hewing a white oak 6"x6"

Rainy day hewing white oak sill timbers for our timber frame workshop. Follow this and other adventures into yesteryear
mrchickadee.wordpress.com

[@mrstandfast2212]

Whenever I watch Mr Chickadee's videos, I realise that over and above his use of lost arts and tools, he uses something far more essential that we seem to have lost, he uses patience.

[@mcween18]

Time is money unfortunately. Taking your time is great when it's you're hobby though 🙂

[@multihullminion9201]

Time, much like money is a means to an end. Pay for that end with your money, or pay for it with your time. Just remember the former comes with caveats, strings and parasites. Time in traffic, the repair shop, the tire shop, more time in traffic, grocery store, doctors office, the bank, the courthouse, the HR department, more time in traffic, the bowling alley, ball field, theatre, shopping mall, amusement park, barber shop, gym, track.... all of this and yet no one is satisfied the latter is more direct and the only means to the experience this man has had. Nothing here could have been bought except the product, time is the only currency that pays for this experience.

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

When I was a kid, I worked in my father's sawmill. That beast could have made your 6x6 in about a minute. I cannot tell you how much more I admire your method. No giant V-8 diesel motor roaring away, no huge wheel of death screaming its way through logs. I can still hear the birds singing while you are working.

[@CraneofBoulogne]

Hard working and highly skilled to say the least. I also give him extremely high points for having natural sounds only, no blabbering about it constantly, and even more important, NO MUSIC! I hate the stupid music most put on these videos. Hats off for a great all around how to video.

[@smolboyi]

I concur, natty bois for life!

[@bildergucken4430]

Lot`s of dedication, skills and a perfect background music. The steady rhythm of an axe hitting solid wood, a woodpecker minding his own business, some birds singing their songs and raindrops falling on the tarp. Just perfect. Thanks for sharing!

[@youngwoodsman4110]

Bilder Gucken iii

[@federalist46]

I'm 75, what my daddy taught me was 'Let the tool do the work, don't wear yourself out', This lad surely paid attention.

[@blueoval250]

It’s a hard lesson to learn sometimes.

[@clayguy1]

Thank you for not adding god awful music.. the sounds are so amazing.. thank you... The sounds are those of our forefathers who carved out homes in the wilderness 200 years ago.. Love the video

[@wntu4]

Possibly not the reaction you're hoping for but this video was utterly relaxing, even when you were chopping. The birds singing and then the gentle patter of rain. Oh my, I could have gone to sleep. It was a pleasure to watch someone of skill performing their task with care and not with haste.

[@daddymarkram]

I find this so relaxing. The editing and the craftmanship is so good. Thank you. :)

[@E_Fleming]

I love these videos, and my sons do too. We try to limit their TV time, but these videos don't "count" because they have a calming effect. The fact that you don't talk makes me watch more closely. Thank you!

[@shawndoran2879]

KZbin taught me to fell a tree, maintain my saws, make my own hand tools, now with a full wood pile, it's time for boards. This has to be the best side of KZbin!

[@dadajackyo]

I imagine all ax murderers hold the same expressionless face you do while doing this incredibly skillful task. Very impressive how you make a radial motion create such an incredibly flat surface. Determination is not even close to the beginning of a description of what it takes to master this skill. Bravo. You impressed me today sir.

[@itsokaytobestupid827]

Mr Chickadee is the reason all my projects take so long, and feel so good

[@anthonycummings6000]

this video is like therapy for me. resets my mind, makes me long for the woods.

[@BlueGamerDude]

Anthony Cummings yes and the work is probably therapy for him :)

[@edram4051]

The sound of wood being cut is soothing.

[@somika87]

9:44 The thousand yard stare on the dog cracks me up. Imagine what he is witnessing. Great editing.

[@davidmorgan7522]

I applaud your perseverince ! We all might need your skills before long. Great job! Take care, Dave

[@davidatkin2820]

got to be the best series of videos since youtube was invented, your skills with hand tools and the sheer hard work you both put in is fascinating, (no talking no music, absolute genius) what we building next.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you so much! We just thought how we would like videos we want to see.

[@deniseward002]

I cannot get enough of these videos. I love that there's only the sounds of the forest and the woodworking. Such skill has me spellbound. Thank you so much for doing these videos. I am blown away by your skill and inspired to do things with patience and reverence to the material.

[@ndoghouse6853]

Yeah his wife dont talk, his dog dont bark, and his pussycat dont meow! I just play them in the backgound sometimes for the chopping sounds.

[@laurentnahra708]

The patience you have for doing this is amazing, that is not a given. Hard work is not a word to describe it. Good job!

[@BushOgre]

The scenery, the sounds, your skill. Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.

[@rick6653]

Awesome work. My grandfather would cut down trees on his place and hew out cross ties during the Great Depression for .10 cents a piece. Love a person with patience and the "where there's a will, there's a way" attitude.

[@billarnold9358]

RICK now days where there's a will there's a lot of greedy relatives.

[@RealBigR]

Rick, my grandfather did the same thing during the depression.

[@yannleglise4670]

Man, you're a real artist! I didn't even know this still existed. I like this ability to make such an impressive work with simple tools and efforts and talent. In this world of speed and mechanization you look like a hero, and your ways are so in line with Nature's pace, so respectful. And for all of it, hats off. I am really impressed.

[@WindWolfAlpha]

There is just something so cathartic about the "thunk... thunk... thunk..." of wood being hewn with the sound of birds and rain in the background. And being able to watch the method at the same time is SO COOL!

[@hscurt]

Don't let let people who feel obliged to be critical of everything rain on your parade. I enjoyed the video. You looked like you were enjoying the work, and the final product looked great. I was in the trades and can tell you that there are many good journeymen out there who have their own ways of doing things. Keep on doing what your doing until it stops working for you.

[@MrChickadee]

+dismayed Thank you for the comment, I did greatly enjoy the work. Timber framing is such an ancient and varied craft with so many different traditional techniques practiced throughout the world, the idea that anyone would believe there is one way to go about it is shocking, also shocking is the fact anyone would proclaim their ignorance and hubris by rudely and offensively criticizing another's technique.

[@homerco213]

As soon as the rain hits, the frog speaks up. The bird song is ethereal.

[@JV-mo3uo]

Notice how, to get this level of precision, all cutlines are first carefully laid-out using CAD... Charcoal Aided Design!

[@titoubrouwers2017]

nice one haha

[@ferrumlynx1914]

A carpenter in Finland is called a "kirvesmies" which directly translates into "axe man".

[@gus473]

👍🏼 Kiitos! 🇫🇮😎

[@cps5698]

Mr. Chickadee, your patience and perseverance rise to the level of a superpower. You have my admiration and respect (and envy). The wood thrush's song in the background is liquid music. It's the sweetest birdsong of all. One that I know so well from my childhood in the woods of Eastern Pennsylvania.

[@donovanroberts6219]

Can't believe I only stumbled upon your videos today. I'm loving them

[@MrChickadee]

+Donovan Roberts Thanks, more to come!

[@DrewDubious]

Sometimes I leave this on in the background just to listen to the axe song while I sip coffee and do the internet.

[@nicksfix8609]

same im doing that right now

[@frankallen7744]

This was awesome. I am amazed at the precision and patience that you demonstrate . . .

[@Mathuews1]

I thought the same thing! His axe control takes a long time to get!

[@streetDAOC]

You've really got to love what you do to be content working at this slow of a pace

[@davidlatham312]

My hat is off to you Sir. Being from Alabama and the best wood we have is oak and hickory, and I've worked many timbers I applaud you on your diligence, determination and craftsmanship. Fine work your doing and am looking forward to watching and keeping up with your progress. Good luck my friend ! DL

[@MrChickadee]

Thanks! We have two play lists on our channel, the workshop and our cabin, I hope you enjoy!

[@jaycook5028]

You Sir are a man of considerable substance.

[@WilliamFGear]

"Best way to teach is through perfect example". Not a word need be spoken.

[@jimpilot330]

Proper 'iron age man skills' - total respect, your a gifted dude!!!

[@davidparry8514]

imagine how accurate the old timers got doing that process hundreds of times.

[@AF_L]

Amazing! Your work is awesome! This is the kind of knowledge that we need to preserve. Congratulations from Brazil : )

[@leethurston4774]

Mr. Chickadee, I appreciate your skill and craftsmanship and I certainly was not trying to paint you in a negative way in the least. I am a forester and avid woodworker who will never, ever make a comment on a website again. Sorry for the negative comments.

[@MrChickadee]

Its understandable that anyone not familiar with traditional framing modalities would find the sapwood removal shocking, most of the knowledge is not in mainstream anymore. We are sorry we didnt explain better the reasoning behind this and the usage of the split off pieces to warm our house.

[@bluekingfisher1416]

Good to see someone working at a sensible relaxed pace. Too often now individuals go at a task like a bull at a gate. Working sedately will allow you to work like this all day........just like the old timers used to do. It's surprising how much can be done in a relatively short time working this way. Too many live their liVes at a hundred miles an hour an wonder why they burn themselves out and or things go wrong. I hope that guy owns the woods, otherwise the owner may have a few choice words. Well done.

[@MrChickadee]

Its nice to slow down

[@Nova_Needle]

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast, but also as you've pointed out... slow is sustainable!

[@Pheralrage]

I'm so relaxed watching this! Also great to see a video of this nature with no music just the wonderful natural sounds of his surroundings

[@unclebigbad7953]

Impressive...love to see the old skills still used!!!!!

[@DrJohn493]

Impressed with your skill and patience!

[@juanrivero8]

Joggling with an axe is heroic. I used a saw instead, and knocked the joggles out with the adz. To each his own, your technique is flawless but I was 65+ when I was doing this and wound up getting an Alaska chain saw mill from Granberg. These are wonderful videos, paced just right. I'm watching back to front.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you, I tried a hand saw and found the axe a bit faster, and quicker to sharpen, but does lead to some sore mornings! We have a new hewing video, much better quality and showing other styles...kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH-aaJZ3mZp4d8U

[@juanrivero8]

I''ll get around to it!

[@dino8205]

Great to see a true craftsman working in a traditional way, you made the cross grain work look easy!

[@mr.preece8137]

I’m more impressed that he didn’t blink for 15 minutes.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Wow! That takes more patience than I have these days. Amazing to watch and I picked up a few tips.

[@user-uz7dh4xy1n]

Increadible, unbelievable !!! Modern man is able to practice antient technologes ! Great respect !

[@TermiteUSA]

This work is so calming I've watched it many times Oak has the most wonderful smell and texture and strength.

[@E_Fleming]

Who would give any of his stuff a thumbs down? Love your videos, keep them coming.

[@MrChickadee]

Cant please everyone but glad you enjoyed!

[@DRKWxd]

Some fucc nigga

[@OakKnobFarm]

Incredible work. Patient, rhythmic, efficient. Bravo!

[@shoptimefishing4315]

That was awesome. I mean the skill and labor needed was massive and the fact that you are so dedicated is amazing. Awesome work i loved this video.

[@loooseunit]

Glad you didn't put any music to this , the silence (?) and bird song was awesome !

[@07leblond]

It puts the lotion on both ends or it gets the hose again.

[@07leblond]

Silence of the limbs.

[@justingreen8006]

People wondering what he smeared on the ends. My guess is that he is sealing the ends so the log dries more evenly. Unsealed, the ends dry much faster than the inside causing large cracks.

[@Doxymeister]

Thanks, that was exactly what I was wondering...and guessing!

[@linneasimonalle5604]

Yes, but what IS it that is being smeared on?

[@1johnnygunn]

Yes that is why.

[@DrewMade222]

Beautiful... Now I know where my patience went to, this guy harnested it all!!

[@eltorrisimo]

Mr. chickadee...I too have found it very effective to use my felling axe to hew. Some seemingly well-researched educators on the you tubes refer to this as a pretty standard technique, and it looks like you have done a great job. The proof is in the pudding, my friend. Strong work. :)

[@MrChickadee]

+eltorrisimo Thanks for the great comment, I did use a broad axe and an adze for a few timbers, but finally realized just the felling axe was enough, and used it alone for 99% of our frame. We really like the texture this leaves and hopefully helps anyone give it a try even if they don't have a special axe or adze for the job. Many log homes were undoubtably hewed with only a felling axe by pioneers who would have but a few tools.

[@themikeshow]

My arms and shoulders strength and stamina have increased just by watching this video.

[@grantgoodson3979]

Beautiful work, fantastic job man.

[@stephenwatson1873]

Absolute pleasure to watch, how your tools just become an extension of your arms and hands, thank you so much for sharing your craftsmanship.

[@benscoles5085]

Mr. Chicadee, I have watched most of your vids, the apparent lack of narration is right on target, Your skills just show the point with out any talking. I also like how you show the needed tool maintenance, so important to make the job easier and more accurate, Well Done Sir.

[@claudiocofre5720]

Claro ejemplo de una paciencia virtuosa y de una determinacion inamobible

[@hansmuller9575]

Si, muy muy impressionante como trabaja este hombre!

[@kcclem1442]

For the first few seconds of the video, I was wondering why you weren't using a broad axe. After watching a while longer, I can see you're pretty darn good with the axe you're using. Nice work, you almost make it look easy. That obviously takes patience, great skill, and sharp tools. Thanks for posting.

[@davidtraugot1405]

Likewise.

[@nicksfix8609]

There isn't much I can say about the toil of your labor that hasn't already been said but Im very impressed and thanks for showing us how its dont

[@MikeBaxterABC]

I like the way you handle the axe ... keep it sharp and let the tools do the work!

[@shanek6582]

Also, you've got some skill there on this hew, I tried my first one a couple days ago with an awesome antique double edge Kelly true temper I bought off eBay. I spent a couple days sharpening it to a mirror, razor sharp edge (both sides) and about two minutes into the job I somehow mis swong it and it hit me hard in the shin, luckily somehow the side of it hit me and I didn't get cut, I'm done until I find some shin guard chaps.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Shane K I hope you also get the right axe. Double bit aces are for felling, you need a hewing and/or broad axe... Of course... sometimes we are stuck working with the tools we have. I have seen an Afghani remove a nut from a Toyota hilux using a rock and a stick. Good luck with your build.

[@Thisisahandle701]

That dog looked like it was witnessing a war crime.

[@cps5698]

Ha ha! You made me lol. That dog has been genetically engineered for life in a penthouse, but cruel fate has landed him/her in a backwoods Kentucky homestead.

[@rivia1187]

The dog has been astonished by amount of work.

[@goofyvideos]

HAH! Brings back memories; used to use a chainsaw to score it every 4" and then broadaxe to rough chip it all off. An adz to smooth it. Thanks!!

[@silntklr]

I got blisters just watching and something flew in my eye.

[@OIOcellOIO]

That dog tried to control my thoughts with it's mind. But, I blocked it....

[@chriswhite5877]

mate thats funny - it looked like thats what it was trying to do... :)

[@benjamingreener7182]

thats what you think now ... he just covered his trackes realy well xD

[@vince6056]

He got me I couldn't resist

[@itsawonderfulknife7031]

That’s what he wants you to think.

[@IcOmEiNpEaCe333]

Son of Sam 😂

[@Kevbot73]

You and the dog do not blink. The focus is real! Great work and skill!!

[@SpaceMonkey2385]

After notching the log it would have been easier to rotate the log, get on top and swing downward. That being said he actually did it his way and mine is theoretical....so good job!

[@randycain4751]

Love the sound of that wood thrush.

[@GeekWarrior77]

I was curious what I was hearing. Thanks!

[@Gogozombs]

Completely blown away! Great work

[@MrChickadee]

Thanks a lot!

[@godofplumbing]

I love doing this kind of work. So relaxing. Great job

[@p.dejong4160]

Thank you for posting..a very nice video to watch on ancient wood working techniques..

[@MsSomeonenew]

Now that is some heavy dedication.

[@philosborn1840]

Now I can see how king Solomon’s people built the Lords temple back in that day. Very good work young man!🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@geraldwest3428]

Love it, nice work! Love to hear the Chickadees up in Maine and anywhere else! Thanks for sharing the process with us.

[@charlespederson9319]

That was awesome. I had no clue what went into hand milling a beam. Thank you

[@grandmasteryoda5485]

Why not plane it with a scrub plane instead of using the adze?

[@sagecouncil]

Great work... Old skills that are hardly around anymore.

[@douglasreeves9938]

At 4:00, that is my favorite pencil to use for almost anything. My First Ticonderoga. Also, very nice work. Good to see someone keeping the hand tool skills alive.

[@andrewakrause]

I've always assumed the adze was a rough tool, but you trued that end up pretty nicely. Another enjoyable video that reminds me why I'm thankful for electricity... thanks!

[@MrChickadee]

Oh the adze is just a big ole' plane haha thanks

[@PanteraDeNoche]

These are oddly satisfying videos.

[@toms4123]

what a priviledge to see such skill

[@1Jaz5d]

So inspiring! This is what I consider "real living". I would love to be in an area to be able to do this! Thank you for sharing!

[@MrChickadee]

+joe you're very welcome!

[@christian9506]

Such a beautifully shot and calming video. You have tremendous talent. Thank you for uploading!

[@chrisforrester8854]

Nice work man!! I watched the hole video and felt the need to start my chainsaw a dozen times. You gotta have a lot of patience dude!

[@zanelile2991]

Not a time to get in a hurry. Nice work.

[@abaddon2479]

I don't know how many times I've watched this but I enjoy it evertime

[@delroymoore327]

The wood thrush symphony is absolutely the perfect background

[@jamesmac8424]

Good call on wood thrush. Possibly the most beautiful bird song.

[@joemilton7552]

love the wood thrush

[@JoshsHappiness]

sound of the birds man 😍

[@MegaStairman]

at 7: 30 seconds in i said a prayer of thanks to the guy that invented the chain saw

[@davidthorne6796]

Ahahaaaaaaaaa!!! I didn't get nearly that far!!! The citing down to the line then "chiseled" to level is quite slick and can be used with power tools in a modern technique as well!!! A+. Hooo raw!

[@Pizzagulper]

WOW! that is so much work. I have a new appreciation for modern machines now. XD

[@timwarneka]

Really! Log cabins make SO much more sense now. Living 100+ years ago, why hew the logs when you can use them raw to build a cabin wall. Fantastic video.

[@TCSwizz2]

Why not have more appreciation for the HARD work humans endured before modern technology?

[@johnwoodman65]

I totally enjoyed watching this video. Something about it was very relaxing. Incredible focus, patience and craftsmanship. I tend to go towards power tools for everything I make, but this video was about a man, an axe, his dog, and fallen tree. Zen like... Great video to watch...

[@adamperkins6054]

I don't have any experience hewing logs, but I was under the impression that a long handled adze like that was intended to be swung like a pendulum while straddling the log, slicing/riving along the grain, not across it. I can't argue with your results though.

[@mattcavy4459]

Adam Perkins Everything in life has more than one use my friend. Thats how better techniques/tools are formed. Adaptation is the fuel for life ;)

[@MrChickadee]

Its a lipped or shipwrights adze, made to use across the grain, a carpenters adze is used as you describe.

[@CannabinatedFantasy]

Mr. Chickadee, you're fucking badass! Your videos are so crazy and inspiring.

[@fd4294]

Man, you're good, really! Damn it!!! I'm really impressed. Awesome job. Thanks for sharing and...Happy new year.

[@MrChickadee]

+Fred Creole Native Thank you for the comment! Happy new year!

[@jpg03a]

Mesmerizing patience. Good work my friend.