09-27-2009, 02:46 AM
Ave!
Well, it depends some on the time-frame you are aiming for. For the late Republic and into the Empire, you actually want brass, copper and zinc, which the Romans called orichalcum. The zinc content could be anywhere up to around 20 percent, so a "red brass" or "low brass" of 10 or 15 percent zinc is perfect. Modern "commercial bronze" is also a low-zinc brass, at least it's lower than the typical yellow brass which is about 30 percent zinc. Roman brass could also include some lead and even some tin, so you have some options.
I don't think 22 gauge is too thin, in fact many scales were thinner than that. Since they overlap side to side as well as vertically, there's plenty of thickness overall. Save yourself some weight! Bronze and brass are going to easier to cut than the same thickness of steel, generally speaking.
There are a couple great threads on scale armor already, including a really excellent method for make scales quickly.
Good luck!
Matthew
Well, it depends some on the time-frame you are aiming for. For the late Republic and into the Empire, you actually want brass, copper and zinc, which the Romans called orichalcum. The zinc content could be anywhere up to around 20 percent, so a "red brass" or "low brass" of 10 or 15 percent zinc is perfect. Modern "commercial bronze" is also a low-zinc brass, at least it's lower than the typical yellow brass which is about 30 percent zinc. Roman brass could also include some lead and even some tin, so you have some options.
I don't think 22 gauge is too thin, in fact many scales were thinner than that. Since they overlap side to side as well as vertically, there's plenty of thickness overall. Save yourself some weight! Bronze and brass are going to easier to cut than the same thickness of steel, generally speaking.
There are a couple great threads on scale armor already, including a really excellent method for make scales quickly.
Good luck!
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
