Timber framing a medieval capstan

This video captures the making of a medieval style capstan we will use for the raising of our cabin. The basic design came from timber framer Jim Rogers, who was kind enough to share his plans.
We made our frame of 6x6 White Oak, the braces and stretchers are also white oak, and a bit of yellow pine was used for the yolk. The axle was made from Black Gum, a very tough and split resistant wood. The axle pin is a bit of antique wrought iron bar, about 1 1/4 " thick, which had flats filled on one end and the other left round to spin freely in its housing.
In combination with a block and tackle this device is capable of huge feats of strength. As the axle is about 8inches in diameter and the handles are 8 feet long, the capstan alone give a 12 to 1 mechanical advantage to any force applied.

[@Scrivscribe]

I watched this whole video with no idea what the heck a capstan was and still found it really entertaining! haha, keen to see it put to use!

[@act.13.41]

After watching many of these videos, I can't decide which I like more. Mr. Chickadee's work is so impressive, but Mrs. Chickadee's cinematography is equally impressive. She does not get in the way, yet she manages to get great angles and sounds. We don't miss a thing. Well done indeed.

[@jerbear7952]

For our sake as youtubers I have to think she is the real hero here. If this was unwatchable, what value would we gain? Also, she agreed to marry this weir....interesting man. 😊

[@mattd1188]

Thank you for bringing us along with you during this process. More-so, thank you for allowing the forest, wood, drill, saw and chisel to be your sound track for a most gloriously produced video.

[@thejakyl1369]

Gotta respect the traditional ways of wood working. I never tire of learning how it was done. The patience and ingenuity still stand the test of time.

[@garycrumrine9538]

When I lived i the Netherlands I was blessed to be able to tour a Dutch Windmill that still was being used to grind flour. Inside was a much larger version of this. All gearing was wooden, and an entire tree as the central axle. Nearly 36 inches in diameter and over 30 ft high. It is amazing the craftsmanship that it took to balance that whole assembly to where a child could push it.

[@rickgreen9936]

You Sir, are extraordinary. Seriously putting your back into your work to save your back when the capstan goes to work. Well done.

[@scottshepherd9995]

No words needed. Simply relaxing. I had one of those days from Hell full of stress and all of it was just released in one video. Thank you for sharing your build, your craftsmanship is outstanding.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you, glad we could help!

[@TympanicaFusion]

I feel exactly the same! This video is a stress relief video!

[@mikelinderman751]

I see the patience and focus in your work as must have been demonstrated by Noah in the building of the ark. Good work. We need more craftsmen like you in this world. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@matthewmoilanen787]

Dude nobody built a boat that could carry two of every animal to survive a flood. Two of every animal couldn't be collected in 100 lifetimes.And virtually every reasonable religion claims it's a teaching parable, like most of the Bible. Kinda like some people thinking it somehow states in the bible that guns should be used against another person!

[@robertcoyle1532]

Beautifully done... I can remember my dad working with wood. He never owned a power tool. I still use his brace and bit and the gauges and squares he left me.

[@colloredbrothers]

I like just hearing the ambient sounds of the environment and the tools, so relaxing.

[@christiangeiselmann]

Yes, it is wonderful that a) no cars are around with their noise and b) he did not add music as so many do! The sound of the wood and the woods, that's all! Really relaxing!

[@cxcevents]

its almost ASMR like. relaxing.

[@AAthlete34]

cxcevents A

[@darintullis3932]

i love the lack of unnessasary oveous explination juss work an shut tha hell up !!!!!

[@bobsmith-ud9xi]

Like primitive technology but with better tools

[@jeffwomack5821]

It's rare that I will watch a video without talking but this time I had to. Such cool tools , the drill with two cranks got me. I have most of the others . You sir have a rare and special talent to build something like this with good tight joints. A pleasure to watch.

[@didr0003]

That drill is amazing!!

[@ClintRoseCarving]

I love how your videos don't need narration or music, just the sounds of the trees and metal against wood, perfect.

[@MrChickadee]

Glad you approve!

[@KM-pj3cn]

Wow, no wonder all the stuff built in the past is still standing! My dad was always working with wood building stuff and I enjoyed watching him make different things. I'm glad I can watch it again.

[@wrestlerwannabe]

There is something very Zen when I watch people build things, the old fashioned way, with no commentary. Keep it up!

[@wrestlerwannabe]

That is where I came from actually.

[@iamkarma4819]

Heh heh liked him?

[@crayinar]

Thank you for posting your work. You sir have a talent that is obvious to anyone watching. As a woodworker myself, I really appreciate how you make difficult mortise and tenans cuts look simple. thank you again

[@markstanden202]

What I love about this, is that once it's been used to making all the things that are used for building all the other things, it can be used as a kids's chair swing.. All you need to add are a couple of roped seats each side and let the fun begin!

[@barnasoos1]

Each of your videos is like a meditation. Time seems to stop when I watch you create.

[@srdavis37]

Yes! I feel the same way. Relaxing, mesmerizing, calming, soothing. Serenity practiced here.

[@drew856856]

great video. thanks for making a 22 min video. i could watch a 2 hour video. its amazing to see all the things you can do. i cain wait for the next one. i know its about to start getting good. thanks agian for all the hard work then recording so we get a look. you and your wife be blessed. take care

[@0neKingD0wn]

I understand the hobby/challenge of you working like this....but beeing a carpenter, omg am i grateful for power tools.

[@craigwilcox6319]

Love seeing all the great wood-working, and NOT hear the noise of chain saws and other power equipment. Man after my own heart, for sure. Please keep up the good work.

[@staninjapan07]

A very interesting video. I saw the title and wondered what a capstan was. I didn't know before watching the video. And... I didn't know after watching the video, either. Presumably it's for 'power' of some kind, maybe to translate rotary motion into some other form of movement for power. Now I shall look it up and see. Thank you, I enjoyed that a lot. EDIT A capstan is a vertical-axled rotating machine developed for use on sailing ships to apply force to ropes, cables, and hawsers.

[@rnc-wr8wv]

staninjapan07 I'm guessing they're going to be milling some grain

[@09conrado]

on a ship, a capstan is mostly used to wind up the anchor rope. Here, it would be used to pull a rope that's attached to the frame of a house. The rope winds around the axle, and the resultant shortening of the rope gives indeed a pulling action. It's basically a vertical winch. Usually a ratchet is added as a safety, so that the load doesn't come crashing down should one of the turning persons trip or fail.

[@jakemachado3612]

staninjapan07 😂😂

[@saiaddict]

in the description he explains that its used for barn raising

[@bakters]

A capstan is like a winch, but the line passes through it, instead of being simply winched on. Being vertical or horizontal is not important. What is important, is that the running end is free, and needs to be taut for the capstan to work as intended. If the running end is affixed to the roller, then it's a winch.

[@FoxyTCustoms]

Gotta say, I do a double take every time I see your kawasaki or trailer because of the traditional methods you use. Keep up the great work!

[@MrChickadee]

Haha nice, thank you.

[@itchyego]

How brilliant are these tools and machines! The reason we made it to today is that our ancestors were as tough as hell! Amazing! Thanks for sharing this!

[@Norwegianwoodworker]

Nice video. No talking, no life philosophy, no BS, just pure skills and good filming. Might be the best video this year :) TR

[@plwadodveeefdv]

Love the editing and lack of talking. It's like a Primitive Technology version of the Woodwright's Shop

[@plwadodveeefdv]

Also, you need an adze

[@MrChickadee]

I have a few…don't always use themkzbin.info/www/bejne/fH-aaJZ3mZp4d8U

[@plwadodveeefdv]

Haha, very applicable quote from Roy at the beginning there. As I was

[@BrickandBlockWork]

What do you call that machine and what is it used for ?

[@RodHays]

Firts thing that came to my mind was a medieval catapult. But my guess is it will be used for things like raising walls or skidding logs. Looks good. Love watching you use those hand tools. Not many use them any more.,I live around lots of Amish who still do lots of things the old way.

[@killerxn7758]

I watched the video not knowing that it will be the last Video of the day. The sounds and atmosphere was too calming. I felt asleep woke up 30 minutes later and proceeded to go to bed. I will now watch your videos every time I want to go to bed. Thank you.

[@drthiart]

This makes one appreciate how much work went into everything that was built long ago...

[@HHGdrums]

That was so cool. It's so great to see someone build such amazing things with old world techniques.

[@MrBlack0950]

Old world techniques? Is this not the normal way of doing it? Cause ive always done stuff like this, or helped my granfather do it.

[@rcb3921]

Really an enjoyable video. I love watching wood get shaped and made in to structures with such precision.

[@MrChickadee]

thank you!

[@goodday4221]

i know this video is now 3 years old, but you're the first fella i've seen who lets the tools do the work. the way ya swing the hammer and shave the logs with the axe. no unnecessary force or movements, just weight comes up, weight comes down. work smart, not hard. good stuff

[@Johannes00]

I am doing a small thesis on classical era crane technology and this is just beautiful to see in this day and age.

[@songokusevil]

Never knew Bill Hader was so good with his hands!!

[@valynandorfer1306]

I was trying to figure out who he looked like, thank you!

[@jaimeaugusto7437]

E impressionante a precisão dos cortes e o capricho nos entalhes. Parabéns Mr. Chickadee e nos brinde sempre com seus vídeos! Abraço do Brasil, Jaime

[@LiquidCiderGold]

Thanks so so much for no underlying annoying music, just quality atmospheric sounds and the work being done.

[@jedexkid41]

had no idea what he was making, but it was still great to watch a craftsman ply his trade

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you everyone for your interest in this capstan build. Look for a set up and use video coming soon.

[@patrickm6047]

Mr. Chickadee-- Great video! I really like those boots! What is the brand and model?

[@seanharris6982]

Those look like Belleville C390 hot weather combat boots. I have an older pair from my time in the military and those definitely look like them.

[@J.E.Taylor]

Look to me to be the usual Belleville brand or similar desert combat boots.

[@MrChickadee]

yep, we called them "jungle boots" in the corps, belleville brand

[@J.E.Taylor]

I wore them in the USAF. Thanks for your service!

[@nathanbame4198]

This is a legitimate category of ASMR, change my mind

[@georgepatient7710]

I disagree, there is no creepy sexual aspect so it cant be ASMR.

[@tinybunnysneezes7306]

I love the shots and editing. No words, no talking; just showing what/how/why. A lot like that "primitive skills" channel.

[@johnnyschneider849]

This is absolutely one of the best woodworking videos I have ever seen without using power tools That's amazing keep up the good work

[@MrChickadee]

Our intentions were never to perform a medieval reconstruction, the capstan is a tool which would have seen use since at least the medieval period, however our tool and methods are those which we use on a daily basis here in our homestead and are not from that period. We apologize for the confusion. Thanks everyone for the interest.

[@MrChickadee]

Try local antique stores and flea markets. The capstans was Jim Rogers design, a timber framer

[@Anomalous-Plant]

Hey, I'd love to hear more information of the drill you were using at 3:57 . What is it called? Where is yours from?

[@PokeTheBear773]

It is called a boring machine. Pretty common at the turn of century when timber framing was how they built many homes.

[@delly41]

The trees are cut in winter because the water inside is less. My grandfather said so

[@MrChickadee]

Winter is the best time in my opinion for many reasons, but I often need wood and can't wait till the next winter...

[@shaunblunden294]

Love your videos, you are a true craftsman. Thanks for a long video.

[@JB-uj8mz]

Your videos are very inspirational thanks for sharing and using "older" methods of doing things.

[@kevinwoodcock7578]

Was wondering if you could speak to the amount of knowledge you have gained in such a relatively short amount of time. You seem so young but appear to have the skill and craftsmanship of a man twice or even 3 times your age. Your videos are an absolute joy to watch. Thank you.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you Kevin. I spent a few years reading and acquiring tools, then as we moved here to the homestead, this became my full time job, now, 2 years an counting, I feel I am starting to get the feel of most of all this, still a long way off from the acquired skill each apprenticed worker would have had say 200 years ago. Maybe in a few years Ill get there!

[@Psychosgamers]

first time on ur channel....respect for ur craftmanship..well done , sir !!!

[@livingstonbarrie]

love your videos. can't wait to see the finished cabin

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Brilliant! I feel that I have learned so much from you. I watch your videos and I come away in a more peaceful state of mind. Thank you, on both counts.

[@MrChickadee]

THank you for the kind words!

[@wretched17]

Thank you for not being like other channel hosts and just uselessly yammer away about nothing in your videos. Seriously can't thank you enough for that =D

[@MrChickadee]

Glad you approve!

[@forrestaddy9644]

Proud of you, Bub. A hunk of history right off the Breugel painting of "The Tower of Babel." Four guyswalking an 8 ft circle each pushing 45 lb, a 6" capstan drum - - maybe 2900 lb pull. Figure 60% efficiency - 1700 lb. How much effort to raise your bents? You need to band your capstan so the sockets don't split out? A ratchet to prevent a run-away? How you going to anchor the capstan? Couple short stumps? You got 4 muscular guys lined up? More to rassle the bent? Gin pole? Mast? Snatch blocks? Rope? Food? Beer? Send me a plane ticket and have some of that Apalachin venison sausage and bannock bread on hand. Inept irresponsible supervision stimulates a fine appetite. Oh, and a nice comfortable chair in the shade. Ever think a yurt might be simpler?

[@MrChickadee]

Thanks forest, in fact, it took about 15lb of pressure with one hand to raise the bents…no need for strapping guys, at one point we used an 8 year old boy, another a 15 year old girl…was actually pretty amazing, stay tuned for raising video lots to edit

[@SmallMartingale]

Can't wait to see this in action!

[@atoka]

My great great grandfather used the same side by side as you guys! All kidding aside it is really cool to see the process and tools

[@antonmoric1469]

Great video of a craft that should not be forgotten, for many reasons. Thanks!

[@leastdef7435]

Looking forward to seeing this in action! Excellent video as always 👍👍

[@MrChickadee]

thank you!

[@terracethornhill]

That's a nice winch. Makes me think though, would some kind of fairlead make it easier to use? It looks like it would be good for a linear pull, like dragging something, but if you're lifting heavy objects, some kind of ratchet and brake would be a good idea to prevent it running away. Hand winches can be dangerous, more so without a ratchet and brake. If the arm you're using breaks, the next one is going to want to take your head off. Just thought it bears mentioning.

[@bubbabub3247]

I'm would care to say I'm actually quite young and quite fond of technology but for some reason seeing things like this the way you build things it's beautiful it makes me appreciate the fact that people still make things with there hands and i do quite enjoy it and I'm so glad you did not use music or other noises it was so relaxing just hearing the noises of nature and you tools quite beautiful

[@bamaman39]

Now that is some truly old school craftsmanship 👍🏾 well done sir. Please continue to teach and inspire others 💪🏾👏🏾

[@DavidWaeldervideo]

Outstanding work and video !

[@mserban9251]

David Waelder p

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

The whole video I was wondering what a "capstan" was :P Beautiful video!

[@deemon328]

I still don't know

[@AdbeatSChannel]

@@deemon328 I could look it up, but i like not knowing for some reason

[@EllinonEnosis]

It is so peaceful that i used it instead of a lullaby. Nature and its sounds are so soothing....thank you...

[@738polarbear]

Lot of hard work here . He is a great sawyer.

[@wadestewart9891]

just found your videos and subscribed you are a true craftsman

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you!

[@gokhanekici4235]

thanks for this long video dear master Mr chickadee I like that so much I will leave film for watch your video I wish to best for you take care yourself

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you for watching!

[@kusanagi533d]

I like how there is no talking, similar to primitive technology's videos. It lets you make your own conclusions as to what's going on, but also makes the videos peaceful. I hope to see more.

[@guyfarting9987]

Something about looking at wood being carved and cut by hand tools is very satisfying.

[@matthewluna6443]

I can't wait for the primitive technology guy to catch up to your era

[@gregmcglothern5723]

Does this just look fun to anyone else?

[@cheaphomesteading]

Greg McGlothern agree

[@Min-xm8tp]

I'm sat here feeling quite satisfied with myself and I've only watched you make it! Really nice to see, Thank you.

[@battmann678]

I think of capstans on 18th and 19th century sailing vessels. Never thought about them being used as lifting device on land. I'm looking forward to the day when you use this thing. Another nice video.

[@MrChickadee]

Yep good for land and sea! Thanks for the comment.

[@user-qs1jg2dq2z]

Адваката Егорова прям не узнать )

[@user-os7ux6qk5m]

Да Егоров настолько педант мастеровой что я думаю он не с нашей вселенной.

[@predawntwilight9998]

Топ коммент)

[@user-gh3ib2hl4l]

это его брат, наверное.

[@user-jk2xm2zy3g]

А я думал я один,подписанный на обоих:)

[@konnina4987]

кек

[@dutchwoodwork]

this is so beautifull!

[@yspark5930]

일본 말로 만깨 라고 하지요

[@BinkaddasPhotography]

Mr. Chickadee. Great work. your video is therapeutic.

[@tangle70]

I wish I had a neighbor like you. You are always doing something interesting. We actually had one drive down our drive when boiling maple sap lat winter. I guess they wondered what someone was doing outside, especially in the winter.

[@MrChickadee]

Id love to try maple syrup some time, have you ever made maple sugar?

[@tangle70]

Mr. Chickadee I have not made maple sugar. We might have to try that this year. I was amazed how easy it was to make the syrup. I would like to try sycamore and birch some time.

[@Van-..-z._-_z.-._-._.-z.]

Skip to 10:55 for how to shave your wrist film video

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

Sharpeners mange it's called lol

[@briansmobile1]

I couldn't understand a word he said, or why he used such a tiny hammer at 17:52, but I was still mesmerized!

[@randolphtorres4172]

Turn off the sound!!!

[@ronwilson4407]

I'm extremely impressed with your talent, especially using all the old school hand tools, very talented for such a young man, you are a artist with wood!!!!!!! 🔨⛏🛠🔧📐

[@JakesSRT8]

So glad that I came across your videos! Watched all of them the past two nights and loved them!

[@royreynolds108]

I think you missed by a factor of 2. R1 to r2 or 8 feet (96 inches) to 4 inches = 24 to 1. You used R to D in your calculation. You just gained 2 times. I have done the same thing in the past.

[@TheDon001]

Love the series so far, I saw in one comment you mentioned you learned some of your joinery from books. What titles would you recommend to learn big timber joinery? Also is your shop and house build based off some plans or did you design them yourself?

[@MrChickadee]

Id start with Roy under hill, and Jack Sabon, I drew up my own plans.

[@StreetKingz4Life]

Wow!very nice & interesting,this guy sure does brings back a lot of memories for old school carpenters,am afraid not many guys of his age today would do his style of wood-working,thanks buddy.

[@travisbrumfield638]

This is going to sound crazy and very unlike any comment I have ever left before but I have had a long day today at work and have been dealing with some stressors this week just got home from work though and noticed this video it was so calming and just a joy to watch in general I do not even normally talk like that but it was so I just wanted to say thank you for posting this.l

[@iGTimk6]

Careful with your axe and foot positioning dude. Everyone has off swings...

[@MrChickadee]

With care its not a problem, check this out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKHJcp6tgb9lnsk

[@coen8323]

still hes right everybody has off swings

[@MrChickadee]

guys, really you just can't hurt yourself this way unless you are stricken blind or something in the moment of the swing, or never used an axe, trust me! ;)

[@coen8323]

not if you are doing it like you but if you split logs it can happen

[@brandonstanley3109]

Bite the tongue ;) Lol.... Anyway where are you guys from? And how long have you been doing this type of work?

[@TheSerpent753]

Maybe it was my imagination, but I coulda sworn I saw a nail in that video.

[@christophergreen5735]

I saw several of them. :-)

[@gorillaau]

Nails were around in medieval times, but would be square in cross section.

[@TheSerpent753]

nails may have been around in medieval times, but I've never seen one in a Mr. Chickadee vid.

[@MrChickadee]

I use nails a lot, but prefer wood joinery

[@MikeyLC]

I saw a nail...I did I did...I know I saw a nail...lol

[@dieselthekiller]

im a french acadian from New brunswick canada,and my ancestor was using that tool,Cabestan,to pull fishing boat on the shore.They still got a couple around my island im gonna check next summer and send you some good pictures

[@jesusaraujo1]

Your video make me think, "Silence lead to concentration". My sincere admiration, please, keep on doing this great work!

[@user-qx8vz3nc4t]

прекрассно!!!

[@OldIronShops]

nice i hope we get to see it doing some work . also the drill bit with the holes in it what is that one for never seen one like that

[@MrChickadee]

You will soon, yes its a "scotch eye" bit, they excel at boring into end grain, most normal bits don't do well here.

[@OldIronShops]

+Mr. Chickadee cool I need to make myself a set of chisels I want to build a line shaft powered machine shop.

[@5graney5]

Oh wow, I love that chisel used near the beginning of the video with the wooden end!

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

The wheel and the lever. 2 of the most useful things ever thought of. I will be waiting to see it in action now. Nice work!

[@MrChickadee]

Truly amazing things!

[@pozitivkatheturtle4536]

И зачем ты это сделал? и зачем я это посмотрел?

[@user-ow6eu1dj1v]

Ворот называется, можно технику из болота вытаскивать, например.

[@senpaisanchoyt5225]

How are you allowed to do all this? I mean like building on thr land and cutting trees down? in my state you can't kill a bush without a fine coming your way lol

[@rascal3657]

Who are the 649 people that do not like the things that are being made by this hard working person?

[@OlneyaTesota]

All the skills you have and being ambidextrous compliments them!

[@40intrek]

I must point out there's a satisfied smile at 22:35.... I just love the natural sounds of wood in the morning.. Thanks ..

[@robertogonzalez6318]

Aparte del precioso trabajo, me encanta la fotografia, el video, la edición...Como siempre, perfecto. Gracias!

[@MrChickadee]

Muchos Gracias senior!

[@maryalicestevens2664]

love that smile at the end when you see how well it works after all your diligent labor!

[@MrChickadee]

couldn't help myself!

[@fonhollohan2908]

Very kind of Jim Rogers to share his plans with you for this Capstan.

[@charlesloveday9208]

I have watched all of the timber framing on the barn...now the cabin. U -sir...r a definition of what a fine wood craftsman should be. Most awesome display of craftsmanship I've ever seen! Appreciate U taking the time to show everything...start to finish& end to end.

[@JVHorvath1]

There's something satisfying about someone doing old fashioned wood working

[@scottleft3672]

Nice set of skills to go with that awsome collection of grand ol' tools....all you need is a wooden jack plane.

[@arkansas1313]

Another comfortable day of working in the quite land. I love your style and you built an awesome capstan!!!!!!!!!!!! ....13