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The event leader always introduced the stand and the programme at the beginning of each day and then after the lunch break (also because of the changing participants) and also outlined the framework of the EU Interreg DTP project „Living Danube Limes“. Furthermore, the hygiene concept was presented and it was also pointed out that photos and films would be taken. The workshop participants numbered between 10 (in the morning) and 20 (in the afternoon). On Friday afternoon, most of them were there. The participants, who introduced themselves at the beginning in terms of their motives for taking part, evaluated the workshop.
The programmes and the schedule were partly simultaneous, but in such a way that the introduction and the introduction to a new craft activity were nested one after the other. In this way, everyone could participate in each introduction, but could also choose to stay with the active participation in the craft. Each action had an introduction. Then each participant was given the opportunity to carry out the craft activities themselves, while respecting hygienic regulations. At each stand there was an opportunity to disinfect oneself. Masks had to be worn.
Thursday (22 July)
- On Thursday there were two (to three) major craft strands. One stand was blacksmithing. There was an introduction to blacksmithing and then tools were forged by way of example, which are also important for boat building, these include, spoon augers, hammers, caulking iron. Later on, iron nails were forged, as they are used on boats. In the afternoon, shield bosses were forged. For this purpose, a wooden mould was built in advance and the sheet metal was then slowly hollowed out there after heating.
- The Roman kiln was heated in the morning of the first day. At the same time, spelt grain was ground in a mortar. Then the wood and charcoal were removed from the heated oven and the panis militaris was baked in three portions. The first process took a few minutes, the second several minutes and the third attempt took the longest. The bread was welcome food for the whole afternoon, served with olive oil.
- Boat building was introduced in parallel with the above activities: The types of planking were demonstrated, and imitated, on prepared models: clinker and carvel. In the case of the carvel construction, the so-called French construction method was explained. Everything could be copied. The basics were clarified beforehand in terms of vocabulary for orientation, the keel, the bottom range, the frame. Then basic construction methods were explained: bevelling, splicing, planing of oars, spars and planks and planing equipment. Types of fastenings in ancient times were also discussed. With these tools, the planking methods on the model were discussed: the carvel construction method with planks on a joint, adjusting the joint by planing an angle and caulking with tow (hemp) were explained and imitated. Furthermore, the specific construction method of the carvel planking on the Danuvina Alacris was explained: the French planking: With this method, only every second plank is attached because the wood material is still wet. This allows both the planks on the bond and the planks that have not yet been fitted to dry longer and then be fitted later with an exact fit. In order for this fitting to be accurate, a model of a plank must be made, a small strip with pieces of wood across it that butt into the gap at the top and bottom of the other fitted planks. This model is then taken out and stapled to the plank that is still to be installed, the tips of the pieces of wood are marked, then connected with the help of a straightedge with a pencil, so that a plank can then be sawn out to fit exactly. The clinker construction works by overlapping the planks starting from the keel. A notch is made in the keel for the first plank. The first plank is inserted and nailed. The next plank overlaps the first one in the area of the landing (a few cm). So that they do not protrude too much from the frame in the landing area, both planks are planed so that the overlap is tight on one side and does not create so much friction on the other side when the boat is floating in the water. The landing area is secured with rivets.
Friday (23 July)
- The construction of the shield was explained in the individual phases, the adjustment of the form, the attachment of the first layer with antique staples, the gluing on of the second layer of poplar strips with antique mixed glue (swamp lime 1 part, lean curd/casein 5 parts). Fixing is done with little wagons. After drying, the third layer can be applied with glue and nails. This is followed by the covering with linen or skin (glue), and the application of softened strips of cowhide. These dry with antique staples and are then pre-drilled at the edge and sewn with sea yarn. It was not yet primed or painted.
- In the afternoon, we forged again what could not be finished the day before. Above all, shield bosses were stamped.
- In boat building, the activities that had not yet been completed (clinkering, carvel construction) were continued. As on the previous day, the method of steaming with water vapour was also demonstrated. One inch of wood in width has to boil for about two hours in the steam chamber, where steam is introduced from a boiler that is heated. After about three hours the plank was soft enough and could be bent and then left to dry. Next, oak was split with large wedges. Bevels were made with adzes. Different forms of axes were presented: Plane and wrenching were presented. The possibility of planing was also offered.
by Boris Dreyer
Photo: Mathias Orgeldinger
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