Tag: craftsmanship
Bamboo Arrow Instructable
I just posted a “how to” for bamboo arrows on Instructables. It is impossible to teach a complete class in this way but I’ve done what I can.
If you have an interest in arrowsmithing, have a look by clicking the arrows above.
Revisiting the Enchanted Bike Wagon
I have mentioned this unique little wagon before but it is worth revisiting as a near perfect mini traveller’s wagon. Günther Lorenz, a maker from Bayern designed and built this bike-towed caravan without a plan or significant financial outlay.
It makes me happy to know that this was built, fueled by beer and a dream, in three weeks worth of evenings. It weighs in at 55 kilograms empty (120 pounds) so it isn’t exactly light-weight but provides the comforts of a dry bedroom while on the road.
The body is 2 meters long by 1.04 meters wide (79 by 41 inches). The frame is constructed from 20 mm square steel tubing welded together and the 5 bows are made from 8 mm tubing covered with garden hose. The whole thing runs on 28″ wheels.
If you’re looking to build something like this, head over to Günther’s web page for a more complete photo-set. They’re thumbnailed on his page but can be downloaded and viewed at higher resolution.
Rucksack
I had a friend shoot a few pictures of the rucksack in action. My only regret is that it could be slightly bigger. But then again, I’d just fill it with more stuff.
It should last a lifetime and beyond.
Not exactly dressed up here. I’m wearing the old caulking and painting shorts.
If I remember correctly, the combined volume is about 2375 cubic inches (about 39 litres).
Petite Portmanteau
One cannot have enough baggage in one’s life.
Especially if one is a traveller. On that note, I put together this 18th century style portmanteau to attach to the bottom of my rucksack. It is on the small side for this style bag but the dimensions are based on a convenient size to attach to the backpack and the scrap shoulder I was using. I also foresee this working as a front bag for the scooter or even on the bike.
Outside dimensions are 16″ (40.6 cm) x 7 3/4″ (19.7 cm) diameter for about 680 cubic inches (11 litres). One step closer to a handcrafted life.
Bear the Tinker
Here’s a man making his way in the modern world but likes being stuck in the late 18th century. Farrier, blacksmith, storyteller, and musician living in his bowtop.
Above is a short interview with the man himself from a few years back (opens in a new window).
Living in the 21st century, he even maintains a Facebook presence, of sorts. Click on his new little Ledge Wagon above to see what he’s up to.
A Well Designed Small House
600 Sq. Feet in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Update from the vault: Vardo and Sheepherder Links
After several requests for information, here is my short list of inspirational sites found on the web. Culling the web for Vardo style so you don’t have to. I will try to morph this into it’s own page soon as a place to add more links as they become available.
Romany and Traditional Style
Sheepherder Wagons
French Style
An Interesting mix of Hippie vehicles from Britain and Europe:
MORE TO COME
Pack Box
Continuing my search for backpacks and rucksacks throughout history, I keep coming across various types of boxes and baskets strapped to people’s backs. While querying the web today for variations of the Asian pack box, I saw this nifty solution. Cheap, easy to construct and extremely functional.
I can imagine this as an excellent platform for a street performer or busker. Solidly built, this can be a table or a seat and provides a high degree of protection for the contents. This one is very simply built and harkens back to a medieval concept but note the sweet dovetails holding it together. I just want a peek inside. I would be sorely tempted to fill it with compartments.
More nifty ideas to follow.
Eight Foot Terrapin
Not terribly far from the Paleotool secret lair there toils a designer and builder of unique, hand-built, small campers. Inspired by the lack of uniqueness and beauty in mass-produced campers, Peter Pavlowich put his Wood Construction and Design degree to work to create beautiful, minimalist campers for small pick-up trucks under the name Casual Turtle. These are real works of craftsmanship and simplicity and are reasonably priced for those who cannot or do not want to build their own. I particularly like the compound curves of his roof designs.
“Casual Turtle Campers was founded on the belief that wood is good, small can be comfortable, and that there is still room for simplicity in this increasingly complex world.” Peter Pavlowich, owner-designer-builder, Casual Turtle Campers.
Building on his past successes, Peter has now branched out into trailer-caravan design using the same principles as his truck mounted campers.
The new design packs a lot thought and detail into a small package. The new Terrapin is about 8’2″ long by 6’9″ wide (nearly identical in dimensions to the vardo known as the Snail). First of all, I love the roof design and have decided that if and when I build my next vardo, it will have compound curved roof like this.
“Tiny and simple” is the mot juste of this design, containing all the space you absolutely need and not a scrap more. Like the Snail, this beauty could easily accommodate two adults on an extended journey.
Taking inspiration from early twentieth-century design, the interior is a simple kitchenette that converts to a bed. A rich, wood interior keeps it classy and abundant windows provide light and views.
There is plenty of room for customization and in my opinion, maybe even a heat source.
Here are the spec’s from Casual Turtle’s website:
- 1,360 lbs
- 5’x8′ custom trailer frame from Sport Trail (Loveland, CO)Professionally-sprayed Reflex truck bedliner undercoating
- Rockwell American 3,500lb axle
- 15″ wheels and trailer rated tires
- A-Frame tongue with jack and custom storage box
- Fully insulated floor, walls, and roof
- 15 amp shore power inlet – two interior outlets
- LED crown moulding lighting
- Full size memory foam bed (75.5″x54″)
Dimensions:
- Width: 6’9″
- Height: 8′ (at peak)
- Length: 8’2″ (cabin), 12′ overall
- Interior Height: 5’11” (at peak)
All coming in at $11,800. Not too shabby.
Head on over to Casual Turtle to see more today!
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 