SCUTUM, building and testing, some thoughts

[Matt Lukes]

Testing

It has become obvious that we will not be able to properly test the integrity of these shields because the modern wood is generally grown under conditions that cause it to grow fast and thus cause it to be weaker. Slow growth (old growth) wood generally has denser grain and is stronger.

For this to be true you'd have to prove that the grain density is sufficiently different to have a significant effect on the shield's performance. Personally, given the fact that it's the construction, i.e. 3-ply alternating direction, that gives the scutum the lion's share of its strength, I would doubt that slightly tighter grain would be a signficant factor.

I am sure shield makers selected wood for appropriatenes for scutums. We do not have these luxuries and are forced to use commercially available boards and timbers.. though I do reject most boards, seeking wood with better grain, closer to quarter sawn, and I am not adverse to pawing through stacks and racks of lumber for the best selections.

Again, you'd have to prove this- I know of at least three species of wood that were used for shields- sycamore, birch and oak- so clearly the requirements weren't that stringent and again because it's the plywood nature that is the major strength of the design, unless the wood is full of knots or something, I can't see major selection happening.

There are also some tricks and techniques we still need to learn.... such as adding fibers to the glue to strengthen the bonding; gluing the lath strips damp instead of perfectly dry; and maybe using strips that aren't perfectly smooth, the idea being that a coarser face creates more surface area for adhesion...

The addition of sinew fibers and the rough face for increased gluing area I understand, but why would you want to glue the strips wet?