/diy/ - Do It Yourself

The basic idea is to get the flexible foam in liquid form. It comes in 2 parts mixed, and you mix them together and pour it into the mold. the cores are placed in the center, and sometimes held in place with string, or needles that are removed after the mold is broken.

Replying and watching because I'm in the SCA and the safety requirements for some of the "mass" weapons require foam or rubber for the shaped heads. I'm assuming all you need is a form, two-part expanding foam (closed-cell for the SCA), and your parting wax. Any tips on precisely what kinds of foam one should look for? Densities and types? The SCA doesn't have any hard and fast rules about foam type, as long as it's not entirely rigid and has closed cells; I've seen oilfield pigs and nerf footballs used without objection.

>Does anyone know of any techniques for foam or larp swords that are maybe a little more advanced or even kinds of techniques that the professionals use?

>Implying there are professional larping equipment makers

>Implying someone makes a living off of larping

I don't want to live on this planet anymore.

Bumpan 'cause I'd like to know if anyone can suggest a hard-wearing, fairly lightweight closed-cell foam that's anywhere from not very flexible to totally stiff.

http://www.smooth-on.com/index.php?cPath=10_1121

I aim to please.

>>252383
That's very cool. Too bad it's so pricey. Then again, I'm starting to wonder if I could put my arts skills to work and make shit for the nerd convention every year at the University Centre...

>>251958
I don't know much about larp. Always figured it sounded like some sort of disease. If I were to guess, making such tools/items/weapons/etc would revolve around plastic, expanding, or super glues. Duct-tape is also handy for stuff that needs to be sturdy.
I would also hazard a guess that these "weapons" would be made from plumbing tubes (plastic ones), seeing as it's pretty hard to actually hurt somebody with one of those.

Armour is simpler, I think. Just need high(er) density sheet foam, or chainmail. Cheapo chainmail is actually pretty cost efficient if you make it yourself.

Instead of urethane foam, you can use the stuff they use to fill gaps inbetween windows. It's about 4 bucks a can, called Greatstuff.

Just get the flexible foam type, and coat the inside of the mold with some kind of release agent, and possibly a skin of your choice. I suggest using spray wax or mold release and then a few thick layers of latex-based paint.

>>252396
Or you could totally not use that stuff. It dries hard and doesn't wear well.

I'm not into LARPing, but from what my friends tell me there are pretty strict rules as to what the weapons can be made out of, for safety reasons. From what I remember, they said the cores were carbon fiber, surrounded by closed-cell foam and a latex or silicone skin. At organized events you have to get your weapon checked before the game and if it doesnt pass then you either have to borrow an approved weapon or you can't play. Guess it depends whether the organizers of your game care if someone loses an eye.

>>252441
Depends on the LARP. I've seen some that say pool noodles wrapped around 1" PVC pipe and then covered in duct tape or pantyhose for look are okay.

The rather more full-contact SCA stuff just says it's gotta be closed-cell and somewhat compressible.

>>252400

Depends on which one you get, the one for between door and windows sills cures soft and pliable.

http://building.dow.com/na/en/products/sealants/windowdoor.htm

Way of the Sword?