Making a split rail cedar fence with hand tools

Looking for a more permanent and handsome option for our small kitchen garden we decided it was finally time to build a split rail cedar fence. A good friend brought us some cedar posts and we used one standing dead cedar tree we had on our property for the rails. A few electric strands will be tied around to keep the hungry deer out.
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[@tomnekuda3818]

My Dad and I used to do this some 60 years ago....about the same tools and techniques. Brings back memories.....wish Pop was still with me and we were walking thru the woods looking for the correct trees. Cedar posts were nearly forever in terms of rot.....and, you didn't have to mess with that stinking creosote.

[@jennifersvitko5997]

My father did this about 40 years ago. He used locust for posts and rails. Those things lasted forever, too. We only had 2 go bad the many years they were in the ground: one was damaged by an errant car, the other a microburst.

[@tomnekuda3818]

@@jennifersvitko5997 Good memories, Jen.

[@D-Vinko]

@@jennifersvitko5997 Microbursts are frequent where I live; making most fencing pretty difficult.

[@samaelletaincell6382]

@tobes jojo Not a specialist, but I've heard that concrete and wood are not a great idea to mix... concrete doesn't breathe enough and it makes the wood rot... maybe it depends of the types of wood, but check that out !

[@JeffGloverArts]

Your quiet, patient craftsmanship is a joy to watch.

[@MrChickadee]

Subtitles are available for new videos

[@JustIsold]

Awesome, thank you so much!

[@th34lch3m1st]

Let's make a deal: if you add subtitles to "The Asian Roubo Timber frame workbench" video (with some rough measurements), I will going to add translation to that video and to all of the subsequent videos (present and future). Are you in? :)

[@mfr58]

Surprised you didn't char the bottom of the posts. Lovely job though.......

[@jaswats9645]

Thanks! I was just about to post that you showed counting the rings but didn't bother giving us the age!

[@bobafetting6373]

Great! Although in the same way I did with Primitive Technology (which for those of you who haven’t seen it I definitely recomend kzbin.info/door/AL3JXZSzSm8AlZyD3nQdBA) now I have to go back and watch all your videos again with the captions on. Can’t wait!

[@cuban9splat]

The old-timers (my Grandparents) used to collect the cedar chips and put them in a little cloth bag. The bags were kept where winter clothing was stored to keep them smelling good all summer. Love your impressive skills and knowledge of hand tools. BIG thumbs UP!

[@fonhollohan2908]

The old ways were so practical and simplistic and I love the old rustic appearance of it all. Not only that cedar fence can last up to thirty years.

[@deborahsimmons2414]

Those purple shavings almost look like rose petals as you drill holes on the cedar log!!! So beautiful!!!

[@glennwilck5790]

That cedar must have smelled great and sure did make a nice fence

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

I love cedar...! I can almost smell that as you skin the bark, bore it, cut it... wonderful video, thank you!

[@padraicmcguire108]

When I was a boy scout (50 years ago!) we cut down Cedars like these, cut them into 18 inch lengths and hand split shingles out of the logs. Lots of fun. We built hiking shelters on Northern MN trails out of them. The aroma was spectacular.

[@slimpickens9103]

That does not look easy but the aesthetic is undeniable. Beautiful work and the sounds are meditative.

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

So very peaceful to watch you work and see how you do things the old way. Thank you so much for teaching us.

[@davepelfrey3958]

Definitely love cedar, the colors, smell, insect and rot resistant. Makes great looking furniture as well. A very versatile wood in the forest.

[@samiam7]

The sound that mallot makes is so satisfying

[@atoka]

I can smell that cedar just watching! Hands down my favorite smell on earth and I love making stuff with aromatic cedar. Makes the shop smell good for weeks lol

[@Maxid1]

My Dad was a very brave man. Even though he claimed he was a confirmed coward, which is why (he said) he survived WWll. He never really grasped the concept of the "hinge" when cutting down trees (with a chainsaw). We fell a lot of trees and the fact that he died 50 years later and I'm still alive is testament of a gracious God. He had SO many stump jumps, hung up trees (that fell the wrong direction), and even trying to drop another tree on a hung up tree resulting in 2 hung up trees (that wind and gravity eventually brought down). But that never seemed to slowed him down. The firewood was in the air, and he had to get it on the ground so we wouldn't freeze to death during the winter. KZbin would have really helped back then.

[@marc_spence]

I've been watching your channel for years and have recently gone through the breakup of a 9yr relationship. Watching you create is cathartic beyond measure for me right now so thank you.

[@mrhockett1]

I've never seen that joint before. Wedged from both sides solves a great problem into the posts. Thanks and I KNOW it smelled wonderful!

[@jasonsocquet8555]

I could just smell the wet forest.... that with the relaxing forest sounds... so many good memories :)

[@clydedecker765]

Watching you work is like meditating. So deliberate and calming. Wish you could make more videos but I know you have a full schedule...

[@AirwolfCrazy]

I understand why you used the cedar for this fence but I can't help thinking how lovely all that red, wonderful smelling, wood would have been as a lining to a closet or a trunk. I really enjoy your videos.

[@dajlfdkl]

for a young 20-something farmer like me, you're really inspirational. Like the philosophy of wendell berry is actually possible to accomplish on the ground. thanks!

[@OldNew45]

When you were felling, it made me think of one of my favorite movies of all time. The Man From Snowy River.

[@corporalclegg914]

I Bet that Was one of the Best-Smelling Projects ever done! I wish that I could smell those shavings through this phone. I love it!

[@adamchisholm6069]

I've got wedge envy. Those are a thing of beauty.

[@quill1260]

Watching you work is great therapy Mr. Chickadee. Thanks for not babbling.

[@BeachsideHank]

With apologies to "The Magnificent Seven" when Chris is explaining the real purpose of the wall to the bandit leader. The deer: "that fence won't keep us out..." You: "It isn't meant to keep you out- it's meant to keep you in..." Next video, salting and storing deer meat.☺

[@Pau-para-toda-obra]

I've been following Mr Chickadee's work for a long time, I love manual services, and he surprises me with each one. hug

[@ToddAndelin]

your craft is so honest and muscular its pure poetry. Always a fan, Todd.

[@DFDuck55]

In the 1970's I made a living hand splitting redwood fence posts and rails using a splitting maul and wedges. And making cedar shake bolts using a froe. I would take the bolts to a mill and they would bandsaw them in half to make shake shingles, which lay much flatter than hand split shingles.

[@Maxid1]

The bark comes off so nice when the logs are green. I've done it both ways, and taking it off a seasoned log is not fun, but you can avoid mold on some wood species by waiting till the wood is seasoned.

[@corporalclegg914]

Maxid1 - I have pressure-washed off the exteriors on well-seasoned cedar & that was super easy to do...obviously, that goes against Mr. Chickadee’s MO, but for us Lazier Folk, it makes short work of the stranded bark of Cedars.

[@harleyhawk7959]

peeled my share of fir and cedar with a draw knife. Dont miss it.

[@Maxid1]

@@harleyhawk7959 You don't find removing bark appealing?

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@harleyhawk7959 i enjoy using a draw knife, i find it to be quite relaxing. Especially when compared to noisey power tools.

[@steveoppermann7596]

Even knotty cedar splits pretty darn good! I keep one wedge as sharp as an axe and use it to re-start the split in the center ahead of the original split if it begins to run off at a knot.

[@jims1812]

Poetry in motion and blissfully quiet.Where i live people use chainsaws on twigs and leafblowers on handful of leaves so its nice to see a real craftsman.

[@craigmooring2091]

Doesn't the chamfering of the post tops also serve the practical purpose of leaving very little level surface for rainwater to linger on to facilitate early rot?

[@kenmarapese9085]

When you were felling the cedar it was nice to see you let the tool do the work. Beautiful fence!

[@tedm2922]

Great job sir! I made a split rail fence about 10 years ago. I did use a chain saw to cut the cedar down and a drill to make the posts but then I used wedges to split the rails and a bow saw for any more cutting. And hand digger to set the posts. It was a very satisfying project.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job Josh, loved the splitting tools you made for all their uses around there. Sure enjoyed watching your fence building!!👍👍 Thanks for sharing with us and keeping HISTORY ALIVE, it needs preserved just as you are doing! Fred.

[@kenshindoman9757]

I think we all agree that watching your videos makes us all wish we lived somewhere like that, and could do so much craftwork with our hands etc, so what about the stuff we don't see? What is not so great about living your lifestyle and doing what you do?

[@thomasarussellsr]

Lack of money, probably. But if you dont need much of it, this would be a very relxing type of life. Honest work during the day, and reap all of the rewards for your own family. Then, top that off with a sound night's sleep. Additional benifit? Staying healthy and strong well into your old age. The guys who stay busy last longer.

[@azz2]

The sound when splitting it is amazing

[@Dennis.5150]

Sharp tools are a joy, and the ring of good steel is like music.

[@martingendron40]

Soothing, as always

[@sherann6564]

That is a good idea using cedar. It won't decay as fast as other woods and it's insect repellent. I enjoyed watching this video. Thanks for teaching us.

[@averagejoe4837]

I love watching your videos on woodworking. Really makes me appreciate the few power tools I own 😆

[@scottoneil8618]

The pace of your videos is excellent. Very meditative

[@derkhawkins2575]

Thank you, I always learn a few things when I watch your videos. Go Well,

[@TheNimshew]

Abe Lincoln didn't use cedar for fencing. He used Black Locust. Otherwise known as Iron Wood. Posts don't rot in the ground. It's said that you could put a Locust post in the ground for 40 years and then turn it around for another 40 years. It doesn't rot. It turns into charcoal. Incredibly hard wood. I can't imagine how hard it was to cut with an axe, though it splits rather easily if clear grained. He was a tough man when tough really meant tough.

[@RossPotts]

Beautiful

[@woodyjade9097]

I could watch this dude all day. So relaxing!!!!!!!!

[@robertlassiter5808]

Nice work. I really enjoy your work and the peacefulness of it. Thank you very much!

[@smallcabinliving4524]

Nice Job....always enjoy your videos. Enjoy your Small Cabin Living

[@themikeshow]

I can't smell the wood. I think my internet provider is blocking me.

[@LitoGeorge]

LOL!

[@marvinostman522]

Move your computer. You are upwind

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@marvinostman522 best reply to a comment. I just grabbed a chunk from my closet and held it under my nose. (I have chunks with metal hangers that we put in our closets, and axe chips we keep in the drawers.)

[@byrongatlin7025]

IT'S CALLED SMELLAVISION LOL

[@makeituseit6011]

Split rail cedar fence taken to another level with the mortises, thanks for sharing

[@JohnColgan.]

Beautiful colour & grain of the heartwood, I bet it smells great too. Always so calming watching the way you work, you make it look so easy

[@anuronironworks6164]

What a beautiful tree! My mum and I were just talking about split rail fences yesterday, lovely stuff!

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

"In all labor; there is profit." (Proverbs) You have a lot a good "native" skills and an excellent work ethic...inherited, learned, passed along, or just a blessed combination? Best wishes and stay healthy.

[@tracykeenan4449]

I can’t get over the beautiful colour of the timber

[@carolewarner101]

The color of that wood fresh is gorgeous! Well done.

[@kenthorsen4558]

Finally someone who knows how to set a fence post in screened gravel. Well done !

[@Cooksonite]

Genuine question, it holds well I presume? I've always either smashed in the post knocker or set in concrete but defo interested in this method too...

[@pjkentucky]

Thanks again for the great video. Your the hardest working channel on KZbin!

[@ImaOkie]

A beautiful fence well done , my thanks to you for sharing.

[@cooper68ns]

Man that cedar is nice when you split it open ,splits nice too. Cheers

[@james_robnett]

13:25 I was thinking God what horrible soil. Reminds me of parts of Tennessee where I grew up. Then at 13:35 you more or less agreed. Beautiful work as always.

[@gonecampin11]

Always enjoy your videos thanks love the old ways of doing things and the old tools that they used.

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Beautiful video, I can imagine the scents coming off of the cedar as you work it; sacred.

[@castleprotection]

Love this, look great

[@Granddad92]

Looks great, good job. I bet the smell of cedar was great too.

[@geoffwilliams6664]

I just started experimenting with split rail building myself-but with Sierra Incense Cedar (it grows all around my cabin). Splitting the logs is indeed fun-and much easier than I thought it would be. Keep up the projects-very entertaining and informative!

[@Traderjoe]

I like the idea of the hollow wedges

[@billiondollardan]

Good work! I hated doing fencing when I worked for a landscaping company. It's difficult and nothing is as easy as you think it's going to be

[@marvinostman522]

Those are some pretty interesting wedges. Would like to see more about those

[@MrChickadee]

They are laminated with a square hole in one side for the wood to go

[@terryegan3831]

Nice work Marine! If those combat boots could talk they could tell more than a few stories

[@philippedegroote1619]

Vraiment intéressante cette construction d'enclos, sans doute pour y parquer un petit animal. Merci Mr. Chickadee.

[@brucewayne2984]

Nice work! Maybe next time when you are digging fence holes, I’ve found it easier to just plop the dirt on the ground when using the post hole diggers. Then I use a shovel to get the dirt in the wheelbarrow. Easier on the shoulders and a bit faster. Great video bro!

[@patrickschultz5171]

That ERC as straight as it is would make beautiful bow staves.

[@curtissmith3498]

I already know where this is going, some place very interesting. Ah, not dressing up like Abe Lincoln? Because, as I understand, he was famous for his rail splitting skills. The fragrant wood must be amazing.

[@TheNimshew]

He cut and split Black Locust. A incredibly hard wood

[@eddiep5676]

The subtitles are great!

[@brianrobertson6475]

Tried the gravel back-fill for a gated fence in rocky clay once. Holes filled with water instead of draining, winter froze it and squeezed everything up. Spring came, vacuumed out the gravel and replaced with concrete. Hasn't moved since. Drainage only works when it can drain. Period.

[@MrChickadee]

That sounds like some very bad clay!

[@brianrobertson6475]

@@MrChickadee like concrete! Love your channel btw. Roy2.0!

[@Ham68229]

Would appear for those that gave the thumbs down, have no clue as what our ancestors did even just to survive. Awesome build and as always, great video. Cheers :)

[@montanamoments9989]

I'd love to see how you make the wedges! Great video!

[@tomballenger1809]

It is such a pleasure watching tools that have been well cared for and kept sharp. I can see them working the way they were designed to without being forced or otherwise abused. I still remember my father teaching me to keep the saw sharp and then let it do the work.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Yeah, most of his tools are in excellent shape, but that poor bucket is looking abused. LOL

[@scottmaclean9607]

So it's always a good day when I learn about a new tool. A mortise axe! That was amazing but I think I'll stick to my mallet and chisels for now. I am sometimes jealous of the wood variety in Kentucky, but digging post holes in my Florida sand is SO much easier. Great content as always.

[@mikelockhart9114]

I recently found a morticing axe I have yet to make a handle for it. I’m collecting for a timber frame tool kit and restoring as I go. It’s great to see one in use. I’ve been going back rewatching a lot of Mr Chickadee’s videos. Good stuff and relaxing.

[@TWC6724]

You split that ERC like a champ. Looks great. Have to get me a draw knife.

[@GoblinKnightLeo]

Ahhhh post hole digging, how I know it well. We like to coat the bottom 3 feet or so in tar paint to reduce water damage.

[@thomasarussellsr]

The problem with coating the bottom of the posts is that the moisture inside the wood can't get out. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, problems, right?

[@GoblinKnightLeo]

@@thomasarussellsr I suppose. But that actually works out where I live, because dry wood attracts ants and termites. The tar and the moisture both repel them.

[@tallandhandsome29]

LOL. Who else thought the car was at risk at 7:49?

[@roverinosnarkman7240]

Lovely! Thanks for posting this.

[@smillish]

Awesome 👌

[@SergelenGANBAT]

nice job, hard work. greeting from Mongolia.

[@deborahsimmons2414]

Bird songs set the tune, steel ringing against the pull of the blade over stubborn bark, mesmerizing as you gently, firmly...elegantly make a beautiful and fine fence. The only longing is for that amazing scent of cedar dancing through the nostrils with satisfying delight!!!! Thank you for yet another lovely experience!!! I imagine you are quite tall judging from the size of your axe, but watching your even handed patience invokes both calm and balance of mind at the same time...perhaps that’s why I find your videos not only pleasing, but intriguing at the same time. I wonder if the doing brings about the same effect for you? I am sure it means Much more than that to you. Thank you for sharing. 💕

[@richardbonner2354]

Oh yes inDEEDy, Miss Deborah Simmons; it's (very) good to be alive. To be doing 'stuff', and to enjoy the wonderful 'stuff' that others are doing. Rick Bonner, Pennsyltucky [e-mail]

[@louisemissouri4410]

I would have collected the shavings for potpourri in closets in the house! Beautiful shavings.ty for the video.

[@DAAraiz]

Jeez, I wasn't expecting that to be so strikingly colored inside.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very good Mr. C looks great! Thank you.

[@awldune]

I always wondered how this type of fence is made. Now I know!

[@ArtturiSalmela]

The sound that big mallet makes is so satisfying. Btw, that move to lift soil with that hole digging thing into the wheelbarrow doesn't look all that comfortable

[@noeljshah1]

I always wat for your new drop .thank's.

[@mentalneil]

I love the red colour in that wood

[@arthurdeleniq]

OHHHH MANNN this purple/pink wood wuld make such a cool forniture wood !

[@GLRDesignsdotcom]

WOW...BEAUTIFUL!! :) I can't begin to tell you how mesmerizing and relaxing your videos are!! I just had a post replaced on my fence and they charged me $100....next time I make it and replace it MYSELF! :) THANK YOU! :)

[@XZaapryca]

Every time I watch one of these vids it reminds me of why there weren't gyms on every corner a century ago.

[@JDLarge]

Meanwhile, for those of us still living in a concrete jungle... We can still seek refuge in our walk in cedar closets😉 It’s the closest thing I’ve come up with to having “smellevision!” Even after 28 years, when I walk into it I’m right back in the forest. Love that smell! ✌🏼🤟🏼🤞🏼

[@IveysFamilyFactotum]

Now that is a beauty of a fence...great work as always

[@bufordtjustice4362]

I bet you have zero issues falling asleep at night. Very nice work.

[@MrChickadee]

and during the day....

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@MrChickadee hey, nothing wrong with the occasional nap when you have the time for it. When you work for yourself and family, you work when you want to, or when a repair needs made. All of the fast paced rush of modern society will just kill you more quickly. If I ever win the lottery, I hope to do the whole back to nature living. Right now, we are paycheck to paycheck and falling further behind after my becoming disabled. So, no funds to buy a plot of wilderness to make our own. Hopefully some day. Solar/wind/water wheel (if we have a running stream on yhe property) for power, and satellite internet (the wife has to have her TV and internet, plus, you know, loading up videos and such). Garden and hunting for what we can supply ourselves. Then the lotto winnings for what we can't scavenge, gather, and hunt. Plus, with my disability, we'll have to hire out a lot of the heavier labour as we build. I am good for maybe up to 30 minutes at a time between resting and stretching. Back, leg, and joint issues suck. The brain damage resulting from shrapnel and a stroke don't really help much either.