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Fencing Dummy
Well, I built a fencing dummy based on Ahlwin's design (Bob 1.0, Bob 2.0).
Here's my version:
Construction:
6' 2x6
4' 2x6
4" hinge
10" 1/2" galvanized pipe
3 1/2" floor flanges
24" torsion spring
3/4" wooden dowel
a couple 2x4 scraps for the braces
about 20 #10 1 1/2" screws (for the flanges and hinge)
about 4 #10 2 1/2" screws (for the braces)
total cost = about $25 (but I had a few things at home already)
For those of you less experienced with hardware (such as myself), the pipe and flanges can be found in the plumbing section, the torsion spring should be with garage door stuff, and the hinge should be with, well, hinge-y things.
My design is pretty much like Ahlwin's with a few changes. I'm using a 48" long piece of 3/4" dowel, which is a bit thicker and longer than Ahlwin's. I'm not sure it's a big difference, but the 3/4" piece fits snugly in the torsion spring and does not slip down into the galvanized pipe. The longer piece, I think, also better mimics a blade. However, the heavier weight and longer length meant that the spring bent much more than Ahlwin's: it was rather... limp. Therefore, I cut my spring down to 14" (rather than the 18" Ahlwin recommended for use with a 10" pipe). This means that is only 4" of flex (rather than the 8" Ahlwin recommended), but it still felxes nicely, and the snug fit of the dowel means I don't have to worry about it slipping out. Also, instead of mountig 6 flanges as Ahlwin did on Bob 2.0, I only mounted 3. After looking at Ahlwin's design, I realized that to simulate a right-hand or left-hand stance all I had to do was step to the left or right of the dummy. The three flanges are mounted a 2', 3 1/2', and 5' to simulate low, middle, and high guards. These are based on my own guard. They may need to be adjusted somewhat still.... It was very easy to construct.
6' 2x6
4' 2x6
4" hinge
10" 1/2" galvanized pipe
3 1/2" floor flanges
24" torsion spring
3/4" wooden dowel
a couple 2x4 scraps for the braces
about 20 #10 1 1/2" screws (for the flanges and hinge)
about 4 #10 2 1/2" screws (for the braces)
total cost = about $25 (but I had a few things at home already)
For those of you less experienced with hardware (such as myself), the pipe and flanges can be found in the plumbing section, the torsion spring should be with garage door stuff, and the hinge should be with, well, hinge-y things.
My design is pretty much like Ahlwin's with a few changes. I'm using a 48" long piece of 3/4" dowel, which is a bit thicker and longer than Ahlwin's. I'm not sure it's a big difference, but the 3/4" piece fits snugly in the torsion spring and does not slip down into the galvanized pipe. The longer piece, I think, also better mimics a blade. However, the heavier weight and longer length meant that the spring bent much more than Ahlwin's: it was rather... limp. Therefore, I cut my spring down to 14" (rather than the 18" Ahlwin recommended for use with a 10" pipe). This means that is only 4" of flex (rather than the 8" Ahlwin recommended), but it still felxes nicely, and the snug fit of the dowel means I don't have to worry about it slipping out. Also, instead of mountig 6 flanges as Ahlwin did on Bob 2.0, I only mounted 3. After looking at Ahlwin's design, I realized that to simulate a right-hand or left-hand stance all I had to do was step to the left or right of the dummy. The three flanges are mounted a 2', 3 1/2', and 5' to simulate low, middle, and high guards. These are based on my own guard. They may need to be adjusted somewhat still.... It was very easy to construct.
This dummy works very well. I have already found it useful for practicing disengages, parries, ripostes, and counter-parries, and I have started practicing some period things in the high and low guard positions.
Thanks for the inspiring design, Ahlwin!
Now, all I need to do is name it. Paula suggested painting it purple.... Any other suggestions?
Your's looks good. With a bit of modification, I suspect you could make a tear-down version for training sessions, events and the like. I may have to consider that for Tuesday nights.
Come to think of it, I may use a modification of yours for a drop-down pell in the basement for the winter. :)