Belegarth

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I'm wanting to build a shield that's basically a punching shield (foam core)... I'd like to use anti-fatigue mats as a base as opposed to a boogie board (because that is what I have on hand). If I dap multiple layers of mats together, will it be firm enough? They are 4 pack 2'x2' mats from menards, and I'm looking at probably a 2x4 (or if I have to 2x2) for desired dimensions... Also, what is a good source for inexpensive boogie boards? The ones I've seen on Amazon of any decen size are $30+.

Also, I've got some 3/4" plywood and I'm thinking of making a smaller shield (because the stuff is HEAVY, and I'm a wimp). What dimension shield should I be looking at? (For reference, I'm 5'10 and 220lbs).

I've seen several shields made with floor mats as a "core". They work pretty well. Just keep in mind, it'll be heavy (not as heavy as plywood, though). For a 2x2, I've seen them done with 2 layers of floor mat, then 2 or 3 of blue and they're golden. For a 2x4, I'd recommend just grabbing some shield foam online. Go check out Warlord Sports, they sell a 27x48" hunk of plank foam for about 40 bucks shipped. Throw a punch handle in that and you're golden.

I would skip making a shield with 3/4" plywood. It's frakkin' awful.

Thanks nessiepop, that at least gives me enough confidence to try it .

I also have some of the firmer (pink) pvp pipe insulation I may use for the perimeter instead of blue camp pad... Thoughts on that? I will still put a few layers of camp pad on the face.

In general, pipe insulation just doesn't hold up. It degrades far too quickly to be of any use in heavy contact equipment.

Camp foam it is!

I wouldn't go tossing out that 3/4 inch just yet. I would make it into a kite or tower shield. Larger line fighting shields you want the mass there to help prevent the shield form moving under the force of a shot. Also its great for weight training during a practice. It will not, however, be an effective shield anywhere other than on a line.