Anyone out there doing helmet kits?

David Blackmane · Post by **David Blackmane** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:59 pm

I know the helmet in the box idea floated around a few years back, and was wondering if anyone was doing that?

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Nur der starke Wille Ã¼berleben.

Argavaynne · Post by **Argavaynne** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 10:18 pm

Doubtful, unless they were selling the kit for dirt cheap, the cost of hammers, anvils or working surfaces would be more expensive then just having a armorer do it.

David Blackmane · Post by **David Blackmane** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 12:50 am

Well...my group is doing earlier period, probably late period Norse, so I was looking for the parts for a spangen, just cut, not dished or formed in any way. I can dish and rivet the pieces myself, I just haven't any way to cut the metal short of a cold chisel.

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Nur der starke Wille Ã¼berleben.

Halberds · Post by **Halberds** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 12:57 am

Funny you should ask.

The 2nd. kit I am working on is a Spangen in the flat.
Just like this one:
http://www.armourarchive.org/patterns/norman_spangenhelm_halberds/

It will have cold rolled 18ga. mild steel panels and 16ga. hot rolled mild steel bands. The nasal will be 14ga. hot rolled.

Hal

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Happy metal pounding
(edited to add bonus pic)
http://www.cox-internet.com/halberds/spangenjim.jpg

[This message has been edited by Halberds (edited 01-11-2004).]

David Blackmane · Post by **David Blackmane** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 9:26 pm

That is a cool helmet......but still no love for the metal shearing-challenged?

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Nur der starke Wille Ã¼berleben.

[This message has been edited by David Blackmane (edited 01-11-2004).]

Wolf · Post by **Wolf** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 10:30 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Halberds:
Funny you should ask.

The 2nd. kit I am working on is a Spangen in the flat.
Just like this one:
http://www.armourarchive.org/patterns/norman_spangenhelm_halberds/

It will have cold rolled 18ga. mild steel panels and 16ga. hot rolled mild steel bands. The nasal will be 14ga. hot rolled.

Hal

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

hmmm kewl i like, how much for a kit???????

Halberds · Post by **Halberds** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 10:40 pm

This is my attempt at putting a kit together.
http://www.cox-internet.com/halberds/kitprog.jpg
This is not a newbie project. I think it is geared more to the intermediate.

Welders G clamps will be required as well as a lot of fortitude.

Sometimes I let my bulldog mouth overload my puppy dog ass.

Your local metal pounder,

Hal

MPorter · Post by **MPorter** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 11:28 pm

Then again that is in 14 gauge. Maybe the 16 gauge for those who aren't into the SCA heavy combat thing, and wouldn't need such a substantial helm?

Halberds · Post by **Halberds** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 11:29 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Wolf:

hmmm kewl i like, how much for a kit???????<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I can get the strips sheared at the local metal shop. The panels can be cut out on Ms. Beverly.

What is your head size? Do you know how to calculate the helm brow band into a fit for your head with suspension?

I was thinking of leaving the bands a little long for personal fitting.

You will need some snips for 16ga.
Dishing stump
Hammers
Clamps
Drill and bits
Rivet anvil
And the finishing materials
And all the other thingies I forgot...

Hal

Ps: Price? I have not run this one yet. I am trying to keeep the spangen kit under $40.00...
The tool kit to build it may be somewhat extra

Halberds · Post by **Halberds** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 12:01 am

A more detail pic of the preformed top piece.
http://www.cox-internet.com/halberds/topdetail.jpg

I think the top piece is the hardest piece to form, so I will include this top with the kits.

Hal

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Happy metal pounding

David Blackmane · Post by **David Blackmane** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 8:35 am

That's a pretty good price for the spangen kit. I have a dishing stump, drill, access to clamps and angle grinder. I also have the ubiquitous piece of rail track for a semi-anvil. Like I said, I cand shape and assemble the helmet, I just can't cut out the pieces.

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Nur der starke Wille Ã¼berleben.

Hrogn · Post by **Hrogn** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 11:46 am

Buy a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade. It sucks but it works a lot better than a cold chisel. You can find one for $30-40. Once you own it you will find many other uses for it as well to justify the money spent.