Question about Aluminium Foil Tape...

[Scarlet72]

Hey guys, i've been plodding about this site for quite a while now admiring all your beautiful work, and - after much deliberation - I've decided to get stuck in.

So what I've been doing for my first project is a Klingon Bat'Leth (from Star Trek) out of some plywood. Maybe not the best material, but wood is just about the only thing I've ever worked with (I'm still in school). So, to cut to the chase, I saw a video Adam Savage made for Tested where he customised his Hero Sword (carved from wood) with some Aluminium foil tape and he said it can be used on just about anything. Would the shape of my sword allow me to do this and for it to look good? What would be the best way to do it, and will it leave any visible seams? Is there a better way to go about giving wood a metallic look?

Ohh, and on a side note, should I 'sharpen' the edges of the sword? Or is that too risky as the wood would be quite thin.


5.5mm plywood
extremely low budget
Link to that Savage vid:
https://youtu.be/O1--0DLJv-8

Thanks guys, Scarlet72

 

[robn1]

Sharpening the edge should be fine, I've seen several plywood pieces cut at with an angle at the edge and it holds up OK. Maybe apply some shellac to help harden the edge.

The tape will have a seam, unless you can find some wide enough to cover the whole thing in one piece. But I've not seen any more than about 4in. wide. Some heavy aluminum foil or sheet may be better, you'll just have to glue it down.

 

[Scarlet72]

Sharpening the edge should be fine, I've seen several plywood pieces cut at with an angle at the edge and it holds up OK. Maybe apply some shellac to help harden the edge.

The tape will have a seam, unless you can find some wide enough to cover the whole thing in one piece. But I've not seen any more than about 4in. wide. Some heavy aluminum foil or sheet may be better, you'll just have to glue it down.

Thanks man, I'll definitely try the shellac and I'll consider using a large piece of foil instead of the tape