John- I was at the demo at Bob Bergman's place and still have all the notes you gave me. I was not actually sure you were still alive until I saw you come up on this channel. I'm so glad you're still with us and sharing your knowledge and skill.
I used to be good at operating my computer, but I am losing a lot now with all the changes they make, and I am getting lost in cyberspace. I'm sorry if I can not answer someone because technology has left me behind. But I did not forget how to blacksmith, and that is a big bonus. I Love you all. Thank you, and be kind and loving to others.
You have nothing to be sorry for master, you have touched more people than you can ever know through the years and enriched their lives and mine with your knowledge and childlike fascination for the craft. You are the one who is to be thanked and I do so humbly now. Thank you master.
Good on you John. You are an inspiration. I'm 61, been a Boilermaker welder for 44 years, starting to feel little flat. Your love for helping others in your field of expertise is a great motivation. Thank you for your video. 🙏🏼 From Australia 🌏🦘
As a member of the Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association (UMBA) I was at Bob's shop when John Adolf was there , To say that he is a master at his craft is a under statement. This man has forgotten more about Blacksmithing then most could learn in a life time. Having meet Him and getting to spend some time with him is one the high points in my learning of Blacksmithing . Thank you
As a Canadian tradesman, licensed mechanic, welder, construction worker and oil rig certified floorman. I can tell you you definitely need a burning desire to learn continuously. A ambition to overcome medical issues that come and go, and the ability to be a friend to make friends. At 62, I'm learning to fall trees and be a logger
I’m 34 wood worker, welder mechanic, arborist. That’s exactly the reminder I need. My boss is 75, just had a pacemaker put in and has been doing bucket work while recovering. I aspire to be one of you tough, wise, intelligent and active old timers. I’ll quit learning when I’m dead.
As per usual fine sir another excellent story/video. Thank you for this teaching moment and for sharing your admiration, enthusiasm, and respect for this Master!
A old toolmaker that was wounded in WW2 told me 38 years ago “ a man always does his best thinking in the morning” Thank you for this video. Maybe it explains why at 63 I have a desire to learn how to do things, how things are ( and were ) made and if I can do it. I am close to retiring from working for a living but I don’t think I will ever quit working to learn and do. Thanks again, Mike
Wow. The guy is a legend. This reminded me of something my dad told me 40+ years ago starting out in life. “You hook up with a grey haired guy and keep everything open but your mouth. You may have to listen more than you like, but that won’t hurt you either. I’m so glad I discovered your channel. Keep up the great work man. 🤜🤛
Wow!! Truly an unparalleled display of knowledge and muscle memory. I've never seen a 93 year old man who could move like that. What an incredible example for us all.
“Stick to him like a burr” I have learned this over time. Its the best tool we can possess, the ability to learn, and how to identify who to learn from. Everything Scott said here is gold….
The way you spoke about him with such passion and awe brought a tear to my eye. He is a national treasure and we best learn from him as much as we can before it's too late.
I have always admired true craftsmen... I have been a transmission builder for 30 years, and I have always been impressed with a man who can create something from nothing. Bravo. Many more yeare, sir.
Friend, you have just shared more blessings than you can count. Don't sweat the fact that the older fellow out-worked you. My wife's uncle (30 years my senior) kicked my butt ROYALLY while cutting firewood. (a humbling moment) and, a blessing...Mr. Adolf grew up on the hard road and graduated from the school of hard knocks and graduated with honors as not only a 'survivor' but, VALEDICTORIAN! It is obvious that he has a fire in his heart AND soul of a Saint who's mission from GOD is to share the Gospel of humility, hard work and, REWARD for a job well-done!...This is the kind of heart-warming, soul- saving videos that I truly enjoy watching before going to bed. "it is well, with my soul" You have many gifts and I thank you for sharing...So, shall I
You’re a very lucky man to have been able to meet, interact and learn from these men like John and Cy and I feel just as fortunate to have found you here on UA-cam
I have enjoyed your videos and your storytelling ability for a long time now. I'm a 55 year old man and not ashamed to say that this video put a bit of mist in my eyes because I am very fortunate to know exactly what you are talking about here when it comes to meeting these giants. What an inspirational video! Thanks for what you do.
Mr. J. Adolph, Your exemplary talent and down to earth humility, reminds me of a Great Grandparent who was a true down to earth man who was also a Blacksmith, and also German as my entire lineage is. And even though I never knew my Blacksmith Great Grandparent, he was a hard working man, who lived a humble life and pulled more than his weight in his lifetime. He was a light in my Mother's life at a time when she was surrounded by so much darkness, and all the times I imagined what kind of man he was. I see his likeness in you. All who knew him, spoke his praises, and his talent was obvious in the things he crafted, especially for my Mother. May the rest of your days be filled with Joy and happiness, despite the trials we all must face. And may your time with your beloved wife be as sweet as clover honey, and may you both have peace and love in buckets, overflowing.
What an incredibly respectful tribute to a man with such unique qualities. I totally understand the hesitation to create something that does justice to him-it’s not easy to capture that kind of greatness. Congratulations, Scott, on yet another beautiful piece. Thank you for introducing us to people like him. For me, Ken Jordan’s video remains the most impactful, but this one comes close.
Beautiful job on this video Scott. Thank you for introducing the world to my grandpa, he is a true gem and we know it ❤ My son decided to follow in his footsteps and become a welder and blacksmith since hes being trained by the best!
Scott, I wrote you a couple years ago about some trouble I was having my mom was sick. My wife was just diagnosed with cancer. You give me some advice and I appreciate the time you took to let me know that I’m not alone in the world with my problems, everyone has them I’ve lost my mom shortly after that and my wife died in February I have twin teenage girls at home they keep me busy but this is by far the best episode I’ve ever watched and I appreciate the content. Don’t know about your channel are missing out. Life is a lot deeper than just going to work to pay bills thanks again, Randy
Thank you for telling this story. I to was blessed to work for and with older people that taught me metal working and about life skills that I still use today. I have been blessed to have worked with.
Just when you think the EC can't possibly give us a more uplifting video, he cranks out this one. Thank you for the wonderful life messages you bring to UA-cam.
My Father was such a Man! Miss Him Greatly! Soft spoken, Master of Iron and Steel! At 150# Soaking Wet, Best advice Dad ever gave was " put your can't down, and use your hands!" Nothing will ever get finished unless you're willing to do the Work! Thanks for the video!
I was unaware of the existence of this giant of a man (and fellow countryman). I would love to see his welding guides and techniques to which you referred at the start of the video. Thanks so much for sharing this. Your own humility in the face of such men is admirable and something we should emulate.
What an inspiration. Thanks for sharing. This craftsman has a passion for his trade, like I do mine. We went in different directions, I chose masonry. But have always been fascinated by the versatility and practicality of metal work.
What else could I say Herr Adolf. You just became one with your work. It's like a meditative state. Is that point when you are working and suddenly all Thoughts are gone. Amazing
Awesome video! Thank you so much ! This man is a great inspiration for this 69-year-old man that does most things manually, no power hammers, no power, wood, splitters, etc. around here. So inspirational trying to become a better Blaksmith every day that I have a few moments to even do so And you are a great inspiration to many. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work stay well. Have a beautiful day.
I entered construction in 1990. I was a 17 year old kid. I have hung onto the older gentleman in the craft, and I was a sponge for knowledge and it has been a 34 year education and now that I am one of the older guys on the job I get to pass it on to the younger guys
A wonderful video! Just 12 minutes long - but tightly stuffed with valuable information and even true wisdom. - Thanks for taking the time to making it! - And best wishes from Germany! 🙂
Thank you for your kind words I loved what I was doing all my life and wanted to share my knowledge with the world, for free !!!! My employees can vouch for that the truth.
seems that, oh, maybe one out of each couple of dozen videos here.......brings tears. Thankyou Scott, Nate, et. al. for all you bring to this audience. well done. keep up such good work. God bless you. Darrell
I have a former neighbor, he’s 84. I just helped him frame an addition on a customers house. The only time I felt bad for him was when he climbed up onto the deck, I could tell his knees hurt doing that. Rodger I feel your pain, 41 years as a plumber.
Really enjoyed your story about John. I used to have a friend in Pompano Beach Florida named Karl Zylka. The he owned and operated machine shop. He had a similar story of growing up in Germany before the war and apprenticing as a machinist at a very young age. There is nothing this man could not make. You could bring him any metal car or machine part that was no longer made, and he could fabricate one exactly like the original if not better. Guys like these have been lost with the generations and cannot be replaced. The world is a better place though for them having been here.
Essential Craftsman is the "Book of Knowledge" and so are my friend Scott and his Son they are the book of knowledge,they deserve the cheers for all of us
These aren't just good lessons for a blacksmith. These are good lessons to make a good man. John Adolph is a good man. I don't know why this video was recommended to me, but I'm deeply appreciative of it.
These stories and these men must be shared with us so that their education their experience their wisdom can be shared for generations to come thank you EC for bringing this to us
Reminds me of my grandfather. Immigrated to New Zealand from a previously occupied Friesland after ww2. He was a master cabinet and kitchen maker, he loved to teach and was the kindest person you could know. I learnt so much from him and still try to honour his memory, rest in peace Grandad ❤
What an inspirational channel. Thank you for your effort. I'm 37 and remember men like this years ago in my neck of woods in midwest. But sadly there are plenty of farmers and men of certain trades around but none with high skills and particular knowledge. Being into blacksmith/ metallurgy, timber/woodworking and old tools it sound like I need to hit the road to find like folks.
Adolf seems to have intuited much of the science of steel that I use today(45year metalsmith and welder her) before it really became known science. I'm nowhere near the blacksmith of old, the tools and techniques have progressed to the point where much of the old ways have been lost to time, but there's not much I can't do with steel within our modern framework. Kudos to the men who keep this art alive, and the old-school smiths who harbor all this arcana into the current era
I once worked in a machine shop as a 17 year old and the shop boss was trained similarly in Germany during the war. He was in fact being used by the German military to build "stuff" for the war effort. He was punished by one of the Nazi soldiers for laying a tool across the ways of the lathe. He punched the guard and knocked him out. He promptly fled the country and made his way to Canada. He was a brilliant machinist and was properly trained through mentoring and apprenticeship. We really don't see craftsmen like that today. We are worse off because we don't seem to have thorough apprenticeship programs for the various trades anymore...
This is like the 95 year old woodworker I saw a few years back. Both way beyond impressive in work, experience and knowledge. I tell all of my friends that I want to be working like that at 95. Oh what the country would be if the youth could see about a million people like these to show them how to work again.
Thank you Scott for sharing this video and life lessons from John Adolf with us. My mentor just turned 91 year old and has been a blessing in my life for 25+ years.
I have seen a lot of great people and great men in particular but the greatest of them all are craftsmen. i totally feel great seeing this video. John is such a cool man, articulate and full of knowledge. this is definitely how i would love to get old. Thank you so much for sharing
I worked with men like him on the railroad that now are long gone. Nothing but Honor and Respect for the knowledge that I will pass on of the art of working with steel.
I was going to say it, and you did it for me... Respect Your Elders. They have wisdom and knowledge from experience. This younger generation wasting time with video games and social media...I know because I used to be one. Makers, artisans, craftsman, ... learn from them, and pass this on.
Thank you for this wonderful video. I am somewhat speechless… the abilities of this man are like watching magic. So much knowledge…thank you for your efforts to keep this art alive
My grandfather will be 100 in May of 2025. He has been a cattleman his whole life and an Ag teacher for 45 of those years. I grew up on the ranch with him and have learned a many thing. As a youth, I thought this is the worst thing a person can go through. I worked before school, after school, and on the weekends. I didn't have the same experiences as my peers. I told myself I would get an education and not have to do such hard labor for the rest of my life. I'm an automation controls engineer and have a very good salary, but at near 50 I'm longing for the the days on the ranch. Using my hands and mind to shape metal and wood. Turning the resources of the land into usable resources for my family and dogs. I'm more of a woodworker than blacksmith, but I know both trades. The lessons my grandpa has passed down to me are innumerable. Seek out and find a person like this even if they aren't in your current social circle. Your life will be bettered by it. Our elders are our greatest gift since Jesus. Nothing can replace the knowledge that another human being has trapped inside themselves just waiting to escape into the minds of eager individuals waiting to absorb it.
I dropped out of university for a job in warehouse, and I'm looking into becoming a plumber, a lil back pain that I may experience in my 70s is nothing compared to mental brainrot in the field I was studying for (computer "science"). Cheating, lying and never doing a joule of real work in my life is just not for me. I'd rather literally eat shit by a clogged shit spraying into my face, on my lips and just happening to enter my mouth in miniscule amount, than spend even one more second with the clowns that would end up as my coworkers in any IT position........ People who grew up in a real environment and not this vapid concrete prison called city don't know how good they have it. Literally everything is fake, and gay, and fake in city. Jobs are bullshit and meaningless, the roads are bullshit and you can't even walk across without a brick in your hand, even trees are planted for bullshit reasons, some are pruned so hard they don't even perform the function they were planted for, may aswell cut them down. There's genuinely nothing better than owning a piece of land somewhere outside of this mess and actually having to perform mundane, but real work, so you don't lose touch with reality. Money is fake and gay and not a cent of it is worth it.
I was at that conference, and saw John Adolf. He was amazing! I often tell my students about the 75 year old blacksmith I saw wailing away with an 8 lb hammer! Once, a student told me that he worked at the company that John worked for. He came in after John had retired, but they still used equipment that John built. Based on the equipment John left behind, my student was firmly of the opinion that the man was an absolute genius.
I thank you very much for your comment, a lot of my fellow supervisors did not like me very much and so did I disagree with the new manager Who made me pay for my Pickup truck when I retired all other retirees got the car for free, and I paid for it. When someone was to write a book about Vancouver Pile Driving History I was to have an interview with that writer guess what I guess he was told not to waste much time with me because when we spoke on the phone he said oh john you were in charge of welding and then said ok thank you he was not interested in my story I believe he had instructions how much to question me. Here is my take on the Story. Bill Willis, John Adolph, Dick Mayers, Tom Barker, Andy Smail, and Tom Scott made Vancouver Pile Driving and their Employees! Before Dillingham bought Vancouver Pile Driving.
I talked with one of my colleagues from my time at Dillingham and he said yes they still use all the equipment I was in charge of building and design I am glad they appreciate it today
thank you for posting this video. people don't always give the elderly respect these days. what they had lived through is a completely different life our youngster have today!
I'm 63 and learned flame bending from a man that was a welder while serving our country in WW2. At that time I was in my early 20', attending welding class at community college, and will never forget the things I learned and how it formed me as a man. i was burned, scared and hurt many times, but would not trade a minute of it for anything! I went on to be very sucessfully self employed for 35 years, have 3 beautiful daughters and a beautiful wife. There is nothing better for the soul than work!!
this post should be tailored into a highschool instruction module, which must be passed by a 90% grade before graduating...thank you John, Simon, good animator for producing it...an amazing, loveable person, couple!
What an amazing soul, thank you for sharing his story. Men like him are rare, especially these days. I can only hope to achieve a tenth of what he has accomplished in his lifetime!😊
Absolutely fantastic video. I have learned so much from the older generations like yourself. The stories and lessons they share are the true gifts in life
absolutely very inspiring I am 60 years old I have had many mentors in my life that I have worked for one of them also came from Germany construction site Foreman my father died when I was 16 and I started working for the construction company at 20 and this man helped shape me into the man I am now I am very grateful for people like the man in this episode much wisdom to the narrator and producer much wisdom with his choice of words what a compliment 2 John
All I can say to all of you who acknowledged the comments on my story, is thank you ever so much, BLESS YOU ALL
awesome John... love from Nerwfoundland
You sir, are amazing!
Your skills are awe inspiring! Thanks for all the great work you have done, and continue doing, in your life.
A true mans man. Someone we can aspire to be. Thank you Sir, your story is incredible. God Bless.
John- I was at the demo at Bob Bergman's place and still have all the notes you gave me. I was not actually sure you were still alive until I saw you come up on this channel. I'm so glad you're still with us and sharing your knowledge and skill.
I used to be good at operating my computer, but I am losing a lot now with all the changes they make, and I am getting lost in cyberspace. I'm sorry if I can not answer someone because technology has left me behind. But I did not forget how to blacksmith, and that is a big bonus. I Love you all. Thank you, and be kind and loving to others.
You have nothing to be sorry for master, you have touched more people than you can ever know through the years and enriched their lives and mine with your knowledge and childlike fascination for the craft. You are the one who is to be thanked and I do so humbly now. Thank you master.
@@brocklanders9442 Thank you kindly
Good on you John. You are an inspiration. I'm 61, been a Boilermaker welder for 44 years, starting to feel little flat. Your love for helping others in your field of expertise is a great motivation.
Thank you for your video. 🙏🏼 From Australia 🌏🦘
Master.
You,Mr.Adolph,are amazing.May God have a great and wonderful reward for you awaiting.Thank you,sir,for your contribution to this world.😊❤🙏👍🏼💪🏼
He has forged his mind and body into something just a spectacular as his craft. A true master.
As a member of the Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association (UMBA) I was at Bob's shop when John Adolf was there , To say that he is a master at his craft is a under statement. This man has forgotten more about Blacksmithing then most could learn in a life time.
Having meet Him and getting to spend some time with him is one the high points in my learning of Blacksmithing .
Thank you
As a Canadian tradesman, licensed mechanic, welder, construction worker and oil rig certified floorman. I can tell you you definitely need a burning desire to learn continuously. A ambition to overcome medical issues that come and go, and the ability to be a friend to make friends. At 62, I'm learning to fall trees and be a logger
I’m 34 wood worker, welder mechanic, arborist. That’s exactly the reminder I need. My boss is 75, just had a pacemaker put in and has been doing bucket work while recovering. I aspire to be one of you tough, wise, intelligent and active old timers. I’ll quit learning when I’m dead.
Dont do it
Wow,thank you for bringing Adolfs living legacy to us.Millions would never know of him if it wasn't for your acknowledgment.
As per usual fine sir another excellent story/video. Thank you for this teaching moment and for sharing your admiration, enthusiasm, and respect for this Master!
A old toolmaker that was wounded in WW2 told me 38 years ago “ a man always does his best thinking in the morning” Thank you for this video. Maybe it explains why at 63 I have a desire to learn how to do things, how things are ( and were ) made and if I can do it. I am close to retiring from working for a living but I don’t think I will ever quit working to learn and do. Thanks again, Mike
Wow. The guy is a legend. This reminded me of something my dad told me 40+ years ago starting out in life. “You hook up with a grey haired guy and keep everything open but your mouth. You may have to listen more than you like, but that won’t hurt you either.
I’m so glad I discovered your channel. Keep up the great work man. 🤜🤛
Wow!! Truly an unparalleled display of knowledge and muscle memory. I've never seen a 93 year old man who could move like that. What an incredible example for us all.
“Stick to him like a burr” I have learned this over time. Its the best tool we can possess, the ability to learn, and how to identify who to learn from. Everything Scott said here is gold….
The way you spoke about him with such passion and awe brought a tear to my eye. He is a national treasure and we best learn from him as much as we can before it's too late.
Words fail me. I am speechless. Thank you for memorializing this man's life.
What an amazing man.
Thank you very much for introducing us to him.
God bless Adolf and Patricia.
Thank you ever so much we love you all very much, knowledge should be free and I shared it for free.
This is the best 12 minutes I've spent in a long time Scott. Great living tribute. What a Man!
Thank you so much for publishing this story of a man and his passion for life and smithing. You, Sir are an excellent storyteller.
Excellent story teller and an inspiration in his own right.
I have always admired true craftsmen... I have been a transmission builder for 30 years, and I have always been impressed with a man who can create something from nothing. Bravo. Many more yeare, sir.
Friend, you have just shared more blessings than you can count. Don't sweat the fact that the older fellow out-worked you. My wife's uncle (30 years my senior) kicked my butt ROYALLY while cutting firewood. (a humbling moment) and, a blessing...Mr. Adolf grew up on the hard road and graduated from the school of hard knocks and graduated with honors as not only a 'survivor' but, VALEDICTORIAN! It is obvious that he has a fire in his heart AND soul of a Saint who's mission from GOD is to share the Gospel of humility, hard work and, REWARD for a job well-done!...This is the kind of heart-warming, soul- saving videos that I truly enjoy watching before going to bed. "it is well, with my soul"
You have many gifts and I thank you for sharing...So, shall I
I’ve watched this 5 times. Shared with 10. A beautiful story told by an extraordinary orator. Wow. One of my top 10 videos on UA-cam, ever.
Thank You
Sounds like a life well lived. Thanks for sharing.
You’re a very lucky man to have been able to meet, interact and learn from these men like John and Cy and I feel just as fortunate to have found you here on UA-cam
All I can say is WOW! 90+ years old and still swinging a 8lb beater. Awesome
I have enjoyed your videos and your storytelling ability for a long time now. I'm a 55 year old man and not ashamed to say that this video put a bit of mist in my eyes because I am very fortunate to know exactly what you are talking about here when it comes to meeting these giants. What an inspirational video! Thanks for what you do.
Mr. J. Adolph, Your exemplary talent and down to earth humility, reminds me of a Great Grandparent who was a true down to earth man who was also a Blacksmith, and also German as my entire lineage is. And even though I never knew my Blacksmith Great Grandparent, he was a hard working man, who lived a humble life and pulled more than his weight in his lifetime. He was a light in my Mother's life at a time when she was surrounded by so much darkness, and all the times I imagined what kind of man he was. I see his likeness in you. All who knew him, spoke his praises, and his talent was obvious in the things he crafted, especially for my Mother. May the rest of your days be filled with Joy and happiness, despite the trials we all must face. And may your time with your beloved wife be as sweet as clover honey, and may you both have peace and love in buckets, overflowing.
That man is a force of nature...
What an incredibly respectful tribute to a man with such unique qualities. I totally understand the hesitation to create something that does justice to him-it’s not easy to capture that kind of greatness. Congratulations, Scott, on yet another beautiful piece. Thank you for introducing us to people like him. For me, Ken Jordan’s video remains the most impactful, but this one comes close.
That man needs a pat on the back for just getting here. Welcome to America. We are honored to have you.
Beautiful job on this video Scott. Thank you for introducing the world to my grandpa, he is a true gem and we know it ❤ My son decided to follow in his footsteps and become a welder and blacksmith since hes being trained by the best!
How wonderful for the three of you !! That is a connection of epic proportion!!
Sir I am very touched by your humble and reverent reporting on this exceptional man. He is to be admired; I wish his wife the best with her health.
Scott, I wrote you a couple years ago about some trouble I was having my mom was sick. My wife was just diagnosed with cancer. You give me some advice and I appreciate the time you took to let me know that I’m not alone in the world with my problems, everyone has them I’ve lost my mom shortly after that and my wife died in February I have twin teenage girls at home they keep me busy but this is by far the best episode I’ve ever watched and I appreciate the content. Don’t know about your channel are missing out. Life is a lot deeper than just going to work to pay bills thanks again,
Randy
Thank you for telling this story. I to was blessed to work for and with older people that taught me metal working and about life skills that I still use today. I have been blessed to have worked with.
What a blessing, thank you for sharing this amazing story and honoring such a special individual .Well done my friend ,well done...J
Just when you think the EC can't possibly give us a more uplifting video, he cranks out this one. Thank you for the wonderful life messages you bring to UA-cam.
My Father was such a Man! Miss Him Greatly! Soft spoken, Master of Iron and Steel! At 150# Soaking Wet, Best advice Dad ever gave was " put your can't down, and use your hands!" Nothing will ever get finished unless you're willing to do the Work! Thanks for the video!
Your father words are amazing. Thanks a lot to share them. Regards from Hamburg-Germany
Art can be grounded in reality. Some of the most awe inspiring things i have ever seen were just insanely clean and precise. Great work is great work.
Scott, you continue to introduce us to remarkable men like you. Thanks for sharing hope and knowledge to your UA-cam family.
I was unaware of the existence of this giant of a man (and fellow countryman). I would love to see his welding guides and techniques to which you referred at the start of the video. Thanks so much for sharing this. Your own humility in the face of such men is admirable and something we should emulate.
What a legend. Thank you Mr. Adolf and others who pass on their years of experience in their craft to those willing to learn and work hard.
What an inspiration. Thanks for sharing. This craftsman has a passion for his trade, like I do mine. We went in different directions, I chose masonry. But have always been fascinated by the versatility and practicality of metal work.
This is an incredible story and John is definitely an inspiration to the rest of us.
Such a value to this craft and to those who took his teachings and applied them to future generations. A pure gem!
#5 growing together fully integrated with one's partner is a message, so many need to embrace. Bless you, Mr and Mrs Adolph.
What else could I say Herr Adolf. You just became one with your work. It's like a meditative state. Is that point when you are working and suddenly all Thoughts are gone. Amazing
Great words from the blacksmith philosopher.
Awesome video! Thank you so much ! This man is a great inspiration for this 69-year-old man that does most things manually, no power hammers, no power, wood, splitters, etc. around here. So inspirational trying to become a better Blaksmith every day that I have a few moments to even do so And you are a great inspiration to many. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work stay well. Have a beautiful day.
I entered construction in 1990. I was a 17 year old kid. I have hung onto the older gentleman in the craft, and I was a sponge for knowledge and it has been a 34 year education and now that I am one of the older guys on the job I get to pass it on to the younger guys
What an honour you received meeting with people who give part of themselves to others.
Every single video of your channel gave me more than tips on woodworking, yet plenty of how to be a better human being.
I'm blown away in awe
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing Johns history.
A wonderful video! Just 12 minutes long - but tightly stuffed with valuable information and even true wisdom. - Thanks for taking the time to making it! - And best wishes from Germany! 🙂
#3 "A Burning Passion for Hard Work, Coupled with Couiosity, and Confidence can take a Blue Collar Man to the very Top Of His Craft"
~A Perfect Human
Old Shool German
Watching an older craftsman at work, is pure poetry. A lifetimes experience comes together in a short space of time. 👍😊
It’s really great that you’re spot lighting John on your channel. This gentleman surely has been an icon in the welding and steel industry.
Thank you for your kind words I loved what I was doing all my life and wanted to share my knowledge with the world, for free !!!! My employees can vouch for that the truth.
i dont know why youtube sent me here, but i am glad it did. i love stories like this, hearing about a master and his work. thank you.
seems that, oh, maybe one out of each couple of dozen videos here.......brings tears. Thankyou Scott, Nate, et. al. for all you bring to this audience. well done. keep up such good work. God bless you. Darrell
Amazing 93 yrs old and can still work respect
I have a former neighbor, he’s 84. I just helped him frame an addition on a customers house. The only time I felt bad for him was when he climbed up onto the deck, I could tell his knees hurt doing that. Rodger I feel your pain, 41 years as a plumber.
May your wise words be heard far and wide! Thanks for the inspiration!
Really enjoyed your story about John. I used to have a friend in Pompano Beach Florida named Karl Zylka. The he owned and operated machine shop. He had a similar story of growing up in Germany before the war and apprenticing as a machinist at a very young age. There is nothing this man could not make. You could bring him any metal car or machine part that was no longer made, and he could fabricate one exactly like the original if not better. Guys like these have been lost with the generations and cannot be replaced. The world is a better place though for them having been here.
Simply awe inspiring. Thank you for bringing this video forward for us, Scott. Looking forward to the interview with John.
We are all surrounded by an "Essential Craftsman" in our lives..thank you to introducing us to John Adolph.
Essential Craftsman is the "Book of Knowledge" and so are my friend Scott and his Son they are the book of knowledge,they deserve the cheers for all of us
These aren't just good lessons for a blacksmith. These are good lessons to make a good man. John Adolph is a good man. I don't know why this video was recommended to me, but I'm deeply appreciative of it.
These stories and these men must be shared with us so that their education their experience their wisdom can be shared for generations to come thank you EC for bringing this to us
Reminds me of my grandfather. Immigrated to New Zealand from a previously occupied Friesland after ww2. He was a master cabinet and kitchen maker, he loved to teach and was the kindest person you could know. I learnt so much from him and still try to honour his memory, rest in peace Grandad ❤
What an inspirational channel. Thank you for your effort. I'm 37 and remember men like this years ago in my neck of woods in midwest. But sadly there are plenty of farmers and men of certain trades around but none with high skills and particular knowledge. Being into blacksmith/ metallurgy, timber/woodworking and old tools it sound like I need to hit the road to find like folks.
Adolf seems to have intuited much of the science of steel that I use today(45year metalsmith and welder her) before it really became known science. I'm nowhere near the blacksmith of old, the tools and techniques have progressed to the point where much of the old ways have been lost to time, but there's not much I can't do with steel within our modern framework. Kudos to the men who keep this art alive, and the old-school smiths who harbor all this arcana into the current era
I once worked in a machine shop as a 17 year old and the shop boss was trained similarly in Germany during the war. He was in fact being used by the German military to build "stuff" for the war effort. He was punished by one of the Nazi soldiers for laying a tool across the ways of the lathe. He punched the guard and knocked him out. He promptly fled the country and made his way to Canada. He was a brilliant machinist and was properly trained through mentoring and apprenticeship. We really don't see craftsmen like that today. We are worse off because we don't seem to have thorough apprenticeship programs for the various trades anymore...
I have never watched one of your videos with ought taking away something valuable and impactful from it. Thank you for making these videos.
This is like the 95 year old woodworker I saw a few years back. Both way beyond impressive in work, experience and knowledge. I tell all of my friends that I want to be working like that at 95. Oh what the country would be if the youth could see about a million people like these to show them how to work again.
“With a burning sensation for hard work, coupled with curiosity and confidence makes a man” ❤
Thank you Scott for sharing this video and life lessons from John Adolf with us.
My mentor just turned 91 year old and has been a blessing in my life for 25+ years.
I have seen a lot of great people and great men in particular but the greatest of them all are craftsmen. i totally feel great seeing this video. John is such a cool man, articulate and full of knowledge. this is definitely how i would love to get old. Thank you so much for sharing
I worked with men like him on the railroad that now are long gone. Nothing but Honor and Respect for the knowledge that I will pass on of the art of working with steel.
Wow! Great video. Thank you for putting this together and sharing it!
I was going to say it, and you did it for me... Respect Your Elders. They have wisdom and knowledge from experience. This younger generation wasting time with video games and social media...I know because I used to be one. Makers, artisans, craftsman, ... learn from them, and pass this on.
Time enjoyed is not time wasted. Your comment is ignorant.
What a legend, a true Hephaestus walking on earth.
Thank you for this wonderful video. I am somewhat speechless… the abilities of this man are like watching magic. So much knowledge…thank you for your efforts to keep this art alive
Definitely one of your best videos.
My grandfather will be 100 in May of 2025. He has been a cattleman his whole life and an Ag teacher for 45 of those years. I grew up on the ranch with him and have learned a many thing. As a youth, I thought this is the worst thing a person can go through. I worked before school, after school, and on the weekends. I didn't have the same experiences as my peers. I told myself I would get an education and not have to do such hard labor for the rest of my life. I'm an automation controls engineer and have a very good salary, but at near 50 I'm longing for the the days on the ranch. Using my hands and mind to shape metal and wood. Turning the resources of the land into usable resources for my family and dogs. I'm more of a woodworker than blacksmith, but I know both trades. The lessons my grandpa has passed down to me are innumerable. Seek out and find a person like this even if they aren't in your current social circle. Your life will be bettered by it. Our elders are our greatest gift since Jesus. Nothing can replace the knowledge that another human being has trapped inside themselves just waiting to escape into the minds of eager individuals waiting to absorb it.
God bless your Grandfather
I dropped out of university for a job in warehouse, and I'm looking into becoming a plumber, a lil back pain that I may experience in my 70s is nothing compared to mental brainrot in the field I was studying for (computer "science"). Cheating, lying and never doing a joule of real work in my life is just not for me. I'd rather literally eat shit by a clogged shit spraying into my face, on my lips and just happening to enter my mouth in miniscule amount, than spend even one more second with the clowns that would end up as my coworkers in any IT position........
People who grew up in a real environment and not this vapid concrete prison called city don't know how good they have it. Literally everything is fake, and gay, and fake in city. Jobs are bullshit and meaningless, the roads are bullshit and you can't even walk across without a brick in your hand, even trees are planted for bullshit reasons, some are pruned so hard they don't even perform the function they were planted for, may aswell cut them down. There's genuinely nothing better than owning a piece of land somewhere outside of this mess and actually having to perform mundane, but real work, so you don't lose touch with reality. Money is fake and gay and not a cent of it is worth it.
May not be a religious man but Jesus was a carpenter for that reason
Thank you for sharing this story and god bless all of you.
I was at that conference, and saw John Adolf. He was amazing! I often tell my students about the 75 year old blacksmith I saw wailing away with an 8 lb hammer! Once, a student told me that he worked at the company that John worked for. He came in after John had retired, but they still used equipment that John built. Based on the equipment John left behind, my student was firmly of the opinion that the man was an absolute genius.
I thank you very much for your comment, a lot of my fellow supervisors did not like me very much and so did I disagree with the new manager Who made me pay for my Pickup truck when I retired all other retirees got the car for free, and I paid for it. When someone was to write a book about Vancouver Pile Driving History I was to have an interview with that writer guess what I guess he was told not to waste much time with me because when we spoke on the phone he said oh john you were in charge of welding and then said ok thank you he was not interested in my story I believe he had instructions how much to question me. Here is my take on the Story. Bill Willis, John Adolph, Dick Mayers, Tom Barker, Andy Smail, and Tom Scott made Vancouver Pile Driving and their Employees! Before Dillingham bought Vancouver Pile Driving.
I talked with one of my colleagues from my time at Dillingham and he said yes they still use all the equipment I was in charge of building and design I am glad they appreciate it today
Very interesting.
Kudos to John Adoph, and his family!
Thank you to all involved for sharing.
Wow! What an extraordinary man! Thank you for making the video. We need all the inspiration we can get these days.
An amazing & beautiful video!!
Thank you for producing & sharing this.
thank you for posting this video. people don't always give the elderly respect these days. what they had lived through is a completely different life our youngster have today!
Giving a handshake greeting to a blacksmith like John, will be a lesson and a memory for all to remember.
I'm 63 and learned flame bending from a man that was a welder while serving our country in WW2. At that time I was in my early 20', attending welding class at community college, and will never forget the things I learned and how it formed me as a man. i was burned, scared and hurt many times, but would not trade a minute of it for anything! I went on to be very sucessfully self employed for 35 years, have 3 beautiful daughters and a beautiful wife. There is nothing better for the soul than work!!
YES! Work forges the soul!
I want to become healty and strong as John Adolf when I reach his age. Amazing.
this post should be tailored into a highschool instruction module, which must be passed by a 90% grade before graduating...thank you John, Simon, good animator for producing it...an amazing, loveable person, couple!
Thank you for this video. So glad I watched it. What an inspiration to keep working and loving. Blessings on you.
we need more like him
What an amazing soul, thank you for sharing his story. Men like him are rare, especially these days. I can only hope to achieve a tenth of what he has accomplished in his lifetime!😊
Absolutely fantastic video. I have learned so much from the older generations like yourself. The stories and lessons they share are the true gifts in life
I do liķe this video. Old knowledge never gets old just better.
Amazing story and great blacksmith ❤ thank you for sharing.
I hope to learn more about him.
What a amazing human...
This is such a great video thank you for taking the time to put this together.
absolutely very inspiring I am 60 years old I have had many mentors in my life that I have worked for one of them also came from Germany construction site Foreman my father died when I was 16 and I started working for the construction company at 20 and this man helped shape me into the man I am now I am very grateful for people like the man in this episode much wisdom to the narrator and producer much wisdom with his choice of words what a compliment 2 John
Men like him built our steam engines and great ships, I can only imagine what a fully staffed shop of John's could do
What an amazing and inspiring video! Thank you from Germany!
Great video! Profound story and life.