Home made Thrawcock

[Seoras]

One for Mr Fenna as I know he likes making rope.

While I was researching how to make Heather rope (traditionally used on the Isle of Lewis where I come from) I came across a number of variations of what I am calling a Thrawcock (there seems to be a variety of names for this tool).

I think I saw John using a hand drill in his rope making - this seems to be the tool before the drill
Anyway I had fun making it out of rolled steel and an old broom handle and then using it to create some rope from string.

One day I will crack the Heather technique.

 

[John Fenna]

Yup - I have one of those - made it from a bucket handle and two bits of wood bought for canoe seat pieces that cover the seat bolt

 

[Seoras]

Cheers John - these things were helpful in making rope from lots of materials.
You would have had one person twisting and one person feeding material onto the line - have you experimented with this?
Maybe one for the Moot mate
This article describes doing this.

 

[John Fenna]

They used to make sraw rope that way - but I never have .... as you say, we must try it at a Moot!

 

[Seoras]

Been moving things on with a little jig for rope making

 

[Seoras]

They used to make sraw rope that way - but I never have .... as you say, we must try it at a Moot!

Sounds a plan sir

 

[Seoras]

Also came across on the Woodland Ways blog a Rope Spinner - made out of a stick - worked a treat and made rope from twine really fast.
Will look to do another video about it soon.

 

[British Red]

What a fascinating thread. Thank you gents. I have some 8mm round bar and a MAPP torch...plus access to unlimited straw

 

[Broch]

Thanks for that, I must have a go with various cordage materials in the wood and do it the 'backwoods' way. I confess, the last time I had a go at this, I cheated and used my cordless drill - good rope but definitely less 'soul'