: Before the crash, I was planning on installing a jacuzzi
: style tub with jets for our bathroom makeover. The old
: claw foot iron tub was nice but cooled off the hot water
: so badly we would have to install a larger water heater to use it.

: Rob

Just checking back in on this topic. I know if it were me, I would seriously think about a cedar half barrel. Here's why:

As I said in my last post on this subject, I was going to get Douglas Brooks' book "Taraibune of Sado Island". I did. Fascinating read on several levels.

http://www.douglasbrooksboatbuilding.com/taraibune.html

First off, coopering would be a great way to stretch my wood working skills. I can just imagine making buckets, tubs that float and tubs to float in.

Another interesting thing is how this humble boat works so well in the area that it is used. Whodathunk?

The bamboo bands had to be replaced every year or two but the boat would last about 30 years. Craftsmen would go out to villages and replace the bands as needed. And coopers would also make miso and other types of barrels.

Then came fiberglass. Whereas a man could carry the boat up the beach, fiberglass doubled the weight making it impossible to carry. Dry rot, which never occurred before became common and the fiberglass did not stand up all that well to the UV rays. The bands didn't have to be replaced but the boat only lasted 20 years. There was not enough work for the craftsmen. They went on to other jobs and/or died off. And of course now few people can do that job.

Anyway, it gave me a new appreciation for coopering and I got to thinking about all of the old wooden water towers that I used to see as a kid. Someone with great skill made those things.

Don't ask me where this is going, it's up to each person to figure that out. I just thought it noteworthy.

PaulMon

http://www.ukcraftfairs.com/coopering.asp
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/01/21/f-rfa-durham.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_(profession)

and my own feeble attempt:

http://picasaweb.google.com/kayakster/HandMade#5171110686483466034