04-04-2008, 03:50 PM
I am also making a pair of Bronze Greeves to compliment the cuirass I am currently working. I do not see anywhere in RAT where the process of making greeves in the Greek style is fully discussed.
Has anyone here made a pair of well fitted muscled greeves?
I have studied the three dimensional diagram made by Tarbicus and adapted it into a two dimensional form for my legs as best I could. I needed something to trace onto the sheet to use as a pattern for initial cutting so I tried to take his three dimensional pattern and collapse it into two dimensions. Here is how I plan to do it:
1) Trace two dimensional pattern on to 16 gauge (0.05") bronze and cutout using a 34-36 tpi jig saw blade.
2) File down the edges.
3) Drill small holes every 1/2" around the perimeter for sewing on a trim later.
4) Draw guides with a sharpie to curve the greeves to my individual calf structure and curveature of my lower leg.
5) Begin by dishing the knee cap area and begin the curve at the upper portion of the leg.
6) Begin slowly dishing the calf muscle itself into the greeves.
7) Smooth out the calf muscle to a near smooth finish.
8) Finish curving the rest of the greeve around the leg. Then curve the lower portion of the greeve just over the instep away from the leg slightly.
9) Finishing work and polish for the metal.
10) Glue one to two layers of wool felt to the inside of the greeve
11) Glue a leather strip as a trim to the edge following the full edge of the greeve.
12) Stitch through the previously drilled holes to further secure the leather trim to the greeve.
The reason I am posting this is to get more imput on the physical process of making these and then to eventually have a pretty iron clad set of instructions contained here for others to copy should they need it.
I think the key is going to be to work from the outside dishing towards the center. Once the greeve is curved more fully around the leg, I see know way to hammer inside it. It is just too small of a diameter, especially with my small legs.
Any input is definately appreciated and wanted. Thanks.
Has anyone here made a pair of well fitted muscled greeves?
I have studied the three dimensional diagram made by Tarbicus and adapted it into a two dimensional form for my legs as best I could. I needed something to trace onto the sheet to use as a pattern for initial cutting so I tried to take his three dimensional pattern and collapse it into two dimensions. Here is how I plan to do it:
1) Trace two dimensional pattern on to 16 gauge (0.05") bronze and cutout using a 34-36 tpi jig saw blade.
2) File down the edges.
3) Drill small holes every 1/2" around the perimeter for sewing on a trim later.
4) Draw guides with a sharpie to curve the greeves to my individual calf structure and curveature of my lower leg.
5) Begin by dishing the knee cap area and begin the curve at the upper portion of the leg.
6) Begin slowly dishing the calf muscle itself into the greeves.
7) Smooth out the calf muscle to a near smooth finish.
8) Finish curving the rest of the greeve around the leg. Then curve the lower portion of the greeve just over the instep away from the leg slightly.
9) Finishing work and polish for the metal.
10) Glue one to two layers of wool felt to the inside of the greeve
11) Glue a leather strip as a trim to the edge following the full edge of the greeve.
12) Stitch through the previously drilled holes to further secure the leather trim to the greeve.
The reason I am posting this is to get more imput on the physical process of making these and then to eventually have a pretty iron clad set of instructions contained here for others to copy should they need it.
I think the key is going to be to work from the outside dishing towards the center. Once the greeve is curved more fully around the leg, I see know way to hammer inside it. It is just too small of a diameter, especially with my small legs.
Any input is definately appreciated and wanted. Thanks.
"A wise man learns from his mistakes, but the truly wise man learns from the mistakes of others."
Chris Boatcallie
Chris Boatcallie
