Making Lamellar

Eoghan Rurikson · Post by **Eoghan Rurikson** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 7:21 am

I was wonder what people's advise was on making lamellar, I am contemplating making a set out of 18 or 20 gauge mild steel to see if I like the armor, before dropping the money on stainless plates. (I can cut my own mild, but I don't have any effective way of cutting stainless right now). I appreciate any input.

-Eoghan Rurikson

Templar Bob/De Tyre · Post by **Templar Bob/De Tyre** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:09 am

Eoghan Rurikson wrote:I was wonder what people's advise was on making lamellar, I am contemplating making a set out of 18 or 20 gauge mild steel to see if I like the armor, before dropping the money on stainless plates. (I can cut my own mild, but I don't have any effective way of cutting stainless right now). I appreciate any input.

-Eoghan Rurikson

Make the armour in leather or some other material first.

Sextus Maximus · Post by **Sextus Maximus** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:24 am

I made mine out of 20 gauge stainless. If you can get the sheets cut in strips of 2 inch width or whatever width you are using, it is possible to cut them and grind them out. I was lucky to have a beverly sheer and grinder to get my plates done. I did try to cut plates with tin snips. It is hell to do but it can be done. I promise you if you do it in 20 gauge and you stick with it, the outcome is very nice. They look great and work well.

The Lost Celt · Post by **The Lost Celt** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 10:16 am

What's the thinnest plates people have used for SCA combat effectively?

I also plan on making plates that I can't find commercially, I'm using leather to reinforce the tops and bottoms, I think it will make it a little stiffer and help protect the lacing. I will be using a bandsaw since I haven't done enough metalworking for armour yet to justify a serious shear:)

Sextus Maximus · Post by **Sextus Maximus** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 5:04 pm

I personally would no lesser than 20 gauge stainless. Any thinner and I think you would have problems. I have tested my lamellar by using a solid oak staff to strike me and the blow was absorbed well. There was a little sting to it, but I was not wearing a heavy fighting tunic or anything, just a ordinary T shirt. The plates did not dent either. I however would be wary on smaller gauge the 20. If you are adding lether backing to the plates, I believe that would do well. I would personally do no lighter than 6 ounce leather for the backing. If you are using this for SCA remember we are hit with a impact weapon. When you are hit with a blow, you want the armor to disperse the blow evenly. I made a my plates a bit large, but they take blows very well..

Eoghan Rurikson · Post by **Eoghan Rurikson** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:22 pm

A friend of mine was suggesting 20 guage mild, I was VERY concerned about this. Even if it was protective enough it seems that you would spend alot of time banging it back into shape. Has anyone tried alluminum?

Animal · Post by **Animal** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 12:51 am

I fight in a coat of Mongolian heavy cavalry lamellar. I took the pattern from T-Bob's essay here on the archive and went from there. My plates are aluminum and I dunno what guage they are but they arent very thick.
it's the best armor I've ever fought in.
If the plates bend a bit, 5 minutes with a rubber mallet and they're good as new. It's light as a feather and I needed a lot of them to cover my big ass.
I would reccomend this armor in aluminum any time.
I also have to point out that the noble plastics lamellar isnt half bad at all. If you stick to the realistic colors it'll look fine. In fact I'm finishing up a suit of it for my 8 year old to wear in the kids boffer fighting at Pennsic. Pretty cool stuff.

Sir Victor · Post by **Sir Victor** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 6:12 am

I've used their 'auk' style plates with great success. Check out my roman-style belt.
[img]http://www.vr2.cc/misc/SKIRT1.jpg[/img]

Making Lamellar

Making Lamellar

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