Hello,
My father is a machinist and he made the central brass boss and spike for my targe. It came out fantastic. The targe itself is essentially a replica we made from the targe the "Gentle Lochiel" (Sir Donald Cameron of Lochiel who was the 19th Chief of Clan Cameron)was reputed to carry that fateful day on April 16th 1746, the Battle of Culloden. We did add some of our own personal touches that's why I stated "essentially". The spike screws right into the central boss safe and secure, that way it can be removed if you don't feel like impaling anyone. The brass boss measures 4" in circumference and the spike when installed measures 10 1/2" long. The targe itself is 21" in circumference with numerous brass domed nails and extensive leather tooling / embossing. I did wiegh it a few years ago, so I forget but it's definitely not light, not a problem though for a Highland lad to carry . It is made from thick plywood (not the cheap partical chip board they pass has plywood these days). I will post pics of it in the verra near future. Everyone that's seen it wants to buy it off me. The answer has been and always will be NO ! Many hours of work went into it and it's a special thing between me and my Da. I will be making a few more this year wit my young Lads, ya know tae keep wit the tradition and who knows maybe some for my friends oot there. With that being said my father has volunteered to make anything I need metal related and says I have a choice of stock. He asked if I wanted a central spike tae be made out of titanium and I said I'd probably stick with a bit more period related offerings. You might want to see if your local machine shop could possibly help you out. A true machinist always likes a fun project to work on. I will not be starting my projects till spring at the earliest so if you can wait a while maybe I could help you out. If ya can't wait then check with a local machine shop. I will post some pics up has soon as I can. Besides I owe a friend on the board some pics of a kilt he recently sent my way. Take care and be well.