"Have Broad Axe Will Travel" - Roy Underhill- TEDxRaleigh 2011

Roy Underhill, craftsmen, legend, and Woodwright Shoppe Director, swings an ax sharing that ingenuity and living in the present is the killer app of the future.
About TEDx x=independently organized event.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

[@forzee42]

As a "modern" carpenter working only with chipwood and ply this made me cry a little. I wanna go back to the roots.

[@owenduck]

Amen to that, much of the artistry and intimacy and skill and mediation has gone from carpentry. I got my hands on a broadaxe and a felling axe to hew some timbers the old way.

[@jimdaniel4412]

I grew up watching him on pbs as child..I know the tears

[@jimdaniel4412]

​@@owenduckonce you get your first broad axe..it sinks in

[@owenduck]

@jimdaniel4412 nice pun?

[@burkefeaster9883]

Roy Underhill is a great story teller and an awesome craftsman.

[@ronin4711]

perhaps you know where he's hiding his craftsmanship pieces, because all these years we failed to see ONE!

[@escaflowne33055]

what? guess you missed every single project on the shows he did. or blind eh?

[@ronin4711]

No! I didn't miss a show, all I saw in all his show is NOVICE craftsmanship and nothing proud to show as a craftsman. I don't "mock" his knowledge and experience, all I am saying is that after all these years he should be able to show ONE MASTERPIECE that it will drop my jaw in awe, I never saw or neither one presented such a piece... He's a SELF APPOINTED MASTER CRAFTSMAN, that's all I am saying...

[@shadowsofheaven]

A master piece is an art piece. What he is a master craftsman of is functional wood working. Most wood working is not art to drop your jaw. Its to build functional pieces that do just what they are meant too. Which he proves time and again. If you want more of an art piece watch Norm instead. Plus a master piece is also in the eye of the beholder. One person will see a primitive piece of woodworking while another will be in awe at how it was created with so few tools. Sound like to me you need the flash and bling to appreciate wood crafts and not the skill to use simple tools

[@roorman]

Roy Underhill is to woodworking what Bob Ross is to painting. If you cant see that you sir really are blind. He might not be the "Master Craftsman" you think he is claiming to be but he is one of the only ones trying to keep the old ways alive. As a woodworker my self i find inspiration from Roy and to bad mouth him is ignorant.

[@drummerglenchin]

I admire Roy Underhill. I never cared for his show when I was growing up, but I've been watching what I can find online lately. He is a true pioneer in the woodsman/woodworking arts... Which I don't see as an art at all, but a necessity of knowledge for any man. I am not only someone who loves the ways of our pioneer forefathers... I am someone who truly believes that someday, these skills will be needed once again. Hence the love of a man like Roy Underhill who devotes his life to teaching these skills... Forwarding and imparting his love and knowledge of his craft unto the next generation... Thanks, Roy...

[@davidlogsdon7767]

Roy Underhill has been a hero of mine since childhood. When I was young I was fascinated with his mastery of wood and hand tools. This video confirmed what I have learned about him later in life. That he reads more than just the grain of wood. He appreciates the structure of our society, past, present, and future. He is a great value to us.

[@RamblinAround]

Used to love watching Woodwright's Workshop. Roy just made you want to go out in the garage and make something with your hands.

[@Vallavender333]

He's like if Bob Ross and Ron Swanson had a wood obsessed son

[@shomz]

Don't forget Will Ferrell

[@DirtyGingy]

Nick Offerman, the actor that plays Ron Swanson, is a carpenter and his family actively runs a business that he works at making wood furniture.

[@TitanSlayerZeus]

I got Gallagher vibes.

[@leviburns89]

That person exists, his name is Paul Sellers and he has a massive YT following

[@lilgummy9493]

At least he’s obsessed with the right kind of wood

[@amazingtechguy]

I admire Roy so much and everything he stands for. The beautiful things he makes with the beautiful tools he uses will be here long after we are gone. I may always wish I had a chance to work and study with him.

[@justgonnagetbetter1037]

I love Roy, growing up we didn't pay for TV, so every Saturday i had to endure the public broadcasting station and crafts people of every sort including Roy. It was my favorite day, and he was my favorite craftsman, I can honestly say it made me better.

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

Same here

[@rocketg4360]

I love Roy Underhill. I have just come to learn he holds the title for "World's Most Out Of Breath Man."

[@jasonbecker4974]

Roy Underhill is such a treasure. He was a big part of my past, and I love him to this day. His knowledge will live with me well on into the future!

[@NeffTattoo]

I love Roy Underhill! I would watch the woodwright shop all the time as a kid! We all need people like him around!

[@Fireinahorn]

One of my early childhood memories is the intro to "The Woodwright's Shop" thanks Roy!

[@Banks2018]

His last words couldn’t be truer, such a unique individual. His work is admirable and I’m inspired to build a log home one day

[@jakkelway]

Legend! We need more life past,present and future lessons like this man gives!

[@gotchabiqch8942]

why am i getting recommended a ted talk? and more why am i getting recommended a wood cutting ted talk. eh i ain’t mad i can’t lie i watched the whole thing for some reason

[@hooya27]

The algorithm knows you better than you know yourself.

[@arthurias7693]

oddly entertaining. thanks youtube

[@mikeskidoo3991]

Willie Burke I feel you, just watched the entire thing... wasn’t planning on it I wanted to see him make something not go off on a coke head sounding tangent

[@gotchabiqch8942]

Michael Jones i always knew how to cut a tree but usually i wouldn’t have an axe i’m more of a find sticks and leaves and burn em type of fella

[@Goldenxxxxglory]

Tedx

[@xanos3001]

The master !!! I watched him on PBS since the 80s - a man’s man.

[@triumphmanful]

I have an axe, adze, plane, hole auger, chisel, 2 man saw, and more, just in case I have to build a cabin or barn . I am waiting for the day and have self taught the use of these wonderful tools of olden days. I am just a dreamer. This will never happen. But dreaming is a wonderful thing. My new tools never satisfy like the old ones do. FYI

[@bascostbudde7614]

Go for it, man! Dreaming is good, doing is possible.

[@triumphmanful]

Thanks, Roy was/is an inspiration to me. Loved his hands on down to earth skills. He even had his daughter help out in the shop in one of his books.

[@astralbraintentacles1212]

Makes some spoons and such in the meantime before building the house.

[@martinpoulsen6564]

Dream big.Make plans. Source the timber and build the frame. If by the time you're done it doesn't suit you, then sell it and start over. Only this time with knowledge and experience. Pack it up until such time you find your perfect spot.

[@dwolfe2907]

Don't lose hope- I was a city boy only 3 years ago. Now I got several axes, adze, hole auger, chisels, mallets etc etc and I'm building my home with it, on my own land... its crazy what comes your way.

[@itchyego]

I grew up watching you. SOOOOO Nice to see you again in this video! Wow! Ted Talk! You ROCK, ROY!!! Thanks for all! - Ken in Hawaii - June 2017

[@jeffreyvasby3230]

Roy, Thanks for all your years of teaching and making us all laugh!

[@drooscek100]

He is a national hero!👍

[@sgtokie]

WOW, Roy Underhill puts a cool spin on history. GREAT PERFORMACE

[@LolasaurusYT]

Sgt Okie "History" Yet I use the sane tools everyday, "History", what a load of shit.

[@theoriginalNoOne.]

I love Roy Underhill, been watching him since I was 12 or so. Im 46 now. Shame this was edited.

[@superandreanintendo]

The ending explain everything. This is probably the strongest and more pointed message you can ever get from a TED. Impressive. In fact we undervalue a lot things when we already have them. Nice Roy

[@jackmehoff2961]

I enjoyed watching the Wood Weight`s Shop on PBS. Roy Underhill is a true craftsman, being able to produce quality work with simple hand tools. Unlike someone else with a shop full of the latest gagets. Thank You Roy for all the years of sharing your knowledge with us. I have sap in my veins & proud of it. ATB Roy

[@skeletonpenis]

Roy Underhill and my first two bosses/ teachers are the sole reason I do what I do today, and why I am becoming successful at it. I wish i could shake Roy's hand and thank him for it!

[@makismakiavelis5718]

"ATTENTION: First three rows may get splinters."

[@SerJahPhoto]

The old timers tools save not only the environment, they save those who use them from becoming fat farts.

[@jimbobojim4634]

Save the environment by killing trees, interesting. Can you imagine if all of the trainloads of trees that Roy underhill has killed in the name of "woodworking" would of been allowed to grow?

[@joshlower1]

Jimbo Bojim think of all the trees chainsaws kill and all the toxins they spew out. It takes a lot longer to cut down a tree with an axe I promise you.

[@hugoakerlund5114]

@@jimbobojim4634 think of how many homeless people that would make

[@jimbobojim4634]

@@hugoakerlund5114 print them homes with large scale 3d printers. Homelessness stopped on a global scale.

[@hugoakerlund5114]

@@jimbobojim4634 hahaha

[@deckerbob]

Love this guy growing up not sure when this video was done….

[@JeffRAllenCH]

I cut my yard with a scythe, and I honestly miss the feeling and the sound of a good cut in the off season!

[@Tritamer]

My BIG inspiration as a young-un! So grateful. I hope to get back into the old woodcraft myself in my later years.

[@kcmtube]

If you watch this with the closed captioning on, when he says "the Age of Aquarius" at about 2:20, it captions it as "the age of jQuery" which is some pretty great situational irony, based on the topic he's speaking on.

[@freewave04]

Roy Underhill, TED Talks, AND a Star Wars reference. What more could you want.

[@Dwendele]

Seems so odd to see Roy in a "modern" setting. I'm used to his workshop.

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

Yup. Love him.

[@gregzoller9003]

Picked up a handsaw and chisel because of this wonderful man. National treasure!

[@NWBushman]

Thank you for sharing this. I have admired this man for many years. He is an amazing person, a true thesaurus of classic Americana!

[@mattfuller3172]

I love this guy and the great mementos he brought me when I was a kid watching his show! Roy is indeed a very smart, Legend!!!

[@agenttexx]

The Woodwright Shoppe has been on air for 37 seasons. It was one of my father's favorite shows. I believe it motivated him to work on many of the woodworking projects he took on over the years.

[@therhinoskull]

I love watching the The Woodwright's Shop with Roy Underhill. I also enjoyed this video.

[@christopherbrooks8478]

Roy Underhill is underappreciated IMHO. He should be considered in the same league as people like Mr. Rogers. I'm 43, and not really a woodworker. But just a few weeks ago I fixed a broken chair with a little dow I made by driving a piece of oak branch through a hole I drilled in a steel plate, just like I saw Roy Underhill do it on PBS probably 30 years ago. He's single handly keeping little things like that alive and I grateful.

[@el_duderino8202]

I convinced my wife to give up the city and move away from Boston to about 35 miles north of Fairbanks Alaska and we've had to learn the hard way but yes learning how certain woods work is very important in life. Being close to nature and working with what she gives you makes you appreciate things so much more! Sometimes she is nice where other times you capitulate to her. God created an amazing world for us, full of wonder, awe and forces we can't comprehend today. That's why we get cgi footage of other worlds to distract us from the now and the reality...

[@socdologer]

Roy Underhill is a National Treasure.

[@rustopholis1667]

"let's inflict culture upon nature"

[@denniscastle936]

What a fantastic dissertation of life as to how should live it !!!!!

[@robertcole3247]

I remember my dad telling me that if you watch his show closely his hands towards the end of the episode has Knicks and cuts .

[@darrenbaugh6579]

Roy Underhill and Bob Ross, two inspirational personalities courtesy PBS.

[@chrisbowers310]

Have it Mr. Underhill. I really loved the Woodwright Shoppe on PBS.

[@kevin6030]

love the woodrights shop I remember watching it with my dad growing up I'm 34

[@blipblip88]

Roy Underhill-my childhood hero. That and the Foxfire book series..all you need to survive the Armageddon.

[@arwo1143]

Lol,... I didn’t expect him to actually take a chop at the stump with the lady behind it XD

[@carpetguy]

💯 no one has worked harder in a TEDx

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

While I'm sure there are many wonderful advantages to a laser guided coping saw, there are those of us in the younger generation who aren't blinded by that brilliant beam and will carry on the traditions of our forefathers.

[@ahikernamedgq]

Amen.

[@KhanJohnston]

The laser is the indicator of the only place you can be sure the blade will not travel.

[@TC-ve7mu]

People have always been critical thinkers. Always looking for a faster, easier, more efficient way. The tools of our forefathers are the result of someone with a stone hand axe thinking there has to be a better way. Manual labor is a romantic treat when it's a hobby. When it's to put a meal on the table, or a roof over your head it's damn hard work. The joy comes after the work is done and done right. Pride in my work and the feeling of accomplishment are the only results that I feel nostalgic for.

[@TC-8789]

This older technique uses a lot more wood than necessary. This mentality could not be widely adopted without leaving us virtually treeless. You should look up Joel Salatin's video on his lumber mill and his explanation of modern tech allowing for finer cuts and less waste- lighter but stronger structures.

[@alexpurtle7293]

First, let`s compare the price of a laser saw, plus all other modern tools that these times deem necessary vs. a few axes and a sharpening stone. If you have the $$$, then great; go for it. I would too, to be honest. But let us think about another point; what if you were in a situation where electronics were out of the question ie global shit hit the fan? Wouldn`t it be good to know how it`s done with efficiency with simple tools? Just like it would be good to know how to grow vegetables? Or trap, skin, tan skin? Weaving, knots, weather-proofing? Today`s society is soooooo far removed from what saved our ancestors to produce us. So dependent on modern technology that we wouldn`t even know where to begin to save ourselves. I believe passing that knowledge down, and employing it is essential. Don`t get me wrong, if shit hit the fan, I`m fucked!! I`m not pretending to be one of those guys, but I am sure as hell glad that I can learn from them....until my computer battery runs out, that is.

[@86medic1]

Used to like watching this guys old tv show with my dad back when i was like 5. Long time ago

[@ahikernamedgq]

I so love Roy Underhill. Such a pleasure.

[@lanestevens9894]

They must’ve bought tickets for “the splash zone”

[@maxdecphoenix]

it's like Gallager, but with splinters.

[@brzinger6]

"inflict culture upon nature" what a phrase

[@Fishhunter2014]

You know, I've always found that I'm most content when I'm working with my hands.

[@blueelectricfusion]

***** ya know the answer is brand 42 lube?? it fixes everything ;)

[@jaredj631]

Me too

[@ronin4711]

Chris It is very satisfying to work with your hands, Roy Underhill rather works with his mouth because anything he made with his hands wasn't worth displaying, otherwise we would have a Roy Underhill Museum by now...

[@blueelectricfusion]

>.> erm stoney... roy underhill is a public speaker... is it that hard for you to figure out why he is good with his his mouth? LOL

[@ronin4711]

Not hard at all, I always said that he's a bullshitter and not a craftsman, why is that for you to comprehend !

[@Just1Spark]

Trees are slow, but they can outrun a glassier! -Roy Underhill lol love it!!

[@fitbmx7744]

His show is the reason I got into woodcarving, and also why I look to these old methods when I start build something. If you want something done right, do it the old way, the woodwright way!

[@chrisg0001]

Roy Underhill is a woodworking legend.

[@ronin4711]

In his OWN MIND!

[@timtrammell3971]

+ronin4711 You're an idiot

[@ronin4711]

+Tim Trammell Perhaps I am, but it doesn't diminishes fact that, Roy CAN'T SHOW A SINGLE MASTERPIECE CREATION OF HIS OWN HANDS! Odd, isn't it?

[@ronin4711]

+Tim Trammell Well tim, here's you're

[@ronin4711]

+Tim Trammell well tim, here's your chance to prove me wrong, show me something I never saw before!

[@biber638]

iv probably watched every show more then once. his show is one of the reasons i donate . if i could go back in time knowing what i know now i would choose to make my way through life as he dose. having old tools and the knowledge to work them seems very worthwhile.

[@jacobthompson1682]

Ive been watching him for decades. Hes an amazing person.

[@Grunt49]

Always enjoy "Breathless" on his show.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I used to watch this guy on PBS way back in the 1980s!! I wondered what happened to him. It was a great show!!

[@Enceladus5280]

37 seasons and almost 500 episodes in!

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

@@Enceladus5280 yes sir!

[@davidburlingame2421]

[Mr. Underhill] ...today I heard about a Lithium Ion lazer guided future and I thought - well, that's not what I had in mind. When learning all that stuff, sometimes what you are doing was bigger in the past and it probably always has a future but maybe it's hear in the preset just for you. Poetry, labor, risk, freedom, independence & comedy - a brilliant performance.

[@petersparker1278]

"Grab the chalk line." "Now what?" "Place your line" "And now?" "Measure your line to make sure you placed it right." "Whys that grandpa? You measured it, it looks right." "You always measure twice. Cause most times, you're only gonna get to cut once." Lookin back, wood can teach you a lot about life.

[@GraniteValleyDave]

He seems like such a lovely bloke. Really nice message and it was really nice seeing him work while he told stories.

[@bramvanminnen1444]

Amazing how he Americanizes all the tools and techniques and craft that was developed in Europe one or two thousand years before the expansion. Credits the Egyptians for the rope snap line correctly which is nice.

[@daveopincarne3718]

Roy makes at least two references in this talk to David Pye's work "The Nature and Art of Workmanship". If anyone is in a position to understand the distinction between the workmanship of risk and certainty, it should be Roy Underhill, and I'm glad to hear him reference this seminal work but I wish he would actually explain the distinction rather than reference it only as a poetic flourish. Given his anecdote about the his appearance on NPR, it would have been an opportune time distinguish between the philosophy of the maker community and those who embrace traditional craftsmanship.

[@ronin4711]

I just love it, all talk and NOTHING TO SHOW! that's Roy!

[@abefroman9565]

I'm not in on the reference. Can you fill me in?

[@daveopincarne3718]

The workmanship [sic] of risk and certainty. Although his later reference to risk (at 18:00) doesn't really illustrate the concept since he's committing to an action that will be defined by the grain of the wood rather than steering the process as it develops. The hewing process, as a whole does represent risk though since precision is progressively directed as opposed to a wood mill where precision is built into the setup.

[@MaxThyme]

@@abefroman9565 When someone learns to use a bandsaw or router setup, what is the most important part? Hopefully you said safety, I've never heard of anyone tangling with a table saw or whatnot that enjoyed it. Once you figure out how to move material in/through/out of the mechanism you're pretty much done with the learning phase, and can now happily turn a dozen boards into a whole set of identical pieces ready to finish and whatnot. I couldn't figure out why people were so shocked at the casual way I mention hitting a knuckle with one of my frame saws or donking a rasp into a fingertip. There's no hospital trip, or panic, or really much concern because it's a mild abrasion or a cut I could cover with a spot bandage. I'm not a fan of getting blood off my workpiece though, so I check and see if it's gonna bleed, put a bandaid on it if it will, or shrug and remember what I did to cause that slip for next time. Safety is something I can take the time to get better at while I'm focusing on how best to approach the grain and quirks in the wood I'm using with the tools I've rescued, bought, found, and made. Given a dozen boards and a goal of producing a set of multiple objects of the same type/functionality/aesthetic appeal, I'm confident I can do this well. If you asked me to make multiple identical copies of one thing though? I can't know for sure until I finish if I'll be able to hit that mark, it isn't a specific trajectory I invested much practice in, but I found it more useful to learn ways of working around unexpected splits, weird knotty patches, and of course my own errors. You give me a piece of suitable wood, plus some brass and steel sheets, I can make you a nice looking saw which will be a joy to use. I have my own style so you'll be able to see it is related to others I've made. I can capitalize on interesting features within a particular piece of wood and specifically use certain tools and methods to display and enhance the pretty details I might find, but I'm not confident I could exactly duplicate the same saw over and over again, hence risk vs certainty. My outcome could be a botch, it could be just an ordinary piece by my standards, or it may end up far better than even I expected.

[@PianoYogaWood]

Starts right off with some Pye. He will always pull my ear in closer.

[@sealteamryx6758]

Haha roy has always been so nerdy and geeky but when it comes to making things with his bare hands and simple tools he's a freakin jedi master for real. Watched him my whole life when I think about woodworking or do any he is who comes to my mind

[@thurlravenscroft2572]

He should have been interviewed as “tomorrow!”

[@demonthought00]

this guy is a treasure

[@zaxarrrr3659]

Oh man I'm telling you, this guy, what a battle-axe!

[@wldfyrfly]

Roy rocks or rather Roy woods. I never get tired of his presentations.

[@jamessmithers5206]

brilliant! Although I feel like Ted talks should all have mandatory safety glasses for the first few rows haha

[@patrickcronin6829]

Understanding the grain of the wood the way that people who use hand tools do makes all woodworkers better. I love using my fathers and grandfathers tools.

[@therunawayrascal]

what a delight. this is the GOAT TedX talk haha

[@ericjurgens372]

love to see the unedited one

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

Me too

[@MustangSallyB1atch]

Why does this look like it was filmed 15 years ago?

[@davogifman542]

Because there wasn't any Lithium-Ion Laser-guided Circular saw on stage.😆😎👍

[@matthewtaylor2185]

Roy Underhill. Champion.

[@kami3989]

Without looking, Roy really sounded like Nick Cage.

[@perfectstranger1152]

Thanks. Im 30 seconds in and now I'm listening to lumberjack nic cage for the rest for this.

[@mtlvlgmnfishing]

I truly love useing old school hand powered tools

[@DustinBajer]

Not the greatest audio or video but this is probably one of the best TedTalks I've seen in a while.

[@markcummings6856]

A special person!

[@mikewalton5469]

we are not worthy!!! but thank you for sharing your knowledge Mr. Underhill

[@jdog4534]

awesome American, awesome craftsman, statesman and human being. I love watching him work. I like his philosophy

[@muddog1561]

I have always wished that I could learn from this guy.

[@pjm780]

You, can! Search for "The Woodwright's School" on your favorite search engine. He teaches woodworking courses in NC.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

You can. Watch this video. And watch his show.

[@randyrandom5702]

He has his shop in my hometown. I see people go in and out of there. furniture in the windows with tools, Maybe one day i will go ask him if someone can teach me how to make an axe handle.

[@kevinbodiford7143]

easily my favorite TED video.

[@fredfreiberger7878]

Roy is still the master when it comes to woodwork and craftsmanship

[@oldtimeycabins]

Roy, I have learned these techniques. I have been hewing and making authentic log cabins or years. You an I are brothers in this knowledge.

[@jamesclement6122]

Really glad you posted this.. Roy is awesome.

[@RubenGarcia-kc3op]

wonderful craftsman and entertainer, his show is or was the best!

[@jasonfifi]

i met him as a kid, he's one of my all time favorite people.

[@hglide82]

Great video, I just wish I knew about it 8 years ago too! Wonderful to see the craftsman Roy Underhill doing his thing! :-)

[@coycarlson4979]

I would guess Ol Roy Underhill is retired at this point - says this was filmed in 2011 - hope he is doing well - he sure seemed to be breathing fairly hard when making this video, so it appeared that maybe he hadn’t been using an ax in quite some time before the making of this video. I have watched his wood working / wainwright show on numerous occasions - INDEED - ROY is a master wood worker - an EXPERT of building in the original / traditional methods used back in the days of old before all the modern tooling.

[@gen157]

7:18 I couldn't help but point it out. He goes for the handshake, she goes for the high-five.

[@EMWoodworking]

I used to watch the Woodright shop all the time.

[@axtnorthman2093]

awesome, love the insight on old and new ways. this should also be posted for the axe is back project.

[@EricMartindale]

I was there, and have a chunk of that very log! Best talk of the event. Roy Underhill is an American hero!

[@marknelson6292]

Roy Underhill: a real man.

[@esworp]

Music, and Roy - soothes the salvaged beech.