06-22-2008, 09:00 PM
I have made several shields in the Gallic and Germanic style and even up to viking I think I have made about 27 now. The historical and easy way to do it is to peg each individual plank together for one thing with lots of glue then when you add the facing and backing of either leather or fabric you pull it very tight and when the glue dries on it, the fabric will pull the planks together and hold them. Also if you add edging you must attach the edging to every plank this will provide stability to them and hold them in a standard form.
Another practice is to drill very small holes along the plank edges inside and out and when you glue them together you stitch wet rawhide strips over the seams using the holes. When the rawhide dries it will pull the seams tight and the glue will hold them, just cover this with the facing and you will have a tight seal as long as you don't leave you shield out in the rain for long periods of time.
Another practice is to drill very small holes along the plank edges inside and out and when you glue them together you stitch wet rawhide strips over the seams using the holes. When the rawhide dries it will pull the seams tight and the glue will hold them, just cover this with the facing and you will have a tight seal as long as you don't leave you shield out in the rain for long periods of time.
Go in peace, and may the light of Lugh shine on your path
Divitiacus: Priest and brehon of the Druid order
Commander of the Brayden Cael
(AKA Justin Hawley)
Divitiacus: Priest and brehon of the Druid order
Commander of the Brayden Cael
(AKA Justin Hawley)
