Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Accoutrements => Topic started by: Woodrock on October 08, 2013, 06:03:25 PM

Title: New measure
Post by: Woodrock on October 08, 2013, 06:03:25 PM
I got tired of the plastic tube I have been using for a powder measure, so made this one today from a Blacktail antler point.  Telephone photograph, probably too close to my hand. The cord is selfmade nettle, and well waxed.
Woody
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj217/woodsideboats/firstpowdermeasure_zps03885952.jpg) (http://http)
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Voyageur on October 08, 2013, 06:18:40 PM
Now that's real creativity---I think it's nicely done with natural materials......"Doc"
                                     :hairy
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Two Steps on October 08, 2013, 08:10:31 PM
Wouldn't get my fingers too close to that opening Woodrock...that darn thing looks hungry!!
Nice look measure there, real nice :rt th
Al
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: ridjrunr on October 08, 2013, 08:12:44 PM
I love seeing people's creations,thanks for showing!
Very nice :toast
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Uncle Russ on October 08, 2013, 09:35:48 PM
That Measure is a work of art!
In fact, I think it's very well suited to the Pacific Northwest as such carvings are abundant amongst our Northwest native peoples.

But, still yet, the thing that really got my attention was when you said, "The cord is selfmade nettle, and well waxed."

I would like hear some more about this....
Is this nettle as in "Bull nettle or stinging nettle"?

What am I missing here?  :oops:

Uncle Russ...
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Woodrock on October 09, 2013, 01:36:30 AM
Russ: the only nettles I know are the local Northwest stinging variety...only the tops of the leaves sting. You can strip the leaves by running you fingers up from the bottom without being stung, I still wear gloves though. The local Salish people made most of their nets from nettles. I spun this cord with a drop spindle. Waxing it makes it look a lot better. Nettle fibre is surprisingly strong.
Woody
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Uncle Russ on October 09, 2013, 01:52:58 AM
WOW! I am impressed!

I suspect we are truly never really to old to learn, and I definitely just learned something!  

Thanks for sharing all this with us, it is truly appreciated.  :notworthy

Uncle Russ...
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Bison Horn on October 09, 2013, 02:31:16 AM
Great job! Interesting note on the nettle twine. We got Bullnettles here. They are all sting from top to bottom. BH
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Riley/MN on October 09, 2013, 06:05:57 PM
Nice work!
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Spotted Bull on October 09, 2013, 09:45:59 PM
I have a friend who's mountain man name is large mouth bass that would love that!
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: sse on October 31, 2013, 12:03:44 PM
You guys who make stuff like that amaze me...!   :bl th up
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Farmer Jim on January 14, 2014, 09:48:18 AM
Quote from: "Woodrock"
Russ: the only nettles I know are the local Northwest stinging variety...only the tops of the leaves sting. You can strip the leaves by running you fingers up from the bottom without being stung, I still wear gloves though. The local Salish people made most of their nets from nettles. I spun this cord with a drop spindle. Waxing it makes it look a lot better. Nettle fibre is surprisingly strong.
Woody


Do you work with the nettles green or dried when making the cord?
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Woodrock on January 15, 2014, 01:27:21 AM
Russ:
You can work the nettle fibre either green, or dry, but I prefer dry since I find it easier to separate the outer husk from the fibre dry.  If you wait until the first frost that knocks the nettles down, and harvest then, and let them dry they will separate by beating a bunch with a stick.  the next step is to comb the junk out. If you need to make cord whilst the nettles are still green you can separate them by running them over your thumbnail them combing them clean...messy.
Woody
Title: Re: New measure
Post by: Hanshi on January 15, 2014, 11:10:06 AM
That is one of the best antler measures I've seen yet.  Not familiar with the nettles and had no idea they possessed such utility.