"What have you used for flag poles/finials, 25mm?..." Topic

I'm doing some new 25 ACW units, and I wondered what some of you have used for flag poles.

I've used brass rod in the past, but it's hard to get a clean flat cut at the top for attaching/gluing the finials that are cut from the original lead poles that come with the figures.

I'm considering going the route of purchasing pre-cut poles/pikes with spear points for my newest ACW units.

Just a side note: I've got mostly GMB and Flags for the Lads flags, and my figs are a mix of Dixon and Sash and Saber, that might affect what kind of pole/pike I need for proper height, etc.

I also noticed the posting below regarding finials. All I've used in the past is the spear points that the original figures came with, or simply brass rod with no points or finials. Someone mentioned that Bicorne and Front Rank both make finials for 25mm. I checked both websites thoroughly, I found absolutely nothing in the way of finials offered at either webstite. Is it possible they were discontinued or that it's another manufacturer that was being thought of instead?

Thanks,
Campaigner

Front Rank finial/tassels: link

Three quarters of the way down. :D

Brass rod for me.

Bicorne finials and cords:

link

Best tool for getting a flush cut on brass rod is a pair of model railroaders' rail cutters:

link

Allen

To get a flat cut of brass wire, get a flush-cutter. You can pay $14 USD for a rail cutter at a model railroad shop, or $5 USD for a cheapo jewelry wire cutter at Wal-Mart.
Both have a different blade alignment that normal wire cdutters. Normal wire cutters have jaws that come together with two equal angled cutters.
The flush cutter has a flat plane that the jaws align along, and then angle away above the cut. Confused? I was confused typing it.
In any event, you end up with one flat end, and a sharp angled cut on the other. Nip it off straight.

For Front Rank finials, look under "18th Century Equipment, etc."
link
Hinchliffe also makes finials. I have no idea who is making Hinchliffe these days, but someone is.

When you are a long winded typist, someone always makes all your points before you post.

Brass rod and finials – oddly enough, I just did one last night

Ummmmm, like I said guys, I thorougly checked both websites, there were no finials……. omg I'm losing my mind, how did I miss those? (removing egg from face) :)

Thanks for the links and advice, that flat-cutting model railroad tool is something I'll definitely pick up, very helpful!

Campaigner1(a.k.a. Rain Man) :P

Steel pikes, cut down to length. No separate finials.

I don't usually do seperate finials, but an easy ball finial is a small brass bead. Glue it to the (sharp) end of your rod, covering the point.

Has anyone ever tried using simple gold colored thread for cords? Maybe stiffened with a bit of PVA or superglue?

Are your units Union or Confederate ,it makes a difference when talking about cords and tassles and how elaborate you intend to get.
Cheers AL

Used acoustic guitar strings make excellent flag poles.If you have a guitar just cut the bass strings to the length you want when you change strings,or visit your local music store and ask if they have any used ones laying around. They will be super cheap or free.

for cords, i use a very fine (hair thickness) copper wire. i cut three strands the length of the flag; knot them tightly at each end, leaving enough excess on the outside of each knot to form the "tassel" (not as hard as it sounds, if you give yourself enough length to work with); trim each "tassel" with a pair of short scissors to approximately 1/8" long; arrange the cords where you want them relative to the finial and body of the flag; loop them over the base of the finial, twisting them tightly a la a bread wrapper/garbage bag tie; varnish/glue the cords to the base of the finial; and voila! there you have it! a set takes me maybe 10 minutes or so. if you want, you can paint the copper gold or silver, or use brass/white metal wire of similar thickness.

To cut them flat use a cutting wheel on your dremel.

For staffs I found stem wire (in the floral dept. of the local Arts and craft shop), one package is enough for the complete Army of the Potomac for $0.99.

For finials I usually make them out of epoxy or wood.
Cords are made from fine brass wire and for the Federals they are painted Blue and White.

There are at least two manufacturers of metal spears with integral spear points you could use. At least one of them is English, maybe both.

Pay a visit to the ancient's pages of TMP and ask around. I'll bet all those guys can name the manufacturers and relate web site addresses.

To get a smooth cut easily and inexpensively, find a model railroad hobby shop and purchase a razor saw. Atlas brand goes for less than $5 USD each. these fine-toothed saws cut through all types of metal, including brass and piano wire, and leave a smooth surface. I also use them to cut resin and Plastruct girders, etc.