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<DIV><FONT size=2>Here is my opinion regarding shields...</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>1. Is this a good beginners
shield?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>Yes, one of the best for new
fighters.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>2. The patterns I have seen
for making a shield blank of this type</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003> <FONT size=2>say to
use 1/2" plywood cut 24"X 26". This size in length
seems</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2> a bit to
short and in my opinion and would not give me the ability
to</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2> fend
off </FONT> <FONT size=2>attacks to the upper leg. Would extending
this length</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003> <FONT size=2>to say 32"
maybe 36" be acceptable?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>I would highly recommend
making the shield 24" wide and 36" long, that is fairly standard throughout
the kingdom.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>3. I have read references to
making the shield with a slight amount of </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003> <FONT size=2>curvature
to it, in the order of about 2" to 3". The reference</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003> <FONT size=2>stated
that a slightly rounded shield is better than a flat one.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003> <FONT size=2>My
question is, is this true? I don't mind taking the extra steps
to</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003> <FONT size=2>do this
provided there is a benefit. Hey, I think a slightly
rounded</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003> <FONT size=2>shield
looks kind of neat anyway so I'll probably do it anyway
but</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2> would like
the opinion of those who are experienced.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>In my opinion a curved shield
is a bad idea, the benefit would be that the shield is stronger, and may last
a little longer. The disadvantage would be that you are taking away from the
width of it, Even if it is a small difference. I don't recommend
it.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003></SPAN><SPAN
class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>4. Last but not least, would
it be advisable to strengthen the edges</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2> with small
gauge steel to increase the life span of the shield?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>Strengthening the corners may
be a good idea. Though a better idea is to build the shield using a sheet of
aluminum. you can pick up a 2'x3' piece for about $30. I have fought with the
same aluminum shield for about 5 years, and it is just now getting a slight
bend to it. The aluminum is also lighter than plywood.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>I hope this
helps,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>Sir Virgil von
Augsburg</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
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