The Armour Archive

Hi,

Maureen has finished up the "armouring box" for my tools. It's a portable shop basically. Hal's dishing doughnut and "universal tool mount" are mounted to the inside of the lid, which latches down so it can be turned completely over and the "armouring box" becomes an "armouring bench".

After I’ve tuned up everything, tested everything out, stained the wood a nice deep mahogany and attach leather to the bottom of the legs, I’ll get some photographs up of it on a clear, sunny day. It’s rather impressive and keeps my stuff away from her woodworking tools. AND it’s portable to events. I don’t have a Beverly Shear, but pretty much almost all basic armouring could be done at an event using this system IMO.

The only problem with this system is I fear I will be addicted to Hal’s tools.

I tuned up the backplate on my armour a bit. There was almost a three finger space in the "gut" area where the steel would never touch me. I'm sort of wasp-waisted (compared to the average SCA fighter) and the armour wasn't reflecting that. While that might seem like arrogance and pride on my part, it also makes it difficult to fight if the armour is wider than you are.

The greaves are next! I’m on leave (vacation) at the end of the month to Maine, and I plan on working on the armour more and sewing up an arming coat “cut full of holesâ€

Sound like fun Aaron, Do you have those chain mail sleeve things yet?

Edward

Yep! I've got mail gussets and besegues.

But I need to make the arming coat first to make it work right. I think I'm onto something that might help make sure they stay in place, and I think it's from "cut full of holes" and the "twine" used. It'll just be like how they sew models into form fitting clothes in a way. Then the mail will be form fitting and the armour will follow.

And then I can have fun again!

The "light-flight-fight" suit parts will be ready for pick up from Dave (Cet) at the end of next week, and then it should be quick work to make them work (IMO).

My favorite suit is the cap-a-pie one though.

-Aaron

You could do worse than getting addicted to Hal's tools.
I'd go for a light stain color, or add some brass accents. Really dark colored chests and benches are light booby traps in a dark camp site, at least they are for me.

Have you a pic of your tool chest?
You know we like pics don't ya know.
What tool mounting system are you using?

Hi Hal!

Let me do a light stain (dark can be bad...right) and get it looking right, and then I can make a presentable picture for you.

As it is, I'm shocked to say I think my backplate was put on backwards from day one, and it's a little worder I've got problems. I've been fighting in armour that is basically a back-board. Worse...I didn't notice.

With respect,

-Aaron

Hi Aaron, Neat idea for the portable shop. Post pics when you get time.

Take care

Pitbull

Well I move every 1.7 years, on the average. It has to portable.

Why do you have to move so often? That would drive me insane

Army.. .& 1/2 the Archive thinks I am insane. The other half think of me as family... Addams Family.

The pictures should be up this evening or on Saturday. Would they go on armour construction or classified? Is this a "how to" or is this "an advertizement for Hal's Tool's" ?

It stained up nicely and looks really good IMO.

With respect,

-Aaron