Advice on timber

looksee

I wonder if anyone could advise me on timber? I am looking for something a bit better quality/stronger than the very common white wood that is available everywhere. I am looking for about 20m, planed, not preserved, appearance not important. Can anyone suggest what I might look for? Thanks

policarp

I think it might be a good idea if you said what width,thickness and individual lengths you require and what you intend to use it for.
Would it be for internal or external use?

looksee

Lol I didn't say what I was using it for as it would lead to all sorts of other debates!

OK, it is a mostly internal frame for a period tent (Viking). Parts of the structure sit parallel to the ground: some on the ground and some raised up slightly. It will be oiled. The timber will be approx 3" x threequarters of an inch thick, or so, measurements are not critical. Soft whitewood is not strong enough to take the (entirely unauthentic) joins (hinges/pins) I will have to make on the timbers as they will be too long to transport otherwise (not having a longboat). It would also warp too easily. However I don't want to spend a fortune on fancy hardwoods, I am willing to use something half way, and remake it if necessary.

policarp

This is a bit complicated.
What did the Vikings use?
Three by three quarters planed
seems a bit skimpy for the frame
of a tent.
Try asking the boys in Woodcraft.
Apart from that Red Deal is better
than White Deal and isn't as expensive
as the hardwoods.

looksee

Yes, I got red deal, thanks. The next alternative was poplar but I didn't think I would be able to work it with the set up I have.

To answer the question about the Vikings, whatever tree trunks came to hand! The timbers found on the Oseburg burial ship were ash, and not a lot thicker than I have bought, for a much bigger tent made with heavier fabric. Ash is nearly impossible to buy.

paddy147

looksee wrote: »

Yes, I got red deal, thanks. The next alternative was poplar but I didn't think I would be able to work it with the set up I have.

To answer the question about the Vikings, whatever tree trunks came to hand! The timbers found on the Oseburg burial ship were ash, and not a lot thicker than I have bought, for a much bigger tent made with heavier fabric. Ash is nearly impossible to buy.

Due to the large amount of ash trees that have been wiped out accross Eurpe because of the nasty airborne disease that kills them off.


Ash Tree Dieback.......

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/agribusiness-and-food/we-must-breed-new-life-into-resistance-to-ash-tree-threat-1.619



Serious decline in ash trees at the moment.:o:eek:

looksee

paddy147 wrote: »

Due to the large amount of ash trees that have been wiped out accross Eurpe because of the nasty airborne disease that kills them off.


Ash Tree Dieback.......

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/agribusiness-and-food/we-must-breed-new-life-into-resistance-to-ash-tree-threat-1.619



Serious decline in ash trees at the moment.:o:eek:

Well yes, I know why, I was just pointing out that it was not available. Though even before the die back problem it was not easy to get, its a favourite wood for medieval reenactors, and has always been a problem.

paddy147

looksee wrote: »

Well yes, I know why, I was just pointing out that it was not available. Though even before the die back problem it was not easy to get, its a favourite wood for medieval reenactors, and has always been a problem.

Theres 1 or 2 places that still stock/sell it....:)........but prices are a tad on the expensive side at the moment.

dathi

the shear legs on the oseburg tent were 18cm by 4cm thats 7 by 1.75 inches so 7 by 2 white deal should be strong enough or you can still buy american ash easily enough

looksee

Yes I agree on the face of it white deal would be strong enough (its 4cm not 40 btw ) though my version is a good bit smaller than the original - they had an entire shipful of strong fellas to put the tent up - and I am trying to keep the weight under control as well as keep it in proportion. Also if I do a bit of shaping at the tops of the shear legs I have found from experience that the white deal can snap off along the grain.

sbsquarepants

I'm intrigued!
What are you going to use the tent for? (well for camping i assume, it's the where and why that intrigue me!:D)

looksee

I am a re-enactor, we dress historically accurately and use reproduction equipment to re-enact daily life and fighting - in our case the Viking era. We go to summer festivals, events with other re-enactors, and any where else where people want to see Viking life. The men (and occasionally women but they have to dress as men) fight - you need a lot of skill and strength to wear all the kit and still be able to safely and accurately wield a large metal sword so they practise a lot! Great way of getting exercise and improving fitness! The women demonstrate crafts and we all do a fair bit of craftwork - like making this tent.

Its very sociable, great craic and suitable for all ages - we have children of members (dressed up in their mini-kit) up to people in their 60s and 70s. As a granny in my 60's I'm getting a bit old for camping, but at least I will have my own tent and not be in a heap in a communal tent!

sbsquarepants

Sounds cool (slightly insane mind, but cool nonetheless):D

looksee

Its a lot insane, but great craic!