11-10-2006, 05:55 PM
Building
Well, so far we've made 7 lath strip scutums; have 4 more cut out, wood shaped ready to glue up; have wood for 7 more; and have plans for an additional 6 over the next couple of months.... we're putting a third press into action...
Until a few months ago we used to say that someday we'll build just one scutum the way they were built. Well, one wasn't enough was it? So, now we say that someday we will build a scutum with wood we've harvested, turned into strips using historic methods and covered with linen that's been hand spun and woven... we have these capabilities, just need to put them into action...
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.
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.
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...
It is an interesting process to be sure and we hope that the rest of the Roman re-enactment community can learn by our mistakes.... and successes! The photo essay for our webpage is coming along nicely and as soon as it's posted we'll let everyone know.
There are some pictures posted on our yahoo group...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheLegioIXHispanaGroup/
Well, so far we've made 7 lath strip scutums; have 4 more cut out, wood shaped ready to glue up; have wood for 7 more; and have plans for an additional 6 over the next couple of months.... we're putting a third press into action...
Until a few months ago we used to say that someday we'll build just one scutum the way they were built. Well, one wasn't enough was it? So, now we say that someday we will build a scutum with wood we've harvested, turned into strips using historic methods and covered with linen that's been hand spun and woven... we have these capabilities, just need to put them into action...
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.
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.
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...
It is an interesting process to be sure and we hope that the rest of the Roman re-enactment community can learn by our mistakes.... and successes! The photo essay for our webpage is coming along nicely and as soon as it's posted we'll let everyone know.
There are some pictures posted on our yahoo group...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheLegioIXHispanaGroup/
Hibernicus
LEGIO IX HISPANA, USA
You cannot dig ditches in a toga!
[url:194jujcw]http://www.legio-ix-hispana.org[/url]
A nationwide club with chapters across N America
LEGIO IX HISPANA, USA
You cannot dig ditches in a toga!
[url:194jujcw]http://www.legio-ix-hispana.org[/url]
A nationwide club with chapters across N America
