Helm Construction (pics)

[BlackRain]

Ok so here is what I have so far on the construction of my first helm. While its not the best looking thing on the planet I have most definatly learned a tremendous amount during it's construction phase. I have to do the final riveting on a few of the pieces and finish the various sanding phases. As this helm will be used for SCA combat I welded the lower back portion of the helm to the top halves for added strength. Hence the blued welding line accross the back, I intend to drill holes along that edge and place rivets there approx an inch appart as shown in the pattern I used on this helm from Sinrics patterns here in the AA.

http://www.angelfire.com/ego/bmb/armour.htm

Let me know what you think, I am open to critisisims and would hope that any of you would as always feel free to offer up any advice on further construction techniques or tips.

Best Regards and Happy Holidays,

[Wulfgar]

Planish, your top looks like it needs a lot more planishng to me.

Also the left side looks to be under dished in comparison to the right hand side of the helm.

other than that looks damn good for a first helm, much nioer than my crooked spangen dome.

[BlackRain]

Hey Wulf.... good eye... when I posted my first pics of the helm halves welded together I didn't notice that the dishing was off on the one side. But not much I can do at this time with that. As for planishing ... my god yes... once again this is one of the things I learned in the construction process... planish the hell out of the pieces once they are fitted properly ... BEFORE welding them together...lol. I willl be constructing another one of these helms just to see how much better it would look with now having more knowledge on how certain things are done. Not to mention a much larger tool selection to go with during the hammering phase. I had 3 hammers to my name when I started this helm... I think I am somewhere in the neighbourhood of 8 or 9 hammers now.... and growing....lol. *Thinking of Halbreds newbie set....hmmmm* Thanks for the advice it is much appreciated not to mention the kind words.

Best Regards and Happy Holidays,

[Halberds]

Black Rain,

For your first helm you have done well.
Very well I may add.

Yes more attention to detail before assembly.
The pieces must be planished and polished before assembly.

I know that one wants to put it together quick. That is what the nuts and bolts are for.
One would be surprised at how many hours it takes to make a nice helm, and how many times it is assembled and disassembled.

Welcome to the wonderful world of armouring.
May you pound long and prosper.

Hal

[BlackRain]

Thanks Hal... yes I do believe you are correct in the assembly part... lol. Got a bit over excited and wanted to get everything put together as quick as possible. I will on my next attempt be paying alot more attention to the little things and following the set guidelines for assembly. I would love to spend a week down in Texas watching you pound out some metal .... god only knows how much I would learn there. Not to mention you make some outright gorgeous helms. Thanks for the encouragment and I hope to only improve my skills on my next attempt.

Best Regards and Happy Holidays,

[Gerhard von Liebau]

Yikes! Seeing so many nice first attempts around here makes me scared to dig into metal helmets! Very good job... I'll have to get around to my first next week, just to see how I can do! Har, har, har...

Cheers, and happy holidays!

-Gregory-

(p.s. I'm with the other guys on the slight mishaps, but hey, it won't happen the second time, and that's when it starts counting )

[ROC]

Not bad not bad at all. I can't add much to what the others have said.
I have found with my spangen helms that they get put together at least two times before they get any rivets put in them. Just take a bit more time on your next one and I bet you get some one asking how much you would charge for one.

Roc