. And the ash shaft has very straight grain - very well picked out.
If you have any recommendations of where to find a butt cap that would fit, please let me know. Thank you!
|
|
|
Post by demonskull on Dec 5, 2023 1:07:46 GMT
It would depend on what diameter haft you are using. I have several Windlass spears mounted on 1 1/4" hafts. The butt caps from Windlass are approximately: overall length 5", the depth of the socket is almost 4", the outside circumference of the socket (at it's widest) is 3 7/8" and the inner circumference (measured by the haft as it enters the socket) is 3 11/16 inches. This last measurement may be a little off because I don't remember if it cleanly entered or if I brought it as near flush as I could without marring the finish on the butt.
You'll have to do some tapering at the base of your haft but in answer to your question, yes it should fit fine. I used epoxy, metal expansion and brass headed nails to secure mine. A bit of overkill I know, and it will be a hump if I have to remount but it's secure.
|
|
|
Post by shinycanoe on Dec 5, 2023 3:29:48 GMT
I have also used a couple of the Windlass butt caps. One of my spears has a haft that is narrower than the open end of the cap, but since the cap is tapered I was able to cut it down until the outside diameter matched the haft and I was able to make it flush. It turned out great. The sockets are generously deep.
|
|
Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,631
|
Post by Zen_Hydra on Dec 5, 2023 15:38:55 GMT
My personal anecdote is that I think I've purchased more of Windlass's butt caps than any of their other offerings. I like polearms, and their butt caps are at least as good as any other production offerings I've come across. Since they are usually pretty inexpensive I've had no qualms when it comes to modifying them as well.
|
|
ms267
Registered
Posts: 44
|
Post by ms267 on Dec 5, 2023 16:11:11 GMT
Thanks, Zen!
Windlass makes several different models. Do you happen to have a preference?
I appreciate all the comments. Wondering if you have any tips for mounting the butt cap to the shaft that would make life easier for a first timer? : )
Side note: has anyone actually ever gone boar hunting with one of these? It’s legal in a couple states (Texas, Florida to name a couple).
|
|
|
Post by demonskull on Dec 5, 2023 19:00:16 GMT
Windlass makes several different models. Do you happen to have a preference? I appreciate all the comments. Wondering if you have any tips for mounting the butt cap to the shaft that would make life easier for a first timer? : ) I prefer the flat ended ones but either one will work nicely. I used a variety of methods, but the first step is always to taper the bottom of your haft and test it for fit. I try to leave an 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch on the test fit between the socket and where the tapering ends and the normal haft diameter begins. Next take a rasp or file and put some shallow groves into the tapered part. I then heat up the butt cap on a grill (outdoors) and when it gets hot enough that a drop of water will sizzle off it, I pull it out of the grill (with tongs or pliers). While it's heating up, apply some epoxy to the tapered end. When you take the butt cap off the heat immediately put it on the haft. Once it's seated all the way, (you may have to tap in in) pour a cup of water on it while rotating the spear so the metal contracts down and grabs the haft securely. Once it's cooled down enough to handle, wipe off the excess epoxy. I then put cut down nails through the screw holes. I generally use brass ones for the contrast.
|
|
Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,631
|
Post by Zen_Hydra on Dec 5, 2023 20:02:08 GMT
Thanks, Zen! Windlass makes several different models. Do you happen to have a preference? I appreciate all the comments. Wondering if you have any tips for mounting the butt cap to the shaft that would make life easier for a first timer? : ) Side note: has anyone actually ever gone boar hunting with one of these? It’s legal in a couple states (Texas, Florida to name a couple). I have all three models that I've come across so far, which are the flat ended, round ended, and the Greek style. I feel like there is something to like about each of them, but I think for general utility and aesthetics I'd lean towards a preference for the flat ended. The round ended cap is fine, but a bit less adorned than the flat ended butt cap. I think of the Greek style butt cap as a special case, and not ideal as a general purpose butt cap. The Greek style cap is noticeably heavier than the other two, and has a shorter socket. A longer socket (one or two more inches would suffice) would make the fit significantly more secure, and with that amount of weight past the inside end of the socket, it feels like it needs that extra security. When I've used them previously, I not only fit them to a snug fit between socket and haft, but I used epoxy to glue them on, followed by a steel pin transfixing socket to haft, and followed that up with a tight leather wrap over cord that covered several inches on either side of socket's mouth. That may have been overkill, but I've trained quite a bit with these polearms over the years, and I've never had a butt cap come loose. So, in my opinion the Greek style butt cap is best suited as a counterbalance for a long and/or front-heavy polearm, or if you are wanting a butt cap that can be more effectively thrust into an opponent. However, if you plan to use a Windlass Greek style butt cap to strike/thrust with, I would make the extra effort to thoroughly secure it. The flat ended and round ended butt caps have deep sockets, and no where near as much mass hanging out past the end of the socket as the Greek style cap. They both function well as a weapon unto themselves. The round ended seems a bit better suited to sweeping strikes from a variety of angles. The flat ended cap is a bit more suited for thrusting, and I can see a solid thrust from one having no problems breaking bone and causing serious contusions to internal organs. I've taken a spear along before when boar hunting, but I've never had an opportunity to use it yet. For some strange reason the feral hogs in my part of Texas don't seem interested in letting me get close enough to spear them. I've never gone hog hunting in the Medieval European fashion with dogs and servants driving the game towards me.
|
|