Belt Advice on Construction

[Titus Marius Secundus]

attempt on uploading a picture

[Tarbicus]

As long as you are using thin sheet, say 0.015" this will happen. If you use something thicker, like 1/32" you should be okbut the pressure required to make the impression may damage the oak.

Found this photo of the Herculaneum frog plate. Looks like two very thin plates were riveted together, to my eyes.

Photo
Source page

[Doc]

Jim,

It could be that the upper decorative plate wraps around the rear plate. If you look at the decoration edges you will notice (at least to me) that the sheet goes around the back forming the tube.

[Titus Marius Secundus]

ggg

[Titus Marius Secundus]

ok so lets try here...

[Tarbicus]

Good point, Doc.

[Titus Marius Secundus]

This link that was given to me earlier in this thread by Neuraleanus...the solid brass balls...are they threaded or have a cavity in which to fit the line through? I am looking at ordering those now, as leather has been ordered! If anyone else can find decent sources for the balls on the belt plates, would be helpful, I myself am still looking

Sam

[Magnus]

Some are solid, some have a threaded hole...on Ebay (if that is where you are getting them from...it's where I got mine) it should specify this.

[caiusbeerquitius]

Sam, the bones from animals kept only inside are useless. You need bones from cattle kept outside the whole year. Their bones are much much harder. You probably should look for cannon bones (metapodium) from Argentina.

[Magnus]

How are the belt plates constructed that have the hinges for the frogs and belt buckle? The ones with the rod and balls on the end...is the hinge still integrated into the belt plate, but minus the rod and balls on the hinge side?

Also, do the tubes for the rod and balls completely wrap around, or are they semi-circular?

I am going to make a new belt and was wondering about those two things.

[DECIMvS MERCATIvS VARIANvS]

How are the belt plates constructed that have the hinges for the frogs and belt buckle? The ones with the rod and balls on the end...is the hinge still integrated into the belt plate, but minus the rod and balls on the hinge side?

Also, do the tubes for the rod and balls completely wrap around, or are they semi-circular?

I am going to make a new belt and was wondering about those two things.

Yeah, photos of original plates, especially macro shots of the back side and where they (the barbell things) attach would be really helpful.

[Magnus]

On the topic of balls....

What size should I get...1/4, 3/16"? I figured using a rod of 1/8" for the shaft...

[Titus Marius Secundus]

Hello Magnus, I have seen some diagrams of originals and 1/8th on an inch is far too big to my knowledge. I am using 5/64ths " and that seems to be right when looking at any existing originals. This is 1.98 mm for a better idea. I am looking at buying brass beads ( solid ) of 5/32" um...in mm...3.97 and for the "shaft" I think they'll solder nicely...any larger...more susceptable to catch and break off. Any smaller and wouldn't look right... This size suits originals fairly well too. Originals surely varied too so there's no official size for most things!

I can't really upload any progress of mine yet as there's still a image database problem, but I'll try again soon and who knows... My buckle is complete and attatched to an unriveted plate which has enough wrapped around the back to be riveted securely. I have about a dozen other plates ready, and I am planning out my frogs next from a solid piece of brass, like my buckle. I have the rods for the loops, but just need the copper rivets which I am going to ask advice on....I need help on shaft diameter!!! Does 1/16th or 3/32's" sound better for the shaft diameter?! REMEMBER THE ROUNDED HEAD IS LARGER!!! What do you guys use!? I was gonna buy 200 of 3/32" for $21..... but...help???

in fact let me try getting at least a couple pics up now...any other questions ask and PLEASE upload your own progress if not able to...on facebook?


Regards and luck, Sam

[Magnus]

I bought some 1/8" brass balls...the extra 64th shouldn't make or break them visually.

I would use 1/16" for the shaft...unless you have drill bits that are smaller than that. I only have 1/16" so that is what I am going to use.

[Titus Marius Secundus]

Salvete omnes, I was wondering if it was absolutely necessary for a belt buckle, to have it's own hinged plate that it attaches to, but not exactly one of the decorative plates. You see, I have made mine like I have seen in other examples, being hinged to the actual plate itself, if this is wrong I will have to change it!

Please let me know if this is the same for pugio frogs. Here are some pictures. I hope you can help, I want to start work tonight.

Sam