Seems the drilling jig only works on about 12 at a time, otherwise the chances of breaking drill bits increases. This is still a major improvement on doing them one at a time… 8 holes, at 42 lots (500/12) = 336 holes, as opposed to 8 holes x 500 which is 4000 holes… Some modifications were added which also help to stop drill breakage.
I also contructed the shaping jig, to provide some strength to each piece. The shaping jig puts three dimples in each piece, and gives the whole piece a slight curve. I have also noted that these curved pieces actually have a lot more movement over flat pieces, as the curve doesn’t allow the metal to sit flat. I’m not sure how this will translate to movement in the completed armour though.
I need to start sourcing some strong cord soon, as I think the best way to stay motivated on this project is to start lacing as soon as I have enough bits. I’m after a red cord, more than likely a synthetic/non-period replacement for silk cord. whilst I would love to use silk…. I suspect that the costs would be prohibitive. Talking of costs…
Cost of Project so far…
Metal plates x 1000 = $150
Hmmm Yup, thats it so far…
Various members of DesCartes use rock climbing cord which is fairly abrasion resistant.
Cool, thanks… but can they get it thin enough? I would need something about 2mm round. I might have to contact you about getting some of those fine wire wheels or something too… As I need to brush the zinc costing off each of these, and de-bur them so that they don’t cut the cord by being too sharp.
Hmm… hadn’t thought about the fact that you need it to be really fine cord. Fingerlooped silk is really tough
As to the wire wheels, do you mean the ones for a flex shaft or a bench grinder? I could always bring something along to the next Rowany meeting if it’s not too late. Otherwise I guess I’ll see you at work soon! The other thing could be to use a grinding burr to round the edges of the holes as is done on glass/precious gem beads to prevent the edge of the hole from cutting the silk that threads them together.