Master Thatcher - Roof Shearing

Steven Packham Master Thatcher demonstrating the roof shearing technique, using a hand-crafted 'shearing hook'. This cuts off the tips of the reed which are showing, creating a smooth finished coat.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• thatching
• thatcher
• craftsman

[kiedisisgreat]

you made the shearing hook yourself, or did you have to buy it? It makes it look a lot better well done :)

[rybotnik]

@kiedisisgreat this shearing hook was, i believe, crafted by Steven himself. I seem to remember him saying that he had made a few himself, using leaf springs from an old car suspension system, as they have a desirable curve which makes a good shearing hook.

[bamptonbred]

Really liked to be a thatcher,looks to be a really rewarding job..

Just wondered what a fully trained thatcher could expect to earn,is the pay good?

[rybotnik]

@bamptonbred a self employed thatcher could earn anything between 20-100 grand a year, depending on many factors, size of workforce, distance travelled to site etc. however the pay is only 'good' if you enjoy the job, but yes i will say that it is a thoroughly rewarding and each finished job gives a great sense of personal achievement.

[bartek1991p]

moze potrzebujecie trzciny i słomy na dachy??

[rybotnik]

@bartek1991p in english?

[johnnnyreb51]

How about a LONGER clip showing more.

[theshuthdar]

@rybotnik  thanks

[rybotnik]

@theshuthdar its for presentation, to create a perfectly smooth finished coat.

[theshuthdar]

is this reed or straw as i can't make out and second i've never heard of a shearing hood ? third is it for the pitch or presingtation