The Armour Archive

What is a good source for closed cell foam for padding SCA gorgetts, helmets, and such?

Camp recreation stores/sporting goods stores are a good source for closed cell foam camp pads. I usually shop around and find the black/grey ones and use those. They aren't as hiddeous as the bright blue ones.

Walmart sells blue camp pads for $5.

I just buy some cheap .99 cents a yard cotton from the fabric department in an dark non obtrusive color and cover it up. Plus if you use it inside your helm it helps with sliding the helm on and off.

Also an all cotton matress pad makes good padding for all but the head. You can cover the blue pad with cloth to make it less obtrusive. You can either sew it on or use craft glue in a spray can. Onther alternitive is the foam weather stripping. The weather stripping is black and has a glue backing to it. Pull off the paper and stick it on.

Mandrake sells an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) soft density close cell foam.

http://www.mandrakearmory.com/Merchant2 ... ory_Code=W

American Science and Surplus often has sticky back 3-M foam in black. I have had great luck using it for thrusting tips and helmet padding.

Lothar

McMaster-Carr has a huge selection of just about any type of closed cell foam you could ever want. Go to www.mcmaster.com and search for 'closed cell foam.' I bought two huge sheets from there.

Julian

the soft gummy black exercise mat/pad at big 5 sports stores is fantastic.

think its harbinger brand?

go here for a few pics and words about helm padding and strapping: http://tiarmour.com/help_strapping_your_new.htm

mrks

When I've used the blue camp pads, I simply lined any visible edges with good ol'duct tape. Worked fine.

I like the idea of covering it with cotton lining. Has anyone ever built a coif with "camp pad inserts?"

(Although, in reconsidering that, I guess if you'd take the trouble to make such an arming cap, you might as well go "all the way" and make a more period cap out of quilted material...)

In service,

--Gwydion

Guy Dawkins wrote:Mandrake sells an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) soft density close cell foam.

http://www.mandrakearmory.com/Merchant2 ... ory_Code=W

The Mandrake foam is far and away the best I have ever found for use in my helms. Hope this helps,

Karl

Try REI, if it is in your area. Buy the blue foam sleeping mat.
This stuff is not like the cheap and cheesy blue foam mat you find at other sporting goods stores. This foam is much better quality and will last longer.

Mord.

Army navy surplus @ 54th and College there in Indy. Any wally world.

I used to get old life preserver's at thrift stores.

Play it again sports on 116th and Keystone, or used sporting goods At Allisonville and 62nd have old street hockey and martial arts gear

While we are talking about foam, where can I find large supplies of orthopedic foam, the foam used for sabresaw shaped weapon heads ?

Lothar