Cooper Benny
What does a typical workday for a cooper look like?
You can’t really generalize it because every day is a bit different. It’s not like working in an industrial company where you have your shift every day and know exactly what you need to do. Our work is diverse. When you’re making large barrels, teamwork is essential from start to finish, whether you’re installing the bottoms or making the hoops, or when the barrel goes over the fire. So, every day is actually something new, even if you’re more or less always doing the same thing.
What tools and materials do you use in your work?
All kinds of different ones, from hand planes to electric machines, of course, including planing machines and jigsaws. Then we use reed, flour, or flaxseed for sealing when the bottom is put in. We use a wide variety of tools and materials that are used in this craft.
How long does it take to make a barrel from start to finish?
It obviously depends on the size. If you were to build, for example, a 3,000-liter barrel – And that’s just a single barrel; you can’t build it alone; you always need at least two people – it would take about 1 ½ to 2 weeks. But since we usually produce in series, for instance, 4 x 3,000 l and 3 x 6,000 l, it takes about 4 weeks for the series. Some steps can be combined to save some time.
What special skills are required to pursue this profession?
You should ideally have a bit of everything. You need to be able to do some calculations, and you need a bit of strength, but I’d say the strength comes with time. Otherwise, of course, you should have a desire to work with wood, and that’s already enough to get started.
What types of barrels do you make, and what are they mainly used for?
All kinds, from flower pots to small barrels to large storage barrels, we make all sorts of wooden containers. From bathtubs you can lie in to large barrels for distillates made from various woods, for wines, for vinegar, so basically everything. A storage barrel, as mentioned earlier, can last about 100 years if properly maintained.
How important is the selection of wood for producing barrels?
Wood selection plays a very important role. There shouldn’t be any knots in the wood, the fibers need to run as straight as possible to ensure the container is watertight. Whether it’s a bathtub or a barrel, there shouldn’t be any wormholes, and as little sapwood as possible. The heartwood must be removed, so knots and parts of the tree that carpenters use can’t be put into the barrel. So, it’s a very important aspect to select the right wood.
Are there any special techniques or secrets passed down in this craft?
Yes. As in every craft, we have a few tricks and know-how that get passed down. Whether it’s templates for the oval barrel shape or specific craftsmanship techniques. Over time, experience grows, and you learn where to place your hands, and these are the tricks and skills you pick up along the way.
How has the cooper’s trade changed over the years?
Quite a lot, actually. We’ve kept up with the times, upgrading and retrofitting some machines. Of course, there are also older machines that you must take care of like the apple of your eye because they are simply no longer made. Also, in terms of education, the school is now in Austria with block classes. I think that’s great because it brings the apprentices together. In Germany, there aren’t many cooperages left, so it’s no longer feasible to form vocational school classes here. So, everything is now gathered in Austria. A lot has changed over the years.
What challenges do you encounter in your daily work?
There are various challenges: if a barrel is lying on its side and needs to be uprighted with the help of colleagues, or it has to be lowered into the cellar using a winch. Those are the kinds of challenges we face. Of course, none of this happens with a snap of the fingers; it requires manpower or womanpower.
Do you have an especially interesting or unusual story from your work, or even a favorite project?
I once had to repair a barrel that was over 90 years old. I replaced some staves. I had a lot of respect for that, wondering if I could do it without breaking anything because you must loosen the hoops to change the staves. And when the barrels are that old, you have to be a bit careful. But everything went perfectly, and the customer was happy. That made me a bit proud
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in woodworking?
Of course, they should have the desire to work with wood. It’s hard work, no secret about that. But it’s very diverse. It’s fun. Every barrel, every project is somehow different, even though the work itself is the same. You end up with dirty hands in the evening. But you can wash them! ?Those are the things I would recommend to anyone interested in learning this craft. Just come by and take a look.
