10thomasstreet

Great shot. Looking at the implement the man on the left was operating I suspect that it helped them to form up the cask? Any experts out there to tell us how it was done?

Swordscookie Would indeed welcome input from any coopers out there! It looks as if the foot pedal thingy (technical term) helped to increase pressure on the hoops??

Looks more like a fire, the foot pedal would pump air into it to increase the heat. The hoops are heated before they are put around the cask.

I think you're right Michiel! I was looking at the shape but when you view it at original size you can see it a lot better and it seems to be a portable furnace - for heating the rivets perhaps? I like the specialised anvil the other cooper is working on, specially adapted for his needs and no need for bending the back unnecessarily!

Michiel2005 Swordscookie Ah, that makes sense - a sort of brazier type affair...

If they're all full of Whiskey, this must be what Heaven looks like!?

I like a large "Tea" every evening {;~})

philip ward Mike And so, a new euphemism is born - "Just popping upstairs to blend some tea!"

I will have the whiskey, you can have the tea.

maps.google.com/maps?q=10+Thomas+Street,+Waterford,+Irela... Still there!