Display Rack

[Stan S.]

I think I made up my mind... Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, I'll just get me 2 or 3 of these racks and mount them side by side with some space in between. I'll use this extra space to display some daggers, shields, etc. that won't fit on the racks. Thank you all for some wonderful ideas. I hope to have some pictures up in a few weeks time

[katana]

Hi Stan,
how about magnets (High Performance Neodymium Magnets) fitted to the shield shaped wall hangings suggested by Runjeet. Magnets are available that are pre-holed which could be screwed directly to the board ....many of the smaller sized ones are capable of holding 3-4 lbs ....some even more, so 2 per sword would suffice. It also allows re-arranging, simply by pulling a sword off and replacing with another. I have tried a few experiments with these magnets and like the idea that the sword appears free floating. Sorry no pics as I am still playing, I mean experimenting with them.

Regards David


Approx size of 1 neodymium magnet to load capacity...... for instance 10mm diameter x 5 mm thick, will hold approx. 2.2 kgs or just over 4 1/2 lbs

[Stan S.]

I consired magnets. However, because of the nature of my collection, they may not work. Most of my swords are tulwars, and the typical disk-shaped pommel prevents the sword from being flush with the wall. This requires me to have approximately 1-1.5" of clearance which can only be accomplished when using some sort of a hook.

[katana]

Originally Posted by Stan S.

I consired magnets. However, because of the nature of my collection, they may not work. Most of my swords are tulwars, and the typical disk-shaped pommel prevents the sword from being flush with the wall. This requires me to have approximately 1-1.5" of clearance which can only be accomplished when using some sort of a hook.

Hi Stan,
a solution to that problem is to have a column/post of say 1-1.5" fixed to the display panel ....and the magnet fixed to the end of the column.

David

[Mefidk]

David - great hint about magnets, I'd hadn't considered them before. Perfect for those of us who keep fiddling with displays.

I wonder if will these also work to hold swords in non-ferrous scabbards (thinking of takouba)? Would be a good way to stop vertically displayed swords from losing their scabbards to gravity.

Chris

[katana]

Hi Chris,
the magnets are available in various 'strengths' and dimensions. I am certain that to 'overcome' the scabbard/sheath 'magnetic insulating' (not a technical term, you understand ) properties, a stronger magnet would be required.

As a foot note, a 'column' could also be made for the hilt end ( if the design of the guard, hilt and pommel is not easy to 'fix' that end of the sword) Or alternatively 2 or 3 'columns' with magnets attached to carry the blade so that the hilt is in effect 'free floating'.

Regards David

[Stan S.]

I got the rack! Actually, I bought two but don't think that I will be able to fit them both on the same wall (or rather I just dont like the look). So the idea now is to have one rack as a centerpiece with some items displayed on the wall next to it. And unless my plans change, I will be installing it over the weekend. Here is a picture of the mock up I did yesterday using my daughter's bed and a tape measurer to give indication of the wall space I can work with. It will probably change a bit as I am hanging everyting up, but this should give you a genral idea. Sadly, not all of my collection will fit in the space available as can be evident by a small pile that can be seen in the corner of teh room (plus there is plenty more stuff). Now, after seeing the picture, wife tells me that it's "too much" What do you think?