Belegarth

Hello

Some friends and I are just getting started. We've seen and heard about shields that appear to be all foam and cut from a single sheet with straps put thru it.

I went to the local foam store and tried to tell them what I needed but they seemed confused.

They appear to be pretty straight forward to make, I just don't know what type of foam to ask for. Is anyone able to help me out with what type of foam I need to ask for? Just saying computer packing foam doesn't seem to click with the foam store salesperson. I'm also not sure if I need to get thinner layers and glue them together or just get a single slab of thicker foam.

Also, if anyone knows of any Foam Stores in the greater Seattle area I'd love to hear about them. I've only been able to locate the Friendly Foam Shop. I figure if I can pick it up locally that will save a ton of money on shipping as I need enough foam for 5 shields.

Anyways, I have been frustrated by the foam store people and am hoping you guys can help me out. Thank you!

Mordekiem wrote:Hello

Some friends and I are just getting started. We've seen and heard about shields that appear to be all foam and cut from a single sheet with straps put thru it.

I went to the local foam store and tried to tell them what I needed but they seemed confused.

They appear to be pretty straight forward to make, I just don't know what type of foam to ask for. Is anyone able to help me out with what type of foam I need to ask for? Just saying computer packing foam doesn't seem to click with the foam store salesperson. I'm also not sure if I need to get thinner layers and glue them together or just get a single slab of thicker foam.

Also, if anyone knows of any Foam Stores in the greater Seattle area I'd love to hear about them. I've only been able to locate the Friendly Foam Shop. I figure if I can pick it up locally that will save a ton of money on shipping as I need enough foam for 5 shields.

Anyways, I have been frustrated by the foam store people and am hoping you guys can help me out. Thank you!

What you want is called either 1.7# or 2.3# Polyethylene Plank Foam.

Source: http://foamforyou.com/polyethylene_foam.htm

You're probably going to want At least 2" thick.
Also, be prepared to put a layer of blue on the face to cover up any straps that may loop through on to the face of your shield. Some realms are pickier about this, so your mileage may vary.

Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for!

I will take that info to the local store and see if they have it for a similar price.

And thanks for the blue foam tip. I have some of that already from walmart because I was thinking the exact same thing.

Or you can contact Fitz at http://www.calistonarmory.com and see what blanks he has in stock.

Thanks. I sent him an email looking for an idea on price.

Rasheab is right - Fitz usually has tons of shield blanks for sale, and -if you feel like dropping some extra coin- he makes SICK plastidipped shields for people.

...or, if you want to shield-edge alot, you could make a wooden cored shield. Because they're awesome.

This isn't exactly top of the line tech, but this will get you a decent shield.