A2A - Journey of a Wooden Boat - Episode 101: Pairing an 1800s Thicknesser and a Chrysler Flathead 6

[@TheLoxxxton]

I have no idea why but seeing that contraption come to life made me insanely happy! Brilliant giving new life to old stuff

[@starlight74mike]

When he said "Alix and I have decided..." my heart sank a little, and I thought to myself, well, there goes my favourite couple ;) But alas, the adventure continues!!!

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

I had the same thought! :-O

[@sebastienbouthillette5453]

@@chrisskelhorn5727 same here!

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

I'm so glad we were all wrong though!

[@turbosubisandman7174]

yea, I was wondering where he was going with that?

[@idahorodgersusmc]

Don't scare me like that again!

[@Bikervation]

As Arabella Grows, so your lives enrich and blossom, it’s a privilege (even in a small way) to be a part of your journey. Thank you for sharing it. Chris

[@Tinmanstees]

One of the biggest differences between success and failure is knowing when to make the hard decisions and then following through on them. Soon you will be able to sail down there and enjoy the fruit if your labor

[@khag.]

And sometimes that means cutting your losses. He recognized that dropping out of the trip was not what he wanted but ultimately a sacrifice that needed to be made. It's decision making like that which leads to success. That choice is actually somewhat inspirational to me, it makes me feel motivated to do the best thing instead of the easy thing.

[@BillB23]

@@khag. The right thing to do very often turns out to be the hardest. Kudos to Arabella's intrepid crew!

[@leesuschrist]

Nothing like bringing antique equipment back to life!

[@direbearcoat7551]

Just think of how many small town mills, if they are still operating, might still be using old time machines like that?

[@1ocean515]

“No big deal...”. An attitude that is foundational to being able to plow all the new ground that is required to keep this project moving. Very inspiring!

[@bacalaonabrash]

I think this is my new favourite Acorn to Arabella video. Just seeing this old planer back alive and running is pure joy. Good job guys!!!

[@SootHead]

Great episode! Being a gearhead, engine guy and old iron aficionado, it was right up my alley. Love seeing this old hardware being repurposed and used in such a worthwhile project.

[@Joe-xq3zu]

I love big old industrial machinery like this, there's just something about it that brings out my inner child that used to love watching my dad or uncles working on the tractors on the farm.

[@anthonymiller4550]

Tony & Susan here, one mans junk is another mans treasure. So much work to do to get to the work part. We are residential contractors in Michigan and I feel your cold pain.

[@TheSpektralOne]

That Engine started a treat and purred like a kitten. Good job!

[@johnparrish9215]

Don't you just love it when Big Iron gets to go back to work.

[@SillyPutty3700]

I am really glad to see that you have spared no expense on all of the modern safety features for the thicknesser and dust collector.

[@andrewmantle7627]

I got a smile hearing you say "sawdust collection bin". One of these things can make a heck of a lot of chips, fast.

[@erikwilliams7009]

1) Great episode! 2) Love Ben's sounds! 3) Geez, Ben musta been absolutely freezing too.

[@MrAndynorth14]

Real guys doing real work - what a pleasure to watch.

[@michaelmunro2820]

I have been a carpenter contractor for most of my working career and am now retired. Watching all of your build of Arabella has indeed been a pleasure . You men have put something together that not many people can’t. I don’t understand how there are always the naysayers who out of obvious jealousies continue to try dismantle your method of this creative build. I am also a sailor, looking forward to the day when Arabella embraces the sea. Good luck guys ! Mike

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing! So great to see the old planer given a new job.

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I know it's for practical purposes, but from an entertainment perspective I love being able to see the chips going up past the clear window.

[@frankoconnor7309]

How great is that cluster of old gear still doing its stuff. Cant wait to see that thicknesser cranking planks.

[@Rspri10104]

How cool, I love seeing old iron coming back to life.

[@darren-thecottageatelier8962]

Wow I am impressed with how you set up that planer, you have a great team and hopefully you are ensuring dying skills and ingenuity live on in another generation!! As a project manager I am glad to see that you have the ability to look at the whole project and see what needs to be done to keep it moving forward, whilst still being in there with all the nitty gritty, that is also a great skill. I love watching you guys you amazing.

[@johnnyblade6088]

5:00 I love seeing them old beaters come back to life!

[@PLF...]

Steve, you can make a homemade cyclone out of a few plastic drums super easy. Would be awesome for that left-side exit on the dust collector.

[@rettif9]

When I think of this project the words that come to mind are audacity, perseverance, generosity, and creativity. We should all be as impressed by what you don't do, as by what you do. Good luck and sail on.

[@AcornToArabella]

That’s so kind, thank you!

[@ronjohnson2073]

Where there’s a will, there’s a way......! Awesome..,! I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning. Keep up the great work. From Alabama.

[@conradfuller6697]

Wow you guys have incredible skills and ingenuity. Joe and Grandpa make it look easy.

[@patrickwentz8413]

It must be nice to have a grandpa. Mine died a few years ago and I miss him everyday. Enjoy every minute with him.

[@joerobert2010]

Good on you for defending Alix against the trolls. And for publicly documenting your project. My wife and I enjoy your videos.

[@MrRourk]

That old 6cyl is a beast! Good job getting that running.

[@davidnichols213]

fantastic video the old iron runs again,love the dust collector

[@patmornin9746]

Excellent episode. Great to see the planer project finish with a fully functional thickness planer ready for the planking party.

[@higgydufrane]

One of the best feelings in life (for a gearhead) is bringing something back to life. Well done!

[@justindelpero]

Man you scared the bejesus out of me. Thought something bad had happend to Alex for a sec. Sucks to hear you've had to miss the trip :(

[@cf6282]

Justin Delpero I thought they had ended their partnership. Fortunately they had to make a tough but wise decision.

[@pashaveres4629]

Love all the elements coming together in your work - your ancestors, home-grown lumber, self-reliant and getting help, donations, love, fans, new life for old parts, etc. Was just thinking that it's entirely possible that the thicknesser was constructed by Civil War vets, and in a time that there were no cars or planes, they were still using passenger pigeons, in a world that hasn't existed for more than a hundred years. And the thicknesser has no plastic parts, eh? Good stuff. Love your videos - and they're even mo' bettah because I help in a small way, supporting you on Patreon. (Yah, hoping others will too.)

[@nealposton4825]

Well done Grandpa,us Old Guys still Know a thing or two about side valve engines!Good Luck Neal [83] UK

[@MikeFloutier]

Good decision, if hard. Also you are modelling the making of good decisions, including getting enough rest. So good, you guys are such a blessing and an inspiration to so many of us!

[@Mad-Duk_Machine_Werkes]

Old Bed frame angle iron makes great belt tension frameworks, a cpl springs and some old roller skate wheels against the back side to the v-Belts will get rid of your flapping- belts

[@ErikPukinskis]

Seeing that thing running is so cool.

[@custa73burner]

A truly inspirational piece of improvised engineering. Respect.

[@danshadoin7661]

You are baling-wire certified! I've seen cobbled together before, but you have raised it to the level of artiste! Keep it up!

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Old iron just proving its worth though the days of modern tech. Showing itll outlast many generations of use.

[@yonatanbenavraham6598]

I have been to Costa Rica many times and it has something for everyone. Making use of the old flathead to run the huge planner is a great bush fix. Keep up the excellent and stay safe.

[@charlesmoore456]

That was an AWESOME episode!

[@jackrabbit5047]

Who doesn't love the sound of an old engine?

[@Jdflana1]

Congratulations ! Your now members of the “ on top of the world “ club the only way to join is to get a lump of old iron to run again. When it first runs you feel like your on top of the world. Then one of us old coots will drop one of these missives on you so tha you will know. Again CONGRATULATIONS!!

[@edovelthuis]

I f**king love you guys. Even when the shit hits the fan, the ease with which you shrug it off and get on with things is inspirational. I'm sure you'll get to do Costa Rica when you finally get Arabella in the water!

[@Jacob-W-5570]

My technology loving heart is pushing the beats up a bit seeing your whole planer set up, well done with the belt system, keeping everything mechanic, I love it. Thant fan on the engine is the best choice really.

[@geoffreystearns1690]

There is absolutely nothing like the right tool for the job....!

[@rickrutledge7361]

Great video! That it one heck of a planer! You, grandpa and Joe did good stuff. Very nice.

[@rplourde6045]

Great job setting that planer up. I would suggest that you put clutch on blower. (Maybe something with a idler pulley on a arm. ) That way less drag on motor when starting and WHEN blower gets blocked you can disconnect it before belt gets distroyed

[@ScottKenny1978]

Seconded!!!

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Thirded... I have never seen a large dust collector that runs that way. Typically, the collection is before the blower (which runs more like a vacuum).

[@christoskallinikos5455]

Bits & pieces of history made an incredible rattling puzzle! Great job guys. Remember safety first 🦺👌

[@axiom1650]

Impressive seeing that piece of history put to actual use!

[@avoirdupois1]

Way to push thru for the team! Good to see that thicknesser being put to good use.

[@peterparsons7141]

Thank you. I was asking myself throughout your planning how on earth you were going to manage the trip in the middle of your project. I really think you did the right thing. Sail down to Costa Rica when you get the boat done, you will get more from the endeavour!

[@eamonnlawlor1129]

Well done stevie boy great contraption brilliant use of old equipment other people would just throw out in the rubbish . Keep up the good work from Eamonn in Ireland.

[@JohnMayer1952]

Wow I just love your videos. The cotton ball lubricators took me back to my apprenticeship days in Glasgow, Scotland. I now live on a tiny Greek island where, in our boatyard, there is a 100 year old winding engine which was built in Scotland and it has cotton ball lube pots everywhere. I admire your industry and enthusiasm. You deserve the best of luck. Btw, the long square section metal piece in shafts which drives props and pulleys: in Scotland we call them 'keys'.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Most of Americans call them keys as well. This is the first time in 49 years I've ever heard them called splines.

[@Garryck-1]

We call 'em 'keys' in the the Land Downunder, too.

[@nicosadie4527]

Even in South Africa, it is keys

[@grandenauto3214]

Keys in Canada

[@clem2usa]

Love the day to day format on this video. Awesome job, gang! 💜💜

[@sailing61]

Just saw the grounding comment, and want to reiterate; ground the tube! Static build up and a spark have ended many a wood shop! keep up the great work, love the Yankee ingenuity!!! Oh and of course, lot a moving belts, watch loose clothing and all appendages !!!!

[@cobralyoner]

Awesome to see the old thicknesser finally moving!

[@davidc6510]

Wow such a great job on getting all that equipment sorted and functioning. Grandpa & Joe are Legends! Stephen and Ben did a great job on the filming of this episode of A2A. Thanks for sharing!

[@sdcofer52]

Nice work Steve. I love the way you guys put together everything to get the planer going. A lot of work and ingenuity. Probably a hard but good decision to skip Costa Rica and get that done.

[@willdoner3174]

Your guys work ethic is inspiring

[@idahorodgersusmc]

I agree, these guys are great role models for thier generation 👍

[@graemelliott3942]

Awesome video, easy decision to stay. Love the OSHA approved vintage thickness planer and love the Chrysler flat head. You’re work exemplifies ingenuity on how to get something done. Dude should have given you the doghouse dust collector. Cheers mate!🍺

[@bmax403]

The 6-volt battery and generator takes me back a while. It was fun to see the old system, and the engine returned to use. You do have modern technology with your small tach and hour meter, so you've gotten your bases covered. I was pleased to see your installation of an ignition Kill switch: gratifying to see continued attention to work safety. Congratulations for your progress, and thank you for the video documentation.

[@piledriver141]

This is what makes America great!!!

[@jerryhoogeveen]

Now that is an amazing piece of machinery! Glad you got it going. I hate seeing stuff like that get dumped in the scrap yard.

[@gems34]

Great side project and nicely time lapsed

[@tehbonehead]

This episode was just plane awesome. 😜

[@thomasarussellsr]

Nice play on words.

[@idahorodgersusmc]

I see what you did there👍

[@thewhat1214]

Exhaust fumes smell of glory 🤘👍

[@rickvangunten4800]

What a team! You guys Rock....Love to see all those old peaces of equipment coming back to life.

[@cf6282]

Now that is a powertool! Nicely done.

[@prereed]

Outstanding engineering! Sailing Arabella will be a just reward for the diligent work you have done. And, and spring is right around the corner.

[@whitefam2000]

Your being smart about your project and goals. That's a positive, never give that up kids.. Sawdust is MAN GLITTER, FABULOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

[@daverose8082]

Heath Robinson would be proud. Great job.

[@fulltimber]

You’re a good man Steve

[@bobstienke178]

Oh you have it all! You forgot about the new fangled digital tachometer! Great video! Thank you!

[@csnelling4]

Great work Steve and team 👍🇬🇧

[@ericcsuf]

Great episode for me. Long time sailor, but worked in automotive and motorcycle industry for most my life. Love machinery of all kinds. BTW, that black thing on the engine is not an alternator. It's a generator. No alternators in 1947.

[@PLF...]

That sounds like quite the happy neighbor-generating machine

[@hansgrueber8169]

Yeah, too bad they couldn't get something made by Pratt and Whitney to use instead.

[@pmkleinp]

@@hansgrueber8169 Are you talking helicopter engine or radial piston engine?

[@MrGothicruler666]

@@pmkleinp both. For fun.

[@alexanderthomas2660]

The neighbor has made enough lawnmower noises during previous videos for these guys to collect a good pile of noise-making credit.

[@linmal2242]

@@pmkleinp Twin row Wasp !

[@richardreis5865]

Great video, the imagination, innovations, and knowledge of your team is amazing, I have enjoyed watching your dreams come to reality

[@Deftonesdsm]

So cool using the old flathead on there. Stuff built before 1960 is just heavy duty like that planer and all the lathe's and mills built for ww2

[@pietnieuwets259]

Love to follow your project. You guys doing a wonderful job. One remark; the way the screws poke out of the board in de chip collector box is really a no go! One day you'll have to reach into the box to get the chips out and you might seriously hurt your head!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

That's really sad to hear. All that because of a new inspector respectively new regulations?! Bah! Costa Rica would have been good for you both. A little variety in life and something new to see is always good. Nice to see that okd monster planer running again. 👍👌👏 Thanks a lot for making recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck health and wisdom.

[@Gottenhimfella]

Sounds like the right decision, but I do hope you manage to learn some Spanish if you go sailing in South America (I particularly recommend Patagonia). Chilean people are just fantastic and the country is astonishing. But it's quite stressful being the only one who speaks the local lingo, and quite unsatisfying and isolating being the one who doesn't. The resulting imbalance in the nature and quality of the experience of shared travelling and living can (IME) put serious strains on a relationship. Hispanics in their own country tend to be very accommodating of their language being spoken badly, they're generally delighted you even bother to try.

[@MarkMorland]

I can't tell your sound level, but I can say I was VERY happy to have used a Oval can reverse flow muffler (sized for a modern V8) on an old combine with a straight 6. That was a flathead Hercules on a John Deere model 55. It really lowered the operator fatigue, to have the engine well muffled. All in all I like your rig! Keep fire suppression gear handy.

[@peterlaughlin930]

Great episode great work on the planer

[@billmccaffrey1977]

Great project - love backyard engineering. Make sure you ground the metal ducting. All of those fast moving chips build static in a hurry.

[@ScottKenny1978]

And you do *NOT* want to be around a dust explosion!

[@rocketforthree4479]

I thought that a captain always goes down with the crew (to Costa Rica). Jokes aside, I love these videos and the honest, direct explanations of every action and decision you take. Its enlightening and wholesome.

[@lincolngrove2808]

It's Friday evening, time for a beer and Acorn to Arabella. Love your work.

[@tracythorn2918]

I've been looking forward to seeing how you put all this together. It's nice to see old (and older!) machinery put to use. Imagine how happy the people who built that planer would be to know it's still in use in 2020! I imagine you will spend some warm "winter" days aboard Arabella in the future.

[@patmancrowley8509]

Stephen, you and Alix have made very good decisions. GOOD FOR YOU AND ALIX!

[@daviponagain]

Well done the machine team!!

[@lutemule]

Steve, I believe you guys made a good decision on how to go forward with the project. It shows a lot how you guys really care about it.

[@LadyDewBuild]

Awesome machine, Yeah building a wood boat your going to need all that it can give! Thanks for sharing

[@deanbuttigieg4608]

Awesome job I love the old thicknesser. Best of all would be the endless knowledge of grandpa, Stepping over that bottom door plate is a bad tripping hazard.

[@pinebearclub]

I remember twenty years ago working on a 1800’s planer that sized big huge beams on all four faces (S4S). It too had all these oil pots to fill daily. If I remember correctly there were 37 of them. Finicky old beastie it was, but I would like to see a modern machine last that long and do a good job after all those years. Bryan from Vancouver

[@Nhumba]

Well done Stephen!

[@andrewmantle7627]

Just think what you can do with that machine when you surface the knees. What make is the old beauty. I ran a 1954 Buss double surfacer for years.I think it was the biggest one they ever made. 12,000 lbs dry weight. Sharpened and maintained it. That was back in the seventies and eighties. I still think about that machine all the time. You will fall in love with your's. Happy New Year and happy planing.

[@jimengle1615]

Amazing engineering...and it works too!

[@GodOfBiscuits66]

Bummer you couldn't make it to Costa Rica, but man, you kicked butt getting that planer up and running. I am impressed with the setup you have for that thing. I love seeing a project come together!