Question about quarterstaff with PVC core

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Question about quarterstaff with PVC core

Postby Black Cat » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:24 am

I have a 5' long, 1/2" gray schedule 40 PVC core with a 1/4" wall thickness, which I am using for the core. This weapon will have cylinder-shaped striking surfaces running nearly all the way up to the handle and will have stab-tips on both ends.

Will this core work for making a blue/green double-ended weapon? Also, can the blade part of the striking surface be made entirely out of closed cell foam or does there have to be open cell foam layered in as well? I am asking this because I do not have the open-cell foam to use for the blade (I am using poof footballs cut in half for the stab-tips) and I don't know whether or not closed-cell constructed blades would hit too hard.
Last edited by Black Cat on Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Aidoann Fvctvlike » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:17 am

How whippy is this core?
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Postby Black Cat » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:20 am

I have just checked it and this core is not very whippy. It is actually nearly impossible, if it even is possible to make it whip when held in the center. It does whip a little when held at the end though, but only if swung.
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Postby Chicken » Sat Apr 22, 2006 10:06 am

Closed cell will be just fine on a core like that. I can almost guarantee you it'll fail for flex, though, unless you've found some new magic sch40 PVC unlike any before. Consider that that same core is used for javelins (lighter = less flex, allowed to flex 90*) and 5' is getting borderline for that useage. The only thing that might save you is if your handle is small and central weapons checkers may (rightfully) not be able to get as much whipping torque on it, but still... . Start with 3/4" and see if that's enough, I'd say.
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Postby Black Cat » Sat Apr 22, 2006 11:45 pm

If this core won't work for a staff, it'll make a * good javelin.

On a quarterstaff, do weapons checkers test each blade from the center for flex or do they test the whole weapon for flex? That'll tell me if my core is sturdy enough or if it is questionable whether or not it would pass.
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Postby Sir_Mel » Sun Apr 23, 2006 12:23 am

if you have to stick with the 1/2" PVC for some wierd reason. Just liquid nails or epoxy a 1/2" oak dowel in the center of the pipe and it should resist flex like a pro.
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Postby Black Cat » Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:50 am

Depending on how much money I have left after Yestare VII preparation expenses, I may go out and buy a schedule 80 PVC conduit pipe to use for this staff instead, just to be safe.
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Postby Chicken » Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:28 am

If I were checking a quarterstaff for flex, I would hold it at the base of one striking surface with two hands and shake it to see how hard the other end flexed. If it seemed like the striking surface was built small and sturdy enough to be gripped securely, I'd hold it that way.

So, yeah. Find a stiffer core ;).
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Postby Black Cat » Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:53 am

I'll do that and use my schedule 40 pipe to make a javelin/skirmishing spear.
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Postby Grey » Fri Apr 28, 2006 5:36 pm

just a note ( in case you didn't already know this...) quaterstaves aren't very effective in belegarth
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Postby Raftark » Fri Apr 28, 2006 7:18 pm

hmmm sounds kinda whippy
it's a cool idea though...

it would be better if you took Sch80 pvc and insulator+ Koosh footablls as stabb tips

i don't think it would work though
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Postby Gambit » Sat Apr 29, 2006 8:54 am

or you could use a big wooden dowel. thats what we used to make one that we haven't finished yet.

And when you think about it its more realistic for the core to b e made of wood. =P
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