I have recently been inspired to build a lorica segmentata and document the process. I am experimenting a little bit with design, but ultimately it will be a Newstead style segmentata. Since the Newstead seems to be a bit underrepresented in the existing "how-to"s (or at least in the ones that I've been able to find), I am hopeful that this may be of interest to the fine ladies and gentlemen here on RAT.
At present I am prototyping using 24 gauge steel. I'll switch to thicker material once I've settled on a final design.
I would be delighted to receive any advice or comments you may have.
Sorry if you are already familiar with Legio XX, but Matt Amt has some great info on building your own segmentata here: http://www.larp.com/legioxx/lorica.html
I have no metal working experience, but several members here have made their own armor, I'm sure someone will chime in
Well, it depends on how much gas you are running through the torch and thus the heat of the flame and how close the brass is to that flame.
As a general rule though, heat it until it turns red (ie: literally red hot). Then let it cool down again before working it.
Crispvs
Who is called \'\'Paul\'\' by no-one other than his wife, parents and brothers. :!: <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" />:!:
That looks really good Ventus! I'm not sure what I'll make, probably eventually a segmentata, corbridge type A but that's down the road. I'm looking forward to seeing how you make this, as I've been looking for pictures and not descriptions on how to do! Legio XX is really helpful with all their guides!!! I also recommend you look at their site.
Good luck!
Sam ;-)
Crispus - Wow, all right. I'll try that on hinge #3. Thanks!
Sam -
Yes, as stated in one of the earlier blog postings, I would not have had the guts to start this project without Legio XX and some other people's material.
In fact, I think I'll update the first post of this thread with a note to that effect.
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Ross
[url="http://galeforcearmoury.blogspot.com"] Working on a segmentata.[/url]
During the weekend I made some more hinges using the red-hot annealling. Made things much easier. I'll update the blog once my digital camera comes back to me tomorrow-ish.
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Ross
[url="http://galeforcearmoury.blogspot.com"] Working on a segmentata.[/url]
I have resorted to checking your blog every...like...few hours :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( need update man!!! jk :x take your time :-) don't wanna screw up the 3rd and 4th hinges ;-) ;-)
Btw, I am using Legio XX's diagrams to print out, and re-size using the measure provided compared to a real ruler to redraw the diagrams. I will probably make a cardboard one, and after a while of collecting dust, maybe make the real thing. Also, Why don't you use the right gauge?!??! You're already doing the same amount of work!
A friend of mine is back in town right now so I have been a bit more busy than usual. I have just now updated the blog with some stuff from the long weekend, and there will be another post very soon (ideally tonight) to cover the rest of the weekend material.
To answer your question about using the right gauge, there are two main reasons -- the first is that I wanted to start work right away, and when I was buying a bunch of the tools, I found that the store also sold 4'x4' sheets of 24-gauge cold-rolled steel. This was pretty convenient since at the time I hadn't found anyone local who sold sheet metal of ANY kind in small quantities. I decided I would rather start practicing now than waiting a long time to get the right materials first.
The other reason is that I learn best by not only reading, but doing things - and I've never worked with metal before. So I know that I'm going to make some boneheaded mistakes along the way, but I don't have to stress out about them all the time cause it doesn't matter very much on a prototype. It also means I can spend more time right away on the interesting parts (like putting pieces together) instead of spending hours doing the boring stuff (like rounding off all the plate edges) and having nothing to show for it. After all, I'm doing this just for fun.
-RG
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Ross
[url="http://galeforcearmoury.blogspot.com"] Working on a segmentata.[/url]
What thickness is your steel? Matt Lukes made me a Corbridge C, and after looking into it for a long time we decided on thicker plates for the upper part of the seg, down to thinner for the girth hoops. IIRC, this was based on actual finds and encouraged by Mike Bishop. It helps a bit for wearing as the weight is distributed more across the upper part of the torso. You may want to consider doing likewise.
I haven't yet decided what thickness I will use for the final version. Since I am not planning to use it for vigorous reenactment I was considering using 20-gauge on both the shoulders and girdle to cut down on weight a bit. Maybe I should go 18/20 on shoulders/girdle instead to be more authentic?
I am still pondering it.
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Ross
[url="http://galeforcearmoury.blogspot.com"] Working on a segmentata.[/url]
Ventus, that is amazing work with the second set of hinges, maybe round the edges though, just a nice suggestion :-) I am looking forward to the finished project and am very interested in your copper wire rivets! At my local hardware store we have everything!!! mwahaha BRASS piping and brass rods, sheets, so yeah, you can see that in a pic on the third page of my brass work thread. Good luck at the cottage, is it one of those cute country ones?! :razz: For my rivets for my scabbard I'll most likely buy a thin brass rod and cut in correct lengths and hammer as a rivet. Anyway, do good!
have fun...
