The old man and the hand-made sawmill | Landline | ABC Australia

Retirement didn’t suit Australian Ralph Affleck. So the sawmiller with no formal education but a 30 centimetre ruler designed and built his own mill which could be operated by one man - himself.
He also built the machines - including a truck to move heavy logs. It has 12 forward gears and eight reverses. And in eight gear reverse, he can go 40 miles an hour - backwards!
This story by the ABCs Landline was broadcast in 2014 www.abc.net.au/landline/
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[@modvs1]

"A fella who's never made a mistake, hasn't made anything"

[@thelukesternater]

I’ve made lots of mistakes, that is the end of the sentence.

[@rodwilliams5074]

About 1970 ( as a trainee communications tech) when I made a small stuff up my boss said to me " any one who has never made a mistake has yet to be born "

[@kennycoye3907]

Teddy Roosevelt said similar! I used it through life on Drilling Rigs in N.D.! Figured alot out myself! My Rig never shut down in rhe down turn! That's good!

[@Hakkeholt]

5:25

[@dannyoktim9628]

my #1 rule . . . I screw up I'm the first to own it, hasn't failed me yet

[@andrewnelson3681]

Wonderful story. Men like Ralph built the western world, giving countless millions of people a better standard of living than ever before in history.

[@shawnhill7504]

RIP Ralph . A great man indeed .

[@paullanier8280]

What a man ! Brought a tear to my eye. Lost my dad when I was 11. A gent several miles away had a farm and sawmill. His family helped me to make my tuition and spending money and I worked in both his sawmill and machine shop. More than forty years have gone by and I've succeeded in life through their support when I needed it. God Bless these working families .

[@MartyT]

Legend

[@rocket18ks]

high praise from another legend. marty t is cut from the same cloth as ralph and i marvel at both these men

[@michaelroberts6299]

Yes I sub to marty

[@DirtIndustry]

@Rene Elon maybe you need a different girl if you have to do that

[@srp01983]

@Rene Elon No-one gives a damn, and I don’t think you actually have a girlfriend.

[@SuperAragoon]

Nah mate you’re a legend

[@loriscook5231]

I’m so sorry my 93 year old Dad didn’t live to watch this. This old boy is incredible, they sure threw away the mould when he was made. My Dad could also make things out of old junk, they would have been good mates.

[@nipponsuxs]

93 thats a great innings wish my dad made it that long, but damn he was a hard worker, brought himself from near bankruptsy at 48 and retired 20ys later a very wealthy man. Unfortunaetly retirement drove him crazy so he worked for a friend instead, not because he needed the money just needed to keep himself busy, working was his hobby lol

[@chrisestill8825]

Absolutely incredible. The fact that he drew everything out and had a plan before constructing it shows his understanding is much deeper than his education.

[@thefabricator1697]

Oh Boy!!those nuts and bolts are running through his head before he falls asleep..a great salute to this man...now i have something to keep doin...

[@BFKAnthony817]

Just goes to show intelligence can be greater than just having a piece pf paper to prove you know what you are talking about.

[@snhprojects2789]

@@BFKAnthony817 alot of actually very intelligent people cant finish school because the school systhem isnt made for self learning minds

[@alexandermarken7639]

All an education does these days is tell you how many genders you need to recognise and how you should not start anything.

[@catey62]

Exactly.

[@isaacmejias9168]

That’s incredible. He makes us young guys look weak. Respect for you Sir

[@shandy3025]

When this guy passes away we can't forget him we need to have a statute made for him on his land and we need to preserve all the things he's built.

[@garyzutt3437]

He died December 23,what a man .

[@dobermanpac1064]

Not only is he a log man, he’s a self taught engineer. PLUS, his tops in both trades.

[@vikingmaori7060]

From a kiwi.."you are a true legend and hard working gentleman sir" highest of respect to you,how the world today could learn much from a humble man like you.kiaora mate.

[@spslap5771]

Ae. Tika. Respect.

[@terryrose6208]

I'm going on 72 and I look up to him. He inspires me to keep on keeping on.

[@kennycoye3907]

10 years of Engineering school cant come close to men like that! Way to go!!

[@Allworldsk1]

Men like him are a Dying Breed literally. Absolute badass

[@nephos100]

Bolted two tractors together. The guy obviously hasn't heard the phrase, "You can't..."

[@abbimilagon5499]

There's no such thing as you can't. If you have that ambition in you. You do anything. And if someone says you can't. You do it to prove it can be done. Just by trying and keep learning.

[@jamesbond1231]

He's heard it. He just doesn't listen. :)

[@catey62]

No, he just hasnt been taught that it wouldnt work so he did it and made it work.

[@nephos100]

@@catey62 Yes, he just hasnt been taught that it wouldnt work so he did it and made it work.

[@MikesManCave]

This man should be Australian of the Year. And he should be teaching today’s University Educated Engineers a thing or ten.

[@catey62]

thats the trouble with University educated engineers..they get taught a certain way, and can only work within the confines of that knowledge. and they get a shock when people like this guy do things that they think cant be done. they need to learn to think outside the box like him.

[@MikesManCave]

@@catey62 But they won't, most have trouble tying their shoe laces, let alone have an independent thought.

[@pinevale6356]

Amazing. 👍 As someone who has mucked around with engines, welding and fabrication and is trying to build a small bandsaw saw mill this is literally mind-blowing. One of the most impressive things I have ever seen - and done in his 80s. Literally incredible. Thank you for making this story ABC. Great work.

[@andrewreilly7489]

It was a great story I agree

[@jimmydcricket5893]

Trying? Has.

[@danielclare2344]

That man is a weapon !! Different generation of people .. men like him don’t exist anymore .. 👍

[@Camboge]

Look around on KZbin, this breed still exists

[@dwaynea9458]

It runs in the family, my Grand father (ralphs cousin) built his own airplane with his father when he was 16 , had home built push lawn mower using an engine and parts out of an old slasher years before victa mowers began( i actually have it in my garage to restore) and many many home made items as well as working as a chemist for esso fuels for a while. The whole family is very proud of Ralph's efforts and work ethics which seems to be missing in a lot of people nowadays.

[@markneedham3088]

What was Ralphs dads name.? Was it also, Ralph..? I remember the old original mill which backed onto the creek a little closer to the township.

[@stn7172]

Yeah it was a lot different back then, everyone has become complacent and would rather buy it.

[@troycann1731]

Is Ralph still alive? I'd love to visit his sawmill

[@sixtyfiveford]

Very inspiring.

[@PeanutsDadForever]

A remarkable man. Did he get an Australian of the Year Nomination?! He deserves it.

[@markneedham3088]

Yeah..! But he's not a politician...!!

[@grantkerridge]

So being passionate about a hobby makes you eligible for Australian of the year? My nephew scored a try last week at footy. Should he get one?

[@lucyloose2841]

Naa you normally have to go through drama to get one those ...lol

[@grantkerridge]

@William Underwood are they the requirements for Australian of the year?

[@Intense951]

A Sawyer with all of his fingers is the most amazing sight to see.

[@kennethnevel3263]

I worked with a man on a saw mill that sawed for 50 years and had all of his fingers , l learned some things from that man .

[@Mac-zq1js]

Ralph is a high-resolution thinker an artist that surpasses most people with a college degree

[@trentrector8557]

What a great fellow. Waive the fees for the guy, he is a treasure.

[@ryanmcfall7725]

I hope someone keeps this mill running when he moves on

[@Olgi41]

Will there be anyone smart enough to run it?

[@abbimilagon5499]

With the stupid regulations and law's on safety. They will close it down. Sad to say.

[@HansKlopek]

The government won't allow it.

[@jackbarrie6007]

It's not keeping it running it's getting your log quoter🤧🇭🇲

[@varrjames186]

@@abbimilagon5499 Not if it's for personal use. I can (but don't) use machinery in my shed without any guards and it's not illegal to do so.

[@ianrobson9601]

"Yes I Do, Pip" Don't know why but when he said that it gave me such a huge smile.

[@chunkybuttz844]

Same

[@seanworkman431]

A man who retires without an activity dies not long after.

[@abbimilagon5499]

Very true.

[@varrjames186]

That's what I got taught when I was an apprentice. I can't imagine a life without working.

[@choopa1670]

Brilliant. Put a smile on my face. The brilliance of this man and his relationship with his wife is testimony to his nature. I envy so much about this wise old man. What a gem of a bloke

[@dappy848]

Don't envy him pick something you like and enjoy it.

[@MrHitchikerOz]

Always great to see someone continuing on with the things that made Australia what it was. Unfortunately, too many people these days feel that to achieve anything useful, you need several degrees and a lot of consultants to confer with. Good on ya Ralph.

[@bennichols561]

Yep. He seems like 90 percent of kiwi farmers.

[@brenohighland1168]

correct you are

[@ColKorn1965]

We had a guy who couldn't read or write build his own band mill here where I live in US. Very impressive no matter where it's done.

[@vamsiv1955]

He is such an amazing person, proved age does not matter if you have a passion for what you are doing.

[@pinecorey]

WOW.....85 YEARS YOUNG. GOOD FOR HIM. ALL THE BEST TO YOU SIR.❤

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

He's over 90 now. This was filmed in 2014

[@rebecca5837]

“Can’t sell lumber because permits make it to expensive” It’s incredibly frustrating that our society(via government) makes it impossible for person who has the talent and ability to do this. This guy is amazing.

[@getintothewildwithjeffruma8777]

Exactly what a shame. I do wonder what he does with the lumber.

[@David-yl6bc]

How redicilous that sounds, doesn't it? I guy that build the mill alone, payed every part already and is operating it alone cannot make a tiny bit of money with it?! Something is really wrong here.

[@codychickadee5095]

Wow, what a man. A lovely couple, the 3 rings of the phone made me chuckle. No need to let it ring longer and pick it up, just a very intentional 3 rings is good enough to convey the message. What a beauty! Ralph Affleck is a jewel. 9 years gone by, I wonder if he is still with us.

[@klweth5439]

This man couldve been one of the best mechanical engineers ever. Genius and such an inspiration in the interviews.

[@joeblow6951]

They don't make men like this anymore what an inspirational man..!!

[@kuntryboy4lyfe125]

That's the kinda man ud want to be around all the time so u can learn as much as u can from him.. knowledge is the key to a happy life. .

[@Camboge]

That’s my goal to still be learning and making things when I’m 80, this guy is a mechanical genius and humble too.

[@Challender]

Talk about treasure, this guy is the definition of a purpose-driven life what a wonderful man.

[@jm7983]

Look at those hands. That alone tells me e everything about him. GOD bless him.

[@Coalzak]

"that's face it, the fella who's never made a mistake - he's never made anything." haha words to live by

[@chancethompson8686]

Some young men should apprentice under this man.. This old man and his ways, will be gone one day, and only a younger generation learning from him and his kind, will keep the world grounded.. I apprenticed under a Carpenter who only used hand tools, no power drills or power saws, because of my training under him, I have a greater knowledge and appreciation of the wood and for the end product..

[@vickidianacoghlan8946]

I love people who ooze character. This guy would get gold for sure.

[@the_goldendog3288]

“I enjoy talking to them” such a wholesome man

[@GatheringJacob]

WOW! Beautiful man! May our Father in heaven bless him!

[@johnjohn-wc8fz]

when you love what you do nothing can stop you ..this man is a perfect example i bet he feels 25 when he is working that saw mill good on him.. find your passion

[@critical_always]

"I am going to do something with my life, I am not finished yet" I loved those words.

[@iancurbishley6307]

" I took me sock off & my toe fell out 🤣💪🤟🥰

[@kevinleonard62]

Funny thing... when I was 13 I cut I finger off .. my dad took a look at it and said "if you weren't acting the bollox that wouldn't have happened"... he was old school too

[@AngeliqueKaga]

this is truely wonderful.

[@f1s2hg3]

The Elderly Mr Afflick made a real masterpiece and shows how much better it was made when smart people did not need school they were born to be ! GREAT! Australian People are great people!

[@jef____4054]

What a bloke! Legends live forever!! Respect...

[@Satya2btrue]

As long as we bring no harm to another we should all be able to die doing what we love. That is a life worth living. Wonderful story!

[@nathankoroush7918]

The things this man could teach the youth in a shop class.

[@bajacalifornia4923]

ThAts amazing to have a glimpse of this genius, that’s the kind of people we had back in the days

[@lewiemcneely9143]

HOW wonderful! He knew what he wanted to do and the end result and knew equipment well enough to be able to put things together to get it done! I have a pal like that. He grew up poor as a church mouse and ended up swinging a hammer in an Olivine mine. He moved where I am and married a girl I went to school with and went into business for hisself just doing almost everything. He is the best rigger I have EVER seen! I have stood and watched him do all matters of stuff I KNEW couldn't be done and he did it anyway. He can weld as good or better as an X-ray certified welder that moved here to work on a neuc reactor in an electric plant. Never ceases to amaze me. The Almighty is an amazing creator! THANKS and CHEERS!

[@lesnorton3968]

australian of the year 2021

[@bradleybutler8034]

I've watched this so many times what an incredible man .. Inspirational

[@bradf1119]

This is true ol Australian.. If that dont put a tear in your eye.. What an absolute legend..

[@icantcook9998]

I don't think words describe what a bloody legend that bloke is

[@christycullen2355]

This man is literally THE most intelligent person I've ever seen.

[@theblackbaron4119]

He's genuine and adorable, i want to give him a hug.

[@jimbobakabrutus1230]

I'm in awe. What pure genius. I pray he's still at it.

[@Allworldsk1]

I come here every now and then just to watch this video so I can get some perspective on life. We all have to pass away but are we actually living.? 🤔

[@727SolutionsCoatings]

Absolutely amazing! I would love to sit down and talk to him and hear some of his story's and see how everything he has built to see how it works..... Truly amazing I love seeing guys like him doing what they love

[@marcuscurrie2616]

What a legend!!

[@jamiedalluge9472]

I would absolutely love to go see that in person and work with him a few days. Total respect.

[@j.b.8767]

What a remarkable man! What a remarkable story for ALL of us to learn from! I appreciate so much that you shared this story with the whole world!! It's a story that needed to be told!! Thank you!! Much love from Oregon!

[@denocro3586]

Absolutely gold.

[@welderboy14]

The first ever youtube video i didn't skip through. Its like watching my Grandpa who worked several jobs including on a Gold dredge in the yukon and working on the construction of a major tunnel here in Vancouver. Later going onto Working as a GeoTech driller and building his own Drill rig from scratch. He retired when i was a baby however i truly believe that drive and ingenuity was in the Genes being passed onto my dad and then on to myself.

[@Openeyesopenheart42]

This man is an inspiration, absolutely brilliant.

[@bobyk87]

Don't try to explain engineers, let'em be. It's kinda another breed of human beings. They make our world a little better each and every time. Much respect.

[@rmar127]

What a top old bloke. The knowledge and skills that this fella has is phenomenal. I doff my hat to you good sir.

[@richmiller9844]

"A man who has never made a mistake, has never made anything! "

[@MichaelSmith-nd4rr]

LEGEND, respect for guys like this,

[@seeingdragons4319]

Simply amazing and absolutely wonderful. What a guy!

[@guttasnipe4702]

What an absolute CHAMPION…….he might not think so because it’s just everyday nature to him, but I can tell you there’s literally thousands of old men out there that couldn’t even get off their arses to even mow the lawns let alone run a saw mill. Champion all the way.

[@pauljanssen2624]

How beautiful people to watch his work and hopefully to take samples home

[@RCAVDH]

This man is amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@derp3068]

I would love to see more of this operation

[@xaoskuntablast3354]

Men like this are quickly vanishing and it's fantastic to see landline giving air time to them and their wisdom . Great story

[@somethingsinlife5600]

Old people like this is why I'm fascinated with them.

[@jamiekane5818]

I've had a bit to do with mills ..but this man is amazing to see what he has made ..his passion is in his heart ..it's something U can't take away from him ..I take my hat off to him . because this job is the most dangerous to do in life

[@samvance6571]

OUTSTANDING !!!!!! This is so inspiring ! I just retired after reaching 65 and now I have an example to aspire to. I feel challenged to make the next 65 years as productive as possible. Forget being a Greeter at Walmart. I'm going to do something great.

[@getintothewildwithjeffruma8777]

Hell yeah Sam, how’s it going so far?

[@jerryhammack1318]

Necessity is the mother of ingenuity! And this many is that kind! Bless him for all he has done!

[@rossspencer3036]

What a terrific story...loved watching it, more strength to you Ralph !!!

[@trevordeane3940]

What an excellent video. I have worked with mahines like these myself and done some timber work so I can appreciate the challenges that Ralph has managed to overcome. He most certainly is a very skilled man.

[@slhasebroock]

What an amazing man and incredible story!!!

[@ashleywoolnough4884]

What an extraordinary bloke. Fantastic story thanks

[@dragoninwinter]

I was a 4th generation lumberjack in the US. This guy reminds of my grandfather.

[@kevinator41]

Aussie fortitude And resilience is amazing

[@besticudcumupwith202]

...my father did this too. Same deal. Built everything himself...loader (several over the years, same gear idea...1 forward/5 reverse), log carriage, hydraulic systems, chains/rollers, trim saws...everything. He raised a family of 5 kids with it. I worked in it from age 12 till early 20's.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Oh i just loved this. Probably the best video I have ever seen. Boy would I love to meet Ralph. What an inspiration of a man.

[@mikewinkelman7015]

Such an inspiration to anyone who thinks they cant do something. But shows you anything is possible if you really want it bad enough.

[@civlyzed]

This guy is fantastic and he reminds me of my late father, also called Ralph. The old man never wasted anything and repurposed many things he scavenged. I miss him.

[@iamnemo8479]

A genius, and total legend, that whole set up is just amazing 😎👍

[@gfr2023]

Technology is the higher form of human creativity. Solving problem is an art and this man is an artist

[@michaelmullins1290]

It's good somebody is watching him. This kind of ingenuity has to be taught by a certain type of man. Yet learned by another. Amazing how much knowledge will leave when he's gone.

[@jefferywilson4091]

God bless this man, gives me inspiration

[@miriambakker4340]

Loved that photo of the two man saw in the beginning. We had a saw like that hanging in the rafters of an old packing shed.

[@anishraj8157]

What a LEGEND...RESPECT!!