Why are cannons put on wooden platforms?

Question

I went to the Castillo de San Marcos’ and saw that the cannons there where all sitting up on wooden platforms. What are the wooden platforms that for? Is it to make the recoil smoother or to make it easier for the crew to run the guns out?

Answer 1

The cannon's going to recoil, so they build the little wooden platform so as to contain the energy of the recoil.

Answer 2

It has to do with the coefficient of friction between wood and steel. Also wood has the added advantage that it is lightweight.

Answer 3

The wood absorbs some of the energy and vibrations of the firing where stone or concrete would only amplify it.

Answer 4

Wood is cheaper than metal.  Also, it does not absorb the heat generated in the barrel, so it is safer for the gun crew.

Edit.  I had second thoughts about my answer.  I've been to dozens of castles and forts and the cannon are sitting on wooden blocks with their barrels pointing through the crenelations.  If that were the original placement, how on earth would any cannon be re-muzzle-loaded? No.  The blocks are for theatrical effect.

I went to Wiki and saw the planking you are talking about. Any defender walking on that could be picked off with ease.  Come to think of it, any tourist could fall off with ease too.  All show biz, I think.

Answer 5

the "track" probally was tilted upwards so when the massive recol was admittd the the muzzle, the gun rooled up and back, then fighting gravity, returned to its origional firing positions. wood was used bc its cheaped to build, lighter to move around, and didmnt absord as much of the heat.