View Full Version : What wood 4 a kuksa
Hi folks,
i want to have a go at making a kuksa, but i can't find any decent birch burl. i have got a few lovely alder burls though, do you think that they'd be any good? i know Oak is no good because of the tannin but what other wood would make a good one?
Cheers
Baggins
Is alder the same as eg. alnus glutinosa/alnus incana...? (I`m getting old and rusty...) If it is...it might work...the wood is a lovely orange, and quite soft to work with.
Birch (even though it`s not a burl..) works quite well. However, it might be more prone to splitting (especially if it`s not initiated properly... :) )...see some other kuksa threads I´ve commented on... :)
Marko
Thanks Naruska,
what does the traditional wood for kuksa seem to be, i guessed it was birch but am i mistaken?
The alder i am using is indeed 'alnus glutinosa'.
Will post up a thread when it is done is i am photographing it as i go along.
cheers
Baggins
Hi Baggins!
Birch is good...alder should also work. Burls are used because they are nature`s ready-made model... :) Ready shape, less effort...
The lapps made the handle in a ladle shape...not like the modern coffee cup with a hole for fingers...just be sure to baptise your kuksa in an appropriate fashion (I wrote something about this in another thread...).
Personally, I think that if you put the effort into making something as unique as a kuksa as a bushcraft companion...be satisfied with whatever you produce. The energy, effort and thought behind the project count for much more than "what experts say" :) As time goes by, you can add more members to your collection...
Marko