medieval armor

[Gail]

>>>> Here's some metalwork, to make you drool ;-) I remember seeing the armor at the Nelson Gallery in KC when I was a kid, the mounted knight was just inside the main hall at the entrance.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/thoog/c...7600297115550/

One can only wonder just how long it took to fabricate just one of these. It was functional as well as beautiful. Enjoy the several offerings!
gailm

[ronlevine]

Originally Posted by Gail

>>>> Here's some metalwork, to make you drool ;-) I remember seeing the armor at the Nelson Gallery in KC when I was a kid, the mounted knight was just inside the main hall at the entrance.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/thoog/c...7600297115550/

One can only wonder just how long it took to fabricate just one of these. It was functional as well as beautiful. Enjoy the several offerings!
gailm

I build armor as a hobby. The time required to build one harness of armor is about 100 hours or so depending on a number of factors...

[SVD]

I'm assuming that 100 hours is for 'plain' armor. And probably with at least some modern tools used as well.

Add in the time to do any 'decoration' and you get something well worth preserving for the ages.

[ronlevine]

Originally Posted by SVD

I'm assuming that 100 hours is for 'plain' armor. And probably with at least some modern tools used as well.

Add in the time to do any 'decoration' and you get something well worth preserving for the ages.

Actually, I don't use any "modern" tools. Just hammers, files, an anvil and a big block of wood. Cutting is done with shears. Also a medieval tool.

Modern tools really don't speed up the process all that much with the exception of the use of a power planisher.

I am wanting to learn to engrave so I can start adding the embellishments to my armor.

Cheers,

[SVD]

Impressive!

I thought you'd use something powered (or a torch) for the cutting, possibly a power drill for the holes.

Unless you're doing a lot of sets it's probably faster to hammer each part then to do all the prep work to use a press to form them.

[ronlevine]

I use a hole punch or a centerpunch depending on what I am doing. Some people use presses and powertools. I want to experience the methods used at the time in addition to making spiffy stuff.

[SVD]

Ah! Hole punch probably works better than a drill anyway - less chance of it skidding about.

Besides, doing it the way it used to be done because you want to is a perfectly valid reason.

Once you learn how to engrave with a powered graver you'll probably want to try your hand at older methods. I do a little bit of hand push - mostly just not applying power when it seems appropriate. At some point I intend to learn hammer & chisel, as well as learning how to properly palm push. That way I'll have the techniques available for when they're the best way to do something.