Brass work for Gladius in process.

[Tarbicus]

Looks like we posted at the same time, Byron

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Yup , sorry about that!

[Titus Marius Secundus]

Thank you Tarbicus, very helpful.

[Titus Marius Secundus]

update pic coming in 1 minute!!!!

[Titus Marius Secundus]

Here. Just the cutting, polishing, and maybe punch another upper ridge as it may be too high if I'm going to put a cross section band around the top, it'll just cover it....maybe not. After polishing the tiny micro scratches away I hope this'll look ok. :eek:
any advise :grin:
Sam

[Titus Marius Secundus]

just annealed it quite a little bit, straightened it well. I believe I have to decide what I'm going to do about that ridge. I'm sure, 70% chance I'll re do it. Take a few minutes, but I want a pro's view. then after than I'm sure it's cutting out the plate? ya? then annealing it to bend over the scabbard? Then drilling the rivet holes and riveting that on? lololol...way ahead. Is there any tinning? I have no idea on that, strongly recommended?
Sam

[kazeryu]

When you're ready for that last annealing phase, it might be best to let it air cool. I've noticed when quenching my brass for hinges that it will sometimes warp a bit due to one side cooling faster than the other.

[Titus Marius Secundus]

Yeah thanks Ventus, I have noticed that.I will do that I have to go to the store to get some metal cutting pliers to cut the plate in a very straight like. I also think at the bottom of the plate between the legs I will cut a "wavy" pattern instead of a straight line. This is also shown on the plate I am historically recreating....I think it's the Vulcanburg ? You'll recognize it by clicking on the link in the first post.

[Crispvs]

Looking good so far Sam!

For making the rivet holes you will find it much easier and quicker simply to punch them. That is what I do these days. Use the same sort of punch as you used before but strike with greater pressure. If I don't manage to punch straight through the brass after a couple of strikes I turn it over and quickly file off the part the punch has raised until there is a small hole or I see a slight depression which indicates the brass is extremely thin. I then punch it again if there is no hole already and if there is I widen it to the size I need with the point of a needle file. If the hole is quite depressed (as it generally will be due to being punched) simply clamp it with a pair of pliers to flatten it again.

Also, when you make the wavy pattern along the bottom edge, you will find it much easier to do with a small file than with metal shears.

As a suggestion, when you go to get metal shears take a piece of the brass you intend to cut with you so they can see what you intend to cut, as there are a number of different types of metal shears, designed for different materials.

Crispvs

[Titus Marius Secundus]

Here!!! I hope it's acceptable :-? What's next boss? :-P Legionary comrade!

[Titus Marius Secundus]

please note that edges have been straightened and they are not crooked, may look it. I used a good sheer and it cut it with the effort of a pair of scissors cutting two or three pieces of card. I then lightly sanded and rough areas. The plate itself is flat. Not factory flat, but no bends. Slightly bent in the middle, which makes a pop up and down action, but no bend bends
Next?
Sam

[Tarbicus]

Looking good.

Not factory flat,

Even better. mile:

[Titus Marius Secundus]

lmmfao thanks! :mrgreen:

[Titus Marius Secundus]

OKay so I went ahead and bent the plate, got it to fit the scabbard, and I saw this piece of brass with a factory edge, and decided with a cut, it owuld make a boog back plate! ya? I am going to anneal it, let it cool down without water, and then make it a better fit around the scabbard without bending resistance. I think then is the next step, drilling rivet holes ( through brass and wood through to other side of scabbard for a good aligning match? ) and then without riveting, polish it up, and then rivit it, or make cross hangers first?
Sam

[kazeryu]

Looking really good!