I'm looking for advice on building a reliable stand for storing my husband's LARP armor and weapons. He has a significant collection, including heavy leather and metal plate armor (around 22kg) and several structural core/foam weapons. The challenge is to make something that can hold this weight securely and is also easy to disassemble for events. While I have some woodworking experience and access to tools like a circular saw and jigsaw (and maybe a mitre saw), I'm unsure where to begin. Any tips or guidance would be appreciated to ensure that I don't end up with a collapsing stand!
2 Answers
Consider looking into old valet stand designs and just reinforce them to handle the weight. My LARP friends usually keep it straightforward with robust 2x4 frames shaped somewhat like a human. That could give you a good base to start from!
I totally had the same thought when I started! It turns out that a valet is way more sensible than just a regular armor stand. I found some helpful designs that could work if I use thicker wood for stability.
You might want to check out plans for shop furniture like wood storage racks or carts. They’re built to hold heavy stuff and can be modified for your armor. Plus, the joinery techniques used will help ensure it can take the weight!
Great tip! I'll definitely explore those designs.
Also think about how your husband puts on and takes off the armor. If it has buckles and straps, you may need a different design compared to something like chain mail that goes over the head. And if he's involved in Belegarth or Dagorhir, their crafting communities are a goldmine for ideas!