Forging Nails & Door Frame | Log Cabin Build | Blacksmithing

Using a 19'th century Ferrier's forge, Peter forges a nail header from a railroad spike and demonstrates how square rosebud nails were forged. He installs a plank floor in the 1700's log cabin build and shows how the door frame is fastened using wooden pegs. He then starts a fire using flint and steel and makes himself a cup of coffee.
Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Shane Kelly
SOCIAL MEDIA
KZbin - / @thewoodlandescape
Instagram - / the.woodland.escape
Facebook - / the.woodland.escape
MUSIC
The amazing fiddle music is graciously provided by Chris from PeakFiddler - please check out his channel and his music here - / peakfiddler
#canadianwilderness #selfreliance #livingarchaeology #birchbarkcanoe #bushcraft #wildernesssurvival #primitiveskills #18thcenturyskills #primitiveshelter #selfsufficiency #sustainableliving #alone

[@rogerdevero8726]

A Renaissance Man you are indeed Peter. You're not afraid of tackling any skill, and every adventure. Subscribed and Like every video; kudos on these productions and the effort they entail. ALL are professionally produced - Romans 10:9

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We appreciate both your interest and support , Roger.

[@stephankramb204]

One more interesting lesson.

[@Lisboooa]

The tender love and care towards getting the fire started... The intention. A poetic moment

[@andyspitz2948]

Great episode. Thank's for all you do. That chicken behind you looks to be in poultry heaven. Scratch'n up bugs in the woods. What a satisfying moment.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Andy. Very observant of you and yes, life is full of satisfying moments if we simply take the time to enjoy them.

[@jimc4731]

I think you need a plumb bob a square and dividers. A plane and a rule would be nice too. I think all those tools were available in the time period you are working in? I enjoy your content and pace, very interesting and calming. I wonder about many things you don't talk about. I have too many questions, I know you will not answer so I hold back. JIM

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I will attempt to answer any and all questions , Jim. All the tools mentioned were indeed a available but, would one have them in their small kit as they disembarked into the hinterland. Bottom line line, ask away. Thank you for your interest.

[@glenmclendon9209]

The simpler times weren't so simple .

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed they were not but, perhaps more enjoyable.

[@jamierennie9099]

Windy Miller of Camberwick Green is now making Nails....!

[@Ladythyme]

Fascinating 😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@paulbourdon1236]

You start that fire with flint and steel like your lighting a match!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Paul but, it usually goes a tad quicker. I think the char cloth was a wee bit damp.

[@paulbourdon1236]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Where do you get your flint? I just don't get sparks like that.

[@peterwagenknecht9797]

I am from Adelaide Australia and have in the past been fortunate enough to visit Ontario Canada on two separate occasions & have to admit I love the place. If I was younger I'd try and immigrate there. I found the people very similar to Australians in nature although the country itself is vastly different. I am enjoying watching your show as I do another called My Self Reliance

[@dlspiritdancer9548]

I just ran across this ch today & found it intriguing. I also follow Shawn James from my self reliance for past 6+ yrs. Love watching n learning how to use old tools building just about anything. If our younger kids would just go back to learning these skills, esp considering how the world is getting. God bless.

[@unpredictable913]

Great content.

[@Brianj69]

This reminds me of Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Watching living history before my eyes. Thank you…

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do find history fascinating and I appreciate those who also share my passion. Thank you.

[@awizardalso]

My real name is Michael McCluskey. I'm quite impressed with what you do. I also like to make things from what little I have around. I have a 1938 Singer Industrial sewing machine. It's 16 years older than me but still in good shape. I made a video on my channel of how I run it with bicycle pedals. I do leather work as a hobby.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You have some amazing hobbies.

[@Ozarkmountainoutback1]

Very much enjoyed the video. Thanks for taking us along.

[@cathywolfe1038]

I’m pleased that you are enjoying ... more to come.

[@markeverson5849]

Hello mate it's me again Mark southern Missouri Ozarks USA but I've seen the forge I've got the same Forge the belt driven hand crank had it for many years it's in the yard right now plus my big forges out there

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I really like using my rivet forge when I need something portable.

[@narellewilliams1400]

My Dad worked at the local tourist attraction before he retired and the blacksmith got sick and needed a break so everyone had to take turns in the blacksmith forge and he turned out perfect mini horseshoes everytime. He was just extremely good with his hands. Now he's retired he's making scroll saw clocks, dinosaurs and jigsaw puzzles. By the way stumbled onto this channel and enjoying this series.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Your dad sounds like a talented man. Glad your enjoying.

[@unpredictable913]

8:29 I love your positive mind :)

[@keithandlindabaldrey7413]

Your channel popped up last week while I was watching Shawn James “my self reliance “. That was great. My uncle was a farrier, blacksmith and minister amongst other things. We are in Cambridge Ontario and my uncle is around Durham. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Keep up the great work. God bless.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you. Your Uncle sounds like a very interesting man. Glad you’re enjoying our channel.

[@Stzar]

Greetings from your new friend in Montana. Just discovered your channel yesterday (Thursday, 14 October 2021). Really love your videos, I've watched four videos so far. I've subscribed to your channel, and already have learned so much from you. I am so impressed by your vast knowledge, techniques and skills. Thank you for sharing with us your videos which are so educational and interesting, fantastic actually.

[@johnkmcgregor5209]

Re watching earlier episodes. Still amazed at the breadth of your knowledge. John 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for the kind words John.

[@yankeedoodledandeefirecrac7518]

what a great great journey!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It has been that!

[@samk.2170]

Great video, loved the demonstration on forging a nail header. Just found this channel after looking for inspiration for my cabin build; definitely subscribing! I’m an amateur blacksmith myself and will definitely by employing your methods when building my cabin.

[@rogercash2595]

@Emmanuel Grey yea, I've been using Flixzone} for years myself :D

[@rickyburton4642]

Awesome 👏 👏👏😎

[@michaeldennison3548]

So enjoyable to watch. Thank you!

[@johncameron8134]

Would you know anyone in Nova Scotia teaching these kind of skills ? Thank you for these videos , and the vast education within .

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You should contact Nick Skinner at South Mountain forge. Tell him I said hi.

[@dangriffith8966]

Heck of a lot easier to pump that rivet forge in December than it is in July!!! Great series!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Certainly agree with you on that time frame thing, Dan. However, any time I can bang on hot metal, a smile comes to my face.

[@dangriffith8966]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I have one very similar but live in North Carolina and when it is 98* and 99% humidity, then that smile is far more of a grimace! ;)

[@croydbay]

"I will just sit on this log "said nobody ever!

[@swhod2190]

I've done that...still have my forge, anvil and tongs. Like to get back to it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I love beating away at hot steel. You should dust off your gear sir.

[@randallweaver7718]

I just found this channel. I am currently watching 6 others build cabins from around the world and this by far is the best overall content I've found. Just wish you didn't have to skip so far ahead between videos but i understand. Awesome work Sir.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Well now, that’s sure is a compliment Randell, thank you.

[@brendasas8440]

👍THIS CHANNEL IS SO COOL AND INFORMATIVE !!

[@tomstrous7234]

Building a cabin and all the hardware is a wonderful project. Just a note on the blacksmith setup: the anvil is late 18th century style, and that forge would not have been available with a mechanical blower until closer to the Civil war. Leather bellows would be accurate for a 1700s blacksmith. Many nails were made in nailery shops and shipped by the keg even on the frontier, just a matter of cost.

[@Longsnowsm]

It is my understanding even saws were not until much later time frame as well. Not to take away from what is being done on this channel, but I think it is important to note that some of the things used are from various time frames and from later than the 1700's, but still good job. I remember reading about the nails situation and I think that is right they were shipped by the keg and they were quite the commodity. All the world for a nail.... Timber framing using just wood was/is quite the craft.

[@shihanjulio]

Very educational video on making nails. I've noticed in some of the videos that when snow is falling, you don't have a cow's knee over your flintlock. Just curious.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Often I’m hunting small game like grouse and by the time I’d get it off the opportunity is gone. I freshen up the prime about every 20 minutes .

[@rudycarlson8245]

Very interesting very educational subscribed!

[@curtforeman9014]

Love the shelter and camp set up. Awesome sir!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It has served me well for over a decade.

[@throwback336]

I love the forge. I know enough to waste good metal but I have fun. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the build. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Oh my, the amount of good metal I have wasted in the learning process. It does get somewhat reduced in time.

[@walterstrever2717]

Absolutely freakin awesome.... Wish I could be there to help build. Keep it up.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Walter and I wish you were here at times as well.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

To pass the nail making portion of my blacksmithing apprenticeship, I had to make a nail in one heat and 2 per minute. This was an 18th century rose head style nail about 2 inches long. I hate making nails on a London pattern anvil. The hardy and pritchel holes are too close together. I use a German style double horn anvil instead where the hardy and pritchel holes are on opposite ends. This way you don't have to remove the cutoff hardy which saves time. God I've made thousands of nails, LOL. Last I've heard, the Colonial Williamsburg apprenticeship program has the same requirement for nail making. Thomas Jefferson had slaves making nails at his plantation on a commercial basis as another source of income. He was always in debt. Nails were transported and sold by the barrel from his shop. I've been fortunate enough to have had access to archeological archives where I could study 18th century nails up close. To my surprise, the nails were not perfect by any means. Many had offset heads in relation to the shank, (head not centered). Also, the shape of the head varied wildly. My conclusion was, at least concerning common construction nails, was function over form, LOL. It didn't have to be perfect, it just had to be..... Although it was a different story when it came to decorative furniture nails.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Where were you when I needed you, lol. My nails are far from perfect and I’m pathetically slow but, they work.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Well, it's awesome that you made the nails for this cabin project. Also, I'll bet your nails look exactly like they did back in the 18th century. I'm really enjoying watching your videos!!

[@davidgreenley8139]

You have lots of patience Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Some days more than other’s,lol.

[@joshuanicholsjr5327]

I saw bigfoot watching you god bless

[@maxwellworldwidehistorical3801]

Than You Sir for another highly informative session. Congratulations to you Sir! Well Done! Appreciate greatly this most accurate depiction of a Rustic portion of 18 th Century. Noteworthy commentary !Hand Salute for the splendid Artisan hand crafting of the Cedar log dwelling Sir!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Maxwell for your kind comments.

[@larrycherrington7338]

If you make 6000 nails you will be as good as any apprentice who ever pounded hot iron.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wish I had Larry but, I did buy some.

[@Jarjarjar21]

In the canada census mid 1800s one often sees "shanty" ( small log house) noted as the type of house...

[@79tazman]

That's true there were lot's of small log homes there was also many brick homes too a friend of mine bought a house that was built in 1855 it was a store on the first floor and the home on the second floor it is a big brick place he found a picture of the home taken back in the 1870's it has a horse and buggy sitting outside the place with a few men standing around it. It's funny too there is a small oak tree that is in the pic that is still there today except that oak is huge and really tall now LOL!

[@croftplumbing4848]

Just came across your channel. I'm really enjoying the content thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@billydreed1]

fascinating! im in Ontario as well..

[@cathywolfe1038]

Where about is home for you?

[@billydreed1]

@@cathywolfe1038 east of orillia, you?

[@sandydaviswhytelewis5387]

👋 mornin

[@timbanwell1756]

I am pretty sure your founding father's passed a similar law in Jamestown preventing the torching of houses to recover the nails. Mostly because then we're in such short supply having to come from england

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Those were different times indeed!

[@sammyjo8109]

Some where along the line I was told the term " dead as a door nail" came from people retrieving the nails from their home. When the nails were hammered into the door the protruding end was hammered over to not come out with use of the door such as when shut hard. When they were taking all the nails out when they moved if the end of the nail broke off when bending it to be straight they called it a "dead door nail." Have you ever heard that?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I haven’t but, I love it!

[@yankeedoodledandeefirecrac7518]

I have to laugh when i see you doing this hard sleeping in the cols at night I suppose....But tell us..Do you have a Cozy RV in the back ?? LOL!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Nope but, if I’m totally honest, I’ve had a few nights historically trekking that I wished I did!

[@user-np4iy1iq1n]

👍

[@beckyisabell4324]

Can you recommend books with this knowledge from the past.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Not too many Becky, as I’ve learned most by simple trial and error. The internet is an amazing source as well as historical archives… government and university’s for tracking down those first person accounts.

[@aarondavenport3143]

Nice... can you make a video explaining your forge and the below mechanism?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We will be demonstrating some blacksmithing in the future as we plan to make all the iron work for the cabin, window and door hinges, fireplace crane etc. Glad you’re enjoying.

[@joshbagley1959]

Very interesting and really enjoyed. Good review of making nails and interesting techniques. A couple things I would love to hear more about: your fire starting technique as it looks like you hold your char cloth right against the flint or steel. Also, techniques on the rose-head nails that would make it faster to produce. Also, a complete list of your tools and where one could acquire them (especially in the US - Boston, MA area). Finally, did you mill those planks yourself or have that done? If you milled those planks for the flooring, doorstep, and door frame how did you do it and how long did it take? Thanks!

[@cathywolfe1038]

I hold the cloth on the flint with my left thumb and strike with my right hand. The key to a quick start is a properly hardened striker. Chaga fungi from white birch is far superior ... can be used right off the tree and once a spark is going it doesn’t matter how windy or even in a downpour, you can’t put it out. As for tools, check out flea markets or antique shops, most can be picked up very reasonably. My nail making is going well and faster. I get 20 or so pieces of iron in the forge like spokes on a bicycle wheel and start banging away.

[@munchkin5674]

Since you now have your blacksmith shop. will you still find occasions to use this more portable forge in your shop?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Not really,I’ll probably sell it or gift it to a friend.

[@kevinthorrington2131]

Make a video on how to make your shoes.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We are going to cover that this winter Kevin.

[@PsylomeAlpha]

Surprised you're not going to use honey locust thorns to pin the cedar shingles down The wood's really quite strong from those trees, and they grow extremely fast

[@christopherfisher128]

Yup. Black, or Honey Locust is what the Americans made their ship nails from and that is credited, by some historians, (possibly tree salesmen as well, lol) with their victory over the British Navy in the war of 1812

[@txgearheads]

@@christopherfisher128 we have black locust on our property. Interesting history sir! The wood is extremely hard on a chainsaw, and thorns can get longer than wrist to fingertip. I hate them 😂

[@christopherfisher128]

@@txgearheads Thanx. Maybe look into their commercial value and learn to love em ;)

[@chrislnflorida5192]

Where did they get the steel rods to make the nails? I still don't understand the shrinkage in all your materials, the pegs for one? Looks like u using Fat Wood to start your Fire and of course the Char Cloth 👍👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

No fat wood in Canada. I use birch bark and also juniper bark crumbled up.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

I assume that the railway spike you used for your nail header had a carbon content or it would not have hardened on quenching, I think back in the day they would have used bone or some other carbon material to give the header a hard case, but tough interior, are you using wrought iron for your nails? It looked like you clenched the head to one side rather that the rose head symmetrical type, I have found a lot of the "one sided head" nails in my French house which was built around 1750, so they must have found they hold very well, I also found a good supply of wrought iron in the form of cart wheel bands, and also a huge axle, so I now have plenty of wrought iron to use, one advantage of burning the house/barn down is that the nails would be annealed by the heat. Stay warm! Chris B.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I have used wrought iron but, but when I can get my hands on I reserve it for other projects.

[@joselugo9973]

Thank you for a very good video. Question, where did they get the steel rods that they made the nails from? did they get them from a trading post, or did they go to steel mines where some smiths rough cut the rods?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wrought iron never came in dimensional sizes like we have the luxury of using modern steel in our modern world. As you say they roughed it out first than made the desired item. Tough way to make a living!

[@lae52]

Very interesting. I don't know if it's me , but there seems to be a heck of a gap between episode 6 and 7. I missed the cabin layout and the foundation and floor.

[@cathywolfe1038]

Indeed there is. I’m pretty busy with hunting this time of year and don’t always have the time to record every aspect. The foundation is simply dry piled flat stone, as was done back n he day. Thanks for your interest.

[@shihanjulio]

When hardening metal, does it make a difference to cool it in oil vs. water??

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is huge, water is a very harsh fast coolant and not to be used for high carbon like knife blades.

[@Andyrew33]

Amazing channel. Where can i get a pair of moccasins like that?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I make my own. I’ll be demonstrating how, sometime this winter.

[@richardwhite1975]

In your portable forge, are you using charcoal or coal for your heating source? I have the same forge that I just restored.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve used it all, Richard. Charcoal, coal and coke. Coke is the best in a small pot in terms of heat. They are know as rivet forges. I’m sure you’ll like yours.

[@sailorbychoice1]

It is my understanding that slaves by the age of 9 or 10 who worked in a smithy were expected to produce a thousand nails per day six days per week, or well over 300,000 nails per year each. If they didn't make their quota they either didn't get to eat that day or were flogged, or often times both.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Your figures are pretty accurate.

[@stoneinthefield1]

How was the iron/ steel acquired back then? My guess if you owned your own anvil and had iron you would be very well off.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

One would indeed be well off and gainfully employed by those that need iron items . The raw material at the time often came from what was know pig bogs or iron bogs. Where I grew up near Normandale, Ontario, there was a huge bog that supplied a lot of the raw material to Upper Canada.

[@stoneinthefield1]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Thanks for the info, very interesting. It is hard to comprehend how difficult it would be to get the things we all take for granted these days.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That’s for sure and for certain.

[@shawndonohoe2789]

Love this, but by your own numbers it will take you 5 solid weeks to make 5000 nails. So what is your plan?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I made a lot Shawn, but ended up getting me some of those store bought ones. Gives on a real appreciation for those the went before us.

[@shanek6582]

I think you and me both will have to up our game a little to make 6000 a week lol.

[@cathywolfe1038]

You think ... what do suggest?

[@shanek6582]

@@cathywolfe1038 buying them at Home Depot

[@fireball1322]

FWIW I used to have a old timey blacksmith furnace just like that one. But it was cracked and missing parts and I couldn't find any parts to repair it because this was before the interwebs. Took it to the scrap yard. Where did you find yours?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Actually traded it for a walnut trestle table I made to a fellow when we lived down in NY State.

[@fireball1322]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Cool, I'm really diggin' it man. I wished I could have repaired mine but so much was either broken or missing.

[@TimGSmit]

What is the size of the cabin?

[@cathywolfe1038]

It is 10 x 12 on the inside.

[@indigenousoutdoorsman3125]

How did you judge your trees?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I look for those hat that have he less amount of taper, butt to crown and for canoe building they must be fairly knot free and straight grained.

[@kennethallen2685]

where did you get your trade gun

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I make my own muskets, often from kits, but this early trade musket stock I made from my own seasoned walnut ... bought the barrel and lock and forged the other iron mounts.

[@dalegirard9740]

Need bigger hammer

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed. A friend of mine used to say “don’t force it, get a bigger hammer”.

[@peaceraybob]

'Thought they were fighting for land', a good example of how motivated reasoning isn't a new thing. The pre-War American colonists had hard borders, hence their habit of referring to themselves as Sovereign States. Land beyond those borders weren't theirs to give away by any stretch of existing law. So, this becomes much like how the War of 1812 is better explained by American fear of British anti-slavery laws and actions rather than the kidnapping of a few hundred sailors.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I totally agree with your hypothesis.

[@lordexmouth1217]

Why are you using a forge from the mid-19th century?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Because it is the oldest one i have.

[@Za-CAMNEM]

Нет,ну а чего.. Всё в общем то правильно,можно по изврощаться,белые мухи на улице пока не летают,вода в лужах тоже покуда не замерзает,так что всё нормально,извращения продолжаются... Вот еси бы снег на улице уже лежал,и мороз градвсов так в двадцать стоял,вы Пётр по другому всё закрутили в данном строительстве вашего домика. С начала бы стены под крышу возвели,а не занимались бы ерундой с полами,да выставлением дверной коробки. Пётр,вы поймите, рубаа дома на новом месте для переселеца XVII - XVIII века,это не празное занятие,а суровая реобходимость, от которой порой зависила его жизнь. А это значит прежде всего то,что основрая задача любого жилого сооружения построеного переселенцем,это прежде всего защита последнего от любой сколь либо малой опасности. Мой дом - моя крепость,так кажется говорят в васу англосаксов？ А любая крепость,это прежде всего её стены,а не двери и уж тем более не полы.. Нет,я не отрецаю конечно,что это у нас в России,крепость.это прежде всего именно люди,её построевшие и обороняющие. Но даже в этом случае нужны именно стены,а не пол,с дверной коробкой. К томуже милейший,давайте не будем забывать и о том,что речь в данном случае идёт не о России,да и вы не русский... Стены Петенька.. Стены.. Изба красна углами,как у нас на Руси в том же XVIII веке старики говаривали..

[@user-gx6oq7pi6z]

Внук Робингуда

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Perhaps Great grandson, 12 times over, lol.