The Armour Archive

mattmaus

It was 400USD with those two visors, but I think I didn't charge enough. Way more work than I expected. ...That's a bit of an understatement. If I'd gotten the whole deal for $400, I'd felt like I'd robbed you blind. I'd expect something like that to be closer to the $800-1000 range. Looks fantasti...

mattmaus

I confess... I read about 2 replies before I got bored with it. That should not imply that I do not care. The question I have, is... What is your motivation in changing it, or soliciting thoughts for change? Really, I'm pretty happy with it just the way it is. It has changed a lot in the time that I...

mattmaus

So uh...

Yeah, this is sold now.

Probably could have done without a bump for that, and let the thread die in the forgotten recesses of pages long past old. But it saves me having to break someone's heart later "What? No... sold that long time ago... sorry."

See how nice I am?

mattmaus

I use a technique very similar to Mattmaus, he explained it perfect, better than I could. To be fair, I haven't actualy tried it. Rather, I was experimenting with undiluted muratic for etching purposes. Testing it on very small pieces in a yougurt cup less than a third of the way filled. Negligentl...

mattmaus

I rather accidentaly learned that the vapor from muratic acid (sold at hardware stores for cleaning bricks and pools) will rust steel overnight. If I were going to do a russeted piece, I would Get big plastic tub. Put old grill or cookie cooling rack or something in the bottom Dribble a splash of th...

mattmaus

I started a burg.

Nothing special. But a burg. I shouldn't have. I allready have parts of another one sitting on the bench... but I just listen to the ones that want to be made.

Naturaly, I got about 3/4 done with the bowl on the burg, and my other project started nagging for attention again.

mattmaus

I did not know this.

Now I want one.

mattmaus

I used to have five of them, including a modified one I made for myself. that ran 90degree to the others, this let me get angles that would not be possible otheriwse as the arms would bottom out on the work-edge. I did this to one of mine, and it's such an awesome customization, and so useful, and ...

mattmaus

InsaneIrish wrote:How about a Burgundian Chapel De Fer:

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/04.3.228

Um... EW!

No... really...

I can't do a simple kettle to same my ass. It's the brimmage that jacks with me. I'm not about to try that crazy shit man!

mattmaus

Well....

Iffin you're gonna wear a metal dress for armor... stands to reason you'd want a black leather mini, and some fishnets underneath.

Or... I have nothing positive to contribute, but couldn't resist making smart assery exist.

mattmaus

Cool.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. We'll see what falls out in a few weeks I guess.

As far as this goes...

Dafydd wrote:
ruthardus wrote:I honestly dont have the skill to do one...

I call BS. I was just looking at your gallery yesterday...

Yeah.

mattmaus

Working on a project. It's eating my soul and frying my brain. I need a break from it. I need to get something else going anyway. No, I'm not taking a comission. But what would you most like to see made? Options are: Conical Spangen of some kind Rugged Good Looks Mk II Some kinda Burgonet Bascinet S...

mattmaus

Aaron wrote:What does it take to get you to STOP!!

Death. The amputation of both hands might do it to.

He won't stop.

mattmaus

I would advise against trying to retrofit Ashcraft Baker thumbs into fingers. It would be a lot like trying to convert a 1979 Chevy Suburban into an eco-friendly electric. Sure... you could do it, but it would be more effort than it was ever worth and the end result would probably be all kinds of ha...

mattmaus

Still available bumparoonierootituturooberueben.

Mmmm.... Reuben..... almost as tasty as a fine head salad!

mattmaus

Spaulders make a good first project for all of the reasons you listed. They also make a good litmus test of your ability, and patience, and desire of the craft. To a lot of the old hands they are easy as pie to do. For a new guy, even the simple shapes and workmanship in spaulders can be daunting. I...

mattmaus

I watch Eric Dube's video on hinges right before I make one. Every time. I don't have the tools and setup that he has, so I can't really do it his way. But it puts my head in mostly the right place. I know for a fact that my character sheet lists the following disadvantage: Incompetence (Paint) It's...

mattmaus

Do you have a tutorial or writeup on the best way to atatch your thrusting tips?

mattmaus

Tomburr wrote:
Odd wrote:One night, Ugo was at this crossroads, see. And this other guy showed up, and said he had a hell of a deal...

I believe it.

I don't.

Not even the lightbringer has that much power.

mattmaus

Well, one is done. One more to go. Maybe some pictures will help? We like the pictures right? http://members.armourarchive.org/mattmaus/mailtrade03.jpg Back row is the helmet shell with my 'final' pattern for the spangen bands. Front row, left to right, Uncut side band, original .GIF clipart I used,...

mattmaus

No sir. Not a bit of suck here. In fact, I think this is 100% refined anti-suck.

Very pretty.

mattmaus

What material thickness do you like for home made hinges on armor? What is the minimum you would go with (assume SCA rattan combat)? In the past on center hinged bascinet visors I have used 1/8" thick strap wrapped over a 5/16" pin. Mostly because IMHO dainty little things on that set up l...

mattmaus

In my very limited experience, durability of butted mail has a lot to do with the method of cut, right along ring size and wire size.

mattmaus

Sweet.

mattmaus

Bumpy bumpy bump bump. Bump bumpy bump bump. (old maxwell house comercial tune... ) Buy this now for the low low price offered before, and recieve absolutely FREE with your order not one, not two, but THREE complimentary gifts! These will include a slightly used custom sized carboard box, several sh...

mattmaus

It's plain old 14g HR mild. Dead soft. Regretably, either a shear or jigsaw would be lots faster, but totaly inapropriate for the needs. I'm stuck with the jewelers saw. Honestly, I guess a half dozen blades isn't that bad, considering I originaly got like a dozen gross of them, and I really should ...

mattmaus

It would probably go a bit faster and easier too if I had a 6" frame. It looks all the world like I'm going to need it anyway so I should probably bite the bullet and order one.

mattmaus

I just spent 3 hours, went through over a half dozen saw blades, and only got about 20% of a single side band for a simple spangen helm cut out of 14g mild steel.

and I can almost say that with a straight face. My head is getting fat again.

mattmaus

You can dab petrolium jelly on your brass real carefully with a q-tip to use as a resist to the gun-blue chemicals.

Later, when the gun blue is ready for oiling, just smear the jelly off the brass onto the steel.

I did this years and years ago, and had pretty good luck with it.

mattmaus

Yeah...

Don't hard articulate them on the sides.

I tried that once before ever seeing Wade's groovy inside shots.

It pretty well defined suck.

mattmaus

Konstantin the Red wrote:Yes, I would not bet against Mattmaus on that one.

I know I'm not all old and crotchety like some of the guys that lurk here, but I'm trying real hard to get there.

I wouldn't be willing to bet that there aren't helmets in servicable condition older than me. I think I've worked on some.

mattmaus

Bump?

mattmaus

Flittie wrote:I suppose the look of blackened, hammered, unpolished metal is what I'd like to evoke.

Texture the leather with a round faced hammer, like you were stamping it.

Dye it black.

Drybrush the highlights very lightly with a dark silvery metalic latex.

Done.

mattmaus

But the straw that broke it? And I shit you not. Was a sign in the window. "Swollen can sale, all swollen cans 50% off" Wow. I don't know why you don't shop there. That sounds like a hell of a deal... I mean... the cans are swolen because they packed them extra full at the factory right? ...

mattmaus

A well made helmet, that is maintained properly, will last a lifetime.

Chances are good that you will want a new helmet long before any helmet you have is rendered inservicable.

Chances are good that there are SCA helmets in functional condition that are older than you are.

Quick market poll

Hinge material thickness?

What is WRONG????