Another on the list, If I would have known...
Stephen Shepherd in the State of Deseret
>how much noise this would make, I may not have made it.
It is called a Battle Rattle and it was used to get the attention of sailors and soldiers during battle because it could be heard above the gunfire.
It was also used to simulate small arms fire and to notify Fire Brigades in the event of a fire. That is why I made it, for the Volunteer Fire Department at the Park where I work.
On occassion when I demonstrate it I open my mouth to equalize the air pressure before I start swinging it around, else it hurts my ears. I learned that on a cannon crew.
Made of pine with a maple handle and split hickory snapper, the cog wheel is also of pine. I am going to make another one with a cog with fewer teeth for a different effect.
For some reason turned in one direction makes more noise than when spun in the opposite direction?
Gnomon is 6 inches.
Stephen