Making Plank Shields

[Rey]

Thought I would make a Plank Shield or 2.. Both a Round and a Elliptical center-grip.

Was curious if they are only edge butted or if they used something like a shiplap joint to put the planks together.

Rey

[William Scrivener]

I cheat and use dovetails, but then that really isn't all that period.

[Rey]

I cheat and use dovetails, but then that really isn't all that period.

I wouldn't think a dovetail that think would hold very well. Do you not have issues with them snapping off?

[William Scrivener]

Not yet. For an everyday shield I would probably go with a 3/4" lap joint. I made one for experimental purposes and it held up ok, but was really heavy compared to my daily driver

[Cuan]

Rey:

Most of the examples found that I am aware of are single layer and the planks are butted edge to edge. they are also surprisingly thin and many taper toward the edge. The handle (with or without terminals) that ran almost the full diameter of the shield and some type of edge banding (clips have been found) seems to have helped hold them together. Many examples appear not to have been covered with leather, the planks having been painted. Enough examples have been found that it is unlikely we are simply seeing flimsy decorative shields used for funerary rituals.

Good luck with your project and I hope you will document it with photos here.

Cuan

[Greenshield]

Rey,

I made a few a while back for A&S and Steel combat. The A&S one was just a show piece while the steel combat one held up quite well. You can see the one I made for steel combat below:



If you have any questions, drop me a line.

Cam

[Rey]

Thanks for the info Guys,

Grabbing a Pallet is a good Idea. How do you think these would hold up for Heavy SCA Combat?

Rey

[Greenshield]

Thanks for the info Guys,

Grabbing a Pallet is a good Idea. How do you think these would hold up for Heavy SCA Combat?

Rey

If you do a heavy coat of glue front and back with a burlap (instead of linen) cover it should hold up pretty well. The glue and burlap will act like a fiberglassing. Valdy over in Meridies also uses reinforcing bands on either side of the handle closer to the edge of the shield.

I'm happy to help you test it out

C

[Rey]

Yea I've seen Valdys, he made a oval and if I remember right it sort of looked like a pringle after he fought with it awhile, started to curve in places. Guess best way to test it is to knock one out and go fight.

I'll be happy to let you help me test it

Rey