This information enlarges our limited knowledge about the use of carpenter’s tools in the East Greek/Phocaean fifth century BC shipbuilding tradition. It shows that the ancient blacksmiths produced the drill bit using the most suitable materials and advanced manufacturing processes. This is the first time that a metal bit found on a shipwreck of the period has been metallurgically investigated. This microstructure improved the hardness and strength of the metal. Therefore, it is suggested that the bit was probably manufactured by forge-welding thin alternating layers of carburized wrought iron, which was heat-treated and quenched without tempering. Examination of the iron oxide areas revealed a layered microstructure. A martensitic microstructure was observed after etching the external part of the bit. The results demonstrated that the bit was made of wrought iron manufactured by the direct smelting process. These comprised digital radiography, light microscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, scanning electronic microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, and micro-hardness indentation tests. The metal composition, microstructure and manufacturing technology of the bit were studied using non-destructive and minimally destructive testing methods. Metal particles, remains of a bit, survived in the recess. Radiography revealed a square cross-section recess for the bit in the wooden stock of one of the drills. Three bow drills were discovered in the 400 BC Ma‘agan Mikhael ship. The range of tools used for shipbuilding in the Late Bronze period is comparable to those used today. The Late Bronze Age shipwright, as master of his craft and tool use, could make new tools or adjust them to the demands of a particular job, as well as to his own body build. Functional differences between the tools were shown, and questions on utility were answered. Experimental methods proved useful in the allocation of efficient criteria for the use-based classification of tools. Moreover, the reconstructed tools proved to be user friendly. The reconstructed tools appear suitable for use in pegged mortise-and-tenon joinery in shipbuilding by skilled woodworkers. Questions on the casting of the metal parts of tools and the elaboration of their different parts have been answered. Knowledge of tool production of the Late Bronze Age has been furthered.
The target set was established through the recording of archaeological data, examination of the available findings, classification of the finds, gathering of the relevant sources (literature, iconography, archeological parallels and preserved traces), reconstruction of the findings (casting, elaboration of the metallic parts and reconstruction of the hafts), usage of the reconstructed tools and the evaluation of them qualitatively, quantitatively and ergonomically via the reconstruction of a segment of the Uluburun shipwreck hull. The present study aims to answer questions of utility and efficiency, on the basis of archaeological evidence, of the nominated Mycenaean shipwright tool kit through experimental methods.
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