Leaping the Barrel Project, have ideas but asking on more.

A few factors of this project are as follows. The honey Sugarbug87 and I did several pick ups along this plan to set up an even a bigger one. I can explain the story on both as we finished on one today, last was on February 29th title-wise.
I’ll begin here. Likely dunnage posts that were by train, it looks like a half and half range of poplar and oak but a select few are either unknown or maple. Perhaps a hickory but I’d be lucky if that’s the truth. Honestly it’s hard to tell but I may have to ask the brethren for knowledge. Most of these beam/posts are some 4”x6”x 8-10 feet. Likely all just rough cut lumber and for here in WA it seems to be a good grab as any.

The barrels, these were local distilleries. The tags are merely a cool thing for us who know or anyone familiar with them but I have a few fly fishers next door and some bourbon babies too. Alice is the lovely one washing them today. I’m merely asking if the projects seem worthwhile or should I cut the weight down? Most of these beams seem best if I did such but I don’t currently own a band-saw for this purpose. Add your critique as is, I welcome it. Enjoy all.

 

Someone here just posted a thread about a chair that was made from a barrel ; It was really cool.
If I could find a barrel I would make one in a heart-beat.

 

Yes I believe I read another one before, few weeks ago. Was it an Adirondack chair? I do have an idea on that scope. If I can manage more barrels I will. Need a band saw too...

 

Yes pretty sure that was it. Your time frame sounds about right. Not sure how to search here and post a link , but I can try.
I'm much better at building and fixing things than computers.

 

Search Whiskey barrel project and it is pictured in the first posting

 

I actually saved his pictures I believe for motivation upon that and my honey just loved the idea of doing it. Luckily I have a few barrels that are just bundles of staves some red wine a full white wine and some whiskey staves. Someone had a project and then they stopped or they wanted to give out what was left. I was happy with that so likely between now and summer, I’m looking into some things to do.

 

If you don't have a bandsaw do you think a jigsaw would do the trick?

Here's a thought = if your other half likes the idea then maybe you can convince her that a band-saw is a good idea ?

 

She understands, not opposed to it haha! I’m actually just looking for the right one though. Reason why I’m wanting a bigger saw is I’m also trying to cut splits that are a bit too big with it and make bbq chunks. The chop saw with that has scared me silly.

So I’m not using it that way anymore. So it’s a matter of time to finding the right one. Some ads show they aren’t large enough in the throat and I’m hoping to have a decent amount of space to work with and room to spare. No need for a new one. The older ones seem to be more reliable though.

 

That's cool she is onboard.

If you had a bandsaw I'll bet you could find multiple uses for it. I have been waiting for one myself it's just a matter of time.
I also figured that I could take some logs with some sort of guide or carriage and rip them into thin boards to use for some different woodworking projects.

I agree that the older ones are built to last , lots of cast iron and steel compared to many of todays that have a lot of aluminum and plastic.

Good luck in your search

 

I think it wI'll be a great project. Looking at the dunnage there seems to be a bit of twist in there. I myself would not run them through a band saw unless it was pretty powerful and had a wide blade. The twist could run your blade off track and snap it. A new blade could dull if there is dirt and debris on the wood.

I would cut the wood to the length you need and run them lengthwise through a beater table saw with a good ripping blade. Flip the wood over and cut from the other side if the blade doesn't make it through on the pass.

Even a good circular saw with guide may work. The boards may warp after cutting from internal pressures too. Lots of what if's, but worth of trying.

A surface planer comes to mind after the rough cuts.

Keep us posted!

 

You might try to glue the boards up then use a router on a sled to plane the surface.

 

I’m glad you chimed in, I needed a cup of coffee before replying but your advice is sage and I had thoughts on running them the length in the saw but won’t be doing that. Just shorter cuts. Definitely going to try some options out. I’m also able to use some other wood planks I acquired for more finer applications. Those planks are already sanded down quite well too. Finishing them would be the ticket. Lots of ideas are coming in already so it’s difficult to figure out where to begin exactly other than just playing with the idea I suppose. Again thank you and will try to update as it goes!

 

I had this idea too where I make multiple blocks out of those beams, drill some holes out of them in the middle, epoxy them together in a strategic way so no epoxy got in the holes. Put some all-thread in the holes about 2 inches to spare on each end and put about a half inch block that accommodates each all-thread and a washer and nut for tension. These would become one large block for a butcher block. Set up legs and knife holds with the router. Sounds like a use for that sled?

 

Visited the Jim Beam distillery a few years ago, some guys bought some barrels, a trucker called them over and told them if they wanted the best from the barrel, take it home put a gallon of distilled water in it and tip it at an angle out in the hot sun. Would make a great drink he said.

 

Well son of a gun. It was me (timusp40) that posted the chair and table made from a whiskey barrel. I have to tell you that it is not a difficult project, but it is a whole lot less work if you can get wine barrels. Just get accustomed to working with curves and tapers. The old whiskey barrels are charred on the inside so be prepared do do some sanding.

 

I applaud your work timusp40!
I’m very new to working with wood. Just acquired the band saw but need the new blades for it. What it came with didn’t seem to work well. Worn out or not the right size. I may ask for your advice later but I remember a bit for what you said. I don’t plan on dismantling the whiskey barrels actually but wine barrels are a likelihood. Thanks for chiming in!

 

Any advise I can give is for the taking, glad to add anything that might help. I am just a average guy that likes to make things, build stuff etc. mid 70's now so whatever works is OK with this old fart.

 

Are all whiskey barrels charred on the inside? I think some are and some are not. Can you look inside with a flashlight to verify that you are charred or not?

 

At least these were mostly Bourbon barrels, aside from the Dry Fly...They also have a stamp on the lid that actually says their char level. They were used first for whiskey, then for beer.

 

Im definitely in on wood working tools.