The Armour Archive

The concept seems simple enough, but I'd like some info as to what exactly these things can do.

For instance, it says at http://www.metalcrafttools.com/ that it can make compound curves... big whoop. What I'm really interested in knowing is whether or not it can make conical shapes, such as cuisses, gauntlet cuffs, or vambraces, and whether it can make bowls, like helm halves, cops, spangen pieces....

Also, if anyone knows what the minimum diameter is that I can work with, I'd appreciate it.

edit: also, it looks like the only advantage between the large and small models is throat depth... it states that it takes the same pressure to form large and small pieces... so does anyone think there would be a problem feeding 14g in the small model, or are these tools even designed to handle anything that thick?

HELMUT

[This message has been edited by schreiber (edited 12-07-2001).]

My roomate has an English Wheel, and I've used it a little. I've never tried to shape a helmet half with it, but it seems that it could be done. I would think that a spangen panel would be pretty easy.
I've used it mostly as a substitute for planishing, basically, and it rocks for that! It's also good for shaping shields. I find the throat depth less of a limitation than the lower wheel mount, especially for small pieces.
It seems to be one of those things that one has to develop a knack for, and after that the sky's the limit.

I watched a special on TLC or Discovery or something about Jessie James, who designs custom motorcycles. (www.westcoastchoppers.com) *drool* *$$$$*.

Anyway, he uses an English Wheel to shape the pieces which are welded together for the gastanks, most of which have a pretty extreme teardrop shape. In his hands (and feet) the tool was amazing. All I could think of was the armour he could build if he set his mind to it.

I agree with Edmond, that for planishing it could be a valuable tool indeed. Just watch those fingers.

Ulfr
Clan Wulfden
Soldier, Legio Draconis

I've used one quite a few times, generally for planishing, but it has been very helpful in getting a nice fullness in breastplates even without dishing or raising. I have used it to planish / alter conical helm halves but in 16ga. IMO it should handle 14ga, but be patient with it, many, many passes!
Oh, and I'll second the "watch the fingers" comment, these things can give you such a pinch!

I've used a benchtop type of EW for annealed 16 ga mild, and it did nothing. I only wanted to planish a breastplate and it was worthless. A bigger machine might have done it, but think about it, you can buy a lot of planishing hammers for 2 1/2 grand. You'll probably work less too, as EW's take a lot of muscle to push a plate back and forth and back and forth about a zillion times.

Remember, they're primarily made for body workers who fabricate big plates, in gradual curves usually of very soft aluminum. They're not designed for armourers. Shapes in armour are usually too tight and the metal is too thick.

You might try a power hammer, and Metalcrafts looks like a good place to get one.

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Cheers,

Jeffrey Hedgecock,
Armourer
Historic Enterprises
http://www.historicenterprises.com

[This message has been edited by Jeffrey Hedgecock (edited 12-07-2001).]