By Algar on 10/9/2006 10:07 PM

Okay, here's the scoop.  I'm thinking to build 10+ of the leather / steel basket hilts, but now stainless steel and polished.

I figure that by buying the raw materials and setting up jigs, it'll be easy to knock out a bunch, since I'm already going to make 3 just for the wife and I.

Should I follow through on the extra 7 and try to sell them to recover the cost, or keep them as possible war chest donations and such.

Either way, I hope to get the materials next weekend (10/14), and get started now that the garage is clear.

Gotta get the proto and measure out the stock to figure out how much to buy, and pick up a roll of stainless wire.

Then there is the decision to make on leather color and what desing to carve.

Black on polished stainless steel...  ooohhh....  oops.

 

By Algar on 8/29/2006 11:46 AM

I think I've come to the conclusion that armoring up/fighting is more to me than just slapping on some kind of protection and flailing away at someone - just for the sake of fighting.

I found myself far more frustrated at not having my things "just right" than not being able to fight at Warren War.  The helmet liner and strap were not finished, didn't have the legs done (no knee cops), the gorge wasn't fitting right, no sword or shield... and the list goes on...  I could have borrowed the needed items, but it wasn't right.

Where many people want to fight for the sake of the game, I find myself fully enthralled in the goal of creating of the armor, and creating innovative and functional designs that would allow me good movement, articulation, comfort, and looks.  But probably above all else is to design my armor so I can walk away undamaged.  “I'm holding on too tight” Cougar - Top Gun.

So where does that leave me?  I finished the basket-hilt last night, and gave it to my lady to use.  She has her gear and can use it well before me.  The cops came in and can now start building the legs.  While the welder was out I welded up a shield handle, and now just need the hose for the border and a bit of leatherwork to finish it up.  Then it’s strap things on and get started the re-work process.  Who knows where it’ll take me, only time will tell.

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By Algar on 6/12/2006 11:52 AM

Broke out the lathe and attempted a modest drinking cup.  Lots of on-the-fly learning and cursing, but did get it done.  This one was just a test, but plan to turn out bigger and nicer ones in the near future.

 

 

By Algar on 5/22/2006 7:07 PM

Found this site for lute building: http://www.vanedwards.co.uk/renlute.htm

Emailed the guy, he seemed still active in hosting the course and helping students.

Lots of links for materials and tools.

Plust, the course and materials should cost about ~$400, compared to $700 for a pre-built kit from England.  Is it worth it?  Guess I'll find out!

I ordered a blueprint for a lute, but it turned out to be a lute body with a "modern" guitar's tuners - not gonna fly...