So how do you get those really nice patterns etched onto the metal then? I don't think it's possible to scratch something that nice, but I could be wrong. I read once something about printing the pattern off?? Can anyone explain how that might work? Take knitebee's design for example...those letters...

thanx everyone, that clears a few things up. Except for on evital point...i'm still confused on whether you want to etch the designs into the metal, or etch the metal around the designs, so that the deigns are sticking out above the metal. If you're applying resist in the form of the pattern, then t...

Can anyone out there give me any tips on etching mild steel? I've found out what to use; I think i'll go with the asphaultum/ferric chloride combination. Now I just need to find out how to acctually etch.

Thanx everyone

That's a hell of a nice Helm!!!!!!! Good job! You should have seen my first helm. It was supposed to be a Norman Spangenhelm, but it looked more like a kettle with a nose piece.

Can't say it enough...A+

Thanks everyone! That clears a few things up. I really just need the Anvil for riveting, and general plate armouring. I guess its just nice to have a hard surface to work on.

Just wondering if anyone out there could tell me how I could make my own rivets from scratch. Oh, and also, what are the most important elements to consider when making one's own anvil (ie. What is important to include in the anvil, and what isnt)?

Does anyone know if the "Schott-Sonnenberg" style is an armour style, or just a breastplate style? Its kinda confusing.

sweet, thanx. How much are Beverly Shears...cause I am on a budget...as in I can't really afford anything more than aviation snips...kinda sucks, when you want to make armour.

Hey,

I've been making armour for about a year now, and I've used 18 gauge mild steel for just about all of my work. I was just wondering if thats really the best thing to use...I have my doubts. Problem is, I don't have the tools to cut stainless, or even 16 gauge mild.