core

[niyghts]

The sword that I was making is a bit wobbly, and I was wondering if it would be legal if I were to put a very light aluminum rod in the center of the pvc pipe. The aluminum would go about a third down the blade core, but be mainly in the handle core.

[Xavier]

For the cost of the aluminum rod you could get a good fiberglass core and still be as light as the PVC.

[niyghts]

already have the aluminum, and the swords lready built, just too wobbly for comfort

[niyghts]

and the aluminum weighs literally next to nothing, less than half a notebook

[Xavier]

I do not know the rules on having metal in the cores. I have a bolt in the handle of mine to counter weight it but how far is your aluminum rod going up? It may not be an issue, but do not take my word on it.

[debuenzo]

it's tricky w/ the metal in the core but not the core. Check w/ your realm leader (Olos).

[Demox]

My reccomendation: if you gonna put something down the center of the PVC use a dowel rod that you tape up so it fits VERY snug. Don't ever put metal in your core. EVER.

[Wolf]

For once, my and Demox agree. I think there may even be a rule on metal cores. Like... I'm 98% sure there is.

[niyghts]

Well its the only thing that'll fit, but I'm going to try to find something else too, and I will check with Bard tomorrow. The metal would go about half way in through the total sword, but it can be shortened if need be (as a last resort).

[Xavier]

I would leave it out honestly. If there is an injury and they happen to inspect your weapon and find metal in there in the striking area you could be in serious trouble. If you are using 3/4 in PVS get yourself a half inch dia dowel rod or whatever is closest to the inside diameter. use duct tape on it to make it fatter like demox said to make it fit snug, also it protects the dowel from shattering.

Trust me a dowel will serve you just fine and will be just as light if not lighter than the aluminum rod. Get an Oak Dowel.

[niyghts]

Ok, I'll see if I can't get my hands on one.

[Severian]

I think the closest thing to any metal core that is legal are graphite rods or whatever, the kind used for golf clubs. I would just build a new sword though with some fiberglass rods for cores once you know what you're doing completely.

[fyr]

Any sort of metal core is expressly forbidden in the Book of War in both Bel and Dag. As are wooden cores such as baseball bats and axe handles. Other sorts of wood don't work because they don't hold up. Ask Fergus about Winblade's attempt at a curved Red he brought to Armageddon one year.

The dowel is OK because it's in the PVC. Take Wolf and Demox's advice about the tape. I tried it once with curved PVC to correct the same problem, but didn't use the tape and bought off-the-rack dowel wood. Shattered the wood and didn't stiffen the core at all.