Viking chest and axe handle

[thejollyroger]

I thought I would share a few photos of a work in progress. I saw a few examples of Viking sea chests online and I thought that I would have a go at making one.
The originals used wooden pegs to hold it together along with the through mortise for the bottom but I decided to use hand forged nails. I wish the nails had been forged by myself but I got them off ebay to be honest. I am in the process of making a nail header but that's a different story.

[/URL][/IMG]

[/URL][/IMG]

It's made from 1 by 9 pine and finished with boiled linseed oil. I have to make the lid yet and fit the hinges. Not sure yet what hinges to use, I have picked up some lovely hand forged hinges that are not in the Viking style but really nice or I might have a go at making Viking chest hinges. I will see what happens, it is a matter of getting the time to make them.
I have also made a new axe handle for this Kent pattern No 3 Axe, I made it slightly thicker than the original. I was going to put the original beside to compare but I'm not sure where I put it. The handle is made from cleft ash, there was some staining on the inside of the log but it seems solid so I left it. I'm not sure how visible it is in the photo.

[/URL][/IMG]

It needs a little more sanding and then some wedges to be driven in. I will probably make a leather cover at some stage once it is all finished.

 

[Macaroon]

Nice work there, the helve is a great shape and it looks like a very good piece of ash...............

 

[crosslandkelly]

Lovely work there, looking forward to seeing the finished chest.

 

[British Red]

Loving the chest - very nice indeed

 

[2trapper]

Beautiful the chest. The wood joints are essential and sharp. A very good job!

 

[Dreadhead]

cracking work love the chest especially

 

[Clouston98]

Smashing work mate! I love the axe handle!

 

[sandbender]

Great work, more pics of the chest as the work continues please.

 

[ozzy1977]

Nice work, looking foward to seeing it finished.

 

[milius2]

great stuff, quality in work is awesome. I was always fascinated with chests, seeing examples like yours is a great push to try making something new. let us see the final result.

 

[thejollyroger]

Cheers for the positive feedback, I will try and get some work done this week. I will post pictures as it goes. Think I will use the hinges I have, as I want to use it on a few camps coming up that I want to bring it on.