Farm gates... looking for ideas.

[SteveA]

Hi all

 

I'm looking to make a few farm gates (field gates) for our farm.... I would like to make them out of oak and have them looking fairly rustic.

 

I've not made any gates before, (or posts for hanging them on) so after some ideas and advice.

 

Cheers, steve

 

p.s... I've got an Alaskan vertical & mini mill but not used it yet ~ would like to have a play with that.

[Goaty]

Sounds like a worthwhile and interesting project. Assuming they are vehicle width gates, prioritise on strength and sag resistance.

Suffolk style gates cost a premium fortune. If you can get timber that's already bent to shape they are worthwhile.

Don't cut and shut a piece on though. I've seen them fail it's not craftsman

[slack ma girdle]

Why don't you try the local vernacular; scrap and binder twine.

[growforest]

8" x 8" posts x 10'

Curved crook for the hanging stile and a tapered top rail. Mortice and tenon joints and stainless bolts where needed. I wouldn't make from green oak because of all the movement thereafter if they're 12 foots. Either seasoned or tanalised softwood.

[pycoed]

Make sure you tack weld a thick washer or similar onto the hinge hooks to stop the gates being lifted off, either by horned stock (we tack a highland bull whose first task on arrival is to check every gate!) or by thieving scum.

 

Re "thieving scum" - is probably why so many gates are old barb, two colours of baler cord & a rusty sheet?

[flatyre]

not sure about wooden gates but old gates made from metal were in style at least unique to the blacksmith in the area. if you wanted to be really fussy you could look at old photos from your area and see if there was a specific design used in that area?