Popular Post wouldwurker Posted December 16, 2014 Popular Post Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 Well, since the first part of any project begins with a spark of inspirado, there's no better time to start the project journal. My dad is a former marine. Fought in Vietnam from '68-'69. His MOS was carrying an M-60. Received a purple heart. Left the military an NCO. Like most very poor, urban veterans (Philly in his case), the dress uniform NCO sword wasn't remotely something he could afford, or even on his radar at age 20. This Christmas, I ordered him a MARCORSYSCOM certified NCO sword, with his name engraved upon it. I'm tearing up just thinking about giving it to him. That said, the merchant I purchased it from offered display plaques made of walnut, cherry, etc. They look very easy to make. I just received a shipment of flame birch, which might just be perfect for it. If not, I have plenty of walnut on hand. We'll build it together while he's in town from the 28th to the 1st. Don't get too sentimental....like all things we do together, we'll be exchanging punches by the end of it . Here's a piece of that flame birch. --VJ 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minorhero Posted December 16, 2014 Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 Great gift idea! I suppose what wood you go with will depend on what colors the sword is. I looked up online and I see that some swords come with a scabbard some do not, some are white handled and some are black. You will likely want a wood that contrasts with your sword. If you do not mind staining the birch then you could use it regardless. Otherwise you will probably want a dark wood with a white sword, or a light colored wood like the birch with a dark sword. Just my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted December 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 This is the one I ordered. http://www.militarysabers.com/marine-nco-sword-certified.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minorhero Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 If I were you I would want to darken up the wood a bit. I was thinking the sword would be displayed in the scabbard, but looking at their plaques it appears they display them out of the scabbard so I am guessing that is what you had in mind. Looking at this page: http://www.marlowwhite.com/87-600.html?___SID=U You can see the sword you purchased with a plaque that looks to be cherry (furthest to the left) and one that looks to be oak (one over from the cherry) with a walnut plaque in the middle without a sword displayed. My personal preference would be for the cherry or walnut over the oak. But the oak is going to be closest in color to your birch. I have never worked with birch so I don't know how well it takes stains, but if it stains well I would try that, and just try to darken it up a bit as compared to its natural color. Or just use walnut that you have lying around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 Either wood will look good. Some sort of oil to make the grain and figure pop, then a finish and it should look great. You might want to glue up a blank and have it surfaced & ready to cut and shape before he gets there. That would save all the fun woodworking for father/ son time. You could have a bit set up to route a decorative edge . And if you have a keyhole bit set it up in a trim router and practice cutting keyholes in the back to hang it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 A great project Vin. Looking forward to seeing the finished results. Hopefully you and dad will get through it with not much bother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 My father in law ordered an NCO sword for himself this year. I'm not sure which company it was from but their display was more of a shadow box with felt lining. After the Holidays we will be making one for him with an area to display his medals. Semper Fi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 Neat idea Vinn. Enjoy your time with your Dad. Be a good son and let him get the last punch in 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted December 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2014 Sword came last night. My god this thing is beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted December 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2014 Looked at a couple different designs to hold swords, and combined some of the elements I liked best. 2 of these on a the board, blade in the top slot, scabbard in the bottom hook. This is an old version of sketch up. Going to use that pretty flame spruce and likely 8/4 hard maple for the 'hooks'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushwacked Posted December 31, 2014 Report Share Posted December 31, 2014 This is getting good. I like your older version of sketch up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewyo Posted December 31, 2014 Report Share Posted December 31, 2014 Me too! That's the same version I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.