Building Old-fashioned Fences - The FHC Show, ep 23

In episode 23 of The Farm Hand's Companion Show, Pa Mac shows how to build several different styles of old-time fences that are both practical and beautiful. From split rail fences, to mortise and tenon fences, Pa Mac explains the advantages to many of these as well demonstrating how to construct them using the natural materials around him. Watch as he uses a froe and mallet (along with other old-fashioned hand tools) to split and rive some wood palings, and also make mortises and tenons for a small farm fence. You’ll also learn how to split rails from a big log like Abraham Lincoln!
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[@johnreno9418]

I watched this video again after I did some rail splitting of Cedar logs. Now, my logs were younger and slimmer than the one he used in the video and I didn't get to pick out a straight and knot free trunk. But, I must say Pa Mac is a "WORLD CLASS LOG SPLITTER" to get 19 rails out of a single tree trunk. Comparatively, the most I got was 5.

[@FaithfulNation]

Pa Mac is our children's favorite show creator. Always entertaining and always building our knowledge and appreciation for our fathers of past time.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you for your kind words, Faithful Nation. Tell your kids Pa Mac says "Hey!"

[@FaithfulNation]

@@farmhandscompanion I will! Thanks! Edit: Children said hello!

[@lehampton1]

WOW! Two videos within 30 days of each other! Sounds like temperatures have dropped below freezing in the underworld! What a surprise!! YAY!!

[@Chrisbreezy1979]

I’m from Harlan Kentucky and have only seen the remains of a few of these type fences around here. Being that this town is all steep mountains most old timers here used rock fence to keep livestock in. Although speaking about Abraham Lincoln, I visited his birth place and school in Hodgenville Kentucky and all those places has miles of these split rail fences.

[@robertgoss4842]

Another one of your fine programs. I'd love stay and chat, but I have to split. See ya.

[@davidcespedes6442]

Digging out the rock when making the post holes had to be my favorite part 🤣🤣🤣

[@hemansr3893]

Theres ALWAYS a big rock where your digging!!! :>)>

[@maingun07]

Thanks, Pa Mac! Looks like I've got everything I need now to fence in the homestead. Now all I need are some trees. Let's see here... trees... Darn it. I bet they've all run off and hid in that forest.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Funny how they seem to congregate there, maingun07

[@1982MCI]

maingun07 yep, I catch mine hiding out there all the time. But you know, sometimes if they’ve been hiding from ya a lot over the years, they have gotten so good at hiding behind another tree and can stand so still that you can walk all around in that forest and be right beside them and not see em at all because they are standing so still!!

[@slowdaze]

Thanks so much for the amazing content you make. The FMC show is absolutely my favorite place on the internet! It is a calming spot during an uncertain time. Please stay safe and well.

[@1982MCI]

slowdaze I second your opinion,, his videos are extremely soothing, relaxing, and educational!! This is by far, in my opinion, the very best channel on KZbin for this type of content

[@bobbynash282]

I dont believe this !!! My favorite show is on. Still say better than 3 stooges. So much info. You put a great deal of hard work into this an we all appreciate your brainstorming. Alabama loves fhc absolutely my favorite. STAY SAFE AN HEALTHY AN EAT WELL MY FRIEND.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Bobby!

[@bobbynash282]

@@farmhandscompanion l was wondering something. Did you chainsaw mill most of the lumber on your shop. Or did you buy some. Its alot of work ive been chainsaw milling some so l know how hard an time consuming it is

[@Sparkfly88]

This was a fun and educational watch. I loved it. Amazing what a simple line from a book will get you to research! "The right of the regiment rested near the dirt road, and at right angles to it. The ground before us was open for more than half a mile. It sloped down gently, then it rose gradually to a long, bare ridge, or slight elevation of ground, which extended parallel to our front. The road was enclosed by an old-time staked and ridered fence, of the "worm" pattern." -The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865, by Leander Stillwell I had no idea what a "worm" fence was, but it appears to be a variation of the split rail fence at the beginning of the video. This was the best video I've found on the various fence designs of early America.

[@lorenzopiano7419]

pas de problème de sommeil !!!

[@PullStartStables]

There is so much joy in your childish frustrations of digging ‘Pa! Thank you for yet again, a great video!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank YOU for watchin, Kevin

[@seanmakesthings]

I'm in charge of 10 acres in Lake Hughes and I am for sure using these methods to build some awesome old-fashioned fences. thanks for sharing!

[@hamhocksandflipflopsfarms]

Lots of great ideas. Thank you for your knowledge and kindness in sharing these things with us.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I appreciate that, Homer. Thanks for takin time to watch

[@kellychildress8554]

You and I are a lot alike, I've been watching your shows since the beginning you inspire me, I have a smaller 30 acres farm in North Carolina and I love it, I'm 35 years old, lords willing I have many more projects to do, thank you for these videos and God bless buddy.

[@okiedokie7282]

Im soooo glad you still make videos! Theyve been alot of help for me so thank you Pa Mac

[@farmhandscompanion]

You're so welcome, okie dokie. Thank you for watching

[@happilyretiredmark2964]

I'm not nearly as creative so all I can do is say: awesome, thanks, keep them coming. BTW, never done a Patreon for anyone elses channel but I'm going to see if this old non-tech south Georgia boy can figure it out. I sincerely hope that someone, or something, out there gives you the type of satisfaction we get from "farmhandscompanion".

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

This is a great entertaining and educational channel and we appreciate all your time and effort you put into your work. Thanks for sharing with us. Fred.

[@attleheideann1469]

Yes: thank you! Good job!

[@stevek5988]

Thanks for posting another great video.

[@farmhandscompanion]

You betcha. Thank you for watchin

[@GONDEZ]

i remember, it was 1762 i built that fence for my cousins farm exactly like this bad boy, good old days.

[@kentdouglass1001]

This guy is really cool. And I agree, this kind of work and training is definitely a character builder.

[@cjennmom]

Thank you for more videos! Your stuff is fabulous and getting only 1-2 per year is near agony for eager watchers.

[@LanceSheppard]

Always a good day when pa mac puts out a video. I'm figurin on maybe doin a mortise and tenon fence round one of the garden spots and maybe attaching some wire fencing to it so I can train blackberries up them

[@runeldcameron6092]

Can't believe I got to see two videos in less than a month! Awesome 👍

[@DavidLGreen-yw1wg]

What! Steel against steel with no eye protection! Eyes are precious. My cousin lost an eye that way.

[@narrowgatehomestead5608]

Awsome insight into the old ways. Becoming less spoke of although more and more valuable. Bless you and yours and thank you for your time. Always entertaining and informative. 👍

[@oldironsfury]

Thank you so much for what you do for these videos ! Makes the soul come alive, the simple ideas of the past forgot by the complex of today !! Awesome video ! 👍👍

[@daniellej8800]

It is almost 2am and I am filled with the urge to build a fence… not sure how I got here but I’m glad I did

[@NorseWesternHomestead]

WOW! The inside color of that log is incredible!! Beautiful!

[@douglasvantassel8098]

Thank you for all the hard work you put into this. It's great!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Indeed, it's my pleasure

[@jasonplant5432]

You know I really like your videos. You alone taught me how to use a chainsaw to produce my own lumber. Thank you farmhands Companion!.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I appreciate that, Jason. Thank you for letting me know.

[@ronmetz9172]

Great video!! My grandad was a dairyman. I remember him cutting fence posts from what he called “hedge trees”. He would cut a point on one end with a buzz saw belted to an allis chalmers WD45. When he built or fixed fence, he would start a hole with a rock bar, stick the pointed end in the hole and pound it in with a sledge. He used barb wire for his fences to keep the cows in a pasture. While watching you split that cedar log I was thinking about how good it must have smelled.

[@TheBereangirl]

Yay! How delightful to wake up to one of your spectacular videos! My favorite fence is the wire and board - and the split rail with the double posts connected by blocks that hold the rails. And of course, I love how the boy comes out of you at the end and you can't resist playing with your farm toys!😂💕 Thanks Pa Mac.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thanks as always, TheBereangirl. Hope you're gettin along well!

[@TheBereangirl]

@@farmhandscompanion You're welcome, and we are doing well, thank you! And I trust in the Lord, that you and your family are also safe in Him!💗

[@GRPermie]

This was a joy to watch. Excellent video.

[@jakobrebeki]

so glad your back, thanks....

[@LittleCountryCabin]

Love getting the notifications for your videos!! We just cut a few cedars off a fence row that would be perfect for this. Thank you so much for sharing! God bless y’all❤️

[@farmhandscompanion]

Cedars are like gold, aren't they? Y'all take care

[@1982MCI]

Little Country Cabin those cedars grew up wanting to become a fence one day and now they have Finally accomplished their life long goals!!!

[@KinoQuint]

This is the one I was waiting for! If you ever have enough rocks you should consider making a dry stack fence.

[@kevintulak9987]

Excellent. Nice to have a new show to watch while in lockdown mode and spring is coming taking the snow away and the possibility of planting the garden seems like a reality after a long winter. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikedean5707]

This is just what I've been looking for. The power co. dropped some of my cedar and I wanna put 'em to good use. And get a bit of exercise-ha!

[@cuban9splat]

Made my day this morning with another PaMac video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and ideas with us. You are a literal wealth of information for homesteading.

[@betternfred]

So good! Very useful information and entertaining as always. When you put a video up I always stop what I am doing and watch it right then and there. Just took a break from clearing our hazelnut orchard to spend a few minutes relaxing - watching some of the very best content on KZbin!

[@XanderLebtEwig]

...ThankYou Bro & Dankeschön aus Germany...

[@Kicks001]

wow... what a great video. Thank you so much for posting. Here's hoping you don't run into too many more of those boulders when digging post holes!

[@miraclefarm1927]

Absolutely love this video! Thank you for showing the various ways to create a oie time homestead fence. Now to find the right trees! Blessings

[@stephenrice4554]

Good clear and entertaining information . Nicely done 👍🇬🇧

[@stephentackett2905]

Best channel on KZbin! God Bless and stay safe!

[@kenthorsen4558]

Once again a great video! Thanks and be safe everyone.

[@michaelsinclair8279]

A pleasure and delight watching you work !!

[@renaissancewomanfarm9175]

Since I am tired of digging holes I am giving a lot of thought to growing a hedge and then laying it, like they do in England and Ireland. Have you given that a go yet, Pa Mac?

[@johnsonr9]

Thanks!

[@splatbabylon]

How did I miss a new pa mac show?! Great stuff as always. Best darn thing on here.

[@FlutyLickHomestead]

Great video! Love to build me a split rail fence down the road by my barn! Wish I had those big cedars like that on my place!

[@1982MCI]

Fluty Lick Homestead I’m sure you’ve got some good size poplars over there in that hollar tho and those would work just as well and a lot easier to split with the tight straight, and clear grain. Poplar will last a long, long time As long as you don’t have it sitting straight on the ground. Thousands of log cabins were built with poplar logs and many are still standing today. You may even have some poplar logs in your home. Take care buddy and stay safe out there!!!

[@The72challenger]

Well if nothing else at least that cedar sure smells good!

[@terryhorn46]

Good to see you back at the videos again!

[@marciajenkins819]

As always, entertaining and educational. Thanks.

[@LanceSheppard]

Got me a load of pine logs for free so I reckon I'll make me some fence like this. Thank ya pa mac. I'm gonna try and make a video of it as well.

[@EastxWestFarms]

Hi Pa Mac, KBL Homestead sent us over. Love your channel. I love the efficiency of hand tools and you are a true master. Hope to see more videos in the future.

[@tamarawheeldon1060]

So glad to see more of your videos more often!!😃

[@kath5201]

Abe Lincoln - that was an average of 200 logs at 15 splits per log to equal 3000 rails. That was a lot of work!

[@michaelg8642]

really enjoyed that there vernaculatin’

[@dalemeyer8207]

Encyclopedia of knowledge on video

[@JohnnyRay920]

That is some beautiful cedar! It would make some nice paneling.

[@BacktotheBasics101]

Oh how I love your show.

[@happilyretiredmark2964]

Just saw your VOA video that had your family and you spoke! Enjoyed seeing that side with your family and your reasons for the channel etc. Good job my KZbin friend!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you so much, Mark. You're very kind

[@ehosam3380]

Thanks

[@torque8899]

This video is fantastic, so well researched and presented 👍

[@farmhandscompanion]

Glad you enjoyed it, torque8899

[@michaelwhiteoldtimer7648]

thank you so much for another history lesson so many ways to build a fence I bet you could use pallet wood for pickets and save some wood for a new pig house or barn

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

A really enjoyable video and worth a watch for sure x

[@LadyKatharina]

Another wonderful video!

[@utubestalker.dotcom]

very interesting.. educational and historic, but for the modern world prob too time consuming

[@johncourtneidge]

Again, very many thanks!

[@bretdavisdmd]

Another awesomely entertaining and informative vid. Well done Pa

[@brianphilbrook5262]

Love it. Got lots of ideas now just need the snow to melt lol

[@zenjamin6262]

Sometimes when I watch these I feel my ancestors nudging me in the right direction ..

[@zeed33r]

beautiful video

[@aliassomebody8343]

I think it bears mentioning for the non-woodworking crowd that historically an extremely common type of hardwood used for these post and other things where the American Chestnut tree which covered the forest of the eastern U.S. sadly in the 1900's a rich businessman in New York imported Asiatic ones which contained a blight they held no resistance towards, as a result between 1900 and 1960's millions of trees died before they went all but extinct.

[@jamesyarbrough4777]

awesome video. subbed!

[@SouthWestIron]

Inspiring, thanks for including the list of trees that make good posts. If post oaks make good posts I wonder if they'll make good rails?

[@aloberdorf4579]

Thanks for this....am too familiar with most these methods...and your wisdom and resourcefulness will become even more valuable in the near future....Might add that...on wooden posts....charring with open fire or a torch will lengthen post life past yours....every archaeological site uses embers/carbon for dating.... also...roofing asphalt liberally applied is fine stuff...and no cross contamination to food, ground water or stock.

[@maskandvaccinefreeandproud2110]

This was great! Subbed.

[@johngodwin7902]

I love your videos.

[@giggadygoogog]

I would have thought another major advantage of this technique was the fact that it could be put up and taken down so quickly, without damaging the materials. Movable when there was new harvest to protect, seedlings etc. Once the logs are split, the can be used time and time again.

[@mmmark61]

Enjoyed the content, but enjoyed it more when I set the video speed faster. But, again, the content was real good!

[@tomjones4318]

Lots of good ideas. Didn't know mulberry was rot resistant. Lately I've begun wondering if sometimes the _wild_ poles in the air with split rail fences can be to fend off deer.

[@jlydon29]

Drill some dowels and that will last as long as the wood doesn't rot!

[@butterbean4195]

i feel yer pain , my yard is 90% rock. so im going to go split rail no holes and put them on bricks i have plenty of 4" and smaller trees i am using then treat them with diesel or Thomson's.

[@Scaleman]

Hey, the link in the video for your book and dvd works great!

[@reddirtgirl308]

The sequel...the gate.

[@mts7274]

If you ever wondered how old timers were so hard of hearing, just remember they rarely word ear protection doing this type of work back in the day.

[@damuanjekov3471]

Wow👏👏👏

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

I need some good old fashioned tools! There's so much wood on my land going to waste.

[@spinkyl9559]

You make some great deer fencing but what about your bear fencing? They can just swat most of those fences over. Around where I am I have to also plan for bears...

[@abkcop8479]

👍👍👍

[@lynnhayes2363]

I had One horse that knew how to take split-rail fences apart. If I was lucky, the rest of the herd stayed put... LOL

[@paulclaussen]

Interesting. What happened to the apple trees planted some years ago? Get any fruit last fall? Bet some apple cider would go good after all that hard work on the Fence

[@michaelrice8187]

Awesome video I'm thinking there's some fencing happening during the corona virus shut down On my farm.

[@davemartin1534]

9:39 lol I've been there done that (what's scary) almost didn't get out.

[@0670kitty]

My only question is about to secure those joint of fencing ….. is that ok to use 10inch screws to secure those joints Bcoz it will gonna fall down from heavy wind blowing or thunder storms

[@farmhandscompanion]

That'd probably be fine if it got the job done. The settlers would've used 'em if they'd had 'em.

[@LanceSheppard]

Hey Pa Mac, when you split rail from pine is it best for them to dry? I cant split a rail from a green one with out it busting I know I will only cut locust or oak for rails now. Pine is awful hard to split rails from

[@farmhandscompanion]

Hey there, Lance! Great to hear from you. It's hard to tell why you're havin' trouble with those pines without lookin' at em, but here's my experience with splitting the pines: I have better results splitting em green, though the sap is messy. Seems like the more they cure the more they split unevenly, and in some instances they'll just break on me. Those two that I split in the new episode were very well cured, but just short enough I could get away with splitting em without a problem. If you can get em, black locust would be preferred, and will probably last till you're an old man.

[@LanceSheppard]

@@farmhandscompanion thanks Pa, I reckon I'm trying to long of splits. Thanks for getting back to me.