Rope Stropped Tackle Blocks

Its about time to raise our timber frame cabin skyward, so we need a little help to get our heavy bents off the ground. In this video we make a few rope stropped tackle blocks which will combine with our capstan to impart a huge mechanical advantage to any force applied.
For these blocks we start with some dry riven Chestnut Oak, which we plane down true and square. These pieces are glued up and carved to accept the rope stropping. For our sheaves we use an old sailors favorite, Lignum Vitae wood, hardest wood in the world, and self lubricating. As I have not had the time to build myself a lathe yet to turn these sheaves, I used a hand crank grinder in a pinch. Though not so much necessary as just fun to play with, a yankee hand crank drill press helps us get our holes perfectly straight and square though all the pieces, which helps much in assembly and during operation. The combination of the lignum sheaves and bronze axles create a tackle block that is impervious to rust that might foul a steel block, and was a staple of the old sailing ships of the past.
Unidale and Charles the cat help out with twine inspection and overall supervision of the project from start to finish. In our next video we will be doing a quick demonstration of this tackle block system and our timber frame capstan, as we ramp up for the raising of our cabin.
ADDED: blocks were soaked in a mix of 1/3rd each pine tar, raw linseed oil, citrus solvent, heated and stirred...

[@elliotsanford8183]

A lot of people on KZbin do the things they do in order to get a following, make money, or impress people. Here is a man just making the things he needs, doing the things he loves, and it is truly wholesome and inspiring thing to watch. Thanks for letting us see your projects and sharing nearly forgotten skills. It's exactly what the world needs right now.

[@Wmoore1]

This might be a bit weird, but I have your videos on a constant loop on my tv. Something about the raw sound of wood and hand tools on wood, rope binding and flexing, hand drills spinning, etc. is just incredibly relaxing. Thank you for putting out such great videos. I always find myself coming back eagerly checking for new content.

[@jerbear7952]

Fellow weirdo

[@jonanderson5137]

I have a similar hand powered grinder, never would have thought to use it as a lathe. Excellent!

[@thomream1888]

Inspected by "Feline #32" Softfur Inc. Made in USA

[@sed6]

7:20 Titebond glue, the only modern tool in his shop I bet!

[@FROMTHEWALVECHANNEL]

Estaba buscando una manera rustica de hacerlo y tu trabajo es excelente felicitaciones desde valdivia chile.

[@ianstradian]

15 years as a modern Merchant Marine, I have often wanted to see these things made, thank you sir.

[@belesariius]

I have watched all your videos now - thank you for them all. The format you use is of the best I have seen on you tube. And of course it goes without saying, your workmanship ( and way of life) is stunning, and I so understand why ... thanks again.

[@steveboling4217]

this is a great series not a lot of info on you tube about making rope stropped blocks think I saw one other guy make one on a table saw but what you guys are doin is awesome thank you!!

[@ambiguoussoul1246]

The only thing I would recommend would be to treat the rope with pine tar. You can get it in quart and gallon containers as an equine hoof treatment. Beautifully done.

[@johndeggendorf7826]

Also good for fingernails & cuticles. 👍☕️🎩

[@AndrewMorgan666]

As always, your skills as an artisan never fail to offer inspiration to me, I do hope that you continue to share your knowledge.

[@texas1step]

I never thought there where so many different antique hand tools till I started watching your videos.

[@yonihales9133]

having my mind on Christ 24x7 as i watch your work I relate your begining , steps and ending to my walk with im...even though I cant do as you do or the next step I follow relaxed knowing you do. Something about watching you work on these vids is very relaxing. Thanks! :)

[@shaunblunden294]

!st view! Thanks for sharing, i cant get enough of your videos. I love every moment of them.

[@johnlamb95]

I see you’ve got a little apprenticed their (Cat)

[@Zeemike1]

By god there are still people who know how to do things without power tools Great job, not only are they beautiful but functional as well.

[@BRUNO85AGENEAU]

salut a vous deux de la FRANCE respect sur le travail cela fait 40 ans que je n'ai pas vu se genre de travail BRAVO

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Beautiful work. I love the hand-crank drill press and lathe grinder. This is an excellent series. I anticipate your videos.

[@pascalbriand9987]

At some point, I thought, he's making a 3 piece toaster! But that wasn't it.... Lol. Beautiful work, love your videos.

[@craigmooring2091]

That hand crank grinder was a great hack. You made it look like you'd been doing for years. I am glad Charles has a feline companion.

[@islandblacksmith]

lignum vitae! great use of the hand grinder and the rope work looks much tidier this time...keep it up!

[@battmann678]

Beautiful work, and I love cats, but I have this thought. If they weighed a hundred pounds or so I think they'd eat us.... Looking forward to your next video.

[@pebblesthecat3625]

I think the kittens did an amazing job of supervising the entire project. I have always wondered how these were made - now I know exactly ! Great video, thanks for sharing your plethora of knowledge with us lesser mortals.

[@johnlamb95]

Pebbles The Cat LOL!

[@gunterschone8402]

Very beautiful video. The devices look awesome. I put on my hat off to you, what you have two on the legs (build workshop, means that you have been the nature). Regarding the adhesive, as you have often taken Japanese connections. The Japanese take glue rice, but do not know how that is produced. Greetings from Germany

[@mikebeacom4883]

Günter Schöne I

[@willienolegs8928]

Outstanding job. For such a young man. Single and triple sheaved blocks and used the word tackle. Universal man, a good farmer and sailor, just a hundred and fifty years too late.

[@charlesloveday9208]

Never cease to amaze me with all Ur talents!

[@petermarsh4993]

Thoroughly enjoying your work. What is your background? It seems that you have a broad base in construction using traditional techniques. I think you are living the life that many of we viewers can only dream about. You heated some fluid to briefly soak your blockwork. Was that linseed oil? Thanks again for sharing.

[@MrChickadee]

I was a marine dog handler, I spent a few years reading books and watching the woodwrights shop, then bought a bunch of old tools, sharpened them, and let them teach me how they work, we sold everything we owned and moved into a tent on some acres in KY. I added the recipe to the description on the pine tar mix.

[@silversurfer233]

Mr. Chickadee Excellent work..but the real star of the video is the cat.

[@ironnutnate]

Mr. Chickadee Semper Fi.

[@TheGreasemonkey76]

once again great video! truly inspiring. The hand grinder lathe is brilliant! I will say I'm surprised you didn't just carve it out of a single burly oak stump! lol. Thanks for sharing always a joy to watch. compliments to the videographer great stuff!

[@freemrkt]

When the apocalypse comes, I want him in my compound, with my tribe!

[@mwhyte1979]

Looks like your furry apprentices enjoy working in your shop.

[@JohnSmith-ki2eq]

Possibly the worlds first manly cat video : )

[@NornerNlhoutbewerking]

Your carpentry skills are awesome, but that kitty always makes me smile ;) Great video and can't wait for the rest of the series!

[@Latvianization]

There is something very satisfying in seeing those old tool geting put to use

[@griznog]

When I was growing up I had a book that belonged to my father that he had kept from classes he had taken when apprenticing in some aspect of industrial construction (he was a welder and pipe fitter, but I don't know if this was part of that training or not). The book detailed knots, block and tackle usage, construction of tripods for lifting and all sorts of other great stuff around how to move things with ropes, pulleys and poles. I lost it along the way and have never found a suitable replacement, but watching you build the blocks brought back memories of that book and all my small scale experiments in dragging things around the yard with whatever ropes and boards I had at my disposal. I retain a love for pulling things with chains and come-alongs and ropes and am looking forward the the next videos with great anticipation. Thanks for bringing back some good memories and for another great video.

[@Imightberiding]

I'm a recent subscriber & I think I have binged through all your videos to date. As always, nice work. Looks like white oak, maybe red but oak non the less for the blocks. Was it walnut you used for the pulleys? I enjoy the peaceful attitude of your videos & your persistence, patience & satisfying results from your attention to detail & overall hard work. At first I wondered why you never spoke or narrated. You don't even talk to each other in your videos. My father used to tell me that your ears & mind don't work when your mouth is open. I'm certain you have discovered this valuable little piece of wisdom yourself. Cheers from Vancouver Island. Looking forward to future videos & your fine work. *As a side note: I was concerned about the well being of your smokey grey kitten; wild life & all around your shop. I was happily relieved at the end.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Very nice work.

[@yanknoz9710]

Some seriously nice work. What is the name of device you used to turn the pulleys?Thanks for the upload, looking forward to cabin.

[@lloydr.6271]

I own and have sailed on some very old wooden working sailing boats and barges and had wondered what would happen when our older crafts people went to that great sail loft in the sky. I needn't have worried. I would imagine you have a job for life if all you decided to do was make blocks. Beautiful film ably assisted by the cats. Thank you, another lovely start to the day. Lloyd, Wales.

[@odyseus6666]

Great video. Quick question, I know you were a Working Dog Handler (Rah 58 field 5831 myself), but was your wife also in the Marines? Saw her wearing the same boots. Just curious, thanks :D

[@dirtydsrc]

Oh man thank you for sharing. love the kitties. :)

[@OutoftheWoods0623]

Great stuff as always!

[@loloaqici82qb4ipp]

Lots of smells there, the wood shavings, the rope, the cordage and wax, and what is the finish you put on the blocks? That must have a smell too. Oh and I forgot, the smoke from your brick stove.

[@ethank3793]

You are the jack of all trades, and out of curiosity why don't you speak in your vidoes :-)

[@outdoorcountryboyforlife6511]

as always, unbelievable craftsmanship. Josh, you should be teaching classes.

[@TheGardenerNorth]

Okay! So there's this video for craftsmen or did I just get a serious REM sleep dream?

[@MikeBaxterABC]

My favourite so far! .. I recognized the grinder com-lathe right away ... great work!! ...

[@trickadee2233]

Mr. Chickadee I love your videos I can watch them all day and I would not get board at all your work is superb your skill is inspiring and the tools you have I would die for. I've been to many markets and old fears that sell very old tools and I can't get anything like them over here not even eBay or Amazon don't ever stop doing your video

[@tkjazzer]

Fancy line work. Did sailors use glue or did they use a solid block of wood when making a block (pulley) for a ship. Very, very impressive indeed. I like the cover of the core line too

[@georgejohnson1537]

You have some awesome skills man thanks for sharing....I'm also very envious of your tools.............Have a great day! C YA

[@lanevotapka4012]

nice job making those pulleys! they look like something off an old Spanish galleon. i like that cool hand powered drill press too.

[@brucelewandowski6986]

I can usually spot a true craftsman by their economy of movement. You, good sir, flow like a gentle stream with the directness of purpose, a marvel to behold in action, the clear definition of artisan. Thank you for all you do in support of craftsmanship in excellence.

[@aus71383]

Great videos - thank you so much for sharing. A treadle for that little bench top mini-lathe might be a good investment in time and effort - free up a hand, and cut down on wearing out your arm joints

[@eduardom800]

Completely out of your comfort zone? Good job! What wood did you use? and would you share any of the documentation you learned from? Thumbs up for you!

[@randyelviss4801]

Love your incredible work and talent, and I wish you could have Mrs Chickadee in the pictures more as I feel you are always alone and by yourself!

[@krisvanhove7620]

Is it by any means possible to notify the time it roughly took you to make those things? Not only this one but future video's as well?

[@barnacmongars]

awsome I love the quietnest of your video. subcribe

[@cablecallen]

I have been binge watching your videos for the past few days, simply awesome work! Where do you get your tools? Are they antiques? That two handed mortiser that you sit on that you have used a few times is a work of art!

[@martinturner9823]

great vid you should try a pole lathe

[@bigrandy1958]

WOW... Another awesome video! Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to create this content.

[@mr.papercraft603]

The ''Rope Blocks'' looks relay sturdy! good worke!

[@RichardOhKaNoi]

I have watched most of your videos and I find them quite fascinating. But I do have one question were you ever a Boatswains mate in the Navy, the reason I ask is your rope work the serving of the eye on the bock line and waxing the threads are right out of a navy handbook

[@monoshock57]

How do you know what wood works best for each application ? Just experience from past projects or do you research the interscreen ?

[@Rouverius]

Lovely stuff. I'm just amazed at your skills in these projects. Thanks for sharing

[@liammeharry]

love the workshop videos. fabulous use of a hand powered bench grinder by the way. awesome

[@tynyyn5344]

Once again, another soothing video. Thanks for sharing your skills.

[@david929190]

That small wood lathe is amazing! Where do you find your tools?

[@elliotttrent9693]

dude that totally never occured to me with the hand crank grinder, will definitely try that with mine

[@donut070707]

thanks really give us a peek how carpenter in the past might get things done without electrical power tools

[@shamaniclodge348]

Beautiful work. I will be using this video when I do mine. Thanx.

[@billfromelma]

THAT is impressive. Just gorgeous. Alot of work but worth it. Nice job.

[@mmanut]

Great tools to have in your box and very beautiful to look at!! Vinny

[@Petermax99]

Looks like the shop foreman is making sure the work gets done right

[@SimonDeBelleme1]

Wow, true craftsmanship. Brilliant!

[@davidharris6581]

More Boatswain than Carpenter in this one. Enjoyed it.

[@PaulStClair-or3gj]

Exactly as l made the blocks for my replica Spray. Nice satisfying work indeed... very rewarding when people admire them.... and ask.. "Wow! Where did you buy the blocks from"? ⛵⚓

[@yardlimit8695]

i love those cats, can you give us a little background on them,,,,,,,,,,,, their age,,,,,brothers or sisters,,,,,,,,,how you got them etc,,,,,,,,thanks........i love both of 'em but that gray one cracks me up.......i had one just like him,,,,,,,his name was Tim

[@gadsenculpepper4868]

I just want to say thanks for all your work...I truly enjoy the peace and quiet...I don't like cats very much but I dig watching those kittens playing in the wood chips...I suppose I really just don't like cat boxes...I whittle, hang axes and make canes for the veterans in my life...it calms my mind...I have crap tools but slowly I've replaced a few bits here and there with quality stuff. my focus is on bushcraft and frontiersman tools. Next is an adze/hatchet...I want to make a mini dugout canoe I can pull behind my boat for my camping gear like a lil boat trailer that doubles as a chair or even rainwater container/sink/snow sled...hahaha guaranteed to not do any job well...I gotta sketch it out...

[@kevinseng4553]

Smart thinking repurposing the sharpening tool into a mini lathe.

[@carly2604]

What was the sealant that you heated up and used to protect the wood?

[@cdk2678]

you are an inspiration to me, I love watching you work.

[@markdombrowski746]

Hi, Just found your channel. SEMPER FI. M. Dombrowski USMC SGT 65-70

[@tomst9417]

I am absolutely mesmerized with t he skills you have, looks like you have been doing this work for 100 years even though you can't be 40 years old. OK, so what is the safe working load of those blocks ?

[@jeffledlow1955]

I have a hand cranked grinder just like that one and NOTHING, not even a fidget spinner compares when I get it out and mount it to a table for my 6 yo.

[@coltjansen]

The hand crank spinning tool used for finishing the wheels of the pulley....is that the true purpose of the tool? I have one that has a water stone fitted to it and thought it was a bench grinder but think ur use of the tool actually better use...just wondering thank you for videos amazing stuff

[@agh19]

What's the finish you dipped them in?

[@jlinkels]

I understood you were with the Marines. But apparently you also served some time in the Navy. Enjoyed the video - as alway.

[@justinzaharko7735]

How does that antique drillbpress work? I dont understand the dynamic?

[@jsheiko]

Wow, where in the world did you find that little hand crank lathe? That thing is fantastic.

[@jsheiko]

Just saw in the description you said it was a hand crank grinder. Great idea!

[@mikewalrus4763]

A year later and without reading the comments I thought the same thing again - I love that standing drill and I would still put thimbles in the strop - but otherwise it's till lost none of it's magic!

[@hrxy1]

me too and nice cats

[@rudolfzaris675]

perfect satisfying work :-)

[@ittasukia.2748]

Alguien sabe 13:10 sobre este barniz? Es la primera vez que veo un barniz casero y hervido. Solo lo e visto en latas.

[@Afro408]

Very well done young fella! These should make your lifting, shifting tasks a lot easier. 👍👏

[@williamotto2366]

Different cat .You don't eat them do you? There's to much talking . Other than that this is outstanding.

[@JDK45ACP]

Nice job! Semper Fi.

[@opasworkshop8373]

those turned out marvelous great job my friend.. what was that you soak the blocks in

[@fab926]

Love to see you work. Not an ounce of wasted effort

[@ThomasShue]

what's in the pot, and what state are you in bro?

[@justinhale5693]

I hear some carpenters use sand or coarse salt to keep the glued parts from wiggling appart when being compressed.

[@anthonykinrade8642]

What was the stuff you heated in the pot and immersed the pulley block into?