Pattern for the construction
of a simple shield basket of the metal box style as constructed by Caladin
Ironhearth
The pattern for the
shield basket is quite simple, as is the procedure for construction it. So I'm going
to fly by quite quickly. If you have questions ask me.
The key explains how
to make the measurements fit you.
This pattern only
really works well on a flat shield on a curved shield. You can make it work by
twisting the tabs and skewing the tab bend lines. I'm not going to go into
that, as this is intended as a companion piece for a document on how to make an
Ansteorran BAS (big a**ed
shield)
Key:
Lay
out the one or two pieced pattern on a piece of metal. I use street sign
aluminum, which is available from a local scrap yard, or can often be found at
the local highway department, if you tell them about the SCA, and or send a
cute lady to do the asking J
Cut
it, drill it then bend it. When bending I prefer to use a vice and a hammer or
mallet to get a nice crisp edge, but I've seen it done many ways from shoving
it into a crack in a fence to bending it on the tailgate of a pickup.
If
using the two-piece pattern, bolt the front panel onto the box after bending.
You can feel free to use more than one bolt if you wish, it'll be stronger that
way.
Put
the ugly side of the sign on the inside.
Any
way you can get the leverage to bend it works. If using a vice, start with one
of the sides and go around, starting on the back flap makes it much more
painful. If you have access to a sheet metal brake to bend it on, I envy you!
Bend
the top angles first, then the tabs.
Drill
a pilot hole for the Lag bolt, which hold in the handle, and Put a drop of glue
in the hole to hold the bolt in place. Do the same for the nails, which keep
the handle from rotating.
To
make it tougher, as a last step take a hammer or a crescent wrench and slightly
flare out the edges on the open end, where your hand goes in. This bend will
keep the basket much more rigid when hit. Only bend 1/4" of the edge out
20 or 30 degrees, or it'll get caught on your armor/ nipples while you fight.
Bending / Assembling
Guide:
Volia! You're ready
to make a shield now!