Coopering Tools

woodturner

Anybody know of any specialists who sell coopering tools? I've had a look on Ebay and done a quick Google search but didn't have much look. I understand these tools would have been passed on to the next generation of coopers

kadman

Probably rare as hens teeth, and priced to match.

Make your own, thats what was part of the coopers trade anyway.

Are you going to work as a cooper???

kadman

I have loads of them if you need to take photos measurements or whatever,
to make your own.

woodturner

Cheers Tim. My better half works in the Tullamore Dew Visitors Centre. Four years ago she had told me about coopering apprenticeships and I didn't pursue it further. Yesterday morning I spent a couple of hours with Master Cooper John Neilly and he showed me some of the techniques involved. I am kicking myself right now for not doing the apprenticeship as herself keeps telling me I'd have it finished now. John told me to look out for some of the tools and start off making small barrels for garden furniture and such to get into the swing of it.

kadman

woodturner wrote: »

Cheers Tim. My better half works in the Tullamore Dew Visitors Centre. Four years ago she had told me about coopering apprenticeships and I didn't pursue it further. Yesterday morning I spent a couple of hours with Master Cooper John Neilly and he showed me some of the techniques involved. I am kicking myself right now for not doing the apprenticeship as herself keeps telling me I'd have it finished now. John told me to look out for some of the tools and start off making small barrels for garden furniture and such to get into the swing of it.

Maybe John might take you on, as he is a master cooper, you could apprentice to him.

I know Solas were looking for submissions for new trades for apprentices, but i,m not too sure how that faired out. I was told that john had retired, and started a new local venture involving some element of coopering.

Yeah you should have jumped at it, but its never too late, you have youth on your side anyway.
I know two retired coopers with their own full toolkit, but money wont buy them,.

They are going to be extremely hard, and maybe expensive to track down.

If John , who is a member of the coopering fraternity, cant give you a route to go down to get a toolkit, then I reckon you have an uphill battle on your hands. Unless of course you make your own toolkit, which is what was originally done. Remember 50 or 100 years ago, there was no McQuillans to pop into and get a crozer or scorps and jiggers, so they made their own.

I have most of the tools if you want to copy them, its not going to be rocket science from the woodwork point of view.
I know some specialist traditional tool suppliers, so i,ll make a few enquiries for you.

If it was me, thats what I,d do

kadman

Enquiry made.

It will cost you in the region of 55 euro a tool delivered to your door.

Expensive enough if the toolkit is big.

woodturner

Cheers Tim. I'd really appreciate that. John is looking for some tools for me and is going to help track down others. Just thought posting it here would also help. I should have known to ask you first as you're very knowledgeable on these kind of things. Thanks again.

kadman

Here you go, just to prove making the tools is a good option.

http://lumberjocks.com/apprentice/blog/31859

I personally know this guy, and he is a master craftsman of various trades and crafts.
He taught me traditional shoemaking, and he does know his stuff. He can teach many crafts.
This guy is oldschool.

woodturner

Thanks Tim. Certainly something to look into. Think I have a few metal parts suitable, the wing nut and bronze washer.

kadman

woodturner wrote: »

Thanks Tim. Certainly something to look into. Think I have a few metal parts suitable, the wing nut and bronze washer.

Ha.ha.

You can make the blades as well.:P

tim

woodturner

kadman wrote: »

Ha.ha.

You can make the blades as well.:P

tim

I'll give it a go anyway haha

kadman

Here ya go.
If you need templates or pictures or measurements.

As you can see, they would be easily replicated, as the most complicated one is a combination
of 2 shaped timber profiles.

Simples really. If you can make a curved kitchen door, then these will be a walk in the park.

woodturner

Nice collection of tools there. I've already eyed up a piece of 1" quartersawn oak here for the croze