08-06-2013, 04:06 AM
Antonius, your costume looks good for a costume and was great training for you, both in craftsmanship and learning just how much effort goes into building up these kits. If you don't have the large amounts of funds to buy ready made and want to build your own, the expenditure is still pretty costly.
You have received some great inputs from various members and I hope you use them to your advantage. As Dave and others have said, there are always folks who are critical of your work, no matter how good it is and seldom if ever show you examples of their excellent work.
I have a couple of suggestions for you, as you seem to be of the same mindset as I, in that you are going to do it your way no matter what and that is fine to a point. You must temper your artistic desires with the wisdom of others who have been there are done that. That doesn't mean you have to do it their way, but use their experiences to your advantage. Many on this site are more than willing to help you as I can attest.
First your starting reach is high for someone who appears so young. You have something I wish I had...time! Some of us are much older guys who have vast military experiences, athletic backgrounds and have learned crafting skills like blacksmith, tailoring, mold making, etc. So take on those tasks that you can afford and have the materials and ability to complete to your satisfaction.
I bought a flat bar of good quality steel from a small metals dealer that was inexpensive and used the stock removal method, as it is faster and you don't have to know how to smith to do it. I posted a picture of mine almost completed on here in the past and if you wish you can take a look at what you could reasonably make. I only use brass plate and sheet (no bronze) and the handle is laminated black walnut and brass plate and was coated with boiled linseed oil.
It is taking a very long time to construct my kit, but I have several pieces under construction at the same time and I am a perfectionist. More interesting that way and I don't get tired of working on one piece and start seeing more accomplished. I also posted my helm under way and it was made using locally available materials and I am super happy with how it is coming out.
One final word...protect your health when working with these materials. Brass is toxic as it contains lead and other materials you don't want in your system and as another legionnaire pointed out, if you grind bone, wear breathing protection as bone dust and tiny fragments can ruin your day permanently! Even breathing charcoal fumes over a period of time will get you.
If you ever have any questions about any stage of your manufacturing, just ask. There are many experts in here who have help me and are always willing to point you in the right direction. Some really great guys in here and I consider them brother legionnaires.
Best of luck to you and hang in there.
Manius Acilius Italicus
Bob Cherry
You have received some great inputs from various members and I hope you use them to your advantage. As Dave and others have said, there are always folks who are critical of your work, no matter how good it is and seldom if ever show you examples of their excellent work.
I have a couple of suggestions for you, as you seem to be of the same mindset as I, in that you are going to do it your way no matter what and that is fine to a point. You must temper your artistic desires with the wisdom of others who have been there are done that. That doesn't mean you have to do it their way, but use their experiences to your advantage. Many on this site are more than willing to help you as I can attest.
First your starting reach is high for someone who appears so young. You have something I wish I had...time! Some of us are much older guys who have vast military experiences, athletic backgrounds and have learned crafting skills like blacksmith, tailoring, mold making, etc. So take on those tasks that you can afford and have the materials and ability to complete to your satisfaction.
I bought a flat bar of good quality steel from a small metals dealer that was inexpensive and used the stock removal method, as it is faster and you don't have to know how to smith to do it. I posted a picture of mine almost completed on here in the past and if you wish you can take a look at what you could reasonably make. I only use brass plate and sheet (no bronze) and the handle is laminated black walnut and brass plate and was coated with boiled linseed oil.
It is taking a very long time to construct my kit, but I have several pieces under construction at the same time and I am a perfectionist. More interesting that way and I don't get tired of working on one piece and start seeing more accomplished. I also posted my helm under way and it was made using locally available materials and I am super happy with how it is coming out.
One final word...protect your health when working with these materials. Brass is toxic as it contains lead and other materials you don't want in your system and as another legionnaire pointed out, if you grind bone, wear breathing protection as bone dust and tiny fragments can ruin your day permanently! Even breathing charcoal fumes over a period of time will get you.
If you ever have any questions about any stage of your manufacturing, just ask. There are many experts in here who have help me and are always willing to point you in the right direction. Some really great guys in here and I consider them brother legionnaires.
Best of luck to you and hang in there.
Manius Acilius Italicus
Bob Cherry
Manius Acilius Italicus
