Scutum materials

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What do you use? I have access to a wide array of wood in terms of type, thickness, et al.

Also, what are the specs on a scutum? Was there a "standard"?


Thanks for all help!

[Neuraleanus]

Check out the scutum construction article on the bottom of the legio XXX equipment page:
[url:3umts3rs]http://www.geocities.com/romanlegionlegioxxx/equipment.html[/url]

I'm not sure about scuta standards in the roman army, it most likely depends upon the time period, but most reenacting groups have been making scuta adhering to the dimensions of the larger Dura Europo scutum. There is still not many of us, so it is good that we all use the same size scuta. It makes for a nicer presentation when we all get together.

The preferred core material is 1/8 inch birch plywood. You glue two layers of this onto a form. Some people have gone the extra step of using three layers of criss-cross birch wood strips, making their own plywood, as the romans would of done, but birch wood strips are difficult to locate.

[Magnus]

Also go here:

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/scutum.html

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Thanks! That really helped.