The Armour Archive

Anyone have one or can make one for a reasonable price? I'm painting a shield for a Friend's knighting, but I want to put it on a nice blank for show instead of putting it on his combat shield and it eventually destroyed.

Just looked for a curved blank. Size can vary but I'm looking for something about 20"+ wide by 24" long or so.

Try these guys out: http://www.oakheartarmoury.com

I get all my shields from them; their blanks run less than $50 usually. They can cut you one to size if you like, they also offer standard stock sizes.

I have a curved Vitus heater I would be willing to part with. It has canvas glued to the fton of it that would probably come off fairly easy.

Paladin are those curved blanks?

Do you happen to have a pic of one of yours?


MJBlazek, what is the size and price on the vitus shield?

I'd have to measure tonight after work. I think it is roughly the dimensions you posted.
I think I paid $90 for it. Used it once, but found it too heavy.
I dunno, $50 and Ill ship it to you?

I do have pictures of two shields, but I don't know how to resize them; I'm getting an error about images can only be 800x800.

MJBlazek wrote:I'd have to measure tonight after work. I think it is roughly the dimensions you posted.
I think I paid $90 for it. Used it once, but found it too heavy.
I dunno, $50 and Ill ship it to you?

check measurements, but yeah I'm game for that!

I'll let you know when I get home.
It currently has 4 carriage bolts in it too, under the canvas. They'll pop right out once you take the canvas off.

MJBlazek wrote:I'll let you know when I get home.
It currently has 4 carriage bolts in it too, under the canvas. They'll pop right out once you take the canvas off.

Is the canvas painted?

I might just leave it on, it might be easier to just paint over the top.

It is painted yes. Though some of the paint is flaking off. You might be able to strip it. It's blue with three stars on it. The stars are done in the Nautical star style with one part yellow and on part mettalic gold.

MJBlazek wrote:It is painted yes. Though some of the paint is flaking off. You might be able to strip it. It's blue with three stars on it. The stars are done in the Nautical star style with one part yellow and on part mettalic gold.

Meh, as long as the canvas is secure, I will just paint over the top. I would have to gesso the blank anyway.

I will shoot you a pic of it when I get home too.
I am trying to remember how deep of a curve it has to it. I know it is not flat.

I uploaded two pics on FB with measurements. I tagged you in them.

MJBlazek wrote:I uploaded two pics on FB with measurements. I tagged you in them.

I saw them. Unfortunately it is not really the shape I was hoping for. But, if I can't find something else I may grab it up.

thanks

no problem.

I don't know what kind of time/materials you have available to you but allow me to suggest making your own. Its very simple with a couple hand tools.

Get yourself an 8' 4x4, cut it in half. Also get a piece of 2x4 and cut a 4' section. From Lowes/home depot/contractor supply or whatever you have close buy 2 sheets of 1/8" door skins. I use the Luan Mahogany ones. Cut them in half with a Jig saw. Get a gallon of Titebond II wood glue.

Grab 3 pieces of doorskin. Slather with glue, lay on another piece, cross grain. Slather that piece up and lay another piece of doorskin, cross grain. I use those rubber spreaders to get a nice even coat of glue.

Jack up your car or truck..... Slide the 4x4 pieces under and lay the glued sheets on top. Put a piece of 2x4 down the center. Gently lower your car/truck tire onto the 2x4 and let it sit for 8-10 hours. The weight of the car presses everything into a curve and forces out any air gaps/voids between the layers as it draws into a curve. If using your car is impractical, I have found that sandbags and an old anvil work.

Take your rectangular blank with a nice 2" deep curve, draw the outline of your desired shield and cut it out with the jigsaw. Rasp/sand the edges.

Making it SCA combat ready takes a few extra steps for edging etc but for a decorative shield It's ready for paint as soon as you smooth the edges.

Pattern I have heard lots of ways to make curved shields. This is the first I have ever heard of this. It sounds to simple to be true..
I may have to try it just to see how well it works. Theory looks pretty sound. Thanks for sharring!

I learned this method of making shields over 20 years ago... From Baron Cerdic Whitewynde of Wessex.

I've used it to make Scutum, Celtic Peanuts, Ovals, Teardrops, Kites, Heaters & Wankels.

Want less curve? stick a 2x4 under as well as over the middle. Want strong edges? Get aluminum "U" channel, cut close notches to follow curves. Cover with leather or flat hose.

Would either of these do?

http://www.facebook.com/robert.jimmerso ... 3609562640


Sir Kazimir Konstantinov

Kazimir Konstantinov wrote:Would either of these do?

http://www.facebook.com/robert.jimmerso ... 3609562640


Sir Kazimir Konstantinov

page not found.

can you post them here or email them to me?