131. How canal lock gates are built, at the Canal & River Trust's Bradley workshop

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
Every winter the Canal & River Trust shut parts of the network down for a time in order to do maintenance which often includes taking out broken or old lock gates and replacing them. New lock gates are not something you can just order in from Amazon however, so the CRT have to make their own and in this video I visited their Birmingham workshop to see how the process works.
For a later video showing how old lock gates are removed and new ones installed, see • 268. Replacing canal l...
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[@credenza1]

It's nice to see a man proud of his work.

[@SicilianStealth]

My father hung wallpaper. We would sign the wall.

[@wideawake914]

Nice to see something thats not made in China, the dragons den would be livid.

[@alexandratownsend4595]

You wouldn't need to disclose that you used to be a journalist - your vlogs are of incredible quality and are all a pleasure to watch :) Thankyou for creating these high quality videos and sharing them for free

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you :-)

[@brianminghella3312]

It is a little known tradition that an English craftsman is entitled to sign any and all work that comes off his bench or trestles. When one employer demanded I remove my signature or pack my tools I told him where to stick it and walked that very day.

[@ddd3240]

Brian Minghella forty five years ago I became a Master Millwright. I stamped my initials in every job. I was told to stop as well but refused. It was fun to go back twenty years later and see my initials stamped on it. I encouraged my apprentice’s to do the same to instill a sense of pride. It works!

[@oldbatwit5102]

When I saw that gate out in the rain I thought, cover that up..... it'll get wet!

[@stevemusgrave2000]

You make the canal and canal work come alive. Beautifully done, your previous talents have not gone to waste.

[@Ex3t3r]

A lock gate installation/replacement would be interesting to see. Plus what is the average life span of a Lock Gate?

[@carstenhemel2574]

Regarding, this is a selfmade private KZbin video, the quality is beyond everything, TV quality... It must take you a lot of time and effort to create such a video. And also, I learned a lot of English from you, since I found your channel 4 days ago..

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@petertrevena804]

Helps when you have the right equipment to work with!

[@TheByard]

@@petertrevena804 Check out the 1st Cruising the cut Vlog and many questions will be answered. All CTC vlogs are well done and a pleasure to watch.

[@sil8127]

I took for granted how well this was produced, you'd easily believe this was part of a BBC doc or something. Just so well done.

[@FoxDren]

Maybe an ITV Doc

[@alantillett7614]

That was a very interesting vid. It is good watching specialized trades at work. It would be great if you have a vid of them changing a lock gate? If you have can you please tell me which number vid it is.

[@alantillett7614]

Sorry can not see past my nose. You have one thanks.

[@b.c.junctionembroiderynj8804]

Nice " VLOG" , but I would have loved to have seen how the round over those gate ends....must be a helluv'a router and bit..…?

[@lesliedickinson198]

It's good to see things in the 21st century still being made in a time honoured way by craftsmen using traditional methods, a great watch.

[@essexpikey7116]

Great bit of film. I love that most of it is done old school by hand. Marvellous. I’m quite surprised at how many they make per year. Do you know offhand how many locks CRT are responsible for?

[@CruisingTheCut]

I don't, sorry, but thousands I think.

[@andrewsim9180]

This was absolutely fascinating and educational!! Why, I ask myself, doesn't the BBC air more solid meaty goodness programmes like this one instead of dispensing dumbed down info-light documentaries and a VAST TORRENT of reality TV barrel-scraping dross. It would surely cost them no more to buy-in this kinda material from Cur-Cruiser Productions et al.

[@law1008]

HEAR HEAR! Couldn't agree more

[@stupidburp]

NHK in Japan often shows in depth documentaries like this about topics of local and cultural interest. I don't see why BBC in the UK and PBS in the USA can't show more content similar to this.

[@listohan]

@@stupidburp So does Deutsche Welle. In English too, available online without pesky geographical restrictions. ABC TV (Australia) iView catch up service is now available through apps on smartphones and iPads. Check out Back Roads for example.

[@davidw1518]

Doesn't it? I wouldn't know, I gave up watching TV (dumbed-down, as you say, and totally unreal "reality" shows), many years ago. Join me, and save £150 a year (or whatever it is now) licence fee! Cruising the Cut is perhaps the best channel on KZbin, but there's plenty else to watch as well: who needs the BBC et al?!

[@TheBearDenPhotography]

This is a wonderful video to watch. Interesting and informative. I like the style, and topic. It would be interesting to see a quick video of a removal and install of a gate at some point in the future if you ever have the opportunity. Complete the circle so to speak. Job well done.

[@andyjamesmciver]

This is what you get when an ex journalist becomes a vloger... informative content. So good!!

[@magnetospin]

They replace a couple hundred gates a year? That's a lot more than I expected. How long does a gate typically last?

[@guycore5478]

KZbin needs to implement a global Like button, so I can click one button that Likes all of your videos in one stroke.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha I will send them an email!

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

What a lovely man, if I worked there, I'd certainly want to put my name on one of my gates!

[@deconteesawyer5758]

Put your gang sign on them, like the local thugs ?

[@MrKkaufmann]

OK, so I do have a suggestion for a future vlog. I, being a stonemason here in the states I am fascinated with historical stone construction. (brick also) Could you do a vlog or 2 or 10 on some of the stonework related to the canals and locks?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Nice idea! When we're out of lockdown I'll see what I can do.

[@MichaelsMustang]

@@CruisingTheCut looking forward to this

[@sarahaugustine4185]

Very informative as usual. Thank you so much for the video.

[@Zodliness]

Hard to appreciate the amount of work involved in making something, that spends the majority of its life unseen, under water. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@wadewoehrmann2835]

wonder what is done with the old timber? = Might make for some nice reclaimed furniture or is it too rotten by then?

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

Signing your name on it shows PRIDE in your work. Thanks for the video. I don't know how I got here, but I am glad I did. Hello from Alabama U.S.A. 😎🇺🇸

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hello!

[@Rhaman68]

Fascinating how technology has not changed as to gates. I did see another video of canals in France that were gates were remotely controlled via provided control box making for easier travel. Lovely wood work with craftsmanship manual tools. Thanks

[@8MoonsOfJupiter]

Great video - very informative! Would've loved to have seen how they remove the old gates and install the new one.

[@erniemansfield5973]

Another very good informative video. This should be on t.v. as it is far better than the utter tripe we are blessed with now.

[@bigglestheflyboy]

Absolutely superb stuff this David. To be honest, it's way superior to the stuff we see on TV these days. And what a great Brummy/Wolves accent this guy has. Nice to see that this still survives in the deep and darkest corners of the midlands!

[@dazr123]

Great video and shows why yours is one of the better narrowboat channels ,far to many of the narrowboat channels are now falling for thinking they are on idiot book and spending more time filming themselves than simply showing the interesting scenery etc and doing a talk over.IMO filming just talking heads is about as interesting as if they were made sitting on a chair in a council flat.Well done on putting these great video's together and happy cruising.

[@RubsForeheadXTwo]

Brilliantly edited... you must've done this before...

[@johnmurdock6195]

I just watch this vlog! It was fantastic! I really enjoy your stories!

[@schizzlschnitzl]

great documentation. you should be a tv presenter..... oh wait.. 🙂

[@barrytaylor6565]

Good proper Black Country Workmanship and a cracking accent !!

[@alainarchambault2331]

Geesh, between this and the old wooden Navy, it's a wonder there are any Oak trees left in the United Kingdom.

[@57thorns]

Oaks were important, so they were planted, and protected as a royal right, so no one else was allowed to harm or harvest oaks. And before those planted oaks reached maturity, the age of the wooden navy had passed. So surprisingly enough there is a lot more oak around that was the case before humans changed the composition of the forests.

[@terencejay8845]

@@57thorns Similar to yew trees for archer's bows, which is why historically church-yards always had a yew tree.

[@deconteesawyer5758]

@@57thorns "there is a lot more oak around that was the case before humans changed the composition of the forests." Ha ha ha.

[@iansmith5601]

Fabulous. Proper craftsmen.

[@TonyCarnell]

I'll confess that (along with a lot of people I'm sure) I tend to find your cruising vlogs the most interesting (and relaxing), but this one was fascinating. Thanks for sharing this, and keep up the great work :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Not much cruising for me this year for various reasons.

[@TheFreightBeast]

Your video production is great... almost like you were in the business?

[@TheCrazyb56]

He worked as a news reporter for a number of years. You can tell by how a lot of his vids are structured, written, and shot. Quite a great way to do it to be honest.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, yes I was.

[@Gambit771]

@@TheCrazyb56 It makes such a refreshing change from the average youtuber that can't organise the information in a video and structure it properly so just waffles on for far too long. quite often on something not really related.

[@petesheppard1709]

'Good sturdy British oak'...The phrase 'measure twice, cut once' constantly ran through my mind as I watched this.

[@jayhickey5012]

I really love to see craftsman taking great pride in their work.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Had to deliver 27 ton of timber there about a month ago. Really great bunch of people working there but not a lot of room to turn an artic in their yard. Fascinating process and nice to see what they're doing.

[@solent7430]

This is exactly why I love KZbin. Some might think this nerdy, but where else would you get this level of insight? Fascinating, well filmed & presented!

[@am2schmarvelous]

I think all the carpenters should sign their gates. Both as reasonable note of pride and as a note of responsibility for the craftsmanship. Plus - it adds a fun bit of gate counting to a trip through a lock. How many of so and so etc.

[@sionbenjamin4513]

Brilliant peep into the old tech serving the waterways of the UK.

[@TommyValentine]

Came over from your Sony camera review..Awesome camera , but this camera is nothing without the operator, brilliant short documentary, absolutely amazing work !!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@threeriversforge1997]

Another wonderful program and something I was curious about, so thanks. I was only sorry that it was so incredibly short. I have to wonder why they don't tar the gates, or maybe they do that on site so they are easier to manage? Seems to me that a good coating of tar might not last more than a year or two, much like when you blacken the bottom of the boats, but that's a year or two more life out of them. Oak isn't particularly good at resisting damage from water, especially when the end grain is left exposed, hence why they wear out so quickly. Something like Stockholm Tar or Russian Oil would seem like a good idea even if it does add to the expense somewhat. After all, getting two more years out of a gate when you have a hundred gates needing replaced every year.... seems like a decent idea. I'd hate to see steel and plastic gates, though. Seems like they're just too new-fangled to my mind. Best stick with what's traditional and keep the guys at the workshop employed.

[@justinknight5881]

In my experience we don't tar gates as the oils and hydrocarbons within tar (and so oil) can leach into the water, as i was told. When i 1st started with used to use bitumastic paints, but that was stopped many years ago. Oak lasts surprisingly well, and the real issues tend to be around water line (where air / water mix) and bolts becoming loose, which reduces structure and then planks start to work loose. Steel gates are okay, but they don't tend to bounce and so when replacing heads or heel timbers it can be a bit of a faff. I've never worked on or seen plastic gates. Plastic paddles, yes, several times over.

[@lindamaxsonsheets8295]

The BBC needs to take a close look at your vlog. They are missing a valuable resource.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The BBC have signed up my friend and fellow vlogger Robbie Cumming to do a series, it'll be on-screen this autumn. Should be good!

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Really good. I'd love to see how they install them too.

[@masonringbinder684]

They take the old gate out and put the new gate in. They give a little wiggle and they swing it all about. They fill the lock with water and they make it water tight. That's how they change it out.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

I wonder if they offer apprenticeships in traditional/general carpentry or stone masonry etcetera. I think that would be a fantastic experience for anyone....... well, yeah, for anyone. I’m sure that they would do. I’m interested in how the constant immersion in water and different temperatures during the seasons , how all of that effects the oak, glue and iron etc. I mean, obviously it all works, but it’s still interesting when you think about it all. 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@waynesworldfishing]

Wayne Lees spooky! As my name is Wayne and my brothers name is Lee and we both live on narrow boats.

[@kr1886]

Those locks will be seen with new eyes after this and hopefully approached with a new found respect for the fabric of the network and those behind the scenes specialists helping to keep it in tip top shape. Another mini masterpiece by David! Thank you!

[@therobster7761]

Love it!!!! I bet some of those original lock gates are older than the state I live in! Brilliant! Thanks

[@rolandwolf1327]

Thats some real old-school craftsmanship displayed here with beautiful results. Thanks for showing.

[@shleep2000]

It really shows that you are a pro here. This was very well made and I enjoyed it very much! Thank you sir.

[@cmuchmore]

I thought there was a way to make a one time contribution via PayPal. If so can you please reply with the link. I'd like to donate a bit but not via Patreon. I have very much enjoyed your channel. Being from Phoenix, AZ USA, this is very interesting to me. Thanks. Chuck

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi, there should be a link in the video description but as I recall it's paypal.me/CruisingTheCut - and thank you very much! Very grateful for the support :-)

[@sgit1]

Most interesting - especially the concept of one person responsible for building a lock gate. That instills more pride of craft rather than being an anonymous cog in the machine.

[@robmellor2960]

Pray the forces of progress and bureaucracy don't see this vlog!

[@ramjetfromaus]

Fabulous David. Feel encouraged to make more of these. For example I'd love to see (in detail) how the gates are installed and I'd be very keen to learn more about how the gates are designed and built to completely seal. I especially liked that you focused on the tradesman involved. With all the negative publicity C&RT is getting at the moment the guys (and girls) on the tools need some positive affirmation.

[@DerekGraham777]

I'm surprised they don't use better wood like ash or live oak live oak is soo much stronger and better used in marine aplacations. And why they don't use an oil based sealent. Or just use steal all together it would last soo much longer and a lot easier to fix

[@zeroman614]

Wouldn’t want to put themselves out of work... I suppose they are restoring to original specs in most cases.

[@57thorns]

Steal requires a lot of upkeep, and repainting the locks require draining the canal at least every 2-3 years. Oak gates will be in place for 25-30 years. with virtually no need for service. There is no use to make the seals completely tight, you want _some_ exchange of water anyway in the canal system. Ash is probably too light, it will not be hard enough. It weathers nicely on a facade, but is it really useful submerged in water? And live oak does not grow in the UK.

[@davidhale8461]

It’s about time you posted another vlog !! Have you been sleeping in too much ? Love the woodworking information.

[@DarkRavenProductions]

Me being a genius: why have they left the gate uncovered it will get wet..... oh wait

[@MrHappyZorro]

Groovy to see craftsman at work. There’s something intrinsically futuristic about shops that use traditional methods. It means we’ve advanced far enough to do as we please.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Something taken for granted every time we go through a lock. Now i know how, where and by whom the gates are made. Must look out for Wayne Leigh's name next time we go through a lock David. Super video - very interesting

[@deconteesawyer5758]

The first graffiti, one of many. Lotsa luck pal.

[@allanchilton6432]

really enjoying your style of presentation and attention to somewhat less dramatic but interesting things, you're a good place to go when in need of relaxation, thank you.

[@MrJro3330]

One of your best and most interesting videos.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta :-)

[@zapfanzapfan]

Do you have planted oak forests from the end of the era of wooden ships that are now ready to be used for locks? We built a replica of a 1700s ship in town some years ago and used oak that had been planted 150 years ago that was just now ready. No ancient Egyptian or alien scribbling on those gates though... :-)

[@pmoraisjr]

Fantastic video. Great that he adds his name to his work.

[@Zeemike1]

That is a profession you don't see a lot of...lock gate maker. But those gates are well made and I am sure will last for decades. And I like the idea that one man makes the whole thing...gives them pride in their work.

[@Pasaatituuli]

Thanks for this program, especially. It broadened ones view about lock gates, made it easier to understand paddles and their importance. Good job!

[@spennykcn]

That was really interesting, thank you for posting. I would also find it really interesting to see them replace the gates and that would give you some interesting content to post during the non cruising season.

[@russwallace5556]

Entertaining and informative. Nice to be able to take such pride in one's work.

[@cyberi4a]

Never thought about how they were made or where they came from. Nice to know that not everything is made of plastic in China, those were some massive wood pieces.

[@StrassenbahnBen]

I highly appreciate your content. This is very interesting. And you're doing an excellent job in composing this documentation.

[@sirwilliam51]

Just think if King George had of listened to his colonists those gates would be made out of cypress and last for a couple hundred years. Yes I'm being a bit cheeky.

[@qez6969]

Is no1 gonna mention the guy wearing gloves on a lathe...

[@LittleGreenFire]

For anyone who might read this, it turns out you're not supposed to wear gloves when using many woodworking tools. My dad lost the tip of his finger while using a router with gloves because he wasn't aware you aren't supposed to even though he's a super safety conscious guy.

[@Engineer9736]

I saw it too. And the way they handle that crane will also end up in a chopped finger one day. Having your hand right next to a scissor mechanism holding 300kg of wood 😰

[@RodgauChaton]

Ahoi, David, sehr gut ausgewähltes Thema, welches ich als Technik interessierter Mensch aufmerksamst verfolgte. Danke für die informativen 10 Minuten. Gruß Leo Ahoy, David, very well chosen topic, which I followed attentively as technique interested person. Thanks for the informative 10 minutes. Greeting Leo

[@ngauge22]

WOW, now that was VERY interesting, short but interesting just the same.

[@wayneloveday4716]

Great video - I didn't ever see myself watching a lock gate being made, but it was fascinating! So nice that the builder was able to do the whole job himself. One reason why I really love your videos is the way they are organised and flow so well, no time wasted waffling off topic - and your voice is very soothing with none of the histrionics one often gets! (Except when something makes you mad! 😊)Have been watching them all back to back, and now I have to wait for the next one! Will just have to be patient till it comes up. We were back in the UK for a couple of years at the turn of the century lol! (1999 and 2000) and had 2 great canal boating holidays then, along with our ten year old son. A great adventure for him and very relaxing for us, although I suspect owning your own boat isn't quite so easy! Many thanks from New Zealand.🇳🇿 (Mrs L)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for tuning in; glad you enjoy them :-)

[@jroar123]

They have a lock on the industry.

[@iansloan4261]

Oh and by the way oak is the wood of choice for ships and boats made of natural materials. It doesn't rot and is just about indestructible.

[@petersimonsen9278]

Lovely explanation and craftsman work in this stressed world

[@motorcyclemitzi8022]

Sir, once again you have surpassed your standards. this is truly a professional production and your past profession shines through, they lost such a great talent to the canals! I enjoy the travels immensely but to have these side videos makes cruising the cut the complete package. ive said it before your show belongs on the air so more people can be enlightened to the gem that most likely runs through their neighborhood. PS have you looked into those magnetic covers?

[@lawrenberghanson4401]

These behind the scene videos are great! Great to look at pieces of the canal that one may take for granted.

[@nilzlima3027]

very interesting indeed, more like this please. did you inquire what sort of treatment they use to preserve the wood? paint pressure treatment or what have you? thanx again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Sorry, I didn't ask.

[@jar_monkeystudios1762]

You really should produce this as a documentary mini series and sell it to the BBC or for us fans in the US to PBS. Love the content! Greetings from California!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, I wish I could! No idea how to flog stuff to PBS :-(

[@jar_monkeystudios1762]

Here's what I could find. Hope this helps haha www.pbs.org/about/producing-pbs/proposal-process/

[@SamSitar]

ctc videos sold that way will be very popular.

[@andyharding1514]

excellent as always. I hope they sent you away with a carload of offcuts for your stove :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, no!

[@suemeyer8989]

Thanks for showing this program-since we don’t have canal locks like this in US, it’s interesting to see how these locks are created.

[@CritterFritter]

Ah but we do, Ms. Sue. Google Ohio canals and locks. Canals and locks were quite prevalent in the US, especially in PA, OH, IN and IL until the railroads took over.

[@jackpoirier5023]

Let's see lock replacement if you can. Nice video, David. Cheers.

[@apatheticallyconcerned6574]

Dude, your videos are friggin' awesome. Much respect from a Yank.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, thank you :-)

[@rickdearmont9950]

JR N It is great to see good solid reporting.

[@PastorChrisCoutts]

Old World Tech, still making the "cut". Hahaha. Just lovely!

[@sibelle1]

@David, did you discover Wayne's name on any lock gate?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Not that I noticed!

[@steadycamuk1]

Great video. So interesting so many many thanks for producing it. Shocked at how many gates a year are made I thought he was going to say 8 or 9. Blimey. See, you can take the reporter out of the TV but you can't stop a great piece coming out of a boater lol

[@harrypenn611]

That was a brilliant vlog , cheers for that , very interesting to see how they are made

[@philthefarrier9469]

Loved this one, so good to see people able to start and finish a job. True craftsman caring about their part of the job for the good of the boaters and network.

[@Mr_Reaper]

Extremely Interesting, thank you David

[@clarkdouglas6517]

The rest of the story would seem to be removal of the old gate and installation of the new.

[@johnnunn8688]

I’d like to buy that bloke, a beer.

[@randymagnum143]

Throw the horses over the fence, some hay.

[@artist-reader]

A mini-doc in quality. Stellar. And, we'll be watching for you watching for the gent's lock down name plates.

[@JWS1968]

These a very important point made in this video. Modern manufacturing has taken away the closure and satisfaction a person gets from starting a job and seeing it through to completion. I think any job where you get to start and finish the job would actually be good for peoples emotional well being. Maybe if production lines allowed workers to work on all parts of the line workers would be happier.

[@koma-k]

That's exactly what Japanese car manufacturers figured out - letting people rotate between stations improved job satisfaction and accuracy and reduced health problems. Heard it when visiting Mazda's factory in Hiroshima, but don't remember if it originated there or somewhere else.

[@FoxDren]

And? It doesn't matter, this vile luddite mentality does nothing but raise costs and increase production times.

[@kinsmansteve]

@@FoxDren Of course it matters! Costs and production times are not all that matters. People's well-being is important too. Perhaps more important. Is it not worth paying somewhat more so that people can be well and happy? (Or, at least, better and happier). The 'luddite mentality' is not vile, it is empathetic. And no, I'm not a luddite, I love technology.

[@andrewschmitz9707]

Thank you so much David. To me,the background of any endeavor simply enriches the story. And how special to see someone be able to take such pride in what he does!

[@danielalcon3851]

Marvellous top quality production as usual. Thanks.

[@bassandcodfishing1]

How many offcuts did you take for your wood burner?

[@MagicaLucem]

Dear David...my word...this is a breathtaking video. A top flight piece of television art..reportage...serious ... valuable...exceptional. It's about time BAFTA needs to consider the youtube environment for an award. Just as the most excellent of computer game music is now considered as genuine pieces of classical music art and suitable for awards...then this sort of gem is in the same domain of indie televisual production. I'll be in the audience to applaud you as you raise that bronze mask at the BAFTA awards. Your vlogs are always special. .this is a tour de force.

[@CruisingTheCut]

That is exceptionally kind, thank you

[@mikerobson1786]

Don't go too overboard, David won't be able to fit his head through the lock gates!

[@ladydi4runner]

Couldn’t agree more! And I thought making a simple garage workbench w my Pops was hard. We got’er done though, pretty and functional she is! 👍😁