NFS Gladius -- Parts and the Stuff you'll need to make it.
Article by Caius Man
Parts
- Felt -- ¼" thick, grade F-3 wool felt -- www.mcmaster.com page 3243 of their online catalog. This can be purchased in strips but is more cost effective to buy by the foot, 60" wide. One foot for $36 will make a vast number of swords, axes, daggers, etc.
- Kite Spars -- Epoxy bound, fiberglass kite spars, .298" OD 32.5" long, type RET40 -- http://www.kitebuilder.com/kitestudio.html for $1.71 each if you buy 10. They're a little more money in smaller quantity, so go in with some friends and save on shipping.
- Heavy tape -- quality 3M Tartan Cloth tape from Home Depot or the equivalent. Not that gooey silver Duct tape that won't rip worth a damn. I prefer to use "Gaffer's tape" which is a high quality cloth tape used in the film industry. It is available on page 3172 of www.mcmaster.com as "Premium Duty Cloth tape."
Tools you'll need
- Hot Glue Gun -- Do yourself a favor and buy a good one, at least 80watts. It will save time and make better bonds. Get high temp, high strength glue. Arrow Fasteners sell a variety through Home Depot, or look it up in McMaster.
- A Sharp knife -- I prefer to use a utility knife and change the blade frequently. Home depot usually supplies these.
- Straight edge -- Fairly long one heavy enough not to slide around and place fingers in the way of knives.
- Stitching Awl -- If you don't own one of these amazing tools, treat yourself. Not only will it make this project go three times as fast, it will make all of your leatherworking faster too. A common brand name is the "Leather Factory Sewing Awl" which is available at Michael's Craft stores and many other outlets. This kind of awl is also available from McMaster-Carr in their online catalog for $16.84. Black polyester thread was used for the prototype and looks okay, but grey thread would look better.
- Clips -- A couple small spring clamps or those huge black manuscript clips from your desk or office copy room.
- Saw -- A fine-toothed saw for cutting the fiberglass tubing. A hacksaw or "gentleman's saw" will work fine.
First, a note on safety.
This is a hobby and you should not hurt yourself to participate in it. The whole point of making Needlefelt weapons is so that we can minimize injury while we simulate combat conditions as realistically as possible. Before trying to make one of these weapons, read through these instructions thoroughly and make certain that you can safely perform the various activities described herein. Be aware that a sharp knife is just that, sharp. Be aware of where it is and where it will go if you slip. Do not touch hot glue. It can be 400 degrees from a good gun and sticks to you making very serious burns. Wear eye protection, even if it seems like nothing you're doing could possibly get in your eye. Any workbench is a Rube Goldberg contraption of ocular danger. Work safe and play safe. And, know that I, and those who posted this article wherever you are reading it, take no responsibility for you or any error or accident that befalls you from trying to make or use these simulated weapons or any other cause.
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