Raising our Japanese timber frame, no machines, just one mans hands, ASMR

Finally time to raise our Japanese Timber frame house extension. Due to the demure nature of this style of framing, I was able to assemble the entire frame alone with just my two hands, no mechanical advantage such as lifting shears, tackle blocks, cranes, or hoists of any kind were needed. Having worked with much heavier framing styles, this is a joy!
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[@semloclusa1630]

Thank you for not having any annoying musical accompaniment. Just the sounds of the birds, nature and your work is perfect!

[@rollingacresfarmstead206]

Exactly what i was gonna say👍

[@aNaturalist]

Absolutely agree!

[@choomanfoo]

Indeed, I can never watch longer than 20 seconds if there's background music. It's a mystery to me why people do that.

[@cory0814]

I'm a carpenter, a pretty good one too. I enjoy using hand tools when I can or it's feasible but the respect/admiration I have for this guy is focused on one thing, primarily and that's his PATIENCE. This guy has to have monk-like Zen. Obviously is craftsmanship his incredible also but that can be taught. I'm sure he's read up and /or been influenced by others but you can't teach patience like this. Well done as always.

[@franklee2683]

Yes ,Ive worked as a carpenter in America and the pressure to meet deadlines and do everything FAST is an unfortunate reality. When Im building a personal home project, I move at a more comfortable pace. I ENJOY carpentry...working the wood,building the sheds,spa houses, barn doors. I am not worried about finishing the job fast,as I am careful to ENJOY the process. Love what you do,and you are a free man...

[@brettallen4752]

I'm just amazed how he holds dimensions so tight over those lengths in a building sitting on rocks. The guy's amazing.

[@meanbob6762]

Dear Mr. Chickadee, I remember how you once explained how you once just got started without any background in woodworking. Just how everyone has to, haha. By now you build wonderful things, with amazing techniques being very resourceful. I was hoping you can share some interesting literature and resources where you get your knowledge from. Your videos are very well made and a piece of art itself. A big compliment to the artist behind that. Keep going living your ideas and inspiring the people. An economical, ecological live is possible. Best regards, Paul.

[@daniel_charms]

In some ways, this kind of construction technology is surprisingly modern: you can manufacture pretty much everything in a workshop or production plant somewhere and then it's just "some assembly required" at the construction site.

[@FreekHoekstra]

Timber framing is making a resurgence, especially with continous exterior insulation. Providing great insulation, visible structure inside, no thermal bridging, factory production of the frame (so no wet rotting wood for a long time on site) quick raising of the structure, (days rather then weeks/months for the structure itself) and less wood used overall, while building a stronger structure. Its definitely what i’m going to do when i self-build

[@jayecurry1369]

Maybe an old construction technique that surprisingly seems modern might be called "timeless"?

[@gregwarner3753]

There are several companies providing factory made house kits that include all the wiring, windows and insulation in the walls. The frame is accurately manufactured indoors to a very high standard. After the contractor supplies a foundation and an access road that can take a semi truck the building arrives and is assembled in a few days. Schedule another week to hook up the electricity, water and sewage and the house is ready for occupancy. This is more expensive than a pile of sticks of dubious quality but is available sooner and ready to move in. IMHO - a better deal.

[@benanddadmechanical6573]

I think this whole conversation misses the concept. Unless I’m mistaken every board in this structure is hand felled and finished. I am pretty sure there is not a single piece of ‘dimensional lumber’ from a factory mill.

[@calebfuller4713]

That's actually how it's done in Japan nowdays. Most houses still use traditional heavy post and beam timber framing like in this video, however all the timber is CNC cut at a mill and delivered shrink wrapped on a truck to the site. They then hire a crane and a small army of carpenters and assemble the whole thing in one day! The main difference is that metal bolts are now used to hold it all together instead of the wooden pegs and wedges shown here. That giant mallet will still make an appearance on-site though, to knock the beams into place!

[@So_Iace]

The "Haha!" When the gable fell into place is how I felt every time another piece was added

[@charleshettrick2408]

Excellent! Brought a tear to my eye. Your skills took me back 40+ years, helping my father build sheds and decks on our Japanese / Chinese fusion house adjoining a wooded park. He had your skills. We used the same construction on the sheds, porches and garage. There were many days in the overcast, cold and rain, with the hammer of the maul echoing off the woods. I could really smell the fresh sawn wood mixed with coal smoke from the forge, wet ground and my father's wet clothes. The beams are vibrating in hand again as they gently are placed against the freshly seated pillars. My Dad saying only a few words telling me where to guide the beam while the slight hiss of the rain crinkles the leaves. All the while I was marveling at a man 60+ with the strength of a man less than 1/2 his age. The core house was mostly traditional 1960s construction to permit hired laborers to quickly build so we could occupy, but with Dad's extra beefing up and the architectural Japanese/Chinese design and all real 1/2" redwood exterior plywood paneling. (Can't get replacements. We tried.) The doors, entryways (over the moat), porches, garage, and many other were built over years. (For the first year we had a 2x12x 10 foot plank over the moat to get into the house. It looked a long way down to a 6 year old but you get over it fast. Mom did not.) Watching you build the attic was the best. I don't know how you do it. Every time I tried to get a beam in place, the far end would fall off. Usually it would take 3 or 4 tries or my Dad to help. (I never trusted my self. There was always a c-clamped support to catch the beam.) Our roof pitch was too low to have useable attic. Plus Dad super braced with extra rafters and supports. The roof on one of his school buildings collapsed in 1958 and killed 3 children. He was found totally blameless. But it shook him up. All his building roofs after that could support an army. The extra bracing came in handy in the blizzards of 78 and 79. Neighbors had significant roof damage from the snow. We had more snow load due to the trees dropping snow and some limbs, but the roof stood solid. Also, with a 3.5 foot overhang and no gutters (moat replaced gutter), we never worried about ice dams. Again, thank you very much for sharing your excellent skills and thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@MrChickadee]

That sounds like a magical house, and your father an amazing man.

[@kreterakete]

Thank you Charles. Amazing words and a pleasure to read. I would like to read one of your books :)

[@richardclark4580]

All of the joinery involved in building this magnificent structure involves such precision and thoughtful layout. Being able to work at a comfortable pace w/ no one micromanaging your every move and taking the time to gather a small fortune in old school hand tools makes a big difference in the quality of construction process. A tip of the hat to you and may you live long and prosper.

[@konzam3]

wow man thats a great story

[@ccoody1]

I have been a home builder for 27 years and I have to say it puts a tear in my eye to see someone capable of that level of joinery and precision of measurements and layout. Well done.

[@Chris-cn7bc]

Japanese don’t play.

[@tae-wonseo4835]

This is art.

[@johoco2001]

Brain massage

[@man-qz8ki]

what is art

[@Maxid1]

No! This is Josh!

[@samuraijack9532]

man

[@henkjanssen1252]

I love how your hammering echoes through the forrest.

[@pablorodriguez6318]

I like how much respect this kind of construction shows to the location

[@lorenzo8373]

Dear Mr. Chickadee, that's incredible how a man could make this wonderful building alone. Respect to you and thank you to share your knowledge with us.

[@69Buddha]

I felt the whole internet breathe a sigh of relief when that Jimune dropped into place. Beautiful work.

[@MrChickadee]

I know I did haha

[@garethjohnpugh7194]

@@MrChickadee I agree. 9:20 to 9:33 is quality... in every sense.

[@rayiiird8259]

This guy's works are seriously underrated.

[@BluestedSRT4]

This is the good stuff. The amount of planning and figuring that went into making these joints on the ground and to have them fit together so precisely on raising day is a massive undertaking.

[@sethwarner2540]

The quiet smarts shown here must have been developed over a long time, and as a youth, with other people with similar gifts! Yeah, just my opinion, like it matters...thanks for sharing this part of your life, and showing a person CAN do something he puts his mind to! Im building a 3-sided day bed for the first time, and with all M&Tennons!!

[@nathanjones428]

No wonder there hasn't been many videos lately, someone's been busy making a masterpiece of joinery! Truely epic, the satisfaction of seeing those joints just 'slip together' 👌

[@Maxid1]

9:33 I love the little victory chuckle. There's nothing like things falling into place.

[@xysix2548]

Mr. Chickadee, that has to be the niftiest timber-frame joinery I have even seen. My hat is off to you, my friend. Your work is a joy to behold.

[@AdrienGiboire]

The satisfaction when everything just fits.

[@Crewsy]

It still amazing to see something constructed in pieces on the ground fit so precisely when finally assembled. Traditional North American timber frame is constructed in sections that essentially just get stood up vertically as they were constructed horizontally.

[@waynelewis881]

As a retired engineer, I have to compliment you on the planning and calculations that had to take place before the first cut was ever made.

[@gus473]

That alone would stop a lot of people! Truly satisfying to see it come together! And solo -- wow! 👍🏼

[@Battlehummel]

@@IM-ce7zc I'm not sure however this type of footing is used a lot in Japan as an earthquake vibration dampening device as the footings move with the tremors instead of trying to resist them

[@gus473]

@@IM-ce7zc Know of a similar foundation in Minnesota -- not an earthquake zone, of course -- that's in reasonable shape after > 100 years.....

[@dickchese862]

As a form Mechanic and Engineer I believe all College kids going to school for an ME should just do one year as a mechanic.

[@thomream1888]

@@IM-ce7zc I wondered that if you had each rock "sloping in" toward the center of the building, if this would assist in focusing the natural gravitational pull inward? I am NOT a PE or any other engineer (well, except for trains!) but if there were going to be any slippage this would aim it back into the center of the building, and center of the weight. Comments, anybody??? And Thanks, Josh - your efforts by this non-PE dude are very much appreciated.

[@FOOKYOUTUBENUMBERS]

Looks like someone's been studying Mr Kiyosi Seike; He would be proud of Your Excellent Work, Magnificent Work Mr Chickadee Your a credit to the World

[@borp6912]

Does that book teach you to make a whole house? The Art of Japanese Joinery?

[@victoriamiskolczy6336]

So much work to make all those mortise and tenons! You must be REALLY accurate in your measurements and really skilled with saws, chisels and planers! I could not do this... This is REALLY IMPRESSIVE! You are truly an artist in your building.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you very much!

[@wgoconnor33]

Beautiful video as always . It’s an honor to watch you work so patiently and methodically.

[@alexandreoliveira9197]

the use of drone has improved the view of your art, congratulations.

[@JeffGloverArts]

You had me at that "key" joint to join the two Nuki lengths! Beautiful work and craftsmanship as always!

[@Aleph-Noll]

yeah after it was put together you couldnt even tell it was two pieces haha

[@albionwatts6000]

Yup, beautiful artwork, never to be seen again...Perfection.

[@MRrwmac]

Another absolutely amazing design and build of joinery technique that came together with only one man and his dream! Congratulations!!!!!

[@genewhitesides2722]

Always honored to be given the privilege to watch you work and reach a deeper understanding of how your mind works. Thank you for sharing so many parts of your work and life.

[@frattman]

I just had a rough day at work, where things didn't go as planned, again, leading me to loose patience and pout. Watching your patience and perseverance gives me fortitude to go back and try my best even in the face of failure. Cheers!

[@28naveenator27van]

Hang in there mate. Youll see better days ahead.

[@kenthorsen4558]

A great job of filming this beautiful piece of history!

[@scotwkilgrow]

That work is my passion. Great work. I've built many custom log home. I enjoy watching a craftsman work his trade.

[@eyeballdude]

I love how everything just line up and slide into place. You are indeed a master craftsman!

[@ebbios]

Wow....the progress is insane. Beautiful work mr c

[@robvanza]

Seriously impressive! The Japanese were miles ahead in construction with wood!! What a great build series you're doing!!

[@robertbrewer2190]

I read that Japanese residences are now built to last 30 years because they have no value for tax purposes.

[@driftwood4625]

Can't even imagine the satisfaction you must feel once everything comes together and fits so tightly. Amazing work!

[@teaziest746]

This is one of the most mesmerizing and beautiful things I've seen in a very long time. Excellent work.

[@twcmaker]

Wonderful work. Love how the joints are just right for one person to assemble. The echo around the building when the tone changes on the last knock of some of the joints. Beautiful yet powerful in the calm 💪

[@no_follow5906]

This is pure perfection, I would like to live in such a house.

[@davidbumpus3457]

Looks amazing! I love watching your wood working wizardry. It's so relaxing and enjoyable.

[@E.lectricityNorth]

Watching your projects is a great way to learn...about many things--not least how to work in peace and quiet, building structural artwork masterpieces. Thanks for this. I hope to see the rest of the project as it is completed. Those posts were perfectly fitted, wow. I am always reminded of a sailing vessel of some sort when I see this type of structure.

[@timothyschumann]

Three minutes ago?! You read my MIND! -- Seriously though, thoroughly enjoy watching your craftsmanship skills.

[@jimneely4527]

Amazing! I watched the Amish raise barns when I was young, but I never saw anyone do this single-handed. Your joinery is masterful! Thank you for sharing.

[@drowningfishes111]

Amazing work Mr Chickadee, as per usual. Every joint is a work of art and we can appreciate the time that goes into every one of them!

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

You sir never cease to amaze me! Top-notch quality work!!

[@JDLarge]

I could just watch this for hours… So as soon as this winter hurries up through, I’m planning on building a shed in the spring. I may very well try to timber frame it and take my time with it so it outlives me, but we’ll see. I’ve been collecting wood, old/new windows, and tarpaper and such. A goal is to try and locate fresh sawn lumber in my area soon. Unfortunately the prices right now are completely through the roof and to roll the dice and go to the big box store for any lumber is just crazy thinking... thanks for taking us a long brother, for one who doesn’t even use words you’re one hell of an instructor and motivator. A little different than receiving blocks of instruction during our times being enlisted right? Nothing beats ones own pace… slow and steady now wins the race✌🏼😉 Stay healthy, stay safe.

[@AaronPetersonSSSD]

Thanks for allowing us all to see this journey and craftsmanship you have embarked on. I love watching your videos, especially with my kids so they can think creatively and mechanically through your modeling. Thanks for sharing your gifts and talents. Your channel is one of the best on KZbin.

[@adambudda3822]

This has been going around in my head for the last 2 days. This video may have just completely redone my plans for timberframing a house of my own.

[@pastortiniojr3241]

it is always a pleasure to watch you work. your knowhow, precision, and diligence is simply awesome!

[@dandrak]

A perfect work like this can only comes from a person that works with courage, passion, love, determination, it's really pleased to see his work, like in the old school without nails and screws, this is the work of a craftsman, a clear example that if you can dream it you can do it. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your work with the community.

[@Banjo-lm2wl]

So good to see you back this year MR Chickadee. Love watching your brilliant workmanship always. Sending much love to you and your wife from Australia xxx

[@CrystalChiEuphoricGardens]

It's nice to see long lost skills being beautifully crafted you did an amazing job!

[@barryquinn5840]

Watching this during my lunch hour after a tedious morning spent reviewing steel drawings has renewed me. I'll probably have to watch it again this evening. Really great work. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@psiclops521]

I'm trying to learn enough to be a decent hand tool woodworker. Your array of skills and achievements are way beyond what I aspire to. Thanks for letting us all watch you.

[@DorianBracht]

Great extension! It will look fantastic an have a nice view. Nice joinery choices btw.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you sir!

[@armyguy9735]

@@MrChickadee I watched your videos on Stone Masonry and it reminded me of my Grandfather on the farm. I am in the early 50's and he used to put the stones in a sandbox to control the redirection of force underneath if a rock was there. So the sandbox acted like cushion. Just an old pioneer trick to make life easier. Big Fan Keep up the Good Working.P.S. I am also ex military.

[@boletussatanas2525]

​@@MrChickadee one day mr.Chickadee will make the Eiffel Tower out of wood just a little bigger

[@jasonb421]

@@MrChickadee Incredible. How long did this project take, start to finish (excluding lumber dry time)?

[@jasonb421]

@@MrChickadee It’s like, not using noisy power tools makes the construction process so much more serene… almost a spiritual experience, I imagine…

[@dougdorn9226]

Amazing job! A lot of patience went into these joints!

[@andrewsackville-west1609]

Just a work of art. Such a gift for generations to come.

[@timothyludolph832]

I have long loved the timber frame method of building. But I have not been introduced to the Japanese style , so I have really learned a lot but have also been inspired by your beautiful execution. Great work that really brings joy to this woodworker. Thanks

[@ShimodaLife]

Great progress, Josh. "We don't need no steenkin' scaffolding!" Ha. I was lifting a 6"x10" just the other day, on flat ground, and that was scary enough. Respect!

[@zfortyounce]

Man, watching how much work and dedication it takes to make each piece of framing for this project, I cannot imagine how satisfying it must be when it finally starts to come together. Great work.

[@jamesart9]

Oh my, that interlocking jointing . . . beautiful.

You have very good works. I watch you fondly. Good luck with.

[@Gus0046]

Es espectacular el trabajo. El esfuerzo. La dedicación. Te felicito!! Eres un genio!!

[@peteandant]

Such a beautiful process and lovely to watch it all go together

[@peterellis4262]

That horizontal "puzzle" joint housed in the mortise of the post - Brilliant! That's just elegant.

[@Leib33]

Wow! I know there's quite a substantial amount of time between videos, but I still don't see how there is THAT much time to make all those pieces, film, edit etc. Kudos!

[@ijemand5672]

Great job!

[@alastairmackay4589]

Incredible skill. Raising a structure like that single-handed - and the accuracy of those handmade joints. Amazing.

[@michaelwhiteoldtimer7648]

THIS IS ALMOST BEYOND BELIEF HOW THIS ALL FITS TOGETHER. THANKS FOR TAKING US ALONG

[@CitySimBuilds]

This is so freaking cool!

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Lol (at the end and camera panning across footings n me to myself) "I was there when he scribed them in" love em bub

[@clydedecker765]

Of all the videos on KZbin that I watch, YOURS are the one I look forward to the most. The skill and the thought that goes into every build is amazing. Thank you for sharing .

[@jakebrakejunky10-4]

That is an awesome build. Ive been thinking and building a timber framed shop in my head and on paper for a few years and your videos have taken what I read and put in to a visual for me. Thank you.

[@Mel-di3sl]

I stand in awe... like watching a Swiss watch being made.

[@FunnyGuy7]

quite the lego set ya got there partner

[@Nocturnes1984]

Epic build and video! No music, no talking. Pure woodworking.

[@enderwiggin2856]

I'm always impressed with your attention to detail in your work. Your channel is one of the few I always look forward to new content. Well done sir.

[@J.A.Smith2397]

EVERYBODY in the holler knows when Mr chikadee is building with that echo lol

[@alexandergerlitz3611]

Ваши фильмы войдут в историю. Супер.👍👍👍👍👍🔥

[@Hippy_Heaven]

This is kind of sacred work - pure meditation. Thank you for sharing this with us

[@BoB4jjjjs]

I love the way you work with wood, no nails or glue. It is a great skill you have and it is good to see it still being used and not forgotten. May take a bit longer than the modern builds of today, but it will still be there when we are all gone, a testament to your skills sir. Love to see you working like they used to do, when there was skill around.

[@tsgsjeremy]

Good call going with balsa. If you'd used pine some of those timbers would have been heavy af. ;-)

[@MrD4v3]

Dude this is astonishing. The fact that you managed to pull this off, alone, without electric tools is just mind blowing. This is art.

[@voneschenbachmusic]

It was amazing to watch each peace crafted with such precision and beauty, now assembled into a stunning structure. Well done!

[@jonnybkuehl878]

The joinery is Amazing!! Thank you for sharing your skills of this!!

[@manob2594]

me: Thinks about japanese minimalist non materialistic way of a happy life Also me: Damn I want some new nice woodworking tools

[@cooper5324]

Isn’t minimalism just about having things you want and use, and getting rid of stuff that doesn’t fulfill wants or needs anymore. Or is it just depriving yourself of things because I’ve seen people go crazy with the whole minimalism thing and decide to live in white boxes.

[@KrisHarbour]

Fantastic joinery. very impressive. Just wondering where the bracing is? Maybe the plan is to sheet the outside so that acts as bracing?

[@hokipokist]

I believe Japanese framing doesn't use bracing. Maybe the infill material offers stability? However, I believe that collapsing, traditionally built houses, due to earthquakes, have been a problem in japan.

[@ilovesparkour]

I'm wondering the same. Not an expert, but from what I've read the bracing can't be replaced by external sheathing. I'm interested in what they will say though!

[@thomasarussellsr]

I believe the pegs and wedges, along with the accuracy of the joinery (pegs draw bored to tighten the mortice/tennon joints) holds everything tight enough to preclude bracing necessity in Japanese architecture. The long boards run through the posts and wedged takes the place of angled bracing as well, I believe. But I could be wrong. In many oriental buildings, rice-paper grids is all there is between these structural frame work, so, I imaging it is plenty strong as it stands. We'll see how he proceeds, though. The hills of Kentucky get colder than Japan does, I'm sure he'll want something more insulative than rice paper to keep the structure warm in the winter.

[@joebuckley9940]

The "bracing" is in the joinery, I doubt there will be any " sheet-ing", frankly im surprised coming from a "builder".

[@CryptolockerMD]

FIRST. Sorry, but when you see one of your favorite youtuber's comment on another of your favorite youtuber's video, you have to say something... :D

[@WisconsinWanderer]

I have been totally amazed that one man can do all this! Truly remarkable!! Great craftsmanship and major patients to boot!!

[@aderftard]

From the smooth fit of all those relatively complex joints, your measuring skills must be outstanding! Thanks for sharing this project, it's inspiring.

[@makeituseit6011]

Thank you for keeping craftmanship and carpentry skills alive. It's too bad, but sadly understandable, that the cost of living and labour rates promotes quick construction methods.

[@devajonesdiy]

3:55 I'm not sure what species of wood that is but you must be as strong as an ox to have hoisted that up there

[@jkr3008]

I find amazing both japanese joinery and your hard work. Can't wait to see the project done.

[@Rene_Voortwist]

And you made all of that by hand. Just wow!

[@ronniestanley75]

This guy is a machine!! You can't build and assemble a timberframe building by yourself. Hold my beer!

[@jameskniskern2261]

Well, in the before-covid times, Josh offered timber framing workshops. And had help with these things. I'm sure that 2021 or 2022, will see more classes being held by Mr. Chickadee.

[@makermarx]

Hold my mead.

[@magnuscharette1132]

Out of curiosity, were the plans for this all your own, and if so, what’s the drawing board time like for a project of this scale, and what does it entail?

[@rcb3921]

I really appreciate the deliberate way he moves around on that structure. No falls are small falls.

[@Raya14]

This craftsman follows the traditions of Japanese masters. Beautiful !

[@gl309495]

This looked easy in the sped up KZbin version, but how long did the actual assembly take you? Also how much time did the beam prep take? Amazing work!

[@MrChickadee]

3 days for the raising, 2 months or so for the joinery.

[@vwbusguy]

Can i ask will the wedges need to be knocked in further as the wood dries?

[@peterbull3955]

@@MrChickadee that's actually insanely fast!!

[@DerLaCroix1]

A metaphor for life itself. Sometimes things just fall into place. And sometimes, you need to whack them with a huge hammer..

[@gus473]

Things like this tend to "fall into place" after lots of preparation.... ಠಿ_ಠ

[@gribordy]

200 years ago that hammer was called a "commander".

[@ExecutionSommaire]

I guess I'm still trying to have the first post stand on its rock, but it keeps falling on my head

[@RufusDawes999]

Love te “yeehaa” on min 09.35” ... never a simple sound resumed so much joy !

[@harrypowers9412]

I appreciate the use of hand tools in the building of this structure. 👍🏻