Shield questions

Making Weapons and Shields

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Shield questions

Postby karpouzian » Thu Dec 11, 2014 11:56 pm

This will be xposted to the facebook page...

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).
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Re: Shield questions

Postby NessiePop » Fri Dec 12, 2014 1:32 am

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.
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Re: Shield questions

Postby karpouzian » Fri Dec 12, 2014 6:34 am

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.
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Re: Shield questions

Postby Sir Thurat » Fri Dec 12, 2014 10:56 am

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

Postby karpouzian » Fri Dec 12, 2014 11:37 am

Camp foam it is!
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Re: Shield questions

Postby Tordek » Mon Dec 15, 2014 1:14 am

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.
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