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BARREL MAKING - COOPER
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BARREL MAKING - COOPER
A diagram depicting the processes involved in making barrels. Date: 1866
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Media ID 20149823
© Bubblepunk
1866 Barrel Barrels Calipers Chisels Cooper Depicting Diagram Involved Processes
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intricately detailed diagram from 1866 illustrates the various processes involved in the traditional art of barrel making, or cooperage. The cooper, an essential craftsperson in the production of containers for holding and transporting liquids, particularly beer, wine, and spirits, meticulously crafted each barrel to ensure airtight seals and perfect shapes. The diagram begins with the selection of staves, which were typically made from oak trees, and the rough shaping of the ends using a froe and adze. Calipers were then used to ensure uniformity in the diameter of the staves. Next, the cooper employed a variety of chisels and mallets to shape the hoops, which were then bent and secured with iron hoops. The barrel was then charred on the inside to enhance the flavor of the contained liquid and to kill any bacteria. The cooper used a mallet and wooden dowel to assemble the barrel, carefully fitting each stave into place and securing it with iron hoops. The barrel was then sealed with a bung, a wooden or metal stopper, and a hoop to prevent any leakage. The final step was to test the barrel for airtightness by filling it with water and checking for any leaks. This diagram offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of barrel making in the mid-19th century, a time when this artisanal craft played a crucial role in the production and transportation of various beverages. The cooper's skill and attention to detail were essential to ensuring the quality and integrity of the final product.
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