Bjorn make bed
Simple bed from the Gokstad Langskibit book. Started out using power tools, ending up using chisels for most of it. I guess once you get used to doing things by hand its just easier then the modern alternative...who'd uh thunk those viking guys knew what they were doing. I am making a couple of minor modifications by using shorter side boards (1x8 instead of 1x12), and a board running up the middle under the cross boards that we will be sleeping directly on, I am also making it fit the size of the bed role we use. These modifications will help drop some weight, save some money, add strength in the necessary areas, and hopefully allow some storage under the bed. I am using poplar. Poplar was used during the viking age, though not necessarily for this type of project. It is less expensive for me and still has the properties I wanted in the wood. I took great care in selecting the wood, choosing wood with very small or no knots at all. The grain is beautiful and will hopefully take the finish I intend to use nicely. I am planning on using linseed oil mixed with beeswax. I have had a great deal of luck with this process on several of the mastermyr chests I have done, though those projects were in pine. It is a period sealing technique that has proven to withstand my less then nice treatment of my boxes. The color ranges from a nice golden yellow and then darkens slightly over time. I had considered using tongue oil, but have had a box develop either mold or mildew with that finish. I am hoping to get it done in time for June Faire, but I am not rushing on this project. I have had to work with insane timelines on the last 3 or 4 things I have built, and I want to see if I can make something that is not only functional, but also looks like I want it to.
Anywho here's to the viking insanity. I hope everyone had a good weekend.
The Bjorn
Anywho here's to the viking insanity. I hope everyone had a good weekend.
The Bjorn