guage for a fluted helm top

Stoffel · Post by **Stoffel** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 9:14 am

(for sca combat) I'm working on a burgundian esque kettlehat/sallet, with the fluted spirals coming down from the top. I'm trying the keep the weight down as much as possible. Considering the flutes that will be running down the lenght, six in all, and a rolled edge on the brim, do you think 16g will be strong enough, or will armour requirements force me to go with 14g? Mass isnt a problem, as there will be slats off the back, a bevor, bars on top of the bevor, and maille drapped over the slats in the back.

James C · Post by **James C** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 9:31 am

I think that 16 guage stainless or high carbon would be sufficiant. Mild is just too soft to be protecting my head.

just a personal opinion.

Mad Matt · Post by **Mad Matt** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 10:22 am

How many panels in the skull?

For a dished helmet skull I'd say only ever use 16ga if you've got at least 4 panels (spangens).

With a 2 piece skull you're thinning the steel with your dishing more. There's also less reinforcement from the bands if you're using a single band like my kettle hats.

------------------
The budding mid 14th century German Transitional guy.
Mad Matt's Armory

Stoffel · Post by **Stoffel** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 1:56 pm

It will be two panels, welded, with the brim of the kettle hat being part of the pannels, and will probably be of carbon steel, as I'm making the rest of the armour out of 18-20g carbon steel.

DanNV · Post by **DanNV** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 6:35 pm

Why are you trying to keep the weight down on a helmet for SCA combat? The wieght is a good portion of the protection. Light helmets are a bad thing. You'll get your head and neck torqued around every time you get hit.

Dan

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 7:55 pm

8-10 pounds is not excessive for a fighting helm.

Stoffel · Post by **Stoffel** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 8:41 pm

I'm trying to keep the weight down because the last kettle hat(14g) w/ bevor and maille drap ended up in the 16 pound range. It was killer on my neck after an hour of wearing it around.(garridan has it now). This helm will have the maille and bevor as well, so if I went with 16 the weight would come out about the same, probably a bit heavier still.

DanNV · Post by **DanNV** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 10:37 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Stoffel:
I'm trying to keep the weight down because the last kettle hat(14g) w/ bevor and maille drap ended up in the 16 pound range. It was killer on my neck after an hour of wearing it around.(garridan has it now). This helm will have the maille and bevor as well, so if I went with 16 the weight would come out about the same, probably a bit heavier still.</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I assume the bevor will be part of the gorget(or have a gorget back) rather than being part of the helmet, so it's weight shouldn't matter. Dishing the 16 ga is going to leave you with metal that is too thin. The finished thickness is what matters not the beginning thickness (per our earl Marshal after he bumped it up the line).

Dan

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Fri Mar 22, 2002 1:06 am

One question you have to ask yourself is this: "How long do I want the helm to last in decent shape?"

Bran · Post by **Bran** » Fri Mar 22, 2002 1:31 am

I think I'd find a way to lighten up the mail and bevor rather than skimping on the dome of the helm. Mass is your friend up there.

Bran