Wine Barrel Carving Process
A Hand carved wine barrel from start to finish...

Wine barrels are finely fitted pieces of oak, swelled by moisture to form an impermeable container for wine.  When the wine is removed, the wood slowly begins to dry out and the barrel will eventually fall apart.

To prevent that, I use a combination of techniques to insure the structural integrity of the barrel head.  The very first step is to use a polyurethane glue.  The barrel head is dampened using a wet sponge and the glue is forced into the joints.  Because the glue foams, it expands to fill voids.  The hoops also become loose, even though they are held on with small nails when assembled by the cooper.  Glue is also forced behind the hoops.  Additional nails may also be required to keep the hoops in place.  The photo above shows the excess glue, now dried, has seeped from under a hoop.  On close examination, there are also spots in the head itself where glue has penetrated through.

Step Two - Remove the Glue?

• Our Wine Barrel Carving Commissions Page will provide you with information on how to order your own Custom Wine Barrel Carving!
  

• To see some of Tom'sWine Barrel Carvings, visit Tom's Wine Barrel Carving Gallery!