The old man and the hand-made sawmill | Landline | ABC Australia

[@andrewnelson3681]

Wonderful story. Men like Ralph built the western world, giving countless millions of people a better standard of living than ever before in history.

[@modvs1]

"A fella who's never made a mistake, hasn't made anything"

[@thelukesternater]

I’ve made lots of mistakes, that is the end of the sentence.

[@rodwilliams5074]

About 1970 ( as a trainee communications tech) when I made a small stuff up my boss said to me " any one who has never made a mistake has yet to be born "

[@kennycoye3907]

Teddy Roosevelt said similar! I used it through life on Drilling Rigs in N.D.! Figured alot out myself! My Rig never shut down in rhe down turn! That's good!

[@Hakkeholt]

5:25

[@dannyoktim9628]

my #1 rule . . . I screw up I'm the first to own it, hasn't failed me yet

[@chrisestill8825]

Absolutely incredible. The fact that he drew everything out and had a plan before constructing it shows his understanding is much deeper than his education.

[@thefabricator1697]

Oh Boy!!those nuts and bolts are running through his head before he falls asleep..a great salute to this man...now i have something to keep doin...

[@BFKAnthony817]

Just goes to show intelligence can be greater than just having a piece pf paper to prove you know what you are talking about.

[@snhprojects2789]

@@BFKAnthony817 alot of actually very intelligent people cant finish school because the school systhem isnt made for self learning minds

[@alexandermarken7639]

All an education does these days is tell you how many genders you need to recognise and how you should not start anything.

[@catey62]

Exactly.

[@MartyT]

Legend

[@rocket18ks]

high praise from another legend. marty t is cut from the same cloth as ralph and i marvel at both these men

[@michaelroberts6299]

Yes I sub to marty

[@srp01983]

@Rene Elon No-one gives a damn, and I don’t think you actually have a girlfriend.

[@SuperAragoon]

Nah mate you’re a legend

[@paullanier8280]

What a man ! Brought a tear to my eye. Lost my dad when I was 11. A gent several miles away had a farm and sawmill. His family helped me to make my tuition and spending money and I worked in both his sawmill and machine shop. More than forty years have gone by and I've succeeded in life through their support when I needed it. God Bless these working families .

[@loriscook5231]

I’m so sorry my 93 year old Dad didn’t live to watch this. This old boy is incredible, they sure threw away the mould when he was made. My Dad could also make things out of old junk, they would have been good mates.

[@nipponsuxs]

93 thats a great innings wish my dad made it that long, but damn he was a hard worker, brought himself from near bankruptsy at 48 and retired 20ys later a very wealthy man. Unfortunaetly retirement drove him crazy so he worked for a friend instead, not because he needed the money just needed to keep himself busy, working was his hobby lol

[@pinevale6356]

Amazing. 👍 As someone who has mucked around with engines, welding and fabrication and is trying to build a small bandsaw saw mill this is literally mind-blowing. One of the most impressive things I have ever seen - and done in his 80s. Literally incredible. Thank you for making this story ABC. Great work.

[@andrewreilly7489]

It was a great story I agree

[@jimmydcricket5893]

Trying? Has.

[@shawnhill68]

RIP Ralph . A great man indeed .

[@vikingmaori7060]

From a kiwi.."you are a true legend and hard working gentleman sir" highest of respect to you,how the world today could learn much from a humble man like you.kiaora mate.

[@spslap5771]

Ae. Tika. Respect.

[@terryrose6208]

I'm going on 72 and I look up to him. He inspires me to keep on keeping on.

[@isaacmejias9168]

That’s incredible. He makes us young guys look weak. Respect for you Sir

[@shandy3025]

When this guy passes away we can't forget him we need to have a statute made for him on his land and we need to preserve all the things he's built.

[@garyzutt3437]

He died December 23,what a man .

[@sixtyfiveford]

Very inspiring.

[@choopa1670]

Brilliant. Put a smile on my face. The brilliance of this man and his relationship with his wife is testimony to his nature. I envy so much about this wise old man. What a gem of a bloke

[@dappy848]

Don't envy him pick something you like and enjoy it.

[@vamsiv1955]

He is such an amazing person, proved age does not matter if you have a passion for what you are doing.

[@kennycoye3907]

10 years of Engineering school cant come close to men like that! Way to go!!

[@Camboge]

That’s my goal to still be learning and making things when I’m 80, this guy is a mechanical genius and humble too.

[@Intense951]

A Sawyer with all of his fingers is the most amazing sight to see.

[@kennethnevel3263]

I worked with a man on a saw mill that sawed for 50 years and had all of his fingers , l learned some things from that man .

[@Challender]

Talk about treasure, this guy is the definition of a purpose-driven life what a wonderful man.

[@ianrobson9601]

"Yes I Do, Pip" Don't know why but when he said that it gave me such a huge smile.

[@chunkybuttz844]

Same

[@MikesManCave]

This man should be Australian of the Year. And he should be teaching today’s University Educated Engineers a thing or ten.

[@catey62]

thats the trouble with University educated engineers..they get taught a certain way, and can only work within the confines of that knowledge. and they get a shock when people like this guy do things that they think cant be done. they need to learn to think outside the box like him.

[@MikesManCave]

@@catey62 But they won't, most have trouble tying their shoe laces, let alone have an independent thought.

[@pinecorey]

WOW.....85 YEARS YOUNG. GOOD FOR HIM. ALL THE BEST TO YOU SIR.❤

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

He's over 90 now. This was filmed in 2014

[@dwaynea9458]

It runs in the family, my Grand father (ralphs cousin) built his own airplane with his father when he was 16 , had home built push lawn mower using an engine and parts out of an old slasher years before victa mowers began( i actually have it in my garage to restore) and many many home made items as well as working as a chemist for esso fuels for a while. The whole family is very proud of Ralph's efforts and work ethics which seems to be missing in a lot of people nowadays.

[@markneedham3088]

What was Ralphs dads name.? Was it also, Ralph..? I remember the old original mill which backed onto the creek a little closer to the township.

[@stn7172]

Yeah it was a lot different back then, everyone has become complacent and would rather buy it.

[@troycann1731]

Is Ralph still alive? I'd love to visit his sawmill

[@danielclare2344]

That man is a weapon !! Different generation of people .. men like him don’t exist anymore .. 👍

[@Camboge]

Look around on KZbin, this breed still exists

[@codychickadee5095]

Wow, what a man. A lovely couple, the 3 rings of the phone made me chuckle. No need to let it ring longer and pick it up, just a very intentional 3 rings is good enough to convey the message. What a beauty! Ralph Affleck is a jewel. 9 years gone by, I wonder if he is still with us.

[@PeanutsDadForever]

A remarkable man. Did he get an Australian of the Year Nomination?! He deserves it.

[@markneedham3088]

Yeah..! But he's not a politician...!!

[@grantkerridge]

So being passionate about a hobby makes you eligible for Australian of the year? My nephew scored a try last week at footy. Should he get one?

[@lucyloose2841]

Naa you normally have to go through drama to get one those ...lol

[@grantkerridge]

@William Underwood are they the requirements for Australian of the year?

[@MrHitchikerOz]

Always great to see someone continuing on with the things that made Australia what it was. Unfortunately, too many people these days feel that to achieve anything useful, you need several degrees and a lot of consultants to confer with. Good on ya Ralph.

[@bennichols561]

Yep. He seems like 90 percent of kiwi farmers.

[@brenohighland1168]

correct you are

[@critical_always]

"I am going to do something with my life, I am not finished yet" I loved those words.

[@bajacalifornia4923]

ThAts amazing to have a glimpse of this genius, that’s the kind of people we had back in the days

[@trentrector8557]

What a great fellow. Waive the fees for the guy, he is a treasure.

[@dobermanpac1064]

Not only is he a log man, he’s a self taught engineer. PLUS, his tops in both trades.

[@livingadamman7994]

Definitely not a silly man, the skidder was amazing, and his confidence in it.

[@nephos100]

Bolted two tractors together. The guy obviously hasn't heard the phrase, "You can't..."

[@abbimilagon5499]

There's no such thing as you can't. If you have that ambition in you. You do anything. And if someone says you can't. You do it to prove it can be done. Just by trying and keep learning.

[@jamesbond1231]

He's heard it. He just doesn't listen. :)

[@catey62]

No, he just hasnt been taught that it wouldnt work so he did it and made it work.

[@nephos100]

@@catey62 Yes, he just hasnt been taught that it wouldnt work so he did it and made it work.

[@klweth5439]

This man couldve been one of the best mechanical engineers ever. Genius and such an inspiration in the interviews.

[@theblackbaron4119]

He's genuine and adorable, i want to give him a hug.

[@gfr2023]

Technology is the higher form of human creativity. Solving problem is an art and this man is an artist

[@mikebrown5102]

Massive respect to this man, 85 you say, unreal 👏

[@ryanmcfall7725]

I hope someone keeps this mill running when he moves on

[@Olgi41]

Will there be anyone smart enough to run it?

[@abbimilagon5499]

With the stupid regulations and law's on safety. They will close it down. Sad to say.

[@HansKlopek]

The government won't allow it.

[@jackbarrie6007]

It's not keeping it running it's getting your log quoter🤧🇭🇲

[@varrjames186]

@@abbimilagon5499 Not if it's for personal use. I can (but don't) use machinery in my shed without any guards and it's not illegal to do so.

[@jimbobakabrutus1230]

I'm in awe. What pure genius. I pray he's still at it.

[@samvance6571]

OUTSTANDING !!!!!! This is so inspiring ! I just retired after reaching 65 and now I have an example to aspire to. I feel challenged to make the next 65 years as productive as possible. Forget being a Greeter at Walmart. I'm going to do something great.

[@getintothewildwithjeffruma8777]

Hell yeah Sam, how’s it going so far?

[@VK2FVAX]

I just think he's a beaute bloke. Reminds me of a number of the oldies in our country district when I was a young guy.

[@ColKorn1965]

We had a guy who couldn't read or write build his own band mill here where I live in US. Very impressive no matter where it's done.

[@rmar127]

What a top old bloke. The knowledge and skills that this fella has is phenomenal. I doff my hat to you good sir.

[@uncledavesfrontier6846]

God bless this young man. Never let life tell you when to quit. Live it BIG always.

[@jef____4054]

What a bloke! Legends live forever!! Respect...

[@jerryhammack1318]

Necessity is the mother of ingenuity! And this many is that kind! Bless him for all he has done!

[@seeingdragons4319]

Simply amazing and absolutely wonderful. What a guy!

[@vickidianacoghlan8946]

I love people who ooze character. This guy would get gold for sure.

[@the_goldendog3288]

“I enjoy talking to them” such a wholesome man

[@derp3068]

I would love to see more of this operation

[@mikewinkelman7015]

Such an inspiration to anyone who thinks they cant do something. But shows you anything is possible if you really want it bad enough.

[@kuntryboy4lyfe125]

That's the kinda man ud want to be around all the time so u can learn as much as u can from him.. knowledge is the key to a happy life. .

[@welderboy14]

The first ever youtube video i didn't skip through. Its like watching my Grandpa who worked several jobs including on a Gold dredge in the yukon and working on the construction of a major tunnel here in Vancouver. Later going onto Working as a GeoTech driller and building his own Drill rig from scratch. He retired when i was a baby however i truly believe that drive and ingenuity was in the Genes being passed onto my dad and then on to myself.

[@kevinator41]

Aussie fortitude And resilience is amazing

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Oh i just loved this. Probably the best video I have ever seen. Boy would I love to meet Ralph. What an inspiration of a man.

[@sandrapoyner1353]

True Aussie Legend 👍👍🇭🇲🇭🇲

[@AngeliqueKaga]

this is truely wonderful.

[@Coalzak]

"that's face it, the fella who's never made a mistake - he's never made anything." haha words to live by

[@kennethnevel3263]

A some one that has been a builder of things and Logger , Sawyer this very well planed sawmill. I would have loved to see more of how it all was made and worked . I am in the USA so I can not come to see milling lumber . I have been thinking about building a saw mill that will drive to the trees and pull the tree out and load it on to the mill , as boards are easier to move than logs and all the mess stays in or near the woods . Very well built sawmill and other equipment you made. I thought that skider when I first seen it that it was a very old TimberJack Log Skidder till I heard you built it . You are a true Logger / Sawyer , you have saw dust running in your veins ! Keep the dust flying for many more years and be safe .

[@tt600pch]

When I started building my little circle mill I talked with my father inlaw a bit. He started in the sawmills in the mid 1950's. I started building a circle saw that would run next to the log on a tube. He recalled seeing mills back in the 40's that were literally spiked down to a stump on each end out in the woods. I changed my mind and built a little carriage on an old trailer house frame beam. It cuts very well being made from "junk".

[@icantcook9998]

I don't think words describe what a bloody legend that bloke is

[@jamiedalluge9472]

I would absolutely love to go see that in person and work with him a few days. Total respect.

[@Satya2btrue]

As long as we bring no harm to another we should all be able to die doing what we love. That is a life worth living. Wonderful story!

[@Mac-zq1js]

Ralph is a high-resolution thinker an artist that surpasses most people with a college degree

[@Allworldsk1]

Men like him are a Dying Breed literally. Absolute badass

[@livingadamman7994]

Exactly and when they go so does so much valuable knowledge. I need advice on building a shed to house a mill and I would have enjoyed meeting him and picking his brains for ideas, I bet he would have loved to help and be looked to for direction. But when it all boils down anyone can do almost anything when they set their mind to it, and this bloke was proof.

[@jamiekane5818]

I've had a bit to do with mills ..but this man is amazing to see what he has made ..his passion is in his heart ..it's something U can't take away from him ..I take my hat off to him . because this job is the most dangerous to do in life

[@johnjohn-wc8fz]

when you love what you do nothing can stop you ..this man is a perfect example i bet he feels 25 when he is working that saw mill good on him.. find your passion

[@mrlee7641]

What an extraordinary man he is, to have built his own Mill and to run it by himself at his age is amazing. I've worked in Mills big and small but wouldn't know where to begin to build one from scratch, just amazing.

[@TheAlpine49]

That made me proud to be a part of the human race. That Ralph fellow sure seems to be a nice guy. The last line of the video brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for that.

[@michaelmullins1290]

It's good somebody is watching him. This kind of ingenuity has to be taught by a certain type of man. Yet learned by another. Amazing how much knowledge will leave when he's gone.

[@xaoskuntablast3354]

Men like this are quickly vanishing and it's fantastic to see landline giving air time to them and their wisdom . Great story

[@pauljanssen2624]

How beautiful people to watch his work and hopefully to take samples home

[@727SolutionsCoatings]

Absolutely amazing! I would love to sit down and talk to him and hear some of his story's and see how everything he has built to see how it works..... Truly amazing I love seeing guys like him doing what they love

[@MRTonyt8868]

This is the second time I have had the opportunity to watch it loved it

[@havennewbowtow8835]

Knew an auld lad in Inverurie, in Aberdeenshire, around 1973. Similar type and old crofter who made everything himself. Furthest he’d been was Aberdeen 20 odd miles away. Amazing mans man.

[@ryandjakovic1256]

I met an amazingly talented and brilliant gentleman named Ralph near the Sunshine Coast in the Pacific Northwest. He had his own orchard, garden, cabin, and tool shop. These guy's are some of the finest professors on the planet.

[@rossspencer3036]

What a terrific story...loved watching it, more strength to you Ralph !!!

[@Hitman-ds1ei]

Why am I only just seeing this, this is a real Aussie bush engineer 1 yr later and I'm still astounded by this gentleman of the bush, I feel a sense of underachievement in my endeavours when I compare them to his

[@besticudcumupwith202]

...my father did this too. Same deal. Built everything himself...loader (several over the years, same gear idea...1 forward/5 reverse), log carriage, hydraulic systems, chains/rollers, trim saws...everything. He raised a family of 5 kids with it. I worked in it from age 12 till early 20's.

[@bradleybutler8034]

I've watched this so many times what an incredible man .. Inspirational

[@somethingsinlife5600]

Old people like this is why I'm fascinated with them.

[@bradf1119]

This is true ol Australian.. If that dont put a tear in your eye.. What an absolute legend..

[@guttasnipe4702]

What an absolute CHAMPION…….he might not think so because it’s just everyday nature to him, but I can tell you there’s literally thousands of old men out there that couldn’t even get off their arses to even mow the lawns let alone run a saw mill. Champion all the way.

[@chrispeters4405]

i built a sawmill and I love sawing logs, its great fun. good for him

[@toddricketts9498]

Would love to see this place my Grandpa and his brothers had a saw mill great memories

[@nathanhale7444]

My uncle has a home made sawmill powered by a Ford 302 and auto transmission. I was in awe of it when I saw it.

[@bobyk87]

Don't try to explain engineers, let'em be. It's kinda another breed of human beings. They make our world a little better each and every time. Much respect.

[@GatheringJacob]

WOW! Beautiful man! May our Father in heaven bless him!

[@ashleywoolnough4884]

What an extraordinary bloke. Fantastic story thanks

[@MichaelSmith-nd4rr]

LEGEND, respect for guys like this,

[@miriambakker4340]

Loved that photo of the two man saw in the beginning. We had a saw like that hanging in the rafters of an old packing shed.

[@annapurna-c3v]

It’s not about the sawmill, it’s about this gentleman. A legend and a dying breed. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a few of these fellos recently and I think an interview like this is material for a best seller! Great story ABC. More More More. They are out there and their story needs to be told. (Aka The late Mervyn Tomkins).

[@getintothewildwithjeffruma8777]

Absolutely amazing, my hat is off to you sir.

[@randyschock7374]

I watch this every so often to remind myself how fun life is. :)

[@j.b.8767]

What a remarkable man! What a remarkable story for ALL of us to learn from! I appreciate so much that you shared this story with the whole world!! It's a story that needed to be told!! Thank you!! Much love from Oregon!

[@christycullen2355]

This man is literally THE most intelligent person I've ever seen.

[@civlyzed]

This guy is fantastic and he reminds me of my late father, also called Ralph. The old man never wasted anything and repurposed many things he scavenged. I miss him.

[@mrmyorky5634]

An inspiring portrait of a happy man.

[@chancethompson8686]

Some young men should apprentice under this man.. This old man and his ways, will be gone one day, and only a younger generation learning from him and his kind, will keep the world grounded.. I apprenticed under a Carpenter who only used hand tools, no power drills or power saws, because of my training under him, I have a greater knowledge and appreciation of the wood and for the end product..

[@trevordeane3940]

What an excellent video. I have worked with mahines like these myself and done some timber work so I can appreciate the challenges that Ralph has managed to overcome. He most certainly is a very skilled man.

[@Openeyesopenheart42]

This man is an inspiration, absolutely brilliant.

[@conanmcdonough61]

God bless him ! This is. What we need more of , it seems like the ole timers really used their brains and could make the best outa what they came across 👍😊