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Knight
 
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I am currently trying to work out how to construct from scratch, a foam/latex shield. I have heard snippets on how to make these type of shields but have never seen a full description/tutorial. If anyone knows of a full blown tutorial availble then that would be perfect.
If not then i havea few questions over specific parts of shield making:
- I have heard that layering material (such as cotton?) inbetween the foam layers increases strength. Would this just be a case of glueing the material inbetween each layer or something else?
- I have no real idea on how to attach the fittings/straps/handles to the back of the shield so that they are rigid enough/strong enough to stand up to abuse.
- Creating curves/avoiding abnormal curves. Does anyone have any tips on making a shield curve, either in 1 or 2 directions, or avoiding curves that you dont really want.
any replies are much appreciated
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Maelstrom: Ekkekko-Friendly Squeaky Fly
Odyssey: Sabas - Carthaginian archer of the Hannon Souk
=http://azurecollective.forumotion.net
=http://z7.invisionfree.com/Hannon_Souk/
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Champion
Group: System Moderators
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Hugh (1/19/2010)
- I have heard that layering material (such as cotton?) inbetween the foam layers increases strength. Would this just be a case of glueing the material inbetween each layer or something else?yep glue fabric in between - denim is good - I have no real idea on how to attach the fittings/straps/handles to the back of the shield so that they are ridig enough/strong enough to stand up to abuse. easiest is a punch shield - glue some core in between the layers and cut out a hole for the boss. Or mount the core between two thick foam supports on either side to have a raised grip. - Creating curves/avoiding abnormal curves. Does anyone have any tips on making a shield curve, either in 1 or 2 directions, or avoiding curves that you dont really want. heat gun, round dustbin. (for round shields at least!) any replies are muc appreciated be prepared to waste a lot of money if this is your first attempt making something like this. If you are only likely to make one I would strongly suggest just buying one - making your own larp weapons, unless you plan to make a lot, is not cost effective. admittedly slightly biased as we make and sell weapons/shields
Crazy like Croolis-Ulv! http://www.mandalastudios.co.uk http://www.kangena.co.uk
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Knight
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ive had some experience of making weapons and props with plastazote already but just never with shield making. I have enough materials knocking around to have a decent go at a few things.
When you say core material, what would you ideally use for this?
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Maelstrom: Ekkekko-Friendly Squeaky Fly
Odyssey: Sabas - Carthaginian archer of the Hannon Souk
=http://azurecollective.forumotion.net
=http://z7.invisionfree.com/Hannon_Souk/
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Cold Water and Brass Tacks
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Hugh (1/19/2010)
- Creating curves/avoiding abnormal curves. Does anyone have any tips on making a shield curve, either in 1 or 2 directions, or avoiding curves that you dont really want.
any replies are much appreciatedYou dont need a heat gun for basic curves. Bend the foam to the desired curve across your knee/ block/table and then glue the second piece on top and hold/clamp. Effectively your laminating layers of foam and the structure itself will keep the curve when its dried. I find this to be more reliable than a heat gun for holding the shape later.... HOwever its a mater of taste and some people find the laminating method very tricky and of course if your shield is huge it adds to the problems.... Unusual weirdnesses and dome shapes however you will need to use the heat gun method AFAIK
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Prodigal
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you can do compound curves using some clever shell construction methods, i tend to use limination, heat gun and shells for stuff deprnding on the aplication
www.mandalastudios.co.uk www.kangena.co.uk RL - Mark (Coventry)
CP - Urtsi (Ael) [Ex Head Weapons Checker/ Ref]
Mandala - Wookie (Ref/ Props)
Strom - Wookie (Ref)
GF - Organiser
Dark Secrets - Philip Stanley (Tech Assistant)
Oddy - Wookie (Head Weapons Checker)
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Knight
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Im looking to produce a egyptian-esque shield, probably about 3ft tall by 2ft tall. The only curve i'd possibly like it in would be a slight one at best, so the lamination approach seems the best for this.
Another question that has occured is how thick do people make their shields? i was thinking 18-24mm, would this be enough, too much or too little?
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Maelstrom: Ekkekko-Friendly Squeaky Fly
Odyssey: Sabas - Carthaginian archer of the Hannon Souk
=http://azurecollective.forumotion.net
=http://z7.invisionfree.com/Hannon_Souk/
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Prodigal
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| oh egyptian shield means you wont want a centre boss so the way i do this is either 2 layers of 12 mm foam with cotton between laminated into shape, and then 24 mm foam bracings on the back using a bit of 22 mm overflow piping as a handle. The placement and shape of the braces sepend on the design of the shelid and handle arrangement or id use 1 layer of 24 mm faom for the face and heat gun the curve into it ,a nd the brace the back as before
www.mandalastudios.co.uk www.kangena.co.uk RL - Mark (Coventry)
CP - Urtsi (Ael) [Ex Head Weapons Checker/ Ref]
Mandala - Wookie (Ref/ Props)
Strom - Wookie (Ref)
GF - Organiser
Dark Secrets - Philip Stanley (Tech Assistant)
Oddy - Wookie (Head Weapons Checker)
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Squire
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Last Login: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 5:35 PM
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| Have been thinking about makin' a shield too, Although I suspect it will use far more plastazote than makin' a weapon. I will be buying one to start of with then think about this after makin' a few weapons. I did think about using fibreglass matting and resin as a core for a shield but not sure how strong this would make it. They tend to use this sort of material in car body parts. There is a vid on youtube but its from the states so not sure if it would really be suitable for UK systems. Also its a flat shield rather than curved. I have been advised that curving across your knee and sticking the layers together is the easier method. Any suggestions on what glue to use for construction as a whole? Also I have seen a sheild with a PVC Plasterers float used as part core and the main hand hold. Again this was from the states so not sure if it would work for our systems.
PD - Garip Kadir of New Bantustan
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