I started forging a cooper's driver today. I got the eye punched and drifted, the working end forged out, the struck end forged and shaped, and some rough filing on it.

Next time I'm there, I'll do some more filing to get the ears symmetrical, and I'll need to flatten the working end and start filing in a groove because it'll be too difficult when it's hardened. I need to harden and temper it too. I can likely get all that done next time in addition to hanging a handle.

#blacksmith #blacksmithing #cooper #coopering #tools

I just watched this video on making wine barrels in France and now I want a glass of wine. They got into some technique/process, but also got into how it influences the flavors in the wine and spirits that later inhabit those barrels.

I thought it was really interesting, especially since I'm not a wine person; I usually prefer beer and spirits.

#france #winemaking #barrels #coopering #whiskey #youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJCYeCfXto8