A cutting dummy

V

Virg

Joined
Jul 26, 2000
Messages
47
I spent most of last summer trying to fabricate a live steel cutting dummy for use w/my sword rapier and a couple of cheaper, unedged blades. I wanted one that pushed back (like the bop bags we had as kids) so I could practice follow through, and tried to design a rope-covered wood (with an 'arm'); first set in a concrete base, then on a heavy spring. All failed. The concrete was too heavy, and I couldn't hardly get a spring heavy enough.
So now I've got a big tree stake wrapped in sisal rope, and I'm considering just setting it in the ground, and 'pulling' the cuts so I don't jar my wrist to death. I really wanted one against which I could go full bore.
What is the advice of the list??!
 
Dummy in the middle with a bungee cord above going to a tree limb and another below going to a stake in the ground.

Special instructions:
Practice on the dummy not the bungee.
 
Peter's definitely on the right track.

The best cutting dummy that I've ever made/used is an 8" diameter fence post 6 ft. long suspended vertically from floor and ceiling by strong springs hooked into eye bolts.

The post is further supported by a 2 ft. long 1 1/2" dia. oak dowel that runs horizontally through it about 3" below the top and is supported on either side by "U" shaped cradles that are attached to the ceiling. These cradles allow the post to travel forward and back about 12", to slide side to side about 12", and to pivot almost 180 deg.

The whole post is wrapped in "ten year" mattress foam 4" thick, which is then very tightly wrapped with several layers of duct tape.

The post also has holes(straight on as you face the dummy, and also at 45 deg. angles) at head, shoulder, and low belly level into which I can insert 1 1/2" dia wooden dowels of various lengths wrapped in ten year foam and duct tape to act as 'arm' targets.

Finally, it also has a 'leg' dangling at a 60 deg angle facing front.

The whole thing can be cut and thrust at will, full speed full power, without destroying your arm or the blade. When an area gets too cut up, you simply cut out the old foam, replace it, and rewrap with more duct tape.

I hope that this is useful.

Mario

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Gaucho

Tuvo muy mala suerte...se callo en mi cuchillo.


 
Or goza- tatami mat- cutting- also wicked fun
smile.gif
.

Mario



------------------
Gaucho

Tuvo muy mala suerte...se callo en mi cuchillo.


 
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