Well, every armourer has to have a shop to work in right? Well, though this may not be true (and I sympathize with any apartment dwellers out there) I have converted part of my parent's garage into my workspace. In fact it is a never-ending battle between myself and the pack-rats to keep my space clear of debris and tag-sale items. You may notice a certain similarity between the garage and the storage facility from the Temple of Doom. There's a de-humidifier to keep it dry, if only there were a constant temperature gauge...
The purpose of this page isn't JUST to show off all the neat stuff that I have/get. I'll include reviews of tools and other related items if they pertain to armoring and I happen to get my grubby little hands on them.
Here's a quick link to the different pictures I have on this page so far:
Specifications of the Beverly B-2 Throatless Shear:
It's lucky for me that I don't do any large pieces yet, because the support right next to the workbench would get in the way. I'll have to make some sort of free-standing pedestal for it when I need more cutting room (remember, storage area, no room). I'll use what I've got so far, and hope that I can chuck some of the things in the garage before I run out of room.
Now, why is this tool the most beautiful thing to grace my shop so far (and probably for a long, long time)? It's easy to set up (fifteen minutes to bolt the baby down). It's easy to use (large handle for maximum leverage). It's easy to maintain (machine oil/silicone spray for rust). It's resale value is high (I've seen these things on ebay, used, going for higher than list price). And last, but not least, it cuts sheet metal like hot butter. This simply is a MUST HAVE for anyone who is serious about making armour. This, however, is simply my opinion. Other tools are available for those who can't plop down $600 on a tool. Jigsaws are alright, but they're noisy and messy. Aviation snips are the bottom tier, which means they work but aren't a very good option. I used Wiss snips once to get 18 gauge and it deformed the metal and let awful jagged edges. Beverly Shears leave a clean, almost always burr-free, cut and they work like a horse. I'll end my speech there and sing the Beverly song "Shear it cleverly with a Beverly."
Now I just have to set up the shrine, and light the candles, and perform the virgin sacrifice, and... oh... *ahem*.
Specifications of dishing stump:
Here's my current dishing stump. It's a random hardwood from my friend's woodpile. I carved the depression with a wood-chisel (don't use a big stupid old blunt chisel like I did at first) in about 30 minutes. I haven't burned it out with my propane torch yet, but that'll be coming soon I think. This is really the most basic tool you need for sinking metal into a bowl-shape. A metal form would probably be easier and cleaner (planishes as you sink it), but this is most definitely the cheaper alternative. I'll be getting a swage block from Ironmonger at Pennsic, so I'll let everyone know how that goes.