Hello again!
Well after getting the lead on some beautiful Galloglass/Kern axe heads (thanks to Brodir) I am 75% sure I will pick one up. I do note that it is only the HEAD of the axe, which raises the question of what material/length/finish they would have. Brodir was kinf enough to give me the heads up that it would most likely be ~ 5' Ash, and if I wanted to put a finish on it, the most period would be linseed oil. I just wanted to know if there were any other possibilities or what not. Thanks again for your help with my Irish garb!!!
**EDIT**
Ack this post should be in the research and authenticity board.
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"Is minic a gheibhean beal oscailt diog dunta" - An open mouth often catches a closed fist
[This message has been edited by Wes O'Brien (edited 10-17-2002).]
1500 Irish Axe Shaft. What material?
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mattmaus
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I'd second the vote on the linseed oil finish. To my understanding of history it's a period finish...
My understanding of wood working is a bit better, my father's been in furniture since before the goths sacked rome. Linseed oil done right can be a very very pretty finish. Also... Dad tells me that if you do several very light coats, waiting for them to dry thouroughly between, and rubbing it down with very fine steel wool or a rough (terry cloth) rag, you can get a very very strong and durable finish.
My understanding of wood working is a bit better, my father's been in furniture since before the goths sacked rome. Linseed oil done right can be a very very pretty finish. Also... Dad tells me that if you do several very light coats, waiting for them to dry thouroughly between, and rubbing it down with very fine steel wool or a rough (terry cloth) rag, you can get a very very strong and durable finish.
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Magmaforge
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freiman the minstrel
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Wes,
the only time I have ever used linseed oil, it did not dry. I thought that the temp in my shop was too low for it to dry, and spent lotsd of money on electricity to keep a space heater going in there for weeks.
I am told that boiled linseed oil dries much faster, but I would stay away from the unboiled stuff. I have a lyre that has been drying for almost a year.
the only time I have ever used linseed oil, it did not dry. I thought that the temp in my shop was too low for it to dry, and spent lotsd of money on electricity to keep a space heater going in there for weeks.
I am told that boiled linseed oil dries much faster, but I would stay away from the unboiled stuff. I have a lyre that has been drying for almost a year.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by freiman the minstrel:
<B>
I am told that boiled linseed oil dries much faster, but I would stay away from the unboiled stuff. I have a lyre that has been drying for almost a year.</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It does, but it doesn't give nearly as much strength as the unboiled stuff. If you are going to be using the wood in combat - take the hit, and use the unboiled stuff. It'll smell for months. But that should be considered a good thing
I always know it's coming into summer, as all our groups spears start smelling of linseed...as do their hands, their clothes...but it gets touch dry for me in about four hours, and fighting-dry after a day.
And follow the label - linseed oil oxidises slowly, making heat. If the rag you use isn't dryed outside, it could catch fire.
If you aren't using it for combat, boiled will be fine.
The most authentic wood would be ash, if you can get it. It's also the best if you are using the axe in combat - the spring in the wood takes a lot out of the blows.
They also used Hazel and hawthorn.
[This message has been edited by valen (edited 10-18-2002).]
<B>
I am told that boiled linseed oil dries much faster, but I would stay away from the unboiled stuff. I have a lyre that has been drying for almost a year.</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It does, but it doesn't give nearly as much strength as the unboiled stuff. If you are going to be using the wood in combat - take the hit, and use the unboiled stuff. It'll smell for months. But that should be considered a good thing
I always know it's coming into summer, as all our groups spears start smelling of linseed...as do their hands, their clothes...but it gets touch dry for me in about four hours, and fighting-dry after a day.
And follow the label - linseed oil oxidises slowly, making heat. If the rag you use isn't dryed outside, it could catch fire.
If you aren't using it for combat, boiled will be fine.
The most authentic wood would be ash, if you can get it. It's also the best if you are using the axe in combat - the spring in the wood takes a lot out of the blows.
They also used Hazel and hawthorn.
[This message has been edited by valen (edited 10-18-2002).]
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freiman the minstrel
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You know, I don't think I have actually SEEN documentation of linseed oil as a period finish. I've been told that it's period, but that is not the same thing.
It is entirely possible that we are assuming that is's a period finish because "everybody knows it's period"
If somebody actually had documentation of it being a period finish, I would very much like to know I am not perpetuating a myth.
"everybody knows it's period" is not actual dicumentation. A primary source is documentation, a secondary source with corroboration is documentation.
Any Takers?
It is entirely possible that we are assuming that is's a period finish because "everybody knows it's period"
If somebody actually had documentation of it being a period finish, I would very much like to know I am not perpetuating a myth.
"everybody knows it's period" is not actual dicumentation. A primary source is documentation, a secondary source with corroboration is documentation.
Any Takers?
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freiman the minstrel
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Well,
Darn it. a few minutes on the web and I found a reference.
There was this guy named Cennini who wrote a book in 1437, while in a Milanese debtors prison, called (translation) "The Craftsman's Handbook. the source I found says it mentions using linseed oil in paints for paintings. I get the inpression tha this Cennini fellow was primarily interested in art paintings.
Nothing about linseed oil as a finish for axe handles (or Lyres, the book is OOP for saxon lyres) but it's a start.
sorry to waste your time.
f
Darn it. a few minutes on the web and I found a reference.
There was this guy named Cennini who wrote a book in 1437, while in a Milanese debtors prison, called (translation) "The Craftsman's Handbook. the source I found says it mentions using linseed oil in paints for paintings. I get the inpression tha this Cennini fellow was primarily interested in art paintings.
Nothing about linseed oil as a finish for axe handles (or Lyres, the book is OOP for saxon lyres) but it's a start.
sorry to waste your time.
f