Wulfgard Shieldpress Plans
By Laird Wulfric Grimbeald
Revised 3/20/06
Many years ago (when rocks were soft) I found the SCA and was immediately drawn to the fighting. At that time, about A.S.15, the most common shields were flat round or heater shapes. As I watched the natural evolution of arms and armor the shapes began to change. A curved surface provides a glancing surface and encourages a weapon to slide away, impart less impact on the arm behind it, and provide more cover with less movement. But how to make nice flat wood curve and stay that way. When I started fighting I was invited by Duke Sir Dafydd ap Gwystl to make a curved shield in his workshop. The process was amazingly quick and easy thanks to his "shield press." Two 2'x4' pieces of plywood are glued together and bent over a curved form and left to set. Once set the combined arches form a strong curved shield that can be cut to the desired shape. Below are the plans for my own shield press design that I have used for the past 10 years. The average life of my shields is about 5 years with an unfinished surface. In the time of my persona the shield would have been surfaced with a layering of fabric and gesso, almost like a period fiberglass. I have read of another fighter using wood glue and canvas to achieve the same result and extending the life of their shield in a period manner. I hope to try this with my next shield.
Additional Comments on the Shieldpress Design.
I use 1/4 inch plywood for my shields. If you like a thinker shield, use thicker plywood but be careful about tightening the straps so that you don't crack the wood.
The 4 inch height of the edge of the press is what I prefer. If you desire a shallower arch to your shield make it more then 4 inches. If you like a deeper shield, make is less. You may have to adjust the placement of the side supports if you go under 4 inches.
When spreading the glue onto the wood make sure to use enough. I average about 8 ounces of wood glue per shield.
Drying time varies Higher humidity or rain will increase your drying time. I always leave it in the press 24 hours minimum.
Cut your desired shield shape after you remove it from the press. Cutting it before you glue it may cause your pieces to not line up properly and cause warping if the straps cut into the edges.
~click below for larger image~
Please feel free to contact us at
huginn@wulfgard.org with suggestions and
comments.
Being a benevolent dictatorship means we only pay attention to
what we want to anyway.
The Household Web Slave is Lady Alexandra of Wulfgard. Send mail to huginn@wulfgard.org .
