Is This The Dividing Plate Used to Construct The Antikythera Mechanism? - Experimental Archaeology

[@Clickspring]

One thing about this machine that is truly surprising, is just how small the teeth are. There's a well established theory as to how the tooth divisions were marked out, but employing that process to mark out multiple wheels has forced me to question whether it can reasonably be applied to the Antikythera Mechanism. So in this video I propose an alternative process of wheel division, using only the non precision tools of the period. Please enjoy!

[@MaxMakerChannel]

How do you not get overwhelmed by knowing that you got to cut so many gears by hand? Or are you going to use the lathe for the rest?

[@Anenome5]

I've been wondering about this problem ever since watching your Antikythera series, blessed closure! Thank you!

[@keatontaylor3612]

I would think that it would be absolutely amazing if you have academia reconsidering their current theories as a result of your build. I know that others have endeavored to rebuild this machine, but your approach shows that you're putting a great deal of thought into the practicality of the creation. Keep up the good work, the creation of the device and the history you're actively engaging in is inspiring.

[@23chaos23]

well when you consider the forfathers of math and geometry were Greeks and we know they had a very deep understanding of geometry, and could consistently mark out the complex angles with just compasses and over lapping circles of varied sizes. and for the makers of the device to already have the skills and knowledge to produce it then it would be insane to think they didnt have their own device for dividing gears used in producing other devices that lead them to making the antikythera mechanism, the people involved must have been early clock makers in order to develop the skills and technology used in its creation. One does not simply wake one day and build something out of thin air without the knowledge, resources and infrastructure needed to make it. so i think you are well justified in your assumptions of the tools they may have used

[@simonsieber5779]

Quick question....did the ancient greek have files? what did they use instead?

[@sojourner69420]

i didn't read all 740+ comments so somebody else may have said this but a huge benefit this would present is the ability of the "master" designer to offload repetitive tasks to apprentices. suddenly you go from having to do almost 40 gears yourself to making sure the apprentice can accurately use a jig you made and follow instructions, allowing you to focus on tasks which require your skill and knowledge while simply checking the gears for fit and finish later.

[@ThisOldTony]

I'm starting to get the feeling you might actually finish this thing! ;) excellent as always, and I think you're spot on with what you propose -- if it were me, after having laid out and cut the first small gear, I know I'd be looking for alternatives and fast!

[@Clickspring]

Definitely! Cheers mate :)

[@macf4426]

_'This Old Antikythera',_ I'd watch that series 😀

[@anguskong5132]

Work on your bike or something..

[@pocket83]

I'm entirely convinced by your argument. We like to apply our modern standard to the artisans of the past, and then it becomes easier to dismiss incredibly complex procedural advancements as implausible. Simply put, clever people will always find ways around the technological limitations of the day. Naturally, we are biased to think of now as "better," or more "advanced," simply because we're here. Tomorrow, we'll have yet another new advancement, and it may reduce another piece of tedium, but it will only be an improvement to our method- and not to us. We didn't always have a button for π. Archimedes used the method of exhaustion. It worked.

[@superrodder2002]

I think the dividing plate is a likely tool for someone to come up with in that time period. Who ever built the mechanism did this type of work daily and not as a one of for someone who asked for it. Working daily for years in any trade will inspire a craftsman to make tools to make his work easier,the same way it has forced you to consider alternative ways to approach a problem. Awesome work,I enjoy this series very much

[@SwallowForge]

A perfect example that the beauty in engineering isn't just in the aesthetics, you really do have a gift and your videos are beautifully crafted too.

[@IgnazKevenaar]

I love that you took the time to make a dedicated straight-edge for the markings. Shows your magnificent attention to detail.

[@sullenpuffin]

Ignaz Kevenaar agreed, and the practicality of marking out the ring numbers made it really satisfying

[@dm8264]

Yea, that section was soothing to my OCD.

[@timothyball3144]

Yeas. And even his tools are beautiful. Heck, the tools he uses to make tools are beautiful.

[@008abdullah]

one has to wonder why youtube doesn't recommend videos like this instead of the dumb "viral" crap hogging all the views. This is a brilliant channel, and i love every video that has been put on it.

[@BananaMonstaaaa]

Historians and archaeologists can speculate pretty accurately on how things were made, but it takes someone actually trying it to see why things would or wouldn't work. Really love the content, as a CNC machinist it can be easy to let computers and automation do the hard thinking, so it's always great to watch Chris work

[@straycats81]

My sunday morning is realy starting out great , watching a clickspring video.

[@tjtwig1226]

I love the machinist enthusiast community. From AvE to ToT to Abom to this friggin genius of an Australian. Everyone is stoked. I'm willing to bet, I'm not the only one here whose never even seen a lathe in person, but is obsessed with em.

[@mhorlor]

My jaw is frequently open watching the genius of Chris and just pure elegance of his approach and thinking.

[@JacksonWoodworks]

I am a master machinist and I will tell you few people have earned my respect like you have - especially in the way you work with simple tools to achieve such results. And Thank for your passion!!!

[@Clickspring]

Thanks very much for the kind words Craig, much appreciated :)

[@RetiredRhetoricalWarhorse]

Well, that jig is just genius. I always marvel at how people came up with such things and here I am so proud of myself just figuring out that if something's too small to see with the naked eye, you just scale it up and work from there.

[@TheHandsomeMatt]

This is why archaeology, and all sciences, needs interdisciplinary influences. It's easy to get bogged down in theoretical details without realizing how difficult that theory is to execute in a real life setting. Keep up the great work Chris!

[@drmrossing]

As if recreating the mechanism alone isn't enough, every step you are trying to recreate the PROCESS. I am beyond impressed. Thank you for sharing this.

[@Spaghetti775]

Have you considered making an actual paper or essay about this? Pretty sure insights like those in this video would get published, especially from such a novel angle.

[@PaulMurrayCanberra]

KZbin videos might very well be the best medium for this type of thing. It might be nice for an archaeological journal to link here.

[@gromann]

Paul Murray it would be fascinating to hear someone who is an expert on ancient Greece and their technologies weighing in on matters like this

[@TheMetalButcher]

I'm with Paul. If only scientific journals were 1/10 this clear and concise college papers would be a lot easier.

[@NatePrikkel]

If my optics or electromagnetism classes were as clear as this, I'd have a 4.0

[@Phyde4ux]

This videos contribution to the greater body of knowledge on the topic is easily the framework from which an academic thesis could be made.

[@ChrisB-zy8ci]

Clickspring is my favorite on KZbin. I tell as many people about this channel as I can; and I love explaining this mechanism to people as well. The history and wonder is great! As well as the craftsmanship! ❤❤

[@ClockworkGlitch]

you are an extremely clever dude...I love your work/videos... there is something about watching you work I find soo therapeutic and I'm always exited when you release a new video... I've literally watched all of your vids

[@393strokedcoupe]

II MODERN II Yes, this guy seriously makes me rethink my own perceived intelligence! Very therapeutic indeed!

[@michagrill9432]

II MODERN II same 😀

[@zeevo]

I just feel like crying... this guy is a giant...

[@jlkinsel]

Cris, I love this series! It's one thing to wander through a museum and dream how these things or done, or have a docent/professor explain it, but your videos are a delightful alternative.

[@Clickspring]

Terrific to have you watching John :)

[@MarioMayer]

I'm in hospital recovering from two surgeries over the past days and have been binge-watching your clock-making series since. And just as I finished it a new video popped up :) Wonderful timing Chris and thanks for making my stay so much more bareable :) You're one hell of an artist!

[@CSAN33]

Mario Good luck with the recovery bro

[@MarioMayer]

Thanks so much mate!! Really appreciate it

[@nigelft]

Having spent three weeks in hospital after a major spinal op, the first totally confined to bed (including a bout of peritonitis ...) I can well imagine the tedium you went through ... sadly, this was pre-internet ... so I slowly was going mad ... Hope you have fully recovered, and back home, with no serious complications ...

[@rojirrim7298]

Hey man, how did those surgeries go? Hope you're alright 1 year after them :)

[@dwaynetube]

To say that I am impressed with your patience, your meticulous attention to detail, your ability to explain things and your skills would be a gross understatement.

[@Darren_Kelly]

What impresses me even more than your already very impressive skills, is your patience. I don't think i can even begin to fathom the amount of patience one would need to do what you do, and as is with your skills, i also lack the patience to do anything like this which is why your videos are so interesting, they allow me to share the experience without sacrificing the countless hours to do it. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@altaroffire56]

Chris, with this Antikythera project, not only do you provide us with great entertaining and educational content, as usual, and build from scratch a beautiful and unique project. By documenting the building process of such a relevant artefact, with so much detail and in publicly available audiovisual media, you're also making a great contribution to the study of history and, by extension, to the knowledge of mankind. I hope you're aware of that.

[@AGlimpseInside]

I tell every friend I got about your channel brother. There's nothing quite like it on KZbin and I can't tell you how awesome these videos are! Everything is pleased so well it is such a delight to behold. Thanks again man keep up the great work!!

[@rhyssutherland8937]

You sir. Are the most patient and skilled Aussie I have ever seen. Keep up the good work. From a heavy plate welder. I really enjoy watching this👍👍

[@Clickspring]

Terrific to have you watching Rhys :)

[@georgezarifis7409]

Actuually, during the ancient times in Greece there were magnifying lenses made from naturally occurring quartz crystal. They would first chip away the crystal to the approximate shape of the lens and then rub it against larger stones to bring it to the final shape. I have seen such lenses in many museums in Greece and many of them are still in working condition and generally pretty clear.

[@TomE1248]

Sounds expensive

[@thomasrogers8239]

That's true but it doesn't account for the benefits of jigging nor does it account for the need for precision tools.

[@myguitardidyermom212]

It's crazy how much we already had figured out, even if crudely

[@Margaret.Thatcher.]

In the Idaean cave in the 80s two crystal lenses were discovered and contextualised to be from the time of the Antikythera mechanism, other bronze Age lenses from the palace of Knossos in Crete dated from 1400 B.C have been discovered. Sure, lenses would have been time consuming, or potentially unnecessary instruments to produce for use by the craftsman, but inferring the Antikythera mechanism had great significance to those who commissioned/used the machine, it may be reasonable to assume the maker had such technologies at their disposal. Especially considering the craftsman could potentially have had access to such lenses as the island of Antikythera neighbours Crete. Who knows. Great video as always.

[@dripfreefpv9695]

You produce some of the most interesting videos I have ever seen. The quality of your work, attention to detail, and methods used truly boggle the mind. Also the production quality of your videos are second to none. My hats off to you sir, and thank you for making these videos.

[@Mikej1592]

Man, I am never anything less than captivated and impressed when I watch one of your videos. Even having no idea what machine you are talking about just watching you meticulously reproduce ancient technology and the precision you can achieve and how steady your surgeon like hands are at making those parts by hand is nothing short of mind blowing. I have trouble drawing a straight line even using a ruler so watching someone with as much talent is just awe inspiring. Thanks for also taking the time to film and produce KZbin videos showing us and possibly teaching us a thing or two.

[@blair.nichols]

really enjoying your channel! Despite religiously watching about 15 channels yours is the first and only one I have decided to back on patreon! Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@joedell71]

Your creativity in solving the issues that come up in a build like this is very impressive. Great work. I cant wait to see the completed unit.

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

As this continues to build, I'm left in awe of the ancients workings. You have opened many eyes into this project which has again left me in awe of your work. Brilliant 👍🏼😊

[@Raine-Cat]

I loved your build series of the clock, but what I love most about you and your channel is when you can't fully do a task, you proceed to build your own tools, such an inspiration.

[@alexisamico2921]

I love how not only do you step through every step of the process, but you also explain how they would have accomplished it. Also, telling us the uncertainties in the design are really cool! Keep up the great work!

[@thragnoth]

I can't imagine the amount of work off camera that this thing takes. Nice work!

[@stepcorngrumbleteats7683]

Now Chris, you very quickly glossed over the making of your straight edge, ESPECIALLY how neatly registered the numerals were. All of us would love to see that jig, even if it's just a manufactured one. Thanks !

[@constantinosschinas4503]

wonderful, simple and very logical approach. Ancient Greeks also had Heron's Pantograph, a device that used large scale templates to accurately copy/reproduce smaller duplicates.

[@TheRealDescartes]

Your craftsmanship is amazing

[@scott_aero3915]

Really enjoyed this video - the simplicity combined with the accuracy of the dividing jig really pushes this engineers buttons!

[@codprawn]

The work of a genius. Both the original builder and the people who worked out how it was done.

[@razzix2]

This is amazing and I cannot get enough of these complex tasks completed with simple tools.

[@robmckennie4203]

What I love about this video is that it's just as applicable now as 2000 years ago. I'm an amateur machinist and poor student to boot, I can't afford equipment like a dividing head, but with a method like this anyone can do accurate dividing without costly gear

[@wesley54321]

Your ability to solve these problems is mind blowing.

[@jasonhatch814]

Chris...your workshop Nobility man! No question about it, never seen such tenacious and relentless pursuit of the perfect whatever it is I'm making right now!!!!!

[@jwbowen]

I really appreciate the care you put into making your shop-made tools looking nice in addition to being functional

[@MrJeb707]

Man. You are just, amazing. My brain can't even comprehend that fine of a level of detail. Excellent excellent work! I like that your fastidiousness also shows in your video editing.. it really makes your work "pop"! Cheers

[@paradox...]

As an architecture student obsessed with craft, my mind is blown with every new video of yours! Your dedication to your craft is immensely inspiring!

[@asbjo]

+Clickspring .. I have to admit that your videos are simply awe inspiring. Your videos has been a considerable factor for me to take a machinist apprenticeship instead of a straight up engineering degree. Best decision ever! keep up the fantastic work you do!

[@paulelephant9521]

Really really fantastic quality of work in this video, and the others from this channel. The practical act of attempting to build this mechanism will surely throw up many more discoveries, and i feel is an important bit of research which i hope historians are incorporating into their view of how these ancient artefacts were made. Superb workmanship, production values and intelligence went into this , thank you very much, extremely enjoyable and informative.

[@Clickspring]

Thank you very much Paul, terrific to have you watching :)

[@Sizukun1]

If theres one channel on YT that deserves to have millions of subscribers and views, its this man.

[@juanrivero8]

Interesting speculation. I think the greeks could have started with their dividers and gone up to dividing plates. There is another way to divide. Wrap a strip of paper around a cylinder and cut it so it is an exact fit. Now divide your strip into N equal intervals. This is done by projecting another strip with the divisions onto our original strip. Wrap the strip back on the cylinder and transfer the marks. This was a method taught in colleges when there was no CAD at all. It is more accurate and much faster than the walking divider method. Who knows. Maybe they made dividing plates by the strip method and then used plates to mark as you did. Lovely project. I've been reading up on Antikythera and I think it is properly an orrery.

[@MichaelMarko]

Every one of your videos are breathtakingly brilliant. Your thinking and execution is elegant, clear, clean and insightful. If you aren't offered an honorary PhD for this work, even just the antikythera related stuff then there is no Justice.

[@Clickspring]

Thank you Michael :)

[@johndilsaver8409]

Clickspring, I've just recently discovered your channel, and I am enjoying it so much. I have always admired the antikythera mechanism and wanted to know more about it. Thank you so much for these videos!

[@kruppstahl1686]

I love the scientific approach of this video. I always wondered how they used to manufacture these gears, without modern technology

[@Gottenhimfella]

At 5:27 I thought to myself "I'm going to need a few moments to reassure myself how that works in theory, but I know Chris will confirm that it works in practice, so I can already celebrate its brilliance ! That's a phenomenally sweet, and also elegant, way to solve an apparently intractable problem. Kudos, kudos, and kudos.

[@Lagartija219]

Outstanding workmanship and thought process. This is a wonderful channel to watch and this project one of the best that I've seen in many years! Well worth the recognition!

[@kookyflukes9749]

Excellent theory to bygone days engineering problem solving. A history class and an engineering master class in one channel. Very interesting content.

[@antoninbesse795]

This series is riveting. An absolute gem.

[@allenrussell1947]

Amazing. I expect that this is only one of many ancient machines that were produced so one has to believe that the mind that conceived this device also developed a similar method for marking the wheels. Great work Chris. Always wonderful.

[@TheBearuk1]

you know Chris, there are times i look at your channel hoping to see the latest video and sometimes I'm ashamed to say I'm frustrated there isn't one and wonder why, then suddenly there is a new video and i watch it and think "now i know why its taken so long" when i see the level of detail and research you are putting into this build, as with the clock build I am enjoying the process of building the tools required to make the parts for the mechanism as much as the build itself! Thank you again Chris for letting us into your shop and watching a master of his craft at work!

[@solidacid1337]

I was wondering what the flat surface on the center pin in the diving table was for, seeing that ruler lay flat against it was surprisingly satisfying. That is one beautiful gear you made.

[@MaxMakerChannel]

Martin Tandrup I wonder how he machined it to the exact centre.

[@sjwsbetaskiller6218]

Define (quantify) "exact"...

[@MaxMakerChannel]

Martin Tandrup: So that the length of the flat equals the diameter of the rod.

[@CorwynGC]

One easy way, measure the diameter with calipers (or micrometer), remove material until the remaining piece is 1/2 that, as also measured with calipers. I suspect Clickspring has a set of calipers accurate to 1/10,000th of an inch.

[@MaxMakerChannel]

But that would be trial and error and too easy.

[@pooyamz]

How proud your children will be of you :) Thank you again for your marvelous job and hard effort.

[@MaxMakerChannel]

Sunday morning and another video. Great!

[@harveyquinones]

Awesome. That jig is very ingenious. This video series show how far you can go with simple hand tools. Keep up the good work. I really look forward to watching your videos. Man, those ten minutes and forty nine seconds really went fast.

[@mort8568]

set aside the fact that the content is highly original, this channel also might be the highest quality production on KZbin

[@Clickspring]

Terrific to have you watching :)

[@ziyadkutbi7767]

Dude.... your video editing, camera work, craftsmanship, knowledge on machining subject matters, narrating are all top quality. i haven't even finished watching the video. i've been a subscriber since a little bit before your clock project and i gotta say, keep up the good work and well done mate. mashallah.

[@1597a]

And the day is 1000x better. Keep going man!

[@davekavanagh7599]

That was incredible, I always wanted to learn how to make gears, and this has just blown my mind.

[@paulvandal4444]

I have been pondering making an accurate dividing wheel from scratch and if it could be done for some time. Your site is an excellent resource. I am surprised I've only just found it given past searches. Glad I have found it and look forward to learning from you. Thank you for sharing.

[@paulmanta]

Fascinating and therapeutic all rolled into one entertaining video, many thanks for these.Lots more gear teeth to hand file yet !

[@alexanderrode6983]

The handcraft behind these projects are insane!!! Awesome, great work! I love your videos, very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@chaleAG]

I'd like to take the time to congratulate you, you've truly become my hero in machining-related stuff, I admire your work so much.

[@ChrisB257]

As always Chris - your patience and precision is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertevans6481]

WOW! mind blown..such level of detail,and skill.

[@ShengTheCraftsman]

we often took things for granted, we often overlook just how much effort it takes to make this one single video, amount of time invested in it was mindblowing.

[@388gruardian]

I love watching your videos as the technique you are demonstrated can be used in other applications. Keep up the fantastic work. cheers mate

[@garyknight8616]

Brilliant work. I love the way you are breaking down the thought process of how this astonishing mechanism may have been made. I say "may" have been made but your reasoning seems very sound. Going to take a trip to the Patreon page. Looking forward to seeing the next video.

[@AndreasKoepkeAU]

Amazing as always, new Clickspring video is always exciting :)

[@entrad157]

Sir, you are an artisan in your hobby, so satisfying to watch you work and a joy to listen to your narration, newly subscribed I'm happy to learn more at my age from such a person. Thank you for your efforts and showing me what can be done in a simple way.

[@claeswikberg8958]

that dividing plate and straight edge, is more beautiful that most things i've done! i just love your work!

[@rezganger]

The mind boggles... I am almost speechless. Beautiful!!!

[@juliusnesevski7740]

How could anyone dislike this beautiful video?

[@petervalcanas4219]

This is an incredible undertaking and I admire not only your ability and as far as I'm concerned genius but your guts to even tackle this project. I was a machinist for quite awhile and had some very complex parts to make but I would have told my boss that he should give this project to some one else. ha ha Can't wait to see the rest of this build. Peter

[@Clickspring]

Terrific to have you watching Peter :)

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Always impressive work on your videos! Loved the geometric aspect of this one! Thanks for sharing!

[@grinofthegrimreaper]

Fascinating. I think most people don't realize just how technologically advanced the Greeks and Romans were. To give you an example: they had a perfectly functioning steam engine (primitive design of course), they also could make high vacuum and batteries. The reasons why they weren't really applied are many, quite complex and much argued today.

[@sammyflorczak8800]

Everything you do just reeks quality and precision. I love it.

[@arsanzic8592]

Awesome as always! Excellent critical thinking on the subject as well! Soo look forward to the rest of this series and how exciting what you are fostering is! Thank you!

[@9MMSWORD]

every video blows me away, your content is very captivating.

[@Kasper210]

an incredibly simple solution to a complex problem. impressive sir! keep it love. love these videos.

[@petergregory5286]

Once again you seem to have brilliant solutions to these problems along with great skill with the file. Fascinating. Regards.

[@janaj22]

Your video and all the elements are as beautifully, intricately made as are your crafted thoughts and tools. Bravo for such a delightful watch. Amazing new thoughts and I'll love to see the developments and advance your ideas as you continue.

[@glowaglowa]

Chris! Amazing project. Wishing you lot of strength over the coming months. Huge respect!

[@lolioliol360]

A dislike on your videos is an insult, these people should be ashamed of themselves. Marvellous work, thank you for sharing your passion.

[@sffpv9671]

Another amazing video! Not just building the mechanism but always thinking how it may have been constructed originally. Can't wait for the next instalment.

[@ian9toes]

That's awesome how high precision can be achieved with basic technology. Thanks for sharing.

[@ackiid]

Thanks Chris for your work, I do enjoy your accomplishments very much. Such wow, much pleasure for the eyes!

[@Iiimitation]

I could watch this channel all day

[@gery49]

Hey Chris! What a channel growth! I hope you still read comments. Just wanned to say I found the stop-motion style of editing on the repetitive parts of the work super cool. Such an impressive amount of work is put into your videos and you still have new ideas. Good job sir!

[@chrisyzmad]

I'm in awe everytime I watch one of your videos

[@literate-aside]

You sir, are a clever dude. I loved your original skeleton clock project, and continued content has earned you another subscriber. Your style, delivery and the quality of your work will eventually net you over a million subscribers, I’m sure. And you deserve many more than that. Great, great work fella and good luck.

[@Clickspring]

Thank you , very much appreciate your encouragement