The Armour Archive

Does anyone have an approximate value for how much sheet steel is needed for a Lorica for a person of average height (say around 5'10) and weight (180 lbs) using the archive patterns?

Two of the guys in our shire are wanting to make them, and estimating its going to take 16 sq feet of metal for each one.. with 18 gauge mild steel thats about 32 pounds of metal... I find that hard to believe, as my coat of plates (granted thats less metal) only weight in total (leather plus metal) of 16 pounds... anyone have any better ideas of size and weight?

Just pick up a 4X8 sheet between them. Get it from somewhere that has an 8' shear and have them cut 8' long strips in the width of the bands. It'll cost a little extra but it's well worth it. Then cut the strips into pieces the appropriate length for the bands.

A 4X8 sheet will make nearly 4 segmentata's. Getting a full sheet lets you screw things up. Steel is cheap might as well get extra. Hint: Buying a 4x8 sheet from an industrial type place will cost you probably less then a 4x4 sheet from the hardware store.

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The budding mid 14th century German Transitional guy.
Mad Matt's Armory

Oh yeah. Onother option for the extra is to use it to make manica (segmented arm defence) there's some pics and info on the legio xx site. You'll have to find the URL on your own.

Manica are really cool looking. 18ga is legal for elbows hard over soft is defined as 18ga steel or equivalent unless otherwise specified which means helmets. Plus the plates overlap so there's more strength then just plain 18ga.

Also also. You're basing the weight on US standard gauge. Any steel you buy will most likely be manufacturers standard gauge which is slightly thinner.

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The budding mid 14th century German Transitional guy.
Mad Matt's Armory

Well, see part of the reason I asked was that I was gonna get some stainless steel for them to do it with (using a brushed finish) to help keep the weight (and maintenance) down... so I was more wondering about the square footage.. if however, you think you can get four out of 32 sq feet, that drops the weight down to around 16 lbs... not the 32 lbs I originally calculated

Remember I said almost 4. A 4x10 sheet does get 4.

Also 18ga mild is plenty and stainless is heavier then mild of the same thickness.
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The budding mid 14th century German Transitional guy.
Mad Matt's Armory

[This message has been edited by Mad Matt (edited 10-11-2002).]