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Phillip H. Lee
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 Posted: Fri 20 Apr, 2007 4:37 pm Post subject: A website for making shields? |
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(I decided to move this from the Historical Arms section to this section)
Hello! I am currently trying to create a "round shield" for a school project (time is not a constraint: this project will be worked on over the summer), but I am having difficulty finding a good instructional website for the construction of such a shield. An example of such as shield: http://www.varmouries.com/art/vws.jpg
Could any of you offer me suggestions?
P.S: I am hoping to make this shield as close a reproduction to a real thing as possible: however, since I am a pre-college student with almost no knowledge of woodworking, I am prepared to turn to more common construction materials.
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Robin Smith
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| Posted: Fri 20 Apr, 2007 4:58 pm Post subject: |
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Here is a photo essay on how to make a viking roundshield.
http://community.webshots.com/album/310466990sSMwEw
Its a photo essay, but he shows step by step what he does to make one. This is a plywood shield. I know he also makes plank shields, I'll try an see if he has a step by step on those...
All credit belongs to Scott Gelpi/Sir Camric fitz Hugh/Camric Greenshield...
A furore Normannorum libera nos, Domine
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Robin Smith
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Robin Smith
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| Posted: Fri 20 Apr, 2007 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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Chad: Sorry about the triple post
Scott/Camric is a friend of mine, so if you have a question or need clarification of a step I can ask him in person, and pass on his answer....
A furore Normannorum libera nos, Domine
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Phillip H. Lee
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| Posted: Fri 20 Apr, 2007 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you! These photos have given me a good idea on what to do.
Meanwhile, does anyone know where I can get myself a shield boss? Since I have no skill in metal working, I am wary of making one for myself.
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Robin Smith
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Jonathan Blair
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| Posted: Fri 20 Apr, 2007 8:03 pm Post subject: |
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Mercenary Tailor has one http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/product_inf...ucts_id=99 $60.00
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." - The Lord Jesus Christ, from The Gospel According to Saint Matthew, chapter x, verse 34, Authorized Version of 1611
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Robin Smith
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| Posted: Fri 20 Apr, 2007 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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Also, don't forget about your edging. I suggest rawhide. Its tough, and alot easier than making a metal edging. You can get it at Tandy Leather in hides, or you can order online from E-Leatherworks http://www.eleatherworks.com/product.php?prod...amp;page=1
A furore Normannorum libera nos, Domine
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Steven H
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| Posted: Fri 20 Apr, 2007 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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Hello,
For more information you can read this paper on 'Viking Shields'.
Things to note:
1) Edging with metal was uncommon to non-existent by the Viking age, and edging with leather was probable but not done with every shield.
2) Shields were sometimes faced and, less often, backed with leather.
3) Painting them is good
I've made one myself. Edge butting the planks, and gluing them works a heck of a lot better than you'd think.
Are you making this to be used in combat recreation . . . for living history standards . . . general display? Let us know and we can provide more specific info.
-Steven
Kunstbruder - Boston area Historical Combat Study
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Phillip H. Lee
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| Posted: Mon 04 Jun, 2007 5:23 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you all for the information!
A quick question, though: what do they mean by "planks butted together"? That the planks are simply stuck together with...glue? nails?
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Steven H
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| Posted: Mon 04 Jun, 2007 7:02 pm Post subject: |
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| Phillip H. Lee wrote: | Thank you all for the information!
A quick question, though: what do they mean by "planks butted together"? That the planks are simply stuck together with...glue? nails? |
Glue. Lay the planks out side by side on a table and glue the vertical edges together. (put plastic wrap underneath so any excess glue doesn't attach things to your shield.) Alternately, make plywood. Do the above method with thinner wood. Then do it again on top of the first set of planks and rotated 90 degrees.
Good luck,
-Steven
Kunstbruder - Boston area Historical Combat Study
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Phillip H. Lee
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| Posted: Mon 11 Jun, 2007 6:30 am Post subject: |
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Oops, I forgot to answer a few questions:
I'm trying to make this as authentically as possible within my financial limits, since I am making this over the summer for a school "Independant Study" project. That's why I'm trying to make the shield with planks rather than go the easy route and make the shield with modern plywood.
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Robin Smith
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| Posted: Mon 11 Jun, 2007 7:26 am Post subject: |
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Well don't forget to post us a pic of your final product...
A furore Normannorum libera nos, Domine
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Steven H
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| Posted: Mon 11 Jun, 2007 10:47 am Post subject: |
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| Phillip H. Lee wrote: | Oops, I forgot to answer a few questions:
I'm trying to make this as authentically as possible within my financial limits, since I am making this over the summer for a school "Independant Study" project. That's why I'm trying to make the shield with planks rather than go the easy route and make the shield with modern plywood. |
As authentic as possible. So period glue also? Titebond makes glues that are closer to original hide glue but still easy to use. Hide glue can be bought, though you may have to go to an art store (and I suspect it is more expensive and it's definitely less convenient.)
Metal shield bosses can be bought from various online vendors. For something good looking it'll cost you about $60.
I suggest painting the shield. It's easy to do and helps preserve the wood. I don't know much about the paint used but most modern paints won't look right (too glossy) so you'll need to ask around to get something that looks right (go to an art store and try to talk to an art major because many of them have made period paints themselves).
To cut cost corners and still have something entirely historical don't edge it with steel or leather or face it in leather. Still entirely historical, but if you're gonna use it'll get messed up eventually.
Good luck.
Kunstbruder - Boston area Historical Combat Study
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Randall Moffett
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| Posted: Tue 12 Jun, 2007 3:30 am Post subject: |
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Very cool. One more project added to the ever growing list... 
You have to tell your friend they look very nice.
RPM
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This is a standard topic