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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Verderer on September 12, 2018, 09:23:03 AM

Title: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: Verderer on September 12, 2018, 09:23:03 AM

I got this idea of using coconut fibre or coir for making wattle fencing, and I was wondering if anyone's tried it? It costs next to nothing and is available as bags of separate strands (in addition to pressed/glued waffles of the stuff). It should be fairly durable, and as it seems to come in variable thicknesses, I thought it would look pretty natural as the horizontal strands of wattle fencing?

The uprights I would make from toothpicks or similar wooden stuff? What do you reckon?

Title: Re: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: Mindenbrush on September 12, 2018, 01:56:08 PM

It is certainly possible.

People have used twine, fuse wire or multicore solder to make model wattle fencing so no reason why the coir should not work.

Look forward to seeing it.

Title: Re: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: Verderer on September 12, 2018, 02:09:52 PM

Yes, first I was going to use string but I think it looks a bit too even and 'clean', whereas this coir is fairly rough looking and varies in thickness  - so it looks more natural to me? I am just hoping the fibers aren't too thin.

Title: Re: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: OSHIROmodels on September 12, 2018, 02:35:07 PM

I’m sure as long as you use the thicker ones it’ll look fine.

Title: Re: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: has.been on September 12, 2018, 06:06:44 PM

Try pins fixed into your base, then thin wool/thick cotton woven around the pins.
Set it with a watered down PVA glue.

Title: Re: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: dampfpanzerwagon on September 12, 2018, 06:44:50 PM

I used wooden sticks and some wire.

See;
https://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/2012/05/simple-modelling-masterclass-wicker.html

Tony

Title: Re: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: Verderer on September 13, 2018, 09:31:33 PM

Well, I ordered 1 kg of the stuff, so I will be able to try it out soon. Can always use it to stuff a cushion or something, if it doesn't work. lol

Title: Re: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: dampfpanzerwagon on September 14, 2018, 08:51:54 AM

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBGWjkzkUdo/W5tioCglEVI/AAAAAAAAUEg/ZXZxsOLyr-k0omdLgeWhUfAsN9dtYvDlgCLcBGAs/s320/Spring%2B2012%2B179.jpg)

I have uploaded the whole wattle fence article that was originally posted on Barking Irons Online on to the Blog, for full details follow this link;
https://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/2018/09/a-simple-wicker-fence.html

Tony

Title: Re: Using coir for wattle?
Post by: Psychopomp on October 09, 2018, 10:13:35 PM

I can confirm that the plant twist wire method is easy and looks great.  Just make sure to prime the twist wire thoroughly before painting.  I find that a cheap matte varnish applied before priming gives the surface more tooth for primer and paint to hang onto.