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Main => The Armoury => Topic started by: Sir James A on 2011-10-08, 20:31:19

Title: Weapons display project
Post by: Sir James A on 2011-10-08, 20:31:19
I decided to make another attempt at a weapons case for my "pointy killy things". This is, roughly, "version 4", as I had 3 prior, but they were mostly irrelevant now. I made the first case when I only had 5 swords. I just finished the assembly earlier today and noticed a few things to change, and once I make those changes, I will putty, sand and paint it.

Current status:
(http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t8/jba3/medieval/weapons-case-european/swords3.jpg)

It's basically a "ladder" laid horizontal. The little "dots" in front of the horizontal pieces on top are 1/2" oak dowels. After getting it assembled, I realized I should have a third and possibly fourth "rail" that goes along inside the "ladder" for the rear half of the case. I have quite a few longer swords, so I need a way to keep them sitting towards the front/middle/rear of the case and those rails should do the trick. Easy enough. I'll post updated pictures once that's done.

I had some sketches I designed and worked from, but revised it a bit mid-build by adding the center support. I decided it would be better to over-build the case so that it doesn't flex in the middle if too many swords are hanging from it (not all of the swords touch the bottom of the case. I think I may put a short piece of trim across the bottom to keep blades from sliding off the front, but the swords shouldn't be moving around much either - still not sure what I'll do with it.

The sides and center support are just soft wood - pine, I think. I went with oak dowels since it was only about $6 more than the softer ones, since the oak is a stronger wood and will be bearing the weight of the swords which don't touch the base. Here's the short materials list if anyone wants to make one:

Materials List
1" x 12" x 96" = 2x = sides, center, and lower base
1" x 2" x 96" = 2x = top "ladder" sides (the horizontal pieces) - buy 3x if you want the multi-section top
36" x 48" backer board = 1x = I bought a 48" x 48" sheet and cut 12" off one side
Misc screws / nails / wood glue for assembly
Wood putty / paint (wood putty is to fill the countersunk nail/screw holes)
Wood glue (optional)

Tools List (what I used)
Compound mitre saw
Jig saw*
Drill press with 1/2" drill bit (A hand drill might be reasonable but I get great 90* angles with the drill press)
Generic framing/claw hammer
Phillips screwdriver

*  A table saw would be helpful for some of the larger cuts, but a jigsaw can handle all of them
** Misc clamps to hold boards together will also help - I clamped the "front/rear" sides for the "ladder" portions together and drilled them as a single piece to keep the holes aligned on both sides.

Assembly was a couple screws for peace of mind, some finish nails, and some small brad nails for the top rail from the backer board. Materials cost was roughly $55 (not including paint). Overall size is 48" (4') wide and 39" (3' 3") high. And it manages to hold an axe, a flail, a halberd, a spear, 2 daggers, 26 swords/SLOs, and 1 wooden training sword ... with space for more! :D

If anyone wants the specific measurements/assembly guide, I'll revise my original and post up a finalized one.
Title: Re: Weapons display project
Post by: Sir Wolf on 2011-10-09, 12:17:19
wow awesome job
Title: Re: Weapons display project
Post by: SirNathanQ on 2011-10-09, 14:13:53
Good job. Nice collection BTW  :D
Title: Re: Weapons display project
Post by: James de Avesnes on 2011-10-10, 14:42:09
Now that is an impressive collection and display stand!
Title: Re: Weapons display project
Post by: Sir Edward on 2011-10-10, 19:53:23

Nice! It looks like a great way to keep everything organized and in one place. I really need to do something similar at some point.
Title: Re: Weapons display project
Post by: Sir Gerard de Rodes on 2011-10-10, 20:03:01
Fantastic display, I need to do something similar, that flat packs easily for transportation to events.
G.
Title: Re: Weapons display project
Post by: Sir Brian on 2011-10-10, 20:23:30
Wow to both the awesome collection and display stand! :)
Title: Re: Weapons display project
Post by: Sir William on 2011-10-11, 14:19:35
Wow...awesome, Sir James.  I've been trying to have one built for almost a year now!
Title: Re: Weapons display project
Post by: Sir James A on 2011-10-12, 04:22:34
Thank you, gentlemen. :)

Sir Gerard, I have an alternate design that is very similar and would be portable. I will make a proper sketching of it and post a picture later this week the gist is that the "ladder" part stays on top, and the sides would be an "X" scissor with a notch in each of the upper legs that the "ladder rung" would sit in.