Cutting Targets

Steel-Junky

Steel-Junky

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Jan 15, 2009
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Where does one get a setup for tatami mats and such. I want to start doing some cutting practice at home and would like to learn where to get the materials to do it. Is it expensive? If so... anyone got cheaper ideas for cutting targets?
 
I can't remember where to get tatami mats, but the foam fun noodles and full water bottles are a blast to cut. (everything from the little 20 oz ones up to gallon jugs)

Have fun, and be safe.

Oh and buy as many pumpkins you can the day after halloween. (oh hell yes, buy a bunch of them because it's a lot of fun then)
 
Water/milk containers are loads of fun, and pool noodles are excellent dollar-store items. A good source for quality tatami (and not too expensive) is...here.

Have fun, and don't forget to soak them overnight before cutting!
 
I read once that wet cardboard could be used as a substitute for actual tatami mats. Just soak it and wrap around a wooden dowel or stick and stand 'er up.
 
Steel-Junky said:
Where does one get a setup for tatami mats and such. I want to start doing some cutting practice at home and would like to learn where to get the materials to do it. Is it expensive? If so... anyone got cheaper ideas for cutting targets?
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Bugei is one of several places that offers Tatami mats and stands. Stands can be made fairly easy plans are available on the net.

http://www.bugei.com/


Mats can get spendy so many look to other materials. I live in corn country so I'm going to explore corn stalks. Ornamental cane grass is another thing I'm looking into. And theirs always pull noodles, water bottles, aluminum beer cans, and milk jugs. Card board and packing tubes are also good however they can contain small metal fragments from manufacturing. The occurrence is rare but it is something to keep in mind.

Bamboo is good provided it standing vertical. Think twice before you plant any while it grows fast it also can be extremely invasive.
Don't cut trees or pallets if you like your sword.
 
I was actually thinking of planting Bamboo... but I am afraid it will eventually take over the yard. There is a lake about a half mile from my house and Bamboo grows thick over there... I might just trek over there and bring back a truck bed full.
 
Bors said:
Bugei is one of several places that offers Tatami mats and stands. Stands can be made fairly easy plans are available on the net.

http://www.bugei.com/
Click to expand...

Bugei is a great source for high-quality tatami, but if I remember correctly they were more on the premium end, thus better suited for the serious martial artist as opposed to the back-yard hobby cutter. :)
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Bugei is a great source for high-quality tatami, but if I remember correctly they were more on the premium end, thus better suited for the serious martial artist as opposed to the back-yard hobby cutter. :)
Click to expand...

Actually they offered several different types but yes the quality is good.
 
Steel-Junky said:
I was actually thinking of planting Bamboo... but I am afraid it will eventually take over the yard. There is a lake about a half mile from my house and Bamboo grows thick over there... I might just trek over there and bring back a truck bed full.
Click to expand...



And the neighbors yard and their neighbors yard ...... LOL
 
I think a bunch of pool noodles, covered with a layer of dried paper mache would be perfect. Or pool noodle covered with paper mache and a layer of heavy cloth, like canvas.
Perfecto...
 
get some nice fresh 2 by 4 s from your local home despot...

or check out shipyards/refueling docks for 3 or 4 " thick rope, they BREAK it from time to time and discard itl, very fun to cut but the grit they pick up will scratch a nice finish

road killed deer make a neat target... hang em at a convenient height and keep your mouth closed while cutting...
 
wnease said:
get some nice fresh 2 by 4 s from your local home despot...

or check out shipyards/refueling docks for 3 or 4 " thick rope, they BREAK it from time to time and discard itl, very fun to cut but the grit they pick up will scratch a nice finish

road killed deer make a neat target... hang em at a convenient height and keep your mouth closed while cutting...
Click to expand...



Please don't use a good sword on a 2x4. Swords are for cutting not chopping.......

Rope is very abrasive just a thought to keep in mind......
 
yes rope is abrasive (esp. used rope), need abrasion resistant alloys and willingness to refinish, but much tougher i would guess than grass mats

and 2 by 4's are fine AS LONG AS THE SWORD IS BUILT FOR IT

caps not for you, Bors, just gotta let everyone know that some swords will fail (DANGEROUSLY) on wood and some won't
 
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