Epee-Arm Plans

[Epeeman]

ok, this is probably over asked but i couldnt find any threads on it when i searched apparently "Epee" "Practice" and "Arm" are common words on a fencing forum (Whoduh thunkit?) So my question is this: Dose anyone have plans or links to plans to build one of those stationary arms that holds an epee? I'm trying to make one for myself (and if the president is convincing enough, the club lol)

Thanks in advance
~Epeeman

[Mergs]

There are two books that have plans: Rudy Volkman's Magnus Libre and mine (see link below).

[Epeeman]

isnt there anything online? id rather not buy a book just for one set of plans, this is made from junk and scrap gear so i was hoping to not put much money into it (poor college student)

[Mergs]

Other than the discussions that are on the forum, not that I know of.

[Epeeman]

hrmm... thats is annoying... thanks

[Tomas N]

Unless you have quite a large collection of junk and scrap gear lying around, you're not going to build an arm from junk parts. Adding an additional $17.50 to know which parts to buy is going to save you money in the long run.

Tomas

[Epeeman]

has anyone else used one of the arms from the big book, or the feeding and care? how do they compare? pros/cons?

[Tomas N]

I've looked at both and used pieces from both. I'd recommend Mergs' unless you want to do some welding. The tricky part about building an arm is the "hand," which in Rudy's you need to weld and in Mergs' you don't. Everything else is fairly easy to do with a saw and a drill.

Tomas

[magic_moose]

I made Volkman's dummy (not having Mergs' book at the time). Got the welding done at a local shop. Took 10 minutes and $5.

[jfarmer]

I made Volkman's dummy (not having Mergs' book at the time). Got the welding done at a local shop. Took 10 minutes and $5.

While I haven't done it, with a few minutes thought, it appears that Dr. Volkman's arm can be built without the welding.

[chinbeard]

Here is a free online plan: Duct tape a French grip weapon to a 2x4 and nail it to your doorframe.

[Hauptman]

Here is a free online plan: Duct tape a French grip weapon to a 2x4 and nail it to your doorframe.

This may not be too far off...

How about a piece of PVC pipe of a diameter close to a forearm. Then you use a metal strap to connect an epee blade to the end (with bell guard). Finally, you wrap the pipe in padding and cloth to simulate the softness of a human arm and you have a nice target.

This was my plan (once upon a time) and I even purchased the parts very cheaply at ACE hardware. Unfortunately, I was never able to put the plan in to action, but I'd love to see if it works.

[BenTheEMOP]

I have built an epee arm almost exactly like Hauptman describes for about $10 in materials.

I use a c-clamp to put it on things for practice, and it has a wooden rid running through the middle.

The main difference is that mine does not have a blade on it. It is just a bell guard at the end of the arm. I use it primarily for practicing over the bell guard hits.

Two things I have found though is that PVC requires a lot of padding before the tip actually can hit and depress. It will slide right off otherwise.

The other thing is that the arm is unnaturally straight, which could foster bad habits. I am still experimenting with what is the best way to use it.

[Mergs]

While I haven't done it, with a few minutes thought, it appears that Dr. Volkman's arm can be built without the welding.

Yes it can, and it has been done. Is a part of my plans.

[Mr Epee]

Step 1: Find a Hobo
Step 2: Give him a sandwich and a place to park his bindle
Step 3: Teach him to hold an epee and stand still
Step 4: Mach was du willst!

Enjoy!

[fencefoilepee]

I made a dummy arm several years ago for my club. I used plumbers pipe, padded it well, and attached the blade to it. My original thoughts were to have the "arm" move like a human arm, so I purchased several of what I call "Swingset" springs (sorry I don't know the name) and some lesser springs for increased mobility. I wanted the arm to move sideways as well as forward. The problem was the arm was TOO mobile and could, if hit in a certain way, deliver a wicked riposte. In the end it was deemed too dangerous for younger kids and was dismantled. Rudy's model is far better.