06-19-2008, 07:53 AM
Welcome Jason,
You have certainly come to the right place and fallen amongst a den of Hoplitophiles. Raising a helmet can be a technically daunting task according to those who have done it...more strength to you if you can manage that. Casting has its own technical problems not the least being little, none IMHO, literary, archeological or pictorial evidence for it being done. Some modern reproductions are cast and some are "cold cast" that is a mixture of bronze and or other metallic powders are mixed with resin and poured into a mould - both tend to be heavy and thick - too thick to wear comfortably. Yes the lost wax statues in bronze were cast but the evidence favours that original helmets being hammer raised as a dome or hammered over a stone form.
Look at other peoples impressions and you'll get a a good idea of what will suit you. See www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=9935
Good luck - this forum only gets better and the people are always willing to share what they have.
You have certainly come to the right place and fallen amongst a den of Hoplitophiles. Raising a helmet can be a technically daunting task according to those who have done it...more strength to you if you can manage that. Casting has its own technical problems not the least being little, none IMHO, literary, archeological or pictorial evidence for it being done. Some modern reproductions are cast and some are "cold cast" that is a mixture of bronze and or other metallic powders are mixed with resin and poured into a mould - both tend to be heavy and thick - too thick to wear comfortably. Yes the lost wax statues in bronze were cast but the evidence favours that original helmets being hammer raised as a dome or hammered over a stone form.
Look at other peoples impressions and you'll get a a good idea of what will suit you. See www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=9935
Good luck - this forum only gets better and the people are always willing to share what they have.
Peter Raftos
