coracles

[timtastic]

I wondered if anyone could give me any advice about how to make a coracle and which type of wood is best to use and where best to get the wood from
thanks

 

[BushcraftBaird112]

This may help. In this video I found Ray Mears shows making one out of willow and covering it with buffalo hide.----http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFncDSAeqbk

 

[Logit]

i made a temporary coracle using dome tent poles, some string, a bbq grill and a tarp.... it supported me all day long, and im not a small guy... was then nearly 18 stone!

Was the best “Craft” that i have ever made, lots of fun too!

 

[andythecelt]

http://www.neatorama.com/2009/11/11/how-to-build-a-coracle/

Do a google, loads of good stuff out there. People used to fish in these when I was a kid, great things.

 

[timtastic]

hi thanks for the replies that was my plan to build one for fishing I was not sure where to get the wood from as I dont want to go around cutting down trees and getting in trouble. do you think it would be possible to use the wood from pallets

 

[robin wood]

There are two ways of working the wood for coracles (with lots of variations) the Tiefi is made from round rods, hazel or willow. and the Severn is made from thin strips of sawn or cleft wood normally ash.

http://www.coraclesociety.org.uk/

and lots of pics of different types here http://www.coracle-fishing.net/text-files/wales-map600.htm

I think a very skilled person could possibly manage to make a coracle out of pallet wood (most commonly poplar) but it would be very hard work without a bandsaw.

If I were you I would go on one of Terry Kenny's courses, I did 15 years ago, he is the man.

http://www.coraclemaker.co.uk/

 

[jojo]

Can't remember if I saw that in a magazine or the net, but some guy made one using soft wood and strips of birch plywood.

Found it, there you go, including a bit of history and a plan for a paddle. Nice looking too.

 

[John Fenna]

Have a look at www.coraclemuseum.co.uk.
Martin is a very helpful chap who knows more than a little about the craft!

 

[andythecelt]

There are two ways of working the wood for coracles (with lots of variations) the Tiefi is made from round rods, hazel or willow. and the Severn is made from thin strips of sawn or cleft wood normally ash.


http://www.coraclemaker.co.uk/

I think it's spelled Teifi like the river. Just in case someone tries googling it.

 

[John Fenna]

Or for the Sais - Tivy

 

[andythecelt]

Born and bred in Ceredigion mate (well... technically born in Cardiganshire but same difference) so it's always Teifi to me!

 

[John Fenna]

I DID saty for the Sais!
I live in Pembs - but 5 mins from said river!