Camping truck

Here is the new truck camper.  The outside is virtually done.  See more on the Gypsy Truck page.

Shaving Horse Plan

Here is an old set of plans I made for myself a long time ago. These are meant for dimensional lumber. This plan is for a short horse. If you are tall or don’t mind the extra length to transport, an extra 6 inches is a good idea. You can see from the other horses that this more of a guideline than an actual recipe.
The hard to figure part is the length of the arm, the head, leg height, and other parts specific to your body and what you generally make. I’ll measure more and put up something better when I can.

Horny Toad

Found a hatchling horned lizard the other morning walking to work. Thia is the smallest I’ve ever seen.

Perfect camouflage.

Here it is on a very small hand (not mine).

Shaving Horse

Here is a photo of my favorite shaving horse. It is made from a plank chainsawed from an enormous pin-oak limb that came down during a storm a few years ago.

It weighs quite a bit but the weight means more stability when using it as a work bench. All my other horses have had an adjustable table but this one is set to a good angle strictly for working bows.

I don’t know of any good plans for these on the web (or elsewhere) but there are plenty of depictions in old art and many for every occupation in Diderot’s Encyclopedia from the 18th century. I made my plans based on several I measured and made lots of adjustments to my first one. I made sure it would easily fit cross-ways in my truck bed between the wheel wells. My second and third attempts got better and better.

Now I have a reasonable set of plans I will put up on my website soon. Here are a few others on my website: http://web.mac.com/paleotool/Paleotool/Tools_Woodworking.html

Working on the Web Page

I am rebuilding my first lame attempt at a web page. Initially it was going to be about primitive archery, throwing sticks, and other prehistoric weapons but it is growing exponentially. The fact that I don’t know anything about web design really doesn’t help. I hope it turns out to be a worthwhile venture.

Meanwhile, here is a photo of a drying deer hide. If you can’t freeze them, this is the next best thing. Wash the hide, de-flesh, wash again in soap to hinder bacteria growth (and soften the skin a bit), stretch on a frame to dry. The wind is certainly your friend when drying a large hide.

Archaeology on Comb Ridge

Some beautifully preserved features from Pueblo structures along Comb Ridge.

Clinging to the rock face “Moki” style.  Most of this structure came down many years ago.

The eroded sandstone forms perfect shelter for large structures.  Only part of this remains.

Looking out from the same shelter.  Notice the loopholes and the closed off door.

Dart and atlatl flex

These pictures capture the enormous flex that a dart undergoes during the throw. Not quite as evident is the flex in the atlatl itself. This one takes on a shallow “S” curve. This was an unfinished river cane shaft. It had been somewhat straightened but no forshaft or point were attached. If they were, there would probably be even greater flex due to the higher mass slowing the acceleration of the front end of the dart. I would call this shaft moderately stiff-spined and it flexed far more than could be seen with the naked eye.

This student was kind enough to allow me to photograph several throws to capture the right moment. This is about maximum flex.

This flex is vital to a powerful and accurate throw.

Below are a couple of darts with the new thrower.

Today’s Photo

Cholla at Pecos Pueblo