Q&A with Mr. Chickadee!

[@jasongannon7676]

I cut open walls in houses that have standing water 3 to 4 foot deep, in exterer wall cavities do to condetation . Current building methods spend tens of thousands of dollars to sill up the structure and tens of thousands to vent moisture. When a well belt home pre 1980s did this already. Pre 1980s homes belt poorly is what the codes are trying to fix but doing so in the wrong way. In a 4 forth generation contractor and have been trained in many construction techniques of past eras. My grandfather was a civil inginer working on Hoover dam and others , bridges, countless commercial and residential builds. The most interesting builds was of the grid when building hunting lodges that in the dead of winter would worm up just with body heat of a hunting party and a few oil lamps. One of my dad's friend in the 1980s was the lead inginer of spokane wa city and was tasked with designing the energy codes for the city. His first perposol was rejected because houses belt this way would heat and cool themselves and was belt on a reasonable budget. Ceep in mind the bord members also ran the local utilities. We belt a house this way and it worked well enough not to have a furnace or air conditioning. This structure did not have vapor barrier. This is a small clue why we have the building energy codes we have.

[@themilkman5852]

So where does one research this style of building you speak of?

[@JackdiyGarden]

so true man, I live in the UK in a house built in 1919, brick building, no vapour barrier whatsoever, just air bricks to let the airflow in the cavity. It is self-regulating, of course, it gets wet in there but it has the ability to dry naturally. I also work on building sites in the UK and we don't use any form of vapour barrier on our houses over here, most of them are breeze black construction, but even timber-framed houses only have a barrier on the roof.

[@Hailexx]

Jason, I would love to know if there are some search terms I could use to research building this way. I'm very interested in the sustainability of these methods.

[@agresticumbra]

Jason, on a huge tangent, but I’m betting your grandfather might have been acquainted with my grandfather. My maternal grandfather traveled the world working on dams. I gave his little book on engineering to my husband as a gift years ago. But yes, there’s something about certain periods of builds that just seem to be better functioning. Our current 1960’s ranch isn’t one of them. Would love to have a 100 year old house. Our first was from the 1920’s.

[@elobiretv]

@@JackdiyGarden I've seen a lot of UK houses with the air vents covered up by modern builders. Strange that most dont have a clue how about old houses considering the majority of houses where I live are a 100 years old.

[@simonforget280]

Mr. Chickadee... can speak! 😳 Keep up your excellent work!

[@Servant_of_Christ]

Hahaha!

[@gizanked]

This may have been even more surprising than seeing the outlets in his workshop.

[@carolewarner101]

LOL, I had the same thought!

[@nfirest]

You guys are epic keep up the good work! my wife and I love your videos and like to watch them with our kids . always good Value.

[@AnneCloudInSL]

I don't know about anyone else, but I was expecting birdsong to come out of his mouth ;)

[@anthonyayala7925]

He's Well Spoken, Articulate, and a modern individual just showing how pragmatic and wise it can be to look back to what has stood the test of time. I love this Man.

[@LAStars-sratS]

This is my version of a GENTLEMAN. He also is intelligent, exercises critical thinking and common sense. 👍

[@daphlavor]

Mr. Chickadee we salute you for your service! 🇺🇸

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

Keep the videos the way you have been doing, the old crafts such as blacksmithing and woodworking are their own language, no commentary needed.

[@LolitasGarden]

Yes. Do not jump the shark.

[@thomasarussellsr]

The sounds of properly use hand-tools say far more than words can relate. A mis-used tool will tell that tale as well. The sounds and feel let you know what to adjust, if you'll only listen. Unfortunately, words, and how they're used differently from one place to another, are a difficult thing to get across to everyone. The feel of tools in the hand can not be related through video, one must place the tool to its task and practice to get to the point where the tool sings it's most beautifully seductive song.

[@terryisaac8195]

For instance the old B/W, silent movies are much more enjoyable than the current cluttered. You need to pay attention to the actions and nuances of the characters in the movie.

[@katiedotson704]

Thanks to you for your wonderful videos. FYI: Powertool- An electrical or pneumatic powered device used to make a irreparable mistake light years faster than one could ever dream of making with a hand tool.

[@johnlowther4068]

I’m missing chunks of my hand that can attest to that statement.

[@rickrudd]

Until I heard you speak, I thought you lived in the woods in Estonia, Latvia (or somewhere) and didnt speak English 🤣 Thanks for all you do!

[@josephgf9451]

My 7 years old son loves your videos. We're watching them from France Champagne's region.

[@BernardSandler]

An utter joy to meet you like this. You are such a substantial individual. It gives me hope to see you and your love living your dreams by the work of your hands.

[@TerryPullen]

Nobody enjoyed this more than the cat.

[@cytog64]

My favorite part!

[@gbel9295]

From one Combat vet to another, "Thank you for your service"..And.I really admire your courage to choose the life you and your wife have chosen..Really enjoy your videos..

[@Ronin_72]

I served in the marine corps and did one deployment to afganastan. I'm in the same boat with wanting to live a more simple life. I don't know if its the stress from the military or returning to civilian life but man I just want to slow down my life and enjoy it vs living to make a means to an end. I also want to finally learn to sail and someday build a sailboat, A) because I have wanted to since childhood and B) for above reasons. There is just something about letting the wind push you around at around 5 knots when the earth is good and ready too.

[@Dempdawg11]

Mr. Chickadee got tired of stacking bodies down range. Tired of seeing the worst of the world. Tired of Feeding his Marine Corps Dog Chesty Puller, the same dam crayons the Marines fed him. So He put his focus onto living. Just look into his eyes. God Bless America . Show mercy on our enemies o Lord, Chickadee shall not.

[@benharris7913]

I am a professional carpenter. I use power tools as well as antique hand tools everyday, and I remodel homes generally built before 1940. At my current remodel site, I've been rebuilding a house finished in 1929. The build quality of the old carpenters was far greater than anything I've seen come out of the past 40 or so years. The windows bear the marks of skilled use of planes, braces, and handsaws, and everyone of them is flawless after 90 years. Whenever someone questions my use of hand tools professionally, I show them the original workmanship in the house, and then I show them mine. I can attest that even in modern carpentry, the old skills still have their place, and I trust my family's wellbeing to tools made 150 years ago.

[@tomnekuda3818]

Interesting interview. When I was a young man I was teaching school in the Mississippi River Valley of Iowa. There were many beautiful very old barns in the region that were in a state of disrepair. Most of them were pegged and wedged together with no nails whatsoever....except tiny square shingle nails in the roofs. I got very interested in the falling-down barns as a result of running my own roofing company. I just could not stand to see these barns fall to ruin; so I studied how they were put together and began repairing them for farmers. It was some of the most satisfying work I've ever done and if I were not 73 years old, I'd go out and do it today. Happiness is a sharp chisel and good wood! I worked with oak, butternut, cottonwood, walnut, maple, and many other kinds of wood.....each, of course, having its specific work. Love your videos. Tom

[@michaelmoss5976]

One of my favorite aspects of Mr. Chickadee's videos is the lack of talking and unnecessary noise! Great videos and a great channel!

[@texanthom]

Absolutely one of my favorite channels! Glad to hear you are a good old Texas boy!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Didn't hear Texas in his voice at all. But the melding of a multitude of dialects and accents often attributed to military service. He might even pick up a Kentucky accent once he's been here long enough.

[@Jamkevcr88]

I can relate to the Kentucky weather...born and raised in the bluegrass state...hot and humid summers and cold winters...spring and fall aren’t bad as long as it isn’t raining lol

[@joydavis4087]

All the best to you and your family Mr. Chickadee. I enjoy your videos. I know if I want to learn something, carpentry, etc. I can turn to you. TY ❤❤❤

[@michaelhuguley831]

OMG there is hope for the world. So glad to see someone that has the ideology that cuts against the grain of modern society.

[@lmcollins_54]

Anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it. After I retired from the USMC, I built a 28 feet x 38 feet, garage in my back yard. I learned how to do it by reading several LIFE books and magazines. I even was able to install my own electrical power and drill a shallow well for water. The entire project cost me $7,500 back in 1992. You are a very talented guy and use a lot of ancient Japanese carpenter skills. I currently live in Iwakuni, Japan, which is famous for a wooden bridge called Kintai Bridge. It was built entirely of wood with no nails or bolts, it is completely built with interlocking joints.

[@rehtorbF03]

This was great! Your videos have been an inspiration in both their content and great presentation. Thank you for your Service, Mr. Chickadee.

[@momentoffaith2735]

amen thank you for your service

[@crgintx]

Semper Fi, Marine! I'm retired Air Force Ammo who was stationed just down the the street from you puppy pushers at Medina Annex. I was there in the mid '80's. I'm also from Tarrant County(Euless). Watched your channel for years now. Outstanding work!

[@markharris5771]

I’m a Brit, and I can see you’ve earned the right to do things things the more natural, organic, pleasing ways. You’ve done you’re share of pressure work, and as you were working for the same cause as our boys thank you. It’s good to hear you talk. If was obvious from your replies you are articulate as well as skilled.

[@UkiDLucas]

Thank you, my respect. Semper Fi.

[@shackman9566]

Thank you for your service. Our son served in Iraq. He was a fire support specialist with the 3rd infantry division. He passed away this summer before his 30 birthday. So when I say thank you for your service and your sacrifice I fully understand what it means. When you said your a marine I understood the tenacity you display in your work ethic. And as a traditional carpenter I fully understand just how hard you are working, oh to be young. Remember though our great grandparents didnt live as long, because nearly every task that every day life required was hard work. And alot of other detractors such as no where near as good of health care. But the body does wear out when you push hard. So spinkle in some modern stuff and dont get all hung up about it. God bless you and your family. The modern stuff for your living but hand tools are awsome. Didnt want you to think I dont agree with your love for hand tools. Nothing like long curls from a properly sharpened and adjusted plane.

[@killerhz]

You echo a lot of the sentiment of Paul Sellers. I haven't done much with woodworking since highschool shop, but as my kids get older and I have (hopefully) more free time, I hope to return to woodworking and do as much as possible with handtools. Thanks for being an inspiration!

[@psiclops521]

Been watching you for a while but this is the first time I watched this video because I don't want to hear you speak, just watch you work. I admire your patience. Until I learned that, I was a bad hand tool woodworker. I used to make furniture using power tools. I now work with hand tools exclusively because I enjoy it more. I also have built up my rather minimal selection of tools by buying used. It has saved me a great deal of money and I take great satisfaction in how little I have paid for such excellent tools. All of which is by way of saying I relate to what you say in this.

[@juantransportador]

HELLO, from chihuahua mexico, thank you for the video and GOD bless you and your family.

[@CHICOB4261]

I have just discovered your channel through a good friend. I am absolutely enthralled with your skilled craft. I too am a Marine 5811 & 5821. My family is from Lima, Peru I’m going to visit in February as a matter of fact. I just retired after 26 years in law enforcement and am going to start doing some wood working. I have really enjoyed watching your videos, keep them coming! Simper Fi brother!

[@ekim025]

Mr Chickadee, So enjoy you blogs! Great job, Not a lot of blah blah blah but good comments when you opt to speak! I’m 75 and after 20+ years Military and 35 years post retirement working Navy vessels my body is hurting big time. So I love my last years enjoying videos from good folks like your self. I’m still learning and at time using some of the learning also! You get four thumbs up from me! Thank you for your service before I forget! M Hutson

[@Youzack1]

I like your philosophy Mr. Chickadee. Thank you for your service sir. The world needs more people like you.

[@Erjet1008]

Thank you Mr. Chickadee! For your videos! And your way of doing them is like a Zen technique. Pleasant. Thanks again.

[@ericpagnelli7945]

Following you for many years.....I am french.... THANKS FOR EVERYTHING......👏👍😀

[@MichaelCarouthGutenTag]

Very smart. Love the insulation section particularly. I'm a fellow Texan, doing the offgrid thing in East Texas. 3 years into it I want to rip out our vapor barriers.

[@afsof1015]

Good job Marine ! This old retired SGM enjoys your videos. I wish I had another life to live.

[@lindamoggioable]

I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE STUMBLED ON YOUR VIDEO IN WHICH YOU WERE BUILDING A LOG CABIN. FABULOUSLY INTERESTING AND A JOY TO WATCH. I HAVE SUBSCRIBED AND WILL WATCH ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE ON YOU TUBE. GRATEFULLY, A WANNABE HOMESTEADER.

[@luzianweingartner480]

hi, Luzian here from Swiss. It's oddly satisfying to watch you working. I'm on my way to build a new Life with some friends, so, I'm grateful for each n every shared technical skills I can get my hands on. Back to basics... I think, we all should do. Thank you

[@rickholmwood2000]

MY LORD! This is my first time hearing your voice Mr. Chickadee. Thank you for your service.

[@johnconklin9039]

Nice knowing more about you. Always enjoy your videos.

[@TheBigLeeg]

Josh, Many of us admire what you’ve done with your life and lifestyle. Mostly because you’ve made a radical choice to live in a sustainable manner to a respectable extent. Also , you seemly enjoy or at least seem fulfilled with the choices you’ve made. Mostly we’re thankful that you’ve chosen to share the knowledge you’ve recovered. So much of what you do is nearly lost to time and innovation(a word I reluctantly use as it implies improved) Thank You From Minnesota

[@MrChickadee]

thank you for the kind words, its been a wild ride, and far from over!

[@allansheehan2033]

your use of hand tools also goes to the "connection" between you and the material you are working with !! it is no different that drawing with a pencil rather than a computer system with a drawing program !! its the connection and it is wonderful !! thank you for your videos

[@watchful1168]

Absolutely wonderful!

[@MrChickadee]

Glad you think so!

[@aprhe]

Love your videos! I am a US Army Iraq veteran who agrees with you on all your points. I suspect those experiences opened our eyes to the more important things in life driving us to live simpler. I purchased a 1900s stone farm house in Pennsylvania and have been learning to farm and work with wood in the traditional ways. I had assumed watching your videos that you must not speak English since there wasn't any narration. I was so surprised to hear your background and how knowledgeable and well spoken you are! You have so much talent and knowledge to share and I am very much looking forward to your future projects and inspired to attempt them myself!

[@Olmanmusic]

I have enjoyed each of your videos ,the absence of of a floor full of power tools is enlightening. Keep em coming .

[@curtisvonepp4335]

I have been watching your videos from the beginning with deep interest and amazement it's rare to see a young man with these skills today .🔔🔔🔔🙌

[@davidlee0817]

It’s because you Don’t speak, yet the viewer learns , an stays glued to video,, y’all do a awesome job, without all the yakking,,keep,m coming , an thanks,,

[@thomasarussellsr]

No yack-yack, more whack-whack.

[@johnholtii8252]

Fort Worth?!?! No kidding? Would never have guessed that. Thanks for your service and all the things ive learned from you.

[@renardgrise]

You, "Hand Tool Restoration", and "Hand Tool Rescue" are responsible for getting me into hand-tools. Keep up the great work!

[@ifletty]

When I was a much younger woman, I watched Roy Underhill, I am happy to see that he inspires you. I find watching your videos vastly interesting and that they feed my craving for a simple life.

[@stantilton3339]

Interesting background and not what I would have guessed. Nice to put a voice with the video's. Love the channel. Special thanks to your beautiful wife for filming.

[@boryckiwojciech6026]

With Love from Poland. All the best mate.

[@uekiguy5886]

A big "Hello" to Poland from Kansas, U.S.

[@sionyevans]

There will alwsys be those of us, willing to dedicate time and effort into producing something with our own hand and putting some love into the process...love your way good Sir...keep going..we're of the same ilk

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

Love what you do! Thanks for everything! It's very relaxing to watch your videos. You and Young Je don't speak or voice over and I still learn a ton.

[@lawrencekeating5571]

LimitedGunnerGM Couldn’t agree more. Love both of their channels.

[@redC16]

Big hello from Scotland. One of my favourite channels. I love what you do this and video has just been great, thanks

[@brienb1770]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@garrysekelli6776]

I love this channel so much. It's great to see these skills of hand made wood crafting.

[@robperkins3762]

I have enjoyed every video you made and I appreciate your dedication to your craft. As a Boy Scout and then a Marine Corps Engineer for 30 years I enjoyed every opportunity I had to build things using primitive tools and techniques. Keep up the good work and Semper Fi.

[@pagodaracingmountpennreadi8915]

Semper Fi brother. Your videos give me motivation for using traditional methods and vintage tools working on my 200yo house. I've been following you for a few years.

[@MrChickadee]

Glad to help

[@matthewfurlani8647]

I fully agree that the fastest way isnt the best way. As the marine corps taught me, the hard way often teaches you a lot more about what youre doing

[@TombstoneHeart]

I think it's the same with a lot of things in life - if you don't encounter some sort of adversity early on, then when it does arrive in your life, you won't know how to handle it. I learnt most things the hard way in my working life in road transport and earth moving. Nothing, absolutely nothing will make you into a far-better-than-average truck driver or plant operator than starting out on really bad equipment. I sometimes shudder when recalling some of the horrible gear I was saddled with back in my early 20's, but then I remember that eventually I got on top of it. I didn't beat it into submission - I just kept trying things until I found a way that worked. In an old truck with a bad disposition and an old crash gearbox, I would just keep experimenting with revs and gear changing speeds until it started working for me instead of the other way around. That's why I like Mr Chickadee's videos so much - he's a young bloke and he's willing to have a go and down here in the Great Southern Land, most of us have a lot of time for people like that.

[@waltermessines5181]

There was an expression in ICT: "There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over."

[@normanl881]

Loved getting to know you a little. Your workmanship is outstanding. Look forward to all your videos.

[@chrisscutt4197]

Purpose..Direction...Motivation...Keep up the good work.

[@ellatodorov5518]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience! It's very helpful! And wishing you and your wife blessing from God!!!!

[@filmbluff99]

I have watched and enjoyed very many of your videos. I like the way you do your non speaking videos, but this question and answer session was great and I think it has enabled us to understand you better. I use a mixture of hand and power tools 8n my woodworking. Some of my hand tools belonged to my father, my grandfather and the brother of my great grandfather. I enjoy using these as they have personal history for me. Best regards from the UK and the Canary Islands.🇬🇧

[@markirish7599]

Best wishes from Ireland and thank you for taking the time to teach me new skills 🇮🇪

[@McTroyd]

Thanks for the Q&A. The perspective frames the videos nicely. For what it's worth, the research really shows through in your videos... everything is deliberate and methodical. Watching you literally whittle down a problem goes miles to help illustrate how unnecessarily complicated things get.

[@jrherman3rd]

Thanks for your videos. I also grew up in Fort Worth and do handtool woodworking. I graduated from Southwest High School way back in 1982.

[@WoodByWright]

Love your work man! We should do a collab some time!

[@donleondevillafana7615]

Mr James, Thank you for all the effort that you've made, yesterday my grandma died, she loved your channel. Cheers Mr James

[@whuwhaaa2]

I love stone foundations and structures. I wish more people would embrace stone construction.

[@andimayermayer]

I follow you for quite soem years now and i never expected you to have this background :) And now in addition to the beautiful things you do you seem to be a well thought and intelligent person. I admire you and what you do, please keep up with your work! Greetings to you and your wife from a woodworker, hand tool lover and engineer in Germany :)

[@bentontool]

Thank you for your service Marine... well done on the videos... amazing work. You have a talent...

[@nicolasdelduca6759]

Thank you so much for sharing all this. I can dream for hours watching you timberframing and using handtools. Leaving in the city in a small flat in France, without direct access to Nature it's been a while I'm dreaming of getting closer to Nature and training myself on such topics. You're a huge source of inspiration. Keep going, wish you well 👍

[@johnhammack12]

Thank you for your service to our country... this is why we are free... the videos you give us is icing on the cake... plus you are my neighboring state... thanks to you and your wife for excellent work on the homestead for us to enjoy....

[@burtsoe1947]

I worked in construction and remodeling for many years. I like your work.

[@lennykelleher8732]

Thanks for your service. Love the channel.Also thanks for the leads on what you watch.

[@cindyr3720]

The word needs more REAL man like you. ♡♡♡.

[@edkonstantellis9094]

👊 Thank you for everything you share God's Blessings are obviously with you

[@speedbuggy16v]

Nice to finally hear your voice, I was beginning to wonder if you were mute. Great work, love your take on tools, methods, and the rest. Cute cat as well. Congrats, your living the dream!

[@alexhamon9261]

I knew I recognized some Roy Underhill techniques. Would be cool to have him out for a video and make something, he would love everything about your work, house and shop, getting the next generation interested in traditional woodworking is the thing he's devoted his life to.

[@jaymu9879]

Mans a class act . Thanks for serving .

[@shaneroper477]

Good to hear the voice behind the intelligence. Excellent workmanship!

[@jimf1964]

Dude, you thank us for motivating you? Youve motivated me like crazy. I'm planning on getting a place in the country in a couple years, and have already started to collect antique tools. Got a few from my dads stuff when he died, refilling the gaps at antique stores. Thank you so much!

[@BaldAdventures]

Man, I’ve just found your channel after my dive into wood turning. It’s insane that content this good is free. Thanks Mr Chickadee.

[@shanek6582]

I’m almost done with my 30x20 timberframe carport that I’ve been working on for two months (with power tools even). It’s beautiful and will really raise the value of my house, I never would have considered starting it without this channel.

[@j.ericswede7084]

Mr. Chickadee speaketh. Thanks for your service and showing us that you can learn by doing. #Salute

[@michaeljohnson309]

Enjoy your channel. We have a lot in common. I live in the woods of Eastern North Carolina in an old farm house. I enjoy green wood working, making white oak baskets, restoring and rehandling antique tools, and making white oak baskets. Semper Fi from a 0352/0369.

[@jeduel]

This is the best channel ever. You speak my language. 100% Semper Fi I wish I could hit the like button more than once.

[@officialmultie]

Thank you very much for doing this Q&A. It is unbelievable how fascinating your videos are considering that you do not say a word. So.... hearing you in this Q&A was such a delight, and very inspiring too.

[@mebhi2]

As much as I love watching your peaceful quite videos it was really nice to hear your voice! Looking forward to new videos and hopefully seeing more of your wife and Charles.... God Bless

[@MadStacks007]

Thank you for your service. Semper Fi

[@jasongreen8313]

My daughter and I love to watch your videos. She wants to be a carpenter. I love that your videos are silent. It creates more inspiration.

[@larrylaird3576]

Thanks for explaining what your about and I love how you work and the Japanese joinery you produce...

[@Edwinwest72]

First I knew you were ex military because of your boots you wear in the video. Second watching your videos inspires me to do my own projects. Also now knowing that you learned alot of things you do on the internet makes me feels like I also can do it. Thank you for posting the videos.

[@lompact3559]

Mr. Chickadee, I appreciate what have done and what you do. V/R & S/F JDB

[@Joy-rh6wv]

Love to watch your videos (from Holland) and your crafts. Love the slow and well-thought-over actions.

[@barkleyusmc]

I liked your channel for quite a while. Didn’t realize we had so much in common. My wife and four kids are rehabbing a warehouse from 1908 in rural West Virginia. Neither of us are from West Virginia. Part of the attraction was low code threshold. This is actually the first comment I’ve left on KZbin. Great channel. Semper Fi.

[@rossmcleod7983]

Love your work Mr Chickadee, we share a similar work ethic and ideals and yes - aesthetic. Greetings and best wishes from Australia.

[@briangable08]

Thank you so much for all your videos, and now we all really think we know you after your super Q&A respect from North Herefordshire UK where the beef comes from

[@Tom-nw4vb]

Thank you for your videos I injoy all of your videos and I have been one of those people that was curious of your journey and you did a fine job of filling that , may you and your wife have a great life doing what path of learning and living your life and thank you for your service

[@martywilsonlife]

Quality and craftsmanship keeps us coming back.

[@1971jwing]

Thank you for your service. Jar heads are perfect for hand tools. Thanks for sharing your methods so that people can learn from your acquired wisdom, and enjoy the natural synergy of working with wood. Great health to you and yours.

[@53jed]

Goodday to you Charles. I've known you for some time and it's good to know your name, finally.