Glueing a Linothorax

[ouragos]

It is far easier and more effective to apply the glue with a tile spreader, as you need the glue to absorb into the linen in order to ensure adhesion over time. It also starts to dry pretty quickly so this allows you to be much more 'prompt' in the build. If you do not do this then there is a strong possibility that elements of the layers will bubble / start to separate with wear.

The glue you use is important as well. It needs to be something with the property of stiffening and softening in relation to temperature - and thus have elasticity.

If you are just thinking 'glue', then the very best I have found is a Sanford product called Marvin Medium. A PVA, but cannot be beaten for this type of build in modern glue terms. Not that I have found anyway and I have made 20 or so linothorax.

Layers, well if you are building entirely from linen I would suggest that you build in two stages. Linen will move as it is pressed into place and so you need a stable surface to ensure a good finish. Build a 'core' first of 5/6 layers, re-apply your pattern and cut back to shape. It should be stable then for the top layers to be applied.

Build by doing alternate front-back layers (as in, keep turning it over). Wilth Marvin you would be able to build 'wet' - as in complete the whole body in one process.

DO NOT cut the pteregues until the end. You will find it impossible to manage 19-21 'feathers' and keep them straight and regular if you cut them first.

I would also suggest that you make the body thicker than the pteregues. If you are looking to 20+ layers (and be careful as it can get too thick), half that thickness for the pteregues would be plenty. Remember, there will be an inner layer of pteregues as well. Also, if you are scaling the outside, remember you have to drive all the stitching holes through!

Also - just make sure that the body length is to your natural waist - navel/belly button. Else you will find it diffcult to bend. Length of the pteregues, by illustrative evidence, is variable depending upon timeframe but a good guide is that your own 'dangly bits' would be just about visible....or not for us more regularly proportioned guys!

This gives you about a 10" drop from the waist.