Tiller

Garry R · Post by **Garry R** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 8:40 am

Due to an accident I have to make a new tiller for Merlin 111. It broke at a previous repair and really can't be fixed (the rusty steel screw gremlin strikes 111 again) so what I need to know is what wood - I was told ash is the right stuff and do Robbins have it? Any advice most welcome.

Post by **Rupert** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 9:44 am

Ash is the right wood, and yes, Robbins have it. I would think that many other places do, too, though.

alan williams · Post by **alan williams** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:20 am

Hi, Pick axe handles are made of Hickory and this makes a great tiller. They can be brought any any builders merchants very cheaply. Hope this helps.

Alan Williams

Post by **roger** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:33 pm

Ive got to make a new tiller too. I was planking at Netley at the weekend and the young lady who was in charge sat down suddenly when the rope she was pulling broke. Unfortunately she sat on the tiller.

Garry R · Post by **Garry R** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:04 pm

The hickory idea is attractive but think that pick handles are unlikely to be 4ft long.

How to confuse an Irishman?

Put two shovels against a wall and tell him to take his pick!!

alan williams · Post by **alan williams** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:18 pm

Hi Gary

We splice two together to produce a 6ft stave inorder to get the correct length to make longbows. If you scarf the join over surfficient length ,use epoxy to bond you should not have any problems.
Cheers Al

Post by **Rupert** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:33 pm

Do you change the blade on the end of it? I have a vision of a Merlin with an Axe blade as a rudder...

stotty · Post by **stotty** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 8:27 am

Salut a la France
There are some shovel handle minus the "t" bar which can be obtained up to about1.5m (5ft).
Used to be a favourite of old road lengthsmen before the advent of JCB's and flails.
If you are interested but cannot locate in UK mail me as my local diy store have loads of these in stock the French still use 'em - probably cost less than Â£6 - Â£7 I will bring one back late November - if thats not too late!
Tony S

Post by **roger** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 8:46 am

Try a farm supplier like Mole Valley Farmers or scats. they will sell long 5-6ft handles.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 9:08 am

Garry, I have ash offcuts that should suitable. Tell me length and cross section and I'll sort a piece if you want.
Chris
PS and Roger too if you need some!!

Post by **roger** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 2:09 pm

Chris, Funny you should say that I was going to call you this week.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 2:48 pm

Why am I not surprised Roger????

Mary · Post by **Mary** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 11:02 pm

Thanks for the idea of an shovel handel, just the job to repair my wooden cart in the garden (got heavy handed when turning round too tight) Nice oval profile one found in Bricomarche tucked into the car amongst the wine.

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