Planning some helm work in the near future...Need some input

[Ironbadger]

As stated, I am planning some helm work in the not too distant future.

Mostly, I am looking to play with some patterns bought from Historical research press.

At least one Von Prankh great helm, maybe a sugarloaf, and some bascinet action, based on the patterns are all on my to do list.

So.
Since these are to be practice/experience/projects that I wouldn't likely be wearing on the field, (But do plan to make list legal for SCA,) they do not need to be fitted to my tiny little 22 inch head.

What seems like a good, general size range for such helms, with an eye towards selling?
I am assuming 24 inch?

Also, does anyone else have experience with the patterns already, and have any advice to pass on?

And what other types of helms would you suggest aside from what I have listed?
I am feeling like theres a lot that should come to mind, and my imagination is drawing blanks.

I am doing mild steel for the forseeable future, (Sorry, no stainless) and a welder is on my acquisition list to make things easier.

-Badger-

[Steve S.]

I have just started working in pure plate armour also. I started out with Alan Baldree's Great Helm pattern. It is not a very historically accurate pattern but if it will go together just like the pattern shows with no adjustment. I found it relatively easy to do.

Do you have a set of hammers and stakes?

Can you weld?

Steve

[Ironbadger]

My collection of hammers and stakes, while not extensive, has been sufficient to make finished spalders, elbows, knees, breastplates and cuisses.
As well as the parts for finger gauntlets.

I do need a long reach hammer to peen rivets internally.
I am also planning to experiment with externally peened rivets, in the period fashion.

I am confident that I can manage simple riveted helms with the tools I have at the moment.

I will be getting a cheap welder in the not too distant future- Not a great one, but since I only need to be able to weld sheet metal and steel rod up to a quarter inch for now, it will do. (Stated specs on the unit I am looking at cover up to 3/16ths inch plate, so should do for what I need until I can manage better.)

So I should be able to do riveted helms, with internal welded reinforcement if needed.

I've been practicing armouring for about three years now, as time permitted.

I think its time to take on more ambitious projects.

-Badger-

I have just started working in pure plate armour also. I started out with Alan Baldree's Great Helm pattern. It is not a very historically accurate pattern but if it will go together just like the pattern shows with no adjustment. I found it relatively easy to do.

Do you have a set of hammers and stakes?

Can you weld?

Steve