Viking Tiller Arm

[McKenzie]

Hi, just completed this project for my narrow boat. Made from American Ash, this is a replica of an authentic Viking Tiller arm that was discovered in a boat burial in Denmark. The original tiller slotted in to the top of the steering oar and so in the same vain I have adapted the design to fit into the brass Tiller arm attached to the rudder of a narrow boat. It is hand carved using traditional patterns and also has a bee waxed hemp rope with hand made Bronze fininals.The rope on this is representable of the original rope that was used to tie the tiller in a fixed position during heavy seas. I would really appreciate your comments please. Love and Peace to all xx
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MacEricCreations

griselda 5 by stuartmckenzie2, on Flickr

griselda 6 by stuartmckenzie2, on Flickr

Griselda Tiller 2 by stuartmckenzie2, on Flickr

Griselda Tiller 1 by stuartmckenzie2, on Flickr

griselda 7 by stuartmckenzie2, on Flickr

 

[Robson Valley]

Fine piece of carving. Good to see the design preserved.
Any particular thoughts on wood selection?

 

[mrcharly]

That's really lovely work.

What will you use to preserve the wood? Ash is a bit susceptible to rot when wet.

 

[tombear]

Lovely stuff !

have you painted the lines of shields down her sides yet?

ATB

Tom

 

[John Fenna]

Very nice
Are you slowly, bit by bit, going to replace the Narrow Boat with a Longship?

 

[Dreadhead]

I saw this in the flesh the other week, it's a real nice piece of craftsmanship, will look braw on the boat!

 

[Goatboy]

That's a lovely carving in its own right, but the fact that it has function as well as form always seems more appealing to me. Lovely work, would be nice to see a picture of it in situ when it's popped into the boat.

Cheers for posting up.
GB.

 

[Whittler Kev]

 

[Fraxinus]

Sweet job and I like your pics and display method for them too +1 on seeing it on the boat.
Ash will be okay if you keep it well oiled or varnished, my canoe paddles are ash with danish oil finish and are doing fine.(I am also assuming, though one should not, that this tiller arm will not be left on in all weathers un-attended for it would surely be appropriated.)

Rob.

 

[McKenzie]

Thanks all for your comments, to answer a few questions... The tiller has four coats of top quality varnish to preserve it. I don't like coating wood with varnish as I believe wood should be allowed to breath,so much prefer oils or wax, but needs must in this case although the whole arm is detachable so it will not be exposed that much. I believe Ash was used in cases on boats mainly for its strength, elastic properties and availability, plus it is good on the hands !! As for painting shields on the sides, thanks for the idea, when I find my tin helmet I will suggest it to my wife ! Thanks for all comments. Much appreciated. Oh and thanks to the lady who has commissioned one for her new narrowboat .

 

[Tjurved]

Very nice but I'm sorry I don't understand how it works .

 

[Dreadhead]

Very nice but I'm sorry I don't understand how it works .

It's a way of personalising the tiller for a narrowboat. The tillers usually have detachable wooden handles like this one where the bird is:

 

[Water Gypsy]

Well done Daddy!! :You_Rock_:viking: