Kitespar Thickness

Gandian Ravenscroft

Gandian Ravenscroft

Knight
Chicago Staff
Marshal
Hey SoMN weaponsmiths!

For future reference (and because I may be close to obtaining some), what is the recommended thickness of kitespar for one-handed weapons, such as a longsword? How big should the open part of the tubing be, and how thick should the actual material be (so it doesn't hurt, break, etc.)?

And before you guys start saying it: Yes, I know kitespar is an irregular core substance and it needs to be checked carefully and may not pass inspection, etc. I'm asking you guys about the thickness just to make sure I would get the right thing, should an opportunity to get some arise.

Awaiting your response,
Alexander
 
Glad to hear your looking for kitespar! For anything over a short weapon it cuts down significantly on the weight. For anything one handed I recommend .505 outer diameter core. And for two handed weapons or polearms I recommend .745 OD.

I get my kitespar online, and there is a great site http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/inde ... Path/33_55 with exactly those core diameters. Also the 64" and 65" long sections are perfect for either any two hander or a longsword/shortsword pair. They have great prices although the shipping is cheater per piece the more you can order and very prompt service, I highly recommend that site anyways.

Those are the dimensions I use, and I'm pretty sure Josh is on the same page as well. And as long as the rest of the weapon is safely built you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Kitespar although according to the book is a "specialized" core and subject to a special yes/no call in reality it is pretty much universally accepted all across the Alliance. In just about any way its actually safer than PVC... But that's another discussion. :) Hope this helps! And good luck.
 
Is it possible if anyone gets a few minutes to find links to exact products "pipe foam, cell foam, best core of matching pair longsword/shortsword, ect." so that I might have visual reference. Reason I say this and as I have posted before months ago is because I don't think I found the exact pipe foam dimensions. I figure if I have an actual product info to go by it would make things for me much, much easier.
 
Terrel said:
Is it possible if anyone gets a few minutes to find links to exact products "pipe foam, cell foam, best core of matching pair longsword/shortsword, ect." so that I might have visual reference. Reason I say this and as I have posted before months ago is because I don't think I found the exact pipe foam dimensions. I figure if I have an actual product info to go by it would make things for me much, much easier.
Click to expand...
I'm not exactly sure where to find information like that link-wise, considering I just pick up all the stuff I needed for weapons I've made in past from Menard's and Joann's. Maybe somebody who orders their weapon materials may know, though.

But if you can't find a what you're looking for, I would gladly make you some swords (unless your design is really bizarre). Just send me some information as to what you would want them to look like and I'm sure I could get them built for you by the next event.
 
Where do I get good foam for my weapon padding

Go to www.mcmaster.com
and search for 4530K161
This is 3/4 wall foam that fits snuggly on a 505 kitespar core.

Where do I get 505 Kitespar Cores from?

http://www.goodwinds.com/goodwinds/merc ... fiberglass
This is where you can order kitespar of many different sizes and they give discounts if you order in bulk.

Where can I get Kite Tape so I can make an ultralight?

Go to http://www.goodwindskites.com/merch/pro ... listpage=1
You can order it up.
 
Apparently my bookmarks are several years old and outdated.

http://www.goodwinds.com/ is the proper website. Great customer service, too. When I called them up about my order earlier today I got everything taken care of in under 2 minutes, with the response of "You're a LARPer? They're my favorite customers!".

I also ordered foam from McMaster Carr on Tuesday, and it just arrived at my house. My payment hasn't even finished processing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top