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.

[@stevemusgrave2000]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@oldbatwit5102]

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

[@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.

[@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! 👍

[@andyjamesmciver]

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

[@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!

[@jayhickey5012]

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

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@petesheppard1709]

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

[@rolandwolf1327]

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

[@8MoonsOfJupiter]

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

[@Ex3t3r]

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

[@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.

[@lawrenberghanson4401]

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

[@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.

[@sionbenjamin4513]

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

[@SnaFubar_24]

Always a nice feeling when you know you've built something with workmanship you have the pride to put your name on.

[@narrowboatlane2241]

Well now i understand why you dont post more often. This is no longer just a vlog. The quality of filming and the information provided make these films worthy of tv broadcast. Excellent work David. We always look forward to these and also your personal adventures.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Col ;-)

[@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.

[@shleep2000]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@johnmurdock6195]

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

[@pmoraisjr]

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

[@thrift154]

Love that Black Country accent, and the judicious use of a "Brummagen Screwdriver" at about 4:29 to dislodge the "gate". :-)

[@robgreene1776]

Aye, use of the 'BFH' was great.

[@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!

[@barrytaylor6565]

Good proper Black Country Workmanship and a cracking accent !!

[@jeffbrewster6658]

I don’t think there was any power tools used on the original gates! Just sheer hard work and craftsmanship. A very informative video again David thank you .

[@ratroddiesels1981]

we enjoyed this background aspect of the canals .

[@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!

[@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.

[@CallmeRogerRoger]

Typical highly professional video from David. If you're a canal traveler or simply a in-person or virtual gongoozler (like me), you'll love this video. David walks us through the creation of a new lock gate while highlighting the craftsmanship and pride-in-work of a CRT artisan. One terrifically educational and entertaining view!

[@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

[@shitmonkey]

I find your waterways fascinating..thank you for sharing with us..

[@therobster7761]

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

[@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.

[@BassBusMusic]

All your winter videos have been very interesting. Thanks for all your work on them and look forward to more cruising through the summer.

[@Pasaatituuli]

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

[@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.

[@barryconnie6031]

No matter what the trade I love watching a craftsman at work.

[@sarahaugustine4185]

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

[@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.

[@MrJro3330]

One of your best and most interesting videos.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta :-)

[@tiggasmum]

Lovely to see someone having such pride in his work, great video :)

[@vhoward1122]

Yes it is nice to see pride in his work. He obviously likes his job and it shows.

[@RoyCousins]

Great to see the whole process in a concise documentary. Excellent!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@for.tax.reasons]

There is so much skilled craftsmanship that goes into this :O and so many sort of subcultures and industries that depend on narrowboats and the canals. It gives me the warm fuzzies to think about all those moving pieces working to keep the whole system going.

[@credenza1]

I'm shocked that the EU has not prescribed a standardized lock gate, with penalties for failures to comply.

[@kimpulsipher647]

That wood is amazing!! Love to see artists at work.

[@chesthairascot3743]

Dude, that is some seriously professional documentary work.

[@zuestoots5176]

Agreed, this guy is something else.

[@RonPiggott]

Those gates are beautiful, a true work of art and craftsmanship when they leave the manufacturing facility.

[@sheilaknight5370]

Good to see the traditional workmanship. Thank you David for another interesting video.

[@iansmith5601]

Fabulous. Proper craftsmen.

[@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.

[@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 :-)

[@claudemaassen2963]

I love your "play on words" titles; Coal finger, The call of the wide, Been counting, See shells ETC.

[@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.

[@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!

[@ldwl7870]

I would never had known how these huge paddles are made, and I really enjoyed this Vlog. Incredible that one guy can cut and assemble the entire thing. Thank you so much for your regular efforts David, not many know how much time these Vlog's consume. Best regards.

[@tompinnef6331]

Nice to see how they are made. Lots of hand tools yet - a special skill that lives on.

[@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?!

[@russwallace5556]

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

[@owenwswain]

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

[@neil1150]

Thanks for that, and so nice to see someone who is proud of their work, and happy to sign it, as was commonly done many years ago by craftsmen.

[@ngauge22]

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

[@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! 👍😁

[@jimo199966]

It's fascinating to see all that goes into the maintenance and fabrication of the lock system. Despite so many power tools to speed up the process, much is still done with sweat and craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@paulbennett4548]

Mega weight woodworking, did notice the Teflon sliders on the new gate gates better seal and much easier to open. Nice to see there are still craftsmen that are willing to sign their work. Nice video.

[@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.

[@RubsForeheadXTwo]

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

[@PastorChrisCoutts]

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

[@Plipmann]

Very professionally done ,you should become a paid film maker .Well done

[@StrassenbahnBen]

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

[@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.

[@philcarkagis2351]

Great work once again David. I really enjoyed seeing and listening to how the gates are made. Your work in a former life is shining through.

[@dapsapsrp]

Fascinating as always. I have always had a serious appreciation of manual craftsmanship and industrial arts and it's refreshing to see it alive and well, albeit on a relatively small scale, in the Western world. Cheers from Dave in Missouri, USA.

[@petersimonsen9278]

Lovely explanation and craftsman work in this stressed world

[@harrypenn611]

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

[@contrafax]

Thank you, I love watching craftsmanship at work.

[@tinniswood2577]

Wonderful, interesting, informative vid seeing a man doing a proper days work with pride. Its been ages since I heard the word "slathered" used, thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I do like that word, I try to use it when I can ;-)

[@orange70383]

Such a professional bit this was and I bet those guys do enjoy their work.

[@qashqai88]

Great to see real craftsmen at work. Great video...!!

[@lakelady57]

I love how Wayne obviously loves his job. He knows the product well from start to finish, he takes pride in his work and the entire workshop and you can feel the importance of what he does within the canal environment. As always good vlogging by yourself and very informative. You could do another series on the people and their roles in the CRT, see where your fees go :).

[@mattstubbington8805]

Amazing to see how those huge gates are made and still with the old traditional tooling! Thanks to all those who do the repairs and maintenance without whom cruising the cut wouldn't be possible.!!

[@ShiresMatt]

That was really interesting to see, thanks for sharing that with us David

[@barkebaat]

I'm also a woodworker (furniture, windows & doors, mostly) and I too sign my work - especially if I'm pleased with it or if it's 'something special'. I usually sign in a hidden place, often in a place where only another craftsman will see it in a 100 years time perhaps ; under a hinge or on the back of a strip of moulding. Sometimes I'm involved in building work and then I like to leave something like a hidden offcut with a short note written on it telling 'the next guy' who we are who did this work, what work we did and when. It's an old tradition worth keeping alive. I once found a bit of wood hidden over a 125 year old door with the inscription : "Where will you spend eternity ?"

[@CruisingTheCut]

Lovely story!

[@Chuck59ish]

A lot of work by very skilled people. Thanks.

[@jamesrussels2126]

Very interesting video. Like how you cover so much about the canals. Not just the boats.