Homemade Historical Bellows: 18th Century Blacksmith Shop

[@Nighthawkinlight]

You guys went all out making this a legit tool. The kind of thing a blacksmith might have relied on in their shop for a whole career of hard work. This is phenomenal.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Good to see you here! Cheers!

[@AtrumNoxProductions]

I always enjoy seeing some of my favorite channels interact with each other.

[@CircmcisionIsChi1dAbus3]

the final demonstration was a bit under whelming. could hardly see the force of the air, and putting it in front of the fire didnt seem to have any visual difference.

[@damienvalentine5043]

Ironically, that's exactly what you'd expect with a bellows designed to produce a continuous flow of air: a constant low flame, instead of one that flares up every couple seconds. I imagine that "constant low heat" has some useful applications in metalworking, same as it does in cooking and pottery.

[@CircmcisionIsChi1dAbus3]

@@damienvalentine5043 a low flame, has zero application for forging. Something that big, isn't used for cooking, and pottery is done in kilns lol that don't use bellows. If it's not strong enough to blow a small campfire into a raging heat, its poorly done.

[@1Jbeats]

Sure, when Townsends builds a bellows with hours of labor it's great, but when I blast my 20v cordless leafblower into my firepit until it's glowing orange I'm "horsing around" and "causing a disturbance" and "not setting a great example for my kids". I can't win!

[@NoobNoobNews]

Your only solution is to build a bellows.

[@jeffreycoulter4095]

@@NoobNoobNews and make the kids work it

[@Just_Sara]

I mean, that's one way to start blacksmithing, so maybe you ARE setting a good example.

[@farmerboy916]

To be fair, that's probably blowing in so much air that it's actually cooling the fire! Blacksmiths tend to need a lower pressure/ slower, moderate volume, airflow. Like a hairdryer. Then again that's not a very big leafblower *edit: I just noticed it was a little cordless thing, so probably not

[@eastcoastartist]

When you dawn the colonial clothing , your whole world changes.

[@brianfuller7691]

Absolutely essential. Blacksmithing was one of the most essential trades. Thanks for your videos. Blacksmithing was equal parts craft and science .

[@trey1531]

That's why "Smith" is the most common name in the US!

[@davidh4289]

Yeah that's what he said thanks for being a🦜

[@brianfuller7691]

A smith worked with metal aka bladesmith, armoursmith , blacksmith . A wright was often also a machinist and worked to make or repair. Examples include boatwright, cartwright, wheelwright

[@dolorismachina2]

@@trey1531 Also in Poland, Kowalski. Kowal meaning smith.

[@stoneskull1673]

Still is

[@Stone_MIDI]

I don’t know how but this channel makes me feel nostalgic for a time I’ve never lived in.

[@trulsdirio]

Experiments with rats have shown that memories are actually passed down through DNA. The extend of what and in wich magnitude is handed down is not yet known, but it would explain things people see during those 'former life hypnosis' things and would explain how one can feel nostalgic and connected to thing they themselves never experienced, but maybe still have in them as hidden memories form their ancestors. Would also explain why the ancestors were praised and used for guidance by pretty much any tribal community all over the world, completely separate from another.

[@jeffreycoulter4095]

@tester123532456 do you have access to the internet? Look it up

[@diegorodriguez8006]

Jeffrey Coulter not how it works, burden of proof falls on you since you made the claim. Edit: also no we don’t, generic memories is one of the dumbest things I heard, pretty sure I can’t remember my dads life or his father, etc.

[@felixargyle1285]

@RealArtUplifts You're saying that like everyone was a genius back in the 18th century

[@JennyAnimations]

@tester123532456 Well, people had been using mental illness to justify that but only few worked. I doubt this will be any different.

[@LoganBiren]

I’ve been watching this channel for a while now and am very pleased you are getting into showcasing the blacksmith trade! I myself have been blacksmithing for around 3 years now

[@Bildgesmythe]

Don't forget to sign and date your bellows for future historians.

[@olyvoyl9382]

That is what I was thinking.

[@DarthJermz]

@@olyvoyl9382 No, you were not.

[@trublgrl]

Townsends 2120: _"Craftsmen in the twenty first century would have had to do all this work by hand, we see the rough-hewn tacks, and the hand-carved nozzle here, and we see that this was all done without the use of power tools... Wait? They had those in the 21st century! Why does this look like this? Were they time travelers? I'm SO CONFUSED!"_

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

@@trublgrl In 2120 you will have people LARPing as living through the Plague and Election of 2020.

[@gorderumsi6424]

@@BlaBla-pf8mf 20th century cooking, today were gonna be making doritos lmao, weird but it might happen

[@consideringorthodoxy5495]

You guys do a lot of stuff. But this project has got me the most surprised by the quality and sturdiness of such an intricate piece. So cool.

[@ValkyrieTiara]

Plot twist: These bellows might be my favourite thing this channel has ever done. Phenomenal.

[@stoneskull1673]

@tester123532456 what's stopping you

[@MsBiggles51]

I don't know why this is, but seeing a couple of young guys making something like that with ingenuity, hard work, real wood, nails and leather, no glue or plastics or shortcuts, makes me feel optimistic for the future. The many skills we're forgetting can be re-learned. Thank you so much for all your videos Jon. They always make my day.

[@yomomz3921]

I appreciate the sentiment, and agree. I feel I should point out though, that wood glue has been found in furniture excavated from the tombs of pharaohs.

[@Dr904]

I’m so glad there are still people who keep traditional craftsmanship alive. So proud of my younger brother for doing just that. He’s an educated bookbinder. Creating and renovating books the old fashioned way, all by hand.

[@shaynewilliams7476]

These homestead videos of you building your own little slice of life from the time period are by far my favorite. Hope you guys are having fun with it!

[@sallyshell6505]

Hear hear!

[@WayPointSurvival]

This was an absolutely awesome build! Really enjoyed the way you went all out and replicated the bellows with historical accuracy. Looking forward to the next one in this series!

[@scottblack3381]

I just sat and watched a bellows be built. Living history is so awesome! I love this channel!

[@lesahanners5057]

I have several blacksmiths in my family tree so seeing the bellows being made was truly awesome. Not only did it give me a broader view of their history, but added to my knowledge of their trade. Thank you so much for building this, it was truly fascinating.

[@josiahtheblacksmith467]

Blacksmithing is an amazing and magical experience, you should see a live demonstration or even try your hand at it if you are able.

[@lesahanners5057]

@@josiahtheblacksmith467 Asthma prohibits me from being around smoke, but my cousin Boone Morrison, a 4th grt. grandson of Daniel Boone, was a fine blacksmith. Among other things, he made me a pair of hand forged wall hanging hooks for my Long Rifle. It was wonderful to watch him work in his blacksmith shop, even tho I had to stand at a distance. Tho asthma restricts a closer 18th century experience, I can enjoy these video's of Jon's, and for that I am truly grateful.

[@josiahtheblacksmith467]

@@lesahanners5057 I'm glad you got to see it in action in person. Very cool family tree as well.

[@lesahanners5057]

@@josiahtheblacksmith467 Thanks Josiah, because our families, (my husbands and mine), were out on the frontier with, and were related to the Boone's, and other folks like him, we have some pretty great stories that came down in our families. One is about how Simon Kenton needed to cross the Ohio river one winter from the Kentucky side at what is now Covington, to the Ohio side to Cincinnati, because he was carrying dispatches to Fort Washington. My husbands ancestor, Thomas Kennedy owned and operated the ferry at that time, from the Kentucky side, and wouldn't take him across, as the river was full of ice and too dangerous. He finally relented when Simon paid him seven silver dollars to cross. It made Simon so mad to be charged so much, that when they got to the other shore, he threw Thomas Kennedy into the river. Thomas was near enough to shore to get out without harm, but he despised Simon Kenton ever after.

[@josiahtheblacksmith467]

@@lesahanners5057 that is really cool, my dad's grandmother was born in a wagon in Iowa to Bavarian immigrants on their way to Kansas. My mother's grandmother came over from Austria as a girl. Other than that I have a possible crusader relative on my dad's side and a long past ancestor that fought for William the conqueror in 1066 add in a couple Norwegians and an Irishman or two and that's as much as I can confirm, although my mother's grandfather on her dad's side might have been Amish or Quaker before meeting my great grandmother scandal scandal lol.

[@holo525]

Townsends really building his own off the grid community for when society collapses

[@virtualmartini]

@Cindy Klenk It was a joke, Cindy.

[@canaisyoung3601]

@Cindy Klenk I take it as both: preserving history at a time when most want it erased because of all the bad things that happened and preparing for the end.

[@Ironclad17]

Just in time!

[@ColonialBoi]

@Cindy Klenk r/whoosh

[@DarthJermz]

@Cindy Klenk Thanks for the update Karen.

[@debbralehrman5957]

This is so awesome. I have seen black shops, and watch them being used on documentaries. But that is the first time I have seen the bellows being put to gather. Or seen the inside pieces. You both are Experimental Archaeologist. Well all of you who are part of this endeavour.

[@EJEX11]

This is amazing! Nobody is doing living history like this outside of reenactment camps. This is so amazing. Between the cooking and the homestead/cabin/tool making videos you are really taking this to a whole new level. This is inspiring. Love it.

[@mrandmrsliamrussell]

can you make bellows out of nutmeg though?

[@townsends]

We tried!

[@mrandmrsliamrussell]

@@townsends seriously though those bellows look great!

[@IRMentat]

It should work ok as a binding agent within a sealant oil/tar used to increase the efficiency of the bellows. Depends on how long lasting the leather used is and how good the original edging was. Sealant can do only do much and the only thing worse than not using any sealant (even if it’s just the leather pressure straps in this video) is not maintaining it & letting the dried out patches tear and ruin otherwise working tools.

[@cjinfernolord1590]

I'm starting to realize that nutmeg is a meme on this channel

[@stoneskull1673]

@@cjinfernolord1590 the adventures of the man that just started to pay attention

[@fatalisticbunny]

Wow. If someone had told me a year ago that I 'd be so interested in watching two guys recreate an 18th century bellows, I would have made them a hot beverage and told them to have a nice lie down. Why this is so fascinating is a mystery, but I'm totally loving it!

[@darthkek1953]

I know I'm a year late to the party but I'll take that hot beverage!

[@sleekoduck]

It's a giant bellows. Who couldn't love that thing? And I might have talked to the yogurt at the store tonight. (Don't worry,it didn't talk back.) 2020 is making everyone behave oddly.

[@Wepwawet..wait_what]

We purchased a whole set of bellows and forge on a wagon just like this and when it quit working, we were able to diagnose AND repair the problem! Thank you for the video bc it was the ONLY one that was able to help!

[@GerackSerack]

So many nails! With so much iron, these bellows must be a really expensive piece of equipment, specially in the frontier. The final result is worth every nail, though. Gorgeous!

[@MsBiggles51]

They were intended to last a lifetime. There was no such thing as a three month warranty and planned obsolescence in those days.

[@josiahtheblacksmith467]

Very expensive, anvil was even more expensive, but both were intended to be passed down.

[@ashleighlecount]

I was curious if Brandon has also done blacksmithing at Stones Trace.

[@townsends]

Yes, he has done blacksmithing demonstrations there

[@ashleighlecount]

My husband and I thought we recognized him from there. We always enjoyed it when he was demonstrating. He is quite knowledgeable. We have really enjoyed this series!

[@anthonyboatner7286]

I just can't get enough of these homestead videos.

[@howey935]

1 of my favourite youtube channels. The research and work that goes into the videos is second to none. Even the music sounds authentic to the period.

[@davanders2006]

The bellow looks absolutely remarkable. I love watching you bring the past back to life again and I can't wait to see you and Brandon make up all the essential tools needed to operate a blacksmith shop. Anticipation is killing me to for these next few videos. Thanks very much for sharing

[@julianaponte827]

the cicadas in the background noise, brings me back to my childhood, thank you John!

[@plantagardenforever]

Nice isn't it.

[@adreabrooks11]

So satisfying, watching these projects come together! Whether it's a clay oven, a dugout canoe or a set of bellows, I always love your coverage of these implements and items that were so crucial in times gone by.

[@mattnart]

Love that you guys are thorough with showing the build on projects like these! The historical tools are fascinating.

[@strictlybusiness1679]

Townsend, you the man!!!

[@thecrusader3852]

Keeping history alive... Respect!

[@WatcherintheDark69]

A fantastic job! Next will come the forge, the tools and anvil. It's amazing to see it taking shape.

[@MangooseGG]

I've been watching your videos for years without ever leaving a comment. Just wanted to say that I love your enthusiasm and dedication to immersion. Brightens my day every time :)

[@mikedillman9565]

I live in Kokomo and I'm proud you guys made this real again thanks for your dedication to the older times

[@rubenskiii]

I can totally see this growing organically into "Townsend's Live History" parc that you can visit!

[@TheMurlocKeeper]

Do you mean *park*? Parc is not a word :P

[@kylegarner6753]

@@TheMurlocKeeper now now, don't make fun of a guy just for being fr*nch. They're different, not worse.

[@tinyspyder]

What an amazing process and finished product. This is definitely not something you see everyday...or ever! You all have really outdone yourselves and taken things to a new level!

[@vickistevens423]

You guys never cease to amaze me. How exciting to see the blacksmith shop come together! I love seeing the homestead really come to life. You are doing an outstanding job recreating a frontier homestead, and I am so appreciative for all you do to keep history alive.

[@Firerose101]

Loving the Homestead

[@NHPsychoticGoat]

I cant even begin to imagine the trials and problems our for bearers faced carving out a new life. No running to the hardware store for a tool, alot of times you had to make it. Part engineer, part carpenter, part blacksmith, and good old common sense. Great video Jon as always, Very informative and historical. Love it !!!

[@lillyrose5428]

I really enjoyed this video! Always wondered how those old bellows actually work. Such an ingenious solution to an ancient problem. Thank you for making this!

[@michaelaaronbaker]

very nice, actually quite beautiful, my grandfather was a blacksmith for the coal mines of western Maryland

[@ericaphillips4540]

This is a fun series, my friends and I go to different historical spots and learn about what was there. We been sharing these pretending that was our summer trip. Thank you

[@TheLinkIsLost]

This channel is just a wholesome break from the world around us. Much appreciated.

[@rickpark2323]

Nice job in researching and bringing back history.

[@archeantyl9452]

This channel has been getting better and better with quality and performance of content. Keep it up, Mr Townsends!

[@NorthernWayfarer-Alice]

You need to build a watermill to operate the bellows. Many of the blacksmith shops and smelt works from the 18th century in the northeast of England were operated by water... the old smith works at Simonburn are interesting because you can see where the burn has been diverted under the blacksmith shop for operating the bellows. As with the Dukesfield site which was a lead smelt works. The shop at Allenheads - which is well worth a visit and is free to enter (might be worth checking out online for your project) did not use water... and surprisingly the shop at Killhope lead mine is set up not to use water, although I am unsure whether that is just because the set up is a later reconstruction that decided not to use water, which is probably likely considering just about everything else on the Killhope site was operated by water. Perhaps the Allenhead shop was operated by water too and the current reconstruction has not used water. The nearby forge at the 18th century Derwentcote steel furnace also used water to power the bellows. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/derwentcote-steel-furnace/history/ Just a visit to any of the 18th century lead mining sites in the Northeast of England and you will see just how important water power was in the 18th century. To be honest, it is kind of scandalous that we don't still use water power on our rivers.

[@GCCRACER]

I don't usually comment on YT for various reasons, but this was super impressive. Never thought what a complicated apparatus such a bellows is, and how you built it with period correct tools was amazing. Thanks for all the great content!

[@achilliaroberso9366]

Epic historical content John , really awesome content..enjoyed watching this always great to learn your content in your videos.. 👍

[@hannahm5585]

One of the coolest videos on your channel. It's educational, entertaining, calming, and inspiring all in one. Love it!!

[@wfldfire]

Great project and such good quality. I can't wait to see the rest of the projects for the homestead.

[@lyra2112]

I just love the sound of the cicadas and the birds! I can almost feel the sweltering heat out there on the frontier! Excellent video! I am loving the new content!

[@juliela.]

There's really no KZbin channel that calms me down more.. ❤️

[@viperscot1]

excellent video guys look forward to see the smithy shop up and getting used all the best from Scotland

[@timkibben8004]

You guys did a great build! That looks fantastic. Looking forward to seeing it in use!

[@andyhallbootdoctornz3991]

Throughly enjoyed this one . I am a cobbler by trade about 35 years now . Keep up your awesome work.

[@vanessacole7882]

YAY--I'm so excited to see this! I loved the road trip video and I've been hoping to see what you had done in making yours.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Who would have thought a bellows would be so complicated inside? This is an impressive project!

[@zentark360]

I cant help but be glad that I have the rest of my young life to become a historian about these things, thanks to you, John.

[@floramew]

I love this homesteading series you've done. Your recipes have always been insightful for me as a writer who likes to set my fantasy in a pseudo 18th century level of technology, but that was only really helpful in one dimension. I specifically have a blacksmith character, and watching you do this is reminding me how much I love her, and how much research I still need to do for her shop to feel... real, if not precisely historically accurate, if that makes sense? Fantasy and all. Anyway that was a long way to say "thanks I don't just enjoy your videos but find them practically useful"

[@williammccaslin8527]

That bellow is a piece of art in my book, thx for the vid.

[@Banzai431]

Wonderful work! I can't wait to see the smithy come together. Bravo sirs! Bravo!

[@legomegaman101]

these homestead videos are nothing short of amazing. tv quality without television's creative restrictions. God bless you guys and your future endeavors.

[@InfiniteWonderz2]

Amazing, I've often come across these in old sheds, often huts that where run down with horse troughs and ties still standing while i was young, from the highlands in Victoria to the far west of NSW in Australia

[@moseshorowitz4345]

New England viewers should visit the Saugus Iron Works in Saugus, MA. It is a National Park Service site that recreates America's first commercial iron smelter and foundry. Much of the equipment in use there will be very similar to what I expect we'll be seeing here in the coming weeks (if a bit upscaled).

[@warrenwillard5164]

I have been there twice. I agree that it is a must see.

[@Welgeldiguniekalias]

This is so wonderful and great to watch. Again: Building a log cabin is one thing, but it's projects like this that really make history come alive. Learning by doing like people would have had to, back in the 18th century. Keep up the great work.

[@jennhill8708]

I’ve been ill for a long time & you have no clue of the interest and enjoyment I take in your videos, whether cooking or crafting or building. Thank you

[@henderstech]

Bless this channel/ Company for spreading this great history.

[@thetank2078]

I love this series, so educational, so entertaining, so relaxing, and so well produced all at the same time!

[@orvillferdinand8026]

BEAUTIFULLY DONE!!!

[@grimble707]

You guys are awesome for bringing history to the future

[@robertbragg9364]

I have an old bellow I need to repair. Watching this might've just given me the motivation to finally fix it. I love how excited he gets over every project big or small.

[@macgabhann1108]

I just discovered your channel but this is great my mom and I have been living off the grid for 23 years, and I am in the process of building my own smithy so that I can make my own tools and get into blacksmithing just like my ancestors did.

[@georgewashington92]

Can' t wait to see more! Absolutely stunning content. Greetings from Luxembourg!😀

[@robertcole9391]

Outstanding job John. You two did a magnificant job are recreating a belows. Two thumbs up!

[@Just_Sara]

I hadn't realized there was something better than box bellows (which push air on both strokes but not continuously like this). You learn something new every day, thanks!

[@michaelskinner6531]

I am a 16th century reenactor, and I only dream of being as talented as you! Thank you for letting us see all of these processes you go through.

[@kenjett2434]

This just may be the best series ever on Townsends. I am so looking forward to the building and operation of 18th century blacksmithing. Seeing that my family came to America in 1666 settling near Leedstown Va. Most likely owned a blacksmith shop being that my family was awarded a 640 acre plantation by the Governor of the time.

[@niros9667]

What an amazing way of connecting with history! You guys do an outstanding job, thank you for sharing this.

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

Amazing work! I kept thinking how easy it would be to make with power tools, and how much more fun and beautiful what you did looks. People in the past really had a hard time, but I wonder if most, except those who really work with wood, can appreciate the beauty of what you did, the way you did it.

[@bigpapa880]

The production quality on this channel is absolutely insane, thank you all for the incredible work you do.

[@xKmotx]

I love seeing old world craftsmanship, and how things were made way back. Oh, and it also makes me appreciate my power tools that much more!

[@KaptainCnucklz]

Broke: Buying new tools. Woke: Learning to fix your tools. Bespoke: Building a tool to help fix your tools.

[@shootymcshootfacekoff7972]

Restoke: making your own tools from the broken tools in order to makes more tools

[@Bigstan1888]

Excellent work on the bellows. I'm really looking forward to watching as the blacksmith area progresses.

[@jim7217]

Beautifully done guys - well crafted and love the end product - can't wait to watch all the other videos in the series.

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

I’m really enjoying these tool centered videos. I hope you have a long list of them to come

[@kylegonewild]

A beautiful recreation that's sure to last a long, long time. Can't wait to see more of the smith shop come together!

[@ANNJUN012092]

Amazing craftsmanship!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Excited to see you guys doing the iron works and blacksmithing using this!!!

[@abauman7144]

Unbelievable. As a blacksmith, you guys did an indescribable job. There truly are no words for how wonderful this is. Great work.

[@comandersmaxvondamage8467]

Hello @Townsends i wanted to let you guys know that the bellow you are using is still in use in germany in an exhibition and it is still in use. they use an overhanging lever to pump the bellow and they have a wheight on top to strenghten the airflow. just thought to let you guys know. have an wonderfull week Smax

[@lewerim]

Well done, Sir. I've spent many hours pumping double acting bellows. I love the soft click of the valves and the roar of the fire.

[@e.urbach7780]

That's really cool. Thanks for including all of the inside views, and for explaining how all the parts work together!

[@danismagic2]

Wonderful! This is fascinating to discover how you built this beautiful set of bellows. You are true artists. We are living and experiencing history thanks to you. Thanks a lot for sharing this with us. François 😊

[@Nannaof10]

Wow, you guys are amazing! 💪 I also enjoy Ryan's strumming and the sounds of outdoors in between Jim's Red Pants.

[@wanderlustjake]

Nice work guys! Impressive job, they look great! Excited to see more of the Smithy being outfitted.

[@adamdavis7663]

This is amazing! I love the way you teach the old ways on this channel. Im a millwright, so I figure the ancestors of my trade were blacksmiths. Thank you for thos series Jon!

[@josiahtheblacksmith467]

As an amateur blackith I may be biased but this is one of your best builds so far! You guys are doing amazing work.

[@Sock69420]

I love the little happy-stickman drawn on the board at 2:26

[@bosweg10]

This beats almost all other content in a million miles. The whole proces of recreating the past with the energy and joy you guys are showing is so much fun to watch

[@TrooperBri]

Always fascinating to see these pieces of the colonial puzzle put back together. As a colonial metal detectorist in New England we target the brass/copper items, but the iron targets are always amazing too. Belt axe heads, forge welded items, hearth tools, and more. All items that were created using bellows like that one. I'd be happy to send you some examples if you're interested.

[@herbpage1533]

Nice video. I work at living history museum as one there blacksmiths. Were working on building a new set of bellows. We are using plans from book titled the blacksmith, ironworker and farrier by Alderen A. Watson. Its a complete chapter on building them.

[@criswilson1140]

Nice bellows! Awesome timber work on the nozzle, your skills did not go unnoticed.

[@Carolbearce]

I loved watching you build these bellows. Great job.

[@annasahlstrom6109]

I'm always astounded at how they did things in the 18th Century and I love seeing you and your colleagues recreate the things they used and the food they ate. I'm obsessed with the 18th Century myself but I haven't indulged it too much.