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<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>HELP,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>I'm new to SCA and in the
process of making my first shield.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>I'm thinking of making a
"heater style shield" and would like input</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>from those of you that are
experienced in shield making and in the</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>use of a heater style shield. I
have read a couple of articles on this</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>shield and have a few questions
about the style.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<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>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>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>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>Well that's it for now. I would
like to add a world of thanks to all of those</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>of you that have been so
gracious enough to talk to me the past</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>few weeks when I got interested
in SCA. Thanks to the guys at fighter</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>practice for letting me join in
game. Armand, Ceatta, Brigit, Stella,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>thanks for your encouragement.
There are more here I should thank</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>but I cant remember all your
names. I apologize for that, and with</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>time will remember all those
names. Thanks again all.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2>Scott</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=836540219-15122003><FONT size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
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