Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
HomeHome  Latest imagesLatest images  SearchSearch  RegisterRegister  Log inLog in  

 

 3/8" rods and sword tips

Go down 
+2
Crux
Iohn deMar
6 posters
AuthorMessage
Iohn deMar
Realm Administrator
Iohn deMar


Posts : 641
Join date : 2008-08-15
Age : 34
Location : Rolla

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeMon Apr 27, 2009 7:43 pm

Because I feel like rambling...

I've noticed a lot of people using 3/8" fiberglass rods for strong, lightweight sword cores. And I've also noticed that their sword tips blow out very fast. I think this is due to the small diameter of the core not being secured well enough and the core foam being torn up by the repeated impact of combat. Generally speaking, the smaller diameter of the rod increases the force put on the core layer of foam, leading to blown tips. While I am not personally a fan of these small cores, here are some ideas that might help some of these problems.

-Duct tape the tip of the core to a slightly larger diameter and then cover this with some cloth tape. Taper this down to a smooth teardrop shape so the tip of your core looks a bit like this:

(==----------------------

This will make the tip larger and help prevent it from blowing out as quick. The cloth tape ensures that there is good adhesion between foam and core when DAP is applied.

-For your core layer of foam use GOOP brand adhesive instead of DAP. GOOP dries to a hard rubbery consistency and helps stiffen the core layer without cutting it up like tape would...

-After the last layers of foam have been applied to the blade, DAP the flats of the blade and let the DAP dry. Take a long strip of strapping tape and lay it against the flats starting near the tip. Then use a couple more strips of cloth tape over the tip of the blade.
Back to top Go down
Crux

Crux


Posts : 308
Join date : 2009-02-01
Age : 37
Location : Truman

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeMon Apr 27, 2009 9:04 pm

if you tape one circle of blue foam around there to increase the tip size, it won't be as harsh as tape can be while still bulking it up, and also won't add as much weight to the tip.
Back to top Go down
turrinbarturrin
Field Marshal
turrinbarturrin


Posts : 732
Join date : 2008-08-15
Age : 33
Location : bs prov

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeTue Apr 28, 2009 1:29 am

THANKS for the tip (lol pun) Mormakil's tip always broke loose after 2 hours of fighting.

I lost mormakil at war though :'(
Back to top Go down
Odin

Odin


Posts : 781
Join date : 2008-10-20
Location : Rolla

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeTue Apr 28, 2009 1:54 am

i am a fan of the 3/8" fiberglass cores, and i've made two swords with them. both have lasted several months. THey make a very nice min spec weapon (except for length) not to mention they are very light. however my tip seperated two days befor gates...sad. so that black sword i had was actually made in desperation the day before. lol. anyway i had to preform some surgery:

for repairing i simply sliced only the core on the flat side and poured lots of dap. let it dry for many many days and add some tape on the flat and that should add some more life to a sword.
Back to top Go down
Eldrin THE BLACK

Eldrin THE BLACK


Posts : 276
Join date : 2008-11-12
Location : DreadHold

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeTue Apr 28, 2009 12:20 pm

I make a box on the end of my 3/8's swords. Takes a lot(I mean a lot!) to blow my tips out.
Back to top Go down
Orrin None-son

Orrin None-son


Posts : 588
Join date : 2008-09-28
Age : 42
Location : Ravenwood

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeTue Apr 28, 2009 11:39 pm

I'll second The box design. He tought me, and My personal sword has lasted for over 2yrs now, Gates,war,gates adn everything inbetween.
Back to top Go down
Crux

Crux


Posts : 308
Join date : 2009-02-01
Age : 37
Location : Truman

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeWed Apr 29, 2009 12:28 am

awesome!
Back to top Go down
Eldrin THE BLACK

Eldrin THE BLACK


Posts : 276
Join date : 2008-11-12
Location : DreadHold

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeWed Apr 29, 2009 2:01 am

Yeah, the box design tips will easily last a year, and possible 2 if the gluing was done correctly and the cuts were relatively straight. If anyone is interested I might make a little picture demo of how to do it. It takes extra time building a sword but the investment pays big dividends.
Back to top Go down
Odin

Odin


Posts : 781
Join date : 2008-10-20
Location : Rolla

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeWed Apr 29, 2009 2:36 am

interested!
Back to top Go down
Eldrin THE BLACK

Eldrin THE BLACK


Posts : 276
Join date : 2008-11-12
Location : DreadHold

3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitimeWed Apr 29, 2009 4:12 am

Got it, I'll make one after Ludi....


Also, I've noticed that letting the courtesy padding dry for a week before adding the blade strips helps out tremendously. That is is you make them similar to the way I do.


(SOrry I don't have time for demo now, between work, school and re-outfitting myself with some new soldier gear, I ain't got much time )
Back to top Go down
Sponsored content





3/8" rods and sword tips Empty
PostSubject: Re: 3/8" rods and sword tips   3/8" rods and sword tips Icon_minitime

Back to top Go down
 
3/8" rods and sword tips
Back to top 
Page 1 of 1
 Similar topics
-
» dowel rods?
» New Sword
» bent sword
» How do I make a Sword?
» Blue Sword Tutorial 101

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
 :: Town Square :: Foamsmithing & Armoring-
Jump to: