I would just spend 15-25 bucks and build one of these rapier simulators, designed by the amazing Brian Hunt:
http://www.thearma.org/Practice/fiberglass-rapier-simulator.html
It's a wonderful design. Some modifications you may want to make:
-Shorten the cross about 2-3 inches - I left mine long because it keeps my hand relatively safer when fighting against longsword (I think anyways, it saved me once), but it's really personal preference
-Reinforce the cross with strapping tape - wrap strapping tape around the cross cross-wise (pun intended) in four spots: left and right 'inside' the bowl and left and right outside - I also reinforced mine with a good deal of super glue, but this is because my cross exploded when I didn't tape it in the first place
-for the pommel, you can make a screw on one by getting a 3/4 in. to 1 in. plumbing pipe 'converter' (I forgot what they're called, their metal and wider on one end than the other), and a 1 in. plug to screw into the backside of the pommel. You can get these at any hardware store. In order to screw it on you will probably need to wrap the end of the grip in strapping tape to accommadate the threads. Make sure to jam some hot glue into the threads as you screw it on, too. I filled this hollow pommel on mine with some buckshot to enhance balance.
-Wrap the grip in some tennis-grip wrap (I found some at K-Mart, but I'm sure any -Mart's sports section will do). The instructions suggest wrapping the grip in wire to promote balance, but with the plumbing pommel I detailed above you can actually forego the wire because you can add weight to the pommel.
-If you have the materials and tools, try forming a plastic bowl for the bell guard. Brian made one for mine and it's absolutely awesome.
Hope this helps. These things are well worth the time in my opinion.
