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Post by gazinshe on Jan 18, 2009 0:59:44 GMT -5
I was thinking of making a tower shield as a first time shield maker. Thinking of making a strap shield like the edhellen ones. Also thinking of putting 2 straps on it towards the bottom to put a sword. Normally I am a 2 sword user, but wanting to branch out a bit. I am thinking of making it out of wood, any recommendations as to whether a wooden tower shield is good or bad? I would be using it with a 40 inch sword (including hilt and pommel) and eventually making a 52 inch sword (including hilt and pommel) to go with it.
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Lady Krystal
Calendar Techie
Maroon is FTW!
Kushiel's Chosen
Posts: 664
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Post by Lady Krystal on Jan 18, 2009 1:24:07 GMT -5
99% of the shields in my unit are wooden cores, and we've all never had any problems with them. The biggest problem you may face is the strapping - because the position of the straps will have a LOT to do with how the shield sits on your arm, and how the weight distributes over your arm.
We use 1/2" thick plywood I believe (at least, for most of them) and, for me at least, weight has never ever been an issue. Even better, the wind doesn't catch it and yank it around like some plastic/coreless shields.
I've never put additional straps to hold a sword, so unfortunately I can't offer any suggestions as far as that's concerned.
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Post by gazinshe on Jan 18, 2009 1:32:06 GMT -5
Sweet, thanks for the help
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Post by Skeith, the Forsaken on Jan 18, 2009 19:57:45 GMT -5
I would suggest if you can afford it buying a tear drop shield from Edhellen. If not try a plastic core or some type of hard foam. I'd imagine you won't be fighting toe to toe with romans so a lighter shield will improve you fighting ability by being less cumbersome. Not sure how big you are but self built shields made of wood usually tend to be on the heavy side, because you gotta make them semi thick to be durable. Even more so if it's your first attempt. (First weapons/shields are pretty much always fugly lol) My first buckler weight more than my weapon did and I was using a red sword!
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Post by gazinshe on Jan 18, 2009 23:46:51 GMT -5
gonna try to make it heavy because it will build muscle to help me get into west point in about 5 years
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Post by Skeith, the Forsaken on Jan 19, 2009 20:35:51 GMT -5
Then only your shield arm will get buff and you'll do uneven push ups. Trust me you'll build strength in that arm no matter how heavy it is. The whole repetitions vs weight ya know?
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Post by gazinshe on Jan 19, 2009 20:53:49 GMT -5
ah got it, I went basement delving though today... found my PVC crossbow ballista thing... and a 3/8 inch moldy piece of plywood... I bleached it and can prolly save a few bucks if I just make a shield, if it fails horribly I think the edhellen shields are a very good back up as of right now
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Whisper MoonSon
Heroic Adventurer
Just another lunatic - that's me.
Posts: 126
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Post by Whisper MoonSon on Jan 19, 2009 20:54:59 GMT -5
OK, so make a 30" diameter, 3/4" thick plywood punch shield and give each arm a turn when you practice with it. Be sure to keep it extended and in motion. Otherwise, why have a punch shield? When you a strong and angular, laugh at the puny men as you throw them around the field.
Hey, it worked for me! I just wish I'd kept that thing. Got rid of it just before I got back into Dagorhir. Grrr....
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Post by gazinshe on Jan 19, 2009 20:56:10 GMT -5
nice
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Post by corsair on Feb 4, 2009 17:21:49 GMT -5
i just made my first shield, and it was a tower shield, honestly i didnt like it cause to move anything more than a slow walk i had to open it up to my side, in a line it was alright but too wide... like 27" or so. i mean if you like it do it you can always cut it back down like i did mine. let us know how it works. i think my straps were too high though cause it was extremely bottom heavy
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olos
Heroic Adventurer
Brother of the Black Company
Posts: 125
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Post by olos on Feb 8, 2009 1:15:00 GMT -5
Use a 28-30" round when starting out, almost always unless you are freakishly tall. Anything else will cause you to rely on the shield and not develop footwork/good mechanics.
Also, edhellen prices have went through the roof in recent years.
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Post by gazinshe on Feb 8, 2009 9:23:21 GMT -5
I already has good footwork and mechanics because of taekwondo and fighting a little bit for about 4 years and for the past year fought a lot more (first degree blackbelt ftw)
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