Belegarth

Hello, I am having some problems cutting and applying the first 1/2 strip to my swords. I have a few questions.

1. What are the effects of having a 3/4 inch instead of a 1/2 inch strip?

2. The swords I have made using 3/4 inch first strip seem to be crooked. Do you believe this to be a effect of the strip or of the appliance?

3. How can I cut 1/2 inch strips more easily? Any tips would help.

Thank you.

Hello Temujin! Welcome to the Belegarth boards. I am not sure I understand what you are asking in your question, so I will answer to the best of my ability.

1. I imagine that the 3/4" strips that you are talking about would be slightly larger than your core in question. I would suggest leaving as little space as possible between the core and your foam, the larger the gap, the easier it will break.

2. I have a hunch that its application. If you want to get straight blades, try getting quick clamps and two flat surfaces. After applying your glue and sticking them together, put the sword in between the two flat surfaces and create a vice with the clamps, gently clamping the foam together. This usually helps getting a more flat profile.

I usually end up sanding my flats on a belt sander after everything has been glued and clamped for 48-72 hours. This is more for quality control than anything else.

3. If you want to be able to strip out foam easily, look at getting a leather belt stripper. They cut straight lines with an adjustable thickness. You can get these from any leatherworking store.


I hope this helps!

Plithut wrote:3. If you want to be able to strip out foam easily, look at getting a leather belt stripper. They cut straight lines with an adjustable thickness. You can get these from any leatherworking store.

Oh my god, how have I never thought of this before. I have like three of the * things lying around and I have literally never even considering this. Plithut, you're a genius.

Edit: For content, here are two options:

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-u ... 80-00.aspx
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-u ... 84-00.aspx

The first one (the wood one) may have difficulties with thicker foam. Mine is currently packed, so I can't check the maximum clearance on it right now.

Derian, I would like to claim credit, but I believe the first people I saw using this were Catibus and Orren from the Highlands of Chaos.

If at all possible get the Metal strap cutter, you will like the results better. You CAN use the wood ones for 1/2" foam, but you need to initially compress it a bit to get the cut started.

The draw gauge (metal one) is also way better all around than the wood one, in my experience. Spend the extra $10 or whatever to pick that one up.

Off topic of the OP, but in regards to the strap cutters, you can also rotate the draw bar of the wooden cutter and wedge a utility blade into it for use on foam that is too thick to get into the slot. It's wizardry.

To add to what these gents have been saying, the most important part about cutting foam is to use a sharp blade, regardless of how you are doing it. Whether by hand or strap cutter, make sure your blade is clean and sharp, or your foam will tear, or your cuts will be jagged. Clean, straight cuts make for clean and straight swords.

Metal yardstick and a sharp utility knife should cut foam just fine.

a band saw would probably be overkill but might be helpful.