How to Make a Flag Shaft for Twirling Flags
Flag twirling is an extracurricular activity in many schools; often, flag twirlers march in parades and perform at rallies and athletic events. Also, in some churches, flag twirlers are an integral part of the worship team. Though the shafts used to hold the flags can be bought at stores or from online retailers, they can be expensive. Homemade flag twirling shafts, made of long-lasting and lightweight fiberglass, can save flag twirling teams money.
Things You'll Need
- Sample pole
- PVA cover
- Casting container
- Plaster mold
- Resin
- Fiberglass gel
- Sandpaper, 100 to 150 grit
- Paint (optional)
Instructions
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1
Find a pole that matches the size criteria for the shafts you need to have made.The pole does not have to be a certain weight or made of any specific material; you should only be concerned with the size of the pole. For children, sizes 20 inches to 24 inches are recommended. For teenagers, sizes 26 inches to 28 inches are recommended and for adults size 28 inches or longer poles are typically used.
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Select a casting container into which your pole can fit. Then, place your pole into a PVA cover so that it doesn't stick to the plaster later on.
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3
Fill the casting container with the plaster and place the pole into the plaster, submerging it entirely within the plaster. Allow the pole to dry in the plaster, then remove the pole. You can set the sample pole aside.
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4
Coat the plaster mold with a layer of resin; this will prevent the fiberglass from sticking to the mold. Then, carefully add the fiberglass gel to the mold and let it remain untouched until it dries. Check the fiberglass gel kit for instructions on drying time, though it usually takes many hours for the fiberglass to dry completely.
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Carefully pry the new fiberglass shaft from the mold. Sand the shaft using the sandpaper until it is smooth to the touch. If you desire, paint and design your new twirling flag shaft. Repeat the process to make as many shafts as you need for your team.
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References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
