leaking 5 litre barrel

[ROD01]

I have tried searching but with no success...
On looking into my 5 litre barrel I realized it was lined with wax, so I marked the head, took off 2 of the hoops and scraped out all the wax.
I then charred it lightly with my torch and put it back together.
It has been soaking in a bucket of water for 2 days now but is still slowly leaking around the head, though much slower than at first.
If it doesn't stop in another couple of days do I have a decoration or is it fixable?
Has anyone had success with trying to plug leaks by driving in thin shims of oak?
Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
rod01

[Dnderhead]

reeds are driven in dry then swell when soaked.
but have no idea what the burnt wax will do.

[ROD01]

i scraped the wax off, then used a wire brush on my angle grinder, then poured in some heads and lit it, and finally toasted with the torch. I didn't smell any wax left at that point.
When you say "reeds", any idea what kind?
bull rushes maybe??
Thanks for the help.

[Dnderhead]

we used to use cattail fonds.

[ROD01]

will try the cattail fronds, the leak is still there after 4 days soaking.
Maybe that's why it was lined with wax - doesn't have to be as well made if it is wax lined.

[Dnderhead]

dry ,tare length wise both sides of rib.

[ROD01]

thanks for the help. i wrapped teflon tape around the barrel head and with that and the dried cattail fronds i now have a watertight(and wiskey tight) barrel