How to manage expansion and contraction of wooden mantelpiece

[fletty]

I recently discovered this clever (and potentially old?) method for managing the contraction of fireplace mantles....

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Given the the adzed finish on the mantle and lintel, I presume they were green when installed and so, as they progressively 'shrunk', the wedges were tapped in further to retain them in place.
Also note the very clever corbel made up of thin plates of stone to support the lintel and mantle.
A couple of clever techniques worth remembering (or not forgetting?)
fletty

[crowie]

You were also gain knowledge as your traveled as well as headaches.....:rolleyes:....

[fletty]

You were also gain knowledge as your traveled as well as headaches.....:rolleyes:....

Actually, I DID find it in a pub :roll:

fletty

[orraloon]

It is a bit different but I would be interested to see where the other end of that holding timber goes. Being in a pub it is perhaps just to have that ''ye olde'' look to it but was made in the last few years.
Regards
John