A model making challenge
The Challenge
Occasionally it is good as a model maker to challenge yourself. Sometime ago I thought that I would make a model of a Horse Drawn Northamptonshire Water Cart. These carts were used to take water out to the fields for cattle or sheep. They could also be used when fitted with a sprinkler bar to transport liquid manure.
David Wray the well known recorder of agricultural vehicles and implements had produced a detailed drawing of such a cart. I obtained a copy and then realised the extent of the challenge I had set myself.
The making and construction of the shafts, axle and wheels was something well within my learnt skill set. However the liquid carrying barrel was something quite different.
Forming 33 individual staves
To make the barrel I would have to form 33 individual staves identically. These would then need to be curved and retained in place by hoops. Traditionally where liquid was to be retained, Oak would be used for these staves. The wood would be cleft along the grain to preserve the fibres. As I had no intention of filling my barrel with liquid I decided to cut my staves by bandsaw. They all needed to be identical and have chamfered edges so that when closed together the barrel shape was formed. This required the making of a jig and a lot of trial and error. At a set distance into the barrel the ends (known as heads) are set. This required a groove to be cut into each stave to inset the heads.
Never having made anything like this previously my next challenge was to fit the staves together to begin shaping the barrel. I laid them flat on some masking tape which I could then lift and form a cylinder shape.
Making the hoops
The next stage was making the hoops that hold the staves in place. These hoops are slightly concave in profile and riveted closed. These were formed by using a hammer over the edge of anvil to gradually achieve the desired shape.
Before fitting the final hoops the heads had to be made. These needed to be accurate to fit in the grooves in the staves after which the final hoops could be fitted.
It only remained to make a fit a valve to release liquid and a drill a hole for a bung which was the fill point for the barrel.
Making this model gave me a new perspective and regard for the skill of Coopers who made barrels for storage of spirits and beers.
Whilst it is good to challenge yourself and learn new skills it may be sometime before I tackle something quite so difficult again!
John Tonen
July 2023
