Japanese Timberframe Part I Stones and Sills

[@FrankLutz2]

I’ve contacted several pole barn companies to come out and build a simple barn structure for us. No one’s come through. Whether Covid or supply line or lack of workers or just weather all have reneged on their timelines or deliveries. So, I purposefully watched and re-watched this series. Mr. Chickadee has inspired me to build a barn myself. The money I would’ve spent on someone else’s labor I used to buy a wood mill. Started marking standing dead trees last Fall. Will begin cutting and milling soon. Looking forward to my own personal pace of building. Thanks Mr. Chickadee for the inspiration and visual guidance.

[@kincaid9134]

Hope it goes well. Record and share if you have the bravery and patience. :)

[@petrsidlo7614]

How is it going so far?

[@keptleroymg6877]

Update

[@jchastain789]

Sounds like you need a KZbin channel next

[@daananmahn9071]

Hows the project coming?

[@0917jun]

I was amazed to see the construction process of the foundation of a wooden building with a natural stone foundation. My house, which I lived in about 70 years ago, had pillars standing on natural stone like this. When I was a child, I wondered how they put a wooden pillar on a round stone. Nowadays in Japan, it is rare to see houses with stone foundations like this. It brought back memories of 70 years ago - thank you.

[@MrChickadee]

What an honor to receive your comment. Thank you very much.

[@あい-e4d2q]

My old house was built the same way. When I was a kid, I just thought that someone had carved a hole in the stone that the wood could fit into. It reminded me of my childhood and I felt very nostalgic. thank you.

[@greenman4508]

Your camera angles match where the old timers teaching me trades as a kid had me stand. They didn’t want to talk, your job was to watch and know what they needed next before they had to talk about it. They told you where to watch from to learn from seeing. Great tutorials ,and a real poetic yet functional editing the point of views.

[@corvusduluth]

"Watch and Learn"

[@brraca]

Where are you from mate?

Thank you for not adding music. Your work does not need it.

[@gustavoalmeida624]

The sounds of the tools ARE music.

[@DavidMartinez-zy5et]

@@gustavoalmeida624 Aren't they just; the sweetest sounds from the chisel cutting it's way through the wood to the walap of the wooden hammer on those beams what a symphony it all makes

[@hudsonb631]

ambience isn't considered music anymore?

[@somborn]

Nah! Sound system dreamscape would do wonders for this video!

[@jonnyharvath453]

at about the 30 minute mark it could use the hammer theme music from donkey kong arcade game / smash bros. du-d-d-d-du-du-d-d-d etc.

[@1776dawg]

Not only has your woodworking and craftsmanship become masterful, but your editing has become very skillful. Beautiful all around. Always such a pleasure to watch.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@thomasarussellsr]

I'm not positive, but I think Mrs. Chickadee does most of the tech side of things. Josh has a wonderful other half of the marriage. She is his perfect match from what little we have seen of her. I'd sure lime to see more of what she does. We need a Mrs. Chickadee channel with content of her side of the homestead. Filming, critter care (if there are any critters other than the kitties, and that is her thing), gardening, canning, cooking, which ever one of them does that part, I'd love to see that part of the homestead as well. It isn't nessesarily her side, but I'd still lime to see a bit of it. They probably share each of all of the chores and projects.

[@blinddogroofer]

Good point, the cinematography is epic.

[@BlameJason]

@@MrChickadee How/where did you learn all of this? It’s unbelievable. Very inspiring.

[@brendaann727]

Can anyone tell me if it's possible to get a pattern for the sill joinery without buying a book? In the middle of a health crisis, & out of necessity for a special home, I designed my timberframe cabin to be built on a flatbed in 2010. Purchased the flatbed, roofing, appliances, etc. Could not get the lumber due to an unfortunate difficulty the day I was supposed to purchase it. In the meantime an even bigger health crisis waylaid me & the book got misplaced. I just need a little something simple like a pattern to give me something to look at and shoot for in spite of the huge impossible task that this seems at the moment. I am my father's child in that I can't give up on something when it was the best thing to do and I already started it. If anyone is listening, thanks.

[@marknelson6319]

I have been watching him for a while now, LOVE his work! What I love almost as much as his skillset is the fact that he doesn't drone on talking about this, that and whatever (blah, blah, blah), you watch, you learn. There is NO music in the background, just the sounds of this fine craftsman doing his work, keep up the brilliance!

[@dcampbell855]

Skills of a master, patience of a saint, and unrivaled work ethic.

[@jakeleblanc]

Couldn't have said it better !!

[@robbiegerard7857]

My confidence is now at an all time low Haha, anyway I hate showoffs

[@KalRandom]

@@robbiegerard7857 This is not a weekend "honey do project", you have to take your time, to do that level of work. Sadly I'm not anywhere near that patient or skilled either. Do love to watch one that is though.

[@jasonledbetter6638]

Does anybody else feel like they just aren’t putting enough effort into life after watching Mr.Chickadee? This man is awesome!!!!

[@rawiritewaata6425]

Hahaaaaaa

[@Rivanni1]

Every time I watch his amazing videos!

[@thecurrentmoment]

I've started putting this much effort in every time I wash dishes (joking)

[@lloyd4011]

Yeah exactly. I'm looking at any DIY work around the house and calling myself a lazy POS.

[@billboyles7469]

Amen. Kind of makes me think I’m not even trying to accomplish anything. Lol

[@jerbear7952]

It never occurred to me that I would have been able to make such a complex joint between a rock and a post. Your documentation is fantastic and this was apparently very within my skill set. Thank you so much once again

[@brenthumm7919]

My wife asked me what I was watching. I told her it was my favorite channel, he never talks. People talk too much.

[@boa9535]

Brent: I came here after watching Mathias Wendell’s Woodgears. His skills are amazing too and occasionally he swears, which is fine with me. I’m definitely getting picky about presentation. I’m uncomfortable when people talk and talk and talk with the camera on them all the time.

[@ZyonSigil]

Pro tip turn on closed captions

[@poff1973]

Maby his ancestors emigrated from Finland?

[@userjarabecko]

@@jordanmclaughlin3312 nice

[@meatybtz]

The Master works, the Apprentice Watches. It is a tradition as old as man. I much prefer channels that don't talk. That don't have music. I sit, I watch, I learn.

[@jimf1964]

Just a small idea for the channel, you may want to mention that there are captions in the videos. I didn't know for the longest time, and they help me understand so much more, One of the few channels that I actually get excited when there's a new one. Love them! I'm sure the 9 dislikes are from black and decker, Stanley, and all the nail and screw companies.😃

[@beardedbowhunter6139]

I never knew that. Thanks for the tip

[@potatopotatoeOG]

@@beardedbowhunter6139 right!? Sane. Thanks OP

[@whackly]

Omg. Thx!

[@soccernskibum]

This hit my recommended and while I enjoyed watching the true mastery involved you sir have made this so much better. I immediately watched it again with captions on!

[@oneofmany1087]

Genuine plastic

[@jwkjohnston7512]

I drive a big rig, in my down time I get to watch videos such as this. That was one of the most satisfying videos I’ve watched. Thank you for letting us join your build. You have absolutely earned a new subscriber sir.

[@not.likely]

Well, now I've seen it all. It's incredible. What a mission of accuracy 👍👍👍👍👍

[@JamesCaldwelll]

Give up date video on what tools are needed and why

[@jimarsenault394]

In two hundred years when modern buildings have rotted away and been replaced that structure will be standing strong still in it’s youth. Very calming watching you do work old school style, i have a great respect for what you do sir. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@MadStacks007]

Everyone had missed your videos....I personally was going thru withdrawals. Watching you work is amazing.

[@johnsteinke4124]

It is soothing beyond words to watch this true master craftsman work without narration, without hype or self-aggrandizement. Truly, truly spectacular.

[@johnmanning4577]

I wonder how many days of work went into the 35 minutes of video we watched?? Might account for the gap we, um, suffered???

[@KT9kubista]

25:20 Anyone who builds wooden buildings knows how the heart will cheer at this sound. Perfect job man.

[@brendaann727]

Or anything wooden! My Dad had his hand tools on a work bench in our basement. I don't really remember him teaching me how to do anything, I would just go down there & experiment. Mostly animal houses & hutches. I especially loved his hand drill & huge metal clamp. Though he built our house with power tools, I had an aversion to anything electric. Even the powered kitchen appliances my Mom had. Yes it's peaceful & you have a great sense of accomplishment when you are done. It affords you lots of time to think things through, & even talk to God, which was more refreshing to me than ending up with a headache or vibration stress!

[@shrivak]

so very true

[@doctorstainy]

I was gonna comment the exact same thing , the snug fit followed by solid thump of two total flat wood surface joining. Almost like giant legos=)

[@southernstar4353]

the dull thud of a crisp wooden joint sliding into place is the most satisfying sound ever

[@KASUMINaturals]

Wow, beautiful video, and such beautiful work. I live in Japan (in Ishikawa, where we just had a major earthquake on New Years Day) and I know a Master Japanese Carpenter in Kaga, Ishikawa, and I can tell you - this is exactly how the old master craftsmen in Japan do it. Sadly, it's a bit of a dying art (new houses are definitively NOT built this way in Japan), but there are enough carpenters that focus primarily on temple renovations and rebuilds that I don't think this will ever simple "die". By the way there are thousands of old houses ("Kominkas") that are 100+ years old that have withstood many an earthquake, and are still standing today, built exactly in this fashion. I am amazed to see this being done in the U.S. though, hats off to this gentleman for his skill and patience, and for documenting this on KZbin with such an enjoyable video. Brilliant stuff!

[@JungleLibrary]

I'm from Noto - it's amazing the beautiful wooden architecture you can see no matter where you are in Japan. It's amazing how our culture has endured through the ages - a true gift - it would be a terrible shame if the shrines and temples become torn down or left to ruin as with many castles and churches elsewhere. Sadly my family had to abandon our 200+ year old house 30 years ago because of the massive expense it would have taken to repair, and built a new house next to it. Then the 2024 earthquake hit. Guess which one is still standing?

[@canobenitez]

wow! Would love to travel there and keep the temples standing, do you think they would accept foreigners as apprentices? @@JungleLibrary

[@daniellapain1576]

Imagine a structure that is made like this and can handle earthquakes, placed in an environment that doesn’t see natural disasters. How long it would last. You could actually pass it down to generations 1000 years from now.

[@fredpilk7759]

Do you know how/why the structure doesn’t move off the stones in an earthquake given it’s only gravity holding it down? Very puzzled novice timber framer here 😅

[@youknow6968]

This was pure joy, truly beautiful. I wish I had watch it on a 60 inch screen. Stay blessed, and live a long, happy life.

[@denniswhite166]

I watch a lot of guys on YT building things but suspect they settle for less craftsmanship than you do. I think you settle for perfection and nothing less. It's always a good learning experience for me when I watch your videos. Please keep up the excellent work!!!

[@BrownianMotionPicture]

The setting, the audio, the videography, the editing, the craftsmanship and most of all the end product are all perfect contributions to human culture, thank you.

[@robe9442]

You are a legend, I am doing 20 years carpentery, but I'm so pleased and happy that there are still people who love the art and try to share it to this new generation, today's world is so unstable and weak and crumble. Watch this video of him and let's go back in time😉

[@JoelWetzel]

I give a thumbs up automatically, Mr. Chickadee. You are more appreciated than you'll ever know.

[@johnviewer2305]

Hum...an i thought i was the only one doing that...

[@ALayne08]

Agrée!

[@kedacortao1316]

Absolutely concur. Every single video I’ve seen.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you so much

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear J.W. 👍👌👏 Well said! Exactly my thoughts. I really don't know why he hasn't already ten times more subscribers. Maybe because he's building something. Unfortunately destroying things (even without necessarity) usually brings much more viewers/subscribers. Best regards, luck and health.

[@bobm2368]

I rarely watch videos of more than 10 mins let alone half an hour but I was transfixed by this. His skill is mesmerising. Bob 🇬🇧

[@robotsdonotsmile7676]

I didn't plan on watching the whole video but my sense of curiosity got the better of me as I wondered why...then slowly, as the video progressed, one by one, things started making sense and although not my own, a feeling of satisfaction washed over me knowing that there is a man out there capable of such accomplishment. It truly is an inspiration to us all.

[@4460cows]

Thanks for showing all the details of this style of building techniques as we own a huge barn built in such the same manner. On a hillside upon large stone rock beds with huge timbers hand cut and placed. I have always been amazed by this barn as it was erected without any modern machinery of the 1858 time period. The video you shown sheds a great deal of light upon just how they were able to build such a huge barn on such an offset land site. After 16 years later of the owning the ranch settled by these pioneers I am still amazed by the craft of these men. Shared by the such of you.

[@jackdavid23]

Am curious to see your barns foundation. Any site we can see for pictures? Better so on video. Thanks.

[@fredpilk7759]

Are the posts also not secured to the stones at all?

[@silenthill5794]

Without even showing the actual measurement layout, this was a good demonstration about the importance of measurement layout.

[@alwayslearning7672]

It's interesting how unhurried he is about all these perfections.It'll be done when it's done and it'll be done correctly. Brilliant!

[@kendallrussell5195]

The journey is................... the destination.

[@DRYMEATcosLIFEsuck]

If you don't find the time to do it right, you will find the time to do it twice.

[@mada0zani]

In this dark hour, remote area, surrounding by nothing but tree, deeply immerged into project. Totally detached from the hustle bustle. What a blessing. I envied what you have

[@wotcherfaz]

Incredibly clear sound of wood being worked, without any chitchat. Wow.

[@buy_large_mansions]

I love the evening vibe in this video, it's my favourite time to work.

[@MrChickadee]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@aaronvallejo8220]

That beam seemed to almost pierce up out of that boulder. Brilliant ancient arts. Thank you for teaching us so we learn together.

[@clydedecker765]

I only wish I had words to say how much I admire your work ... and the genius you display in self teaching accomplishments.

[@figaro501]

There are skilled people and then there's Mr. Chickadee, beyond skilled! A real pleasure to watch and I'm full of admiration for you sir!

[@toddtonis]

I actually found myself listening to the chisel cutting the wood making the mortise joints on the long support timbers. It's amazing what a sharp tool can do.

[@Raven-rf7cz]

just the sounds alone of hand tools are amazing

[@rubendeprez1088]

Waw, japanese architecture and woodwork is the best, and you make it look so easy and relaxing to do, such craftmanship. When i try anything remotely like this I end up with sqewed edges or a soar thumb. Respect .

[@TheWolfster001]

I am a master carpenter.. and I find it amazing, the skill a few people have, in doing such detailed work, with all hand tool's.. And quite primitive to how we do things today.. I wish I had that kind of patients.. I so enjoy watching each and every video you post... Your skills are simply awesome... Be Blessed my friend..

[@barkebaat]

Best timber-man work I've seen in a very long time. Great respect from a Norwegian woodworker.

[@robertg-md8949]

I learned how to build homes in the Japanese way yrs ago , l first went to Japan for 13 yrs as a North American home builder , l love learning different ways how to build homes. Since then l have travelled to 51 countries building homes as a contractor or as a supervisor teaching our ways on building.... Robert from VIP-McCree Homes in Vancouver Canada

[@jeffjones4006]

You have to admire his skill and attention to detail. He’s about craftsmanship and precision, that shows in the sharpness of his chisels and how he uses them. Bravo Mr. Chickadee you are truly an inspiration to all woodworkers.

[@dentist5529]

I watched a BBC programme showing how a traditional Japanese wood crafting business worked - amazing dedication, craft and tradition - this is in the same vein - loved it

[@fujiwarakaiun493]

Hello. I have a great technology. I am grateful to you for making the best use of Japanese technology in foreign countries. Building a good house for people is making happiness. From Japanese

[@gary36535]

You are one hell of a craftsman.

[@Rubbernecker]

One cannot help but smile when that post is gingerly lowered onto the cornerstone for a perfect fit.

[@richardwiley5933]

Absolutely! I've come to expect nothing less from this master. His fitting of wood posts to the stones just boggled my mind. How does one keep chisels that sharp? Overall, a total display of wood mastery!

[@brettcarroll600]

ㅑ 8

[@DatsWhatHeSaid]

@@richardwiley5933 A whetstone, usually? ಠ_ಠ

[@jimwood6794]

A sharp chisel and a sharp hand saw, is a thing of beauty. Put your hands on the wood and it will tell you what it really wants to be....And it will serve you well. Peace Jim

[@bwillan]

With skill and craftsmanship such as this, it's no wonder why there are japanese timber frames centuries old that are still standing today.

[@TXH1138]

It's sad, but they are tearing down the timber frames homes. Seems once an owner dies, the heirs don't want an old home and they either sit and rot or are sold, torn down for a new structure. Watch Tokyo Llama refurb one. It's an awesome house.

[@ZoliMusic]

Sir, your tolerances for error are as close as if you were fabricating a jewelry box. Well done. Well done. Such a pleasure and inspiration to watch.

[@rodolfomarrufo1185]

Omg, just like we talk about mi friend, many hugs for u and ur family, cant wait ro see you again , lifes before we were brothers , love ur work

[@matts6287]

This style of foundation is called "Soseki Kiso or Soseki-So" and was a very traditional way of building foundations in Japan for shrines, temples, machiya, and so on and is based on creating structures with a "rubber-like" property that can resist damage from earthquakes. I am wondering where he studied how to do this? Amazing work!

[@FYMM69]

I’m surprised that the small stones on edge, washed stone will carry the load of that entire structure over time without sinking/ compression shoving it slowly down

[@riccardocacchioli9952]

礎石基礎 そせききそ Soseki kiso

[@cranklesnacks]

Super interesting design - what about uplift tho? Seems like high winds could shift the structure with nothing but gravity holding it down, but maybe it’s just enough

[@brendaann727]

@@cranklesnacks -He has one called "Anchoring Timbers to Stone:...." for high wind conditions etc...

[@brendaann727]

@@cranklesnacks - There was a 100 year old timberframe cabin on a property belonging to our friends where we used to live. When they sold it, the new owner hired someone to tear it down with a forklift. It literally would not come down! He would have done better to just dismantle it piece by piece & re-purpose the wood. It was a crying shame to just tear down such a solid structure & burn it.

[@pivers01]

Your craftsmanship and attention to detail is on a whole nether level!

[@earlearl8850]

Absolutely, pure domination of craftsmanship, skill and knowledge!!! Plus positive comments,off this Planet!!!

[@leoralove5884]

Wow. I’m putting a yurt on my land, which already has a bunch of volcanic boulders and a friend sent me this video to share his idea of where and how to place the yurt on the boulders. Thanks for sharing this technique. Admire how much work this took…so labor intensive without power tools. 🙏🏻👏🏻

[@monicacruz4407]

I’m speechless, having been to Japan and seen this stone plinth, wood post construction and wondered how they get the fit... when you place the post on the stone, you must feel like little Arthur drawing the sword from the stone! What a lovely, slow film, thank you 🙏

[@Constantia23]

Omg new video from mr.Chickadee! 🤩 Greetings from Turkey! 🇹🇷🤗

[@Zugzwang81]

Kayaya delik açıp kalası kayaya soksa daha mantıklı değil mi hem daha sağlam olur

[@AkiraBergman]

@@Zugzwang81 deliğe su dolar, tahtayı çürütür.

[@shakespeare_hall4788]

The sheer patience and comprehension need to absorb the enormous knowledge of nature transformed into the skills to build with such complex simplicity is your first lesson in how to be a Ninja!

[@artist09samir]

So this is it. I finally get to see the whole thing before i’ll start doing my self-build timber frame. This is amazing! Thank you so much Mr. Chickadee! Wish you all the best and much health!

[@alexandergaynutdinov2928]

This guys craftsmanship in wood, and filmmaking skills are superb. I wish I had half the talent this man has. Bravo sir.

[@shelleylegros8153]

Absolutely amazing to watch a true craftsman, just brings peace. what an honor. Thanks so much for sharing. Sending blessings and keep up the great work.

[@tamitng]

I love everything about this, especially how gently it sits upon the land. 🍀

[@quill1260]

Damn I have missed your work. This project is an absolute example of why I can't look away while you're working. Mad skills. Instead of school, they should send the kiddos to you. Our world would be a much better place.

[@tanitatt]

it's very interesting watching a japanese technique with western tools. Very cool

[@PeteSauerbier]

This was a blessing to watch, this kind of craftmanship is surely rare nowadays and I highly appreciate this, very inspiring to start own projects!

[@mjmayo970]

Just to sit quietly and watch a man make something simple, but beautiful with his hands and some tools is extraordinarily satisfying. No technology, no safety crap, no hideously expensive machinery, jusy a man working with his hands a creative mind, and what nature provides. just as god intended.

[@tlockerk]

Hearing the wood going and 'thunk' where it is supposed to reminds me of a master Navajo spinner, who said when the yarn is right "it sings". Masters of any craft are a joy to watch.

[@BernardoSalas]

That satisfying sound when everything slots in perfectly.

[@anadubar4819]

Plop ... plop ... plop ... finished. With me, it would be like skrrrrrchchhhh ... followed by a lot of swearing.

[@steveogle3679]

Thanks for this. After a lifetime making things from wood I want to share something but words just don't do it or what you have created here justice. Thank you for having the courage to find your own path.

[@kingoftf]

This is the God Level of woodworking. Just insane and absolutely genius

[@zacdredge3859]

Wow. The craftsmanship is just beautiful. Has only increased my interest in traditional Japanese architecture.

[@dennissalisbury496]

A testament to the ingenuity of Japanese Craftsmanship.

[@charonsiouxsie949]

Shou sugi ban, and the like, it's amazing this ancient technology is not more widely known. I know of some ranchers who use a similar burn metthod, but hardly any one knows the simple magic that can keep would sound for ages. Bless you for your service, you and your family's sacrifice, and for sharing this wonderful way of living and building. It is because of your very first videos I've begun to aspire to change my way of living.

[@michaelnaughton5308]

Thank you for a delightful display of human skill, patience, and ingenuity, as always. I have done enough woodworking to appreciate that I am a hack and Mr. Chickadee is a master.

[@amazoniancustodian]

This is truly remarkable, thank you for keeping this art alive and sharing it!

[@robertsimmons1264]

Watching this series again for the third time. I'm planning to move to Alaska 2023 and help my brother do some timber framing.

[@bobr9731]

The wisdom of the ages unfolding in front of us with cinematography and sound to match any movie maker.

[@jhnblkbrn8259]

i must say, i am a fan of this whole process...especially the relationship of the stone and post. very poetic

[@brianwood7480]

Minute 12 confirming my expectations: a beautiful fit. Your work speaks volumes about you.

[@dfunited1]

PSA to everyone: turn on Closed Captions (CC)

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

ahhhh! thanks

[@bulldoze76]

Serves me to watch the ENTIRE video and then see this comment!

[@zacdredge3859]

Ah, nifty. Actually watching with a bit much background noise so playing music with CC on is nice.

[@pikethree]

I only get to see this comment now!

[@chipmeister111]

looks like I'll have to watch it again. Really amazing craftsmanship.

[@northmenguild]

In a time of universal deceit - we suggest everyone to stop reading news, kill your biggest enemy - fear and live your own and only life and enjoy it! Get back to the basic meaning of Life, Nature and Craft. We think Mr. Chickadee is a great example and inspiration of such action. Beautiful meditative video Josh! Hands not machines!

[@MrChickadee]

thanks

[@dnomyarnostaw]

'All it takes for bad men to succeed, is for good men to stand back and do nothing"

[@FVBmovies]

Was wondering if Northmen have seen this channel.

[@johnmanning4577]

@Kiwihouse2005 B. That is your goal to discover, Grasshopper.... 8^)

[@walterluus6174]

This is the answer to so many of our problems today. In this way we can become independent from the system. Building and making your own things that will last a lifetime and growing our own food and medicine. Bravo Sir you are a Mamba

[@majigaining]

Mr. Chikadee, you are a prophet who spoke without words. Thats all I will say for now.

[@if333]

Beautiful. Can't wait to see this extension progress.

[@jackburton7597]

This is beautiful. Very impressive how the camera set up really shows the grade of a hill you are working on. Truly inspiring stuff!

[@sandig621]

Oh that is amazing, I’m in awe, I wish I could do this at 63yrs, love❤️ about to watch next one.

[@dolphinberserk]

This is extremely valuable information. These 大工 (carpenter) skills are a privilege to see. Thank you Mr Chickadee

[@christopherrice2004]

At first I wondered _why_ the construction technique used stone shards and fine gravel to go under the foundation stones. Then you talked about the nuki, and how they were intended to flex during an earthquake. That's when I realized, shards and gravel are earthquake isolation! The foundation stones are intended to slide atop them in an earthquake, thus preventing the posts falling off! Genius!

[@carlnelson1050]

I thought it was so the boulder wouldn’t settle. Where I’m from they require slabs to have CA7 (0 compaction) Gravel under concrete slabs. The gravel is thicker chunks that won’t compact at all. If we use CA6 gravel (road gravel) it has fine limestone mixed in and will compact and the inspectors require us to run a compactor over it, But it makes a lot of sense the house not being bolted down being safer in a earth quake big time

[@SteveB-nx2uo]

No. gravel is there for drainage, so water flowing into under and around your foundation has somewhere to go without displacing soil and causing erosion to eventually displace your footings and make your foundations fail

[@giotto4321]

@@SteveB-nx2uo Drainage was my guess too. It's like he's creating a mini attenuation tank below the boulder to let the water percolate away slowly rather than pond under it.

[@AeonCatalyst]

@@giotto4321 more like an open french drain, or ground-gutter

[@joobojesse]

Probably all of these answers and that’s why it’s great!

[@stanlystanly9964]

A master of his art! All this machine precise holes and curves and made on hand...Bravo master!

[@Martin52863]

Way to make everyone feel inadequate😉. Beautiful job as always.

[@worklion50]

Way to slap him with a kiss

[@hshwhitten]

Once again fully impressed. You even use the lacquer to Mark the stones.

[@mione3690]

I see it with my own eyes, but my brain still goes "how does he DO that?!" Awesome work, dear sir. True craftmanship.

[@North_wind75]

I'm in love with the foundation of the house

[@richardwiley5933]

I understand exactly what you're saying - it's a thing if beauty!

[@velikaros1589]

Перфекционист во мне ликует! Потрясающее наслаждение от такой работы и этого видео! Спасибо

[@jorgearenas872]

Dear Master: This is the first time I see a foundation of this kind. It is really admirable and shows your character and skills... Thanks for sharing...Greetings from Medellin!!!

[@NicTaylorWoodworking]

Hey man. I’ve been watching your videos for a few years, and have always wanted to build a timber frame of my own. Whelp, I finally pulled the trigger and am building my workshop as we speak. I wanted to say thanks, as your videos are definitely vital motivation. Watching someone take on such large projects totally solo has helped me realize what i’m capable of. Keep up the awesome work dude!

[@mikekim5135]

Incredible timber work! The posts look so good on top of those rocks.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@armisteadlucascolemanii7256]

I like it. I was a timber framer for 32 years professionally. I now just play with it when I can. Love to see others still framing especially in the Japanese tradition

[@TheBearGrylz]

Absolutely amazing what this guy accomplishes. Never fails to impress

[@okb58]

Love the sound work, lots of satisfaction hearing those joints come together.

[@1Q2WSX]

mesmerizing! The sound of the chisel taking those shavings is wonderful!

[@chuckholton4666]

I never get tired of watching you and the amazing work you do.

[@russellwall1964]

The absolute precision of each cut, each fit, every detail is amazing and speaks well of your mastery. It is a true joy to watch your plans come to life. The old master craftsmen would welcome you as one of their own. :-)

[@brzr67]

Nice work youngster. Makes me happy to see that you care about your craftmenship.