Making A Small Parts Vise To Construct The Antikythera Mechanism - Experimental Archaeology
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- Опубліковано 3 січ 2025
- Antikythera Fragment #1 - #Ancient Tool Technology - Making A Small Parts Vise, by Clickspring.
A possible answer to the question "How did the Ancient Greeks hold small metal parts for filing?"
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Abbreviated Transcript:
00:25 And I'd like to talk a bit more about that in this video as I make a version of the device that I described. It's basically what we would today call a "stitching pony". or as I intend to use it, pushed firmly against the bench. A shallow wedge acts as a spacer for the 2 jaws, and a basic bronze casting can be slid up and down the taper to apply or remove the clamping pressure.
00:54. Much like the modern equivalent, an ancient version might have had the jaws covered in leather to both protect the work, and also improve the grip on the workpiece. Now of course, I'm using modern tools to make it. But its easy to imagine how this could have been constructed with the known tools of the day. The materials are common enough, and for the most part
01:13 I'm using interference fits and a wedge to hold everything together. So there's no modern fastener tech required. I must admit though, its very pleasant to be able to use modern power using a similar principle to the modern machine screw. So its not a huge leap to imagine a simple wooden screw vise existing in the same period.
02:01 But as tempting as it is to imagine the Ancient Greeks using tech closer to our own to solve the same problems, I think its worthwhile establishing that this need not necessarily have been the case. The Antikythera Mechanism is an elegant and strikingly efficient design, and much the same could be said of the broader Classical Greek culture.
02:22 I think that its reasonable to assume that the Ancient Greeks Secondly, each tool was a solution to a specific problem. So I'd expect the tools to be practical and functional, with no unnecessary embellishments.
03:07 So the tool would need to be easy to repair when it inevitable breaks or wears out. So I would expect no unnecessarily complex tech, and as few moving parts as possible. As I speculate on the tool technology going forward, And the tin is also scrap, left over from making the tin lapping discs in a previous video.
04:48 The casting looks to be OK, and now needs the sprue and riser cut off, and be given a general clean up. I used a file to knock off the sharp edges, and I've left the other surfaces with a bit of a rough "as cast" look to give the tool a bit more of an authentic presence. OK, so next up is the main body of the tool, and then hammered home.
07:14 Now there were quite a few traditional adhesives available for use in the ancient world. Although I imagine that a good choice to hold the leather in place would have been something simple like pine pitch, a thick tarry substance. I don't have a lot of pine trees in my part of the world, I cut it to a convenient operating length and then pinned the base with a single dowel.
08:27 But I figure if it was, then a natural linseed oil would probably be one of the options available. OK, so that's the tool compete, and I have to say that it has a nice convenient feel. is to use it to make something genuine, like a wheel from the mechanism. Initially I had expected to have to permanently fix the vise to the bench somehow.
09:41 Now to be clear, I'm not saying that this is definitely how the Ancient Greeks approached the problem of workholding. These are just my personal thoughts based on what's required for this specific machine. But I do think that this sort of approach is worth pursuing. And I think it will shake out some really interesting ideas and conversations as I build more of the tools.
Antikythera Fragment #1 - Ancient Tool Technology - Making A Small Parts Vise, by Clickspring.
Striving for authenticity is great but wouldn't wearing a toga and sandals when you work add just that little bit more?
Briefly donned trousers for OSHA, back into sandals and toga immediately after they left...
toga TOGA TOGA TOGA TOGA SORRY FOR THE OUT BURST bmp.
Togas were worn by Romans, a Greek tradesman would probably be in a chiton. A lot less cloth to get snarled in the lathe...
chiton chiton chiton CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON CHITON?
Sandals are common machineshop footwear :)
Hey Folks,
This video is the first episode in a companion series to the main Antikythera Mechanism project, that I'm calling "Antikythera Fragments". Sort of like the ongoing "Spare Parts" series, but specifically for the AM.
The reason for the separate series is that there's a lot that I'd like to discuss about this machine, that requires a large amount of speculation and guesswork. I'd like the main series to be as fact based as possible, so when I know I'm clearly deviating into speculation territory, I'm going to hive the topic off into one of these "Fragment" videos.
It doesn't mean that I think the speculated idea is necessarily wrong, just that its more open for discussion. I'll share my thinking with you, and hopefully you'll have your own thoughts and share them too.
The first subject I want to cover is the topic of workholding that I briefly touched on in the 2nd episode.
Enjoy!
Chris.
(By the way, if you want some random Antikythera Facts, and to maybe see what I'm up to through the week, the best place to find me is on Twitter, @clickspring1 - twitter.com/clickspring1)
Awesome idea! I love it! Keep 'em coming, your videos are so addictive I have no idea why!
Clickspring lovit
Thanks Chris, this is a terrific addition to the main project. Your assumptions about the original tools are quite valid, there's even a whole discipline in archeology, experimental archaeology, devoted precisely to the kind of exploration you're doing. Good on ya mate!
I'm wondering if for a later series you make a miniature replica of one of the early steam locomotives which used massive gears to power the wheels and is potentially clockwork powered. it'd make for a fantastic project that would combine skills already demonstrated with something a bit different and one that I would definitely try to replicate
Thanks for making videos. See ya later!
I must admit, the simplicity of this tool is rather striking seeing as how effective it seems to be. I am definitly going to be making one of these for my model building. Unlike a lot of modern vices this seems like it would be a breeze to put away after use, and wont take up any of my extremely limited tabletop workspace when not in use.
I applaud you for showing us how you made it.
*casually hand files a perfect toothed gear*
lol, interesting video as always - almost makes you wonder if some of our modern tools are infact a little over-engineered!
Sigma175 I was going to ask if anyone noticed that he hand filed a gear and doesn't even say a word about it. Like it is something that is so common it's not worth mentioning. I am over here saying, wait did he just do that to test this vise project?
Scrolled down for this lol
You mean that you don't file perfect gear wheels by hand every day!! :-) I thought I was seeing things at first until I remembered who was doing the filing. A craftsman of the first order.
What limits your ability to produce ever-finer tolerances is your test and measuring equipment. They dictate how accurate your machines or hand-work can be. Parts can be produced more quickly and more cheaply when the tolerances and materials required are fully understood.
When I consider the engineering of and manufacturing ability to mass-produce my DeWalt brushless tools, I am blown aware. This equipment is unbelievably tough, so powerful it constantly surprises me, so accurate as to be mind-boggling, and so long-lasting I purchased smaller batteries because they weigh less!
Over-engineering is not really a thing. Engineering is a mirror on the importance and price of the article in question. If you choose to spend more than the minimum required on engineering, you are part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem.
Under-engineering is what leads to Very Bad Things.
Impressive, but the teeth were premarked. You can see some of the tiny scratch marks on the edge facing the camera before he starts filing, which ones you can see depends on how he holds his right hand.
Making a pinion using just a needle point file... You are incredibly patient, I must admin!
Andriy Syrovenko crazy
I've made a serrated steak knife from a blank before with a needle file, which should take longer than this with about as many teeth but harder metal, and it was maybe an hour's work, not really that bad at all. The measuring in this case though might be bit more annoying ahead of time given a circle.
However, would they have had steel files at the time? I'm guessing likely not, but not sure. If not they probably had a slightly harder alloy or could work harden a tool or something, but it might have taken a lot longer than this if the hardness difference was low.
I can say that a major advantage of this vice he just built would be the ability to easily carry it outside due to being free standing. The LIGHT you need to make those teeth is significant, and I'd definitely want to file them in the sun in Greece without any powerful electric lights.
Gavin Jenkins the mediterranean was more than a millenium into the iron age by the point of the antikythera mechanism's creation. Steel was very much available at the time.
That's a very good point, thinking of how inventions and discoveries evolve over the course of millennia.
If we were to draw parallels, the navigational compass was invented a millennia ago, c.1000 A.D in China and simultaneously the Norse invaders used lodestones for navigation whilst seafaring.
Today for navigation we have the Earth mapped out with a discrete numbering system i.e Longitude and Latitude co-ordinates and the Global Positioning System (G.P.S)
Everything in your videos just exudes skill, professionalism and pride in your work. It really is a pleasure to watch them.
man to be honest, i hadn't even heard of clickspring until two days ago on a wikipedia article about the antikythera mechanism. after watching these videos i can't believe BUT that this guy must be a humble man. a genius no doubt but humble. all this trouble he's taking on himself to show what the ancient greeks did and laying it out there for the world to see in these beautiful videos, without too much thought on what he gets in RETURN, except maybe some viewer's joy and satisfaction. the world the way it is now, people like that won't get fame, because their work has a low return value. the economics of convenience runs the world, it's all get rich and famous quick schemes, and its the instagram models that are the social media user's new gods. but i bow to you brother, you are a gem of a man. shabaash.
Well written! The thing with such channels is that the viewer base knows what the channel's worth is.
This is it, folks. The ultimate expression of human independent action, combined with superb skill, total dedication, reverence for ancient processes, consistent curiosity, and fantastic workmanship, filmed beautifully, and presented compellingly.
THIS is what I want to celebrate: our relentless humanity; our stupendous ability; our incalculable commitment; our multi-millennial passion for performing the finest handcrafting; and our fascination with mechanical technology.
Thank you, Chris, on behalf of everything that will every call itself human.
this !!
You... You articulated it!
After having watched all the Antikythera videos, I just have one word; "Masterclass".
And it's free.
Incredible.
Chris is one of the few reasons I keep adblock off when watching UA-cam videos
who is thumbs downing chris' videos? I find this is the only channel on yt where i feel compelled to like every single vid
Your videos are endlessly fascinating. As a career machinist, the origins of accurate work have always interested me. The great concept is that accuracy can be made from less accurate mechanisms. The saying is: "all new machine tools are made on older machine tools." The boot-strapping from simple hand tools up to modern machines is a part of history seldom mentioned.
Thanks for your amazing work.
The speculation about the tools used at the time and trying to replicate them is as awesome as the big project itself! Keep going man :)
you are truly a renaissance man Chris. Machine work, carpentry and foundry man...you blow me away sir.
I have to say Chris, you make it look wonderful. Just filing down teeth on a sprocket, and you make it look so wonderful. Yet i know there are hours and hours of work in that one piece. From layout to actual filing and filming.
Thank you for your amazing work and I'm always astounded at the way you make things look.
I can't decide if your workmanship is better than your videography skills or vice versa. Doesn't matter however, because I truly enjoy both. Thanks!!
Thank you Pat, terrific to have you watching mate :)
My life is just waiting for these videos. Keep it up.
That's a really beautiful and smart vise. Thanks for sharing!
Chris the quality of your videos is really insane! The image, the sound, the pace and how you cut it, it's IMO unreached on youtube. Your videos are so enjoyable and satisfying to watch because I know everything will be just perfect and neat and beautiful. So keep doing what you're doing, because you are doing it right Sir!
Real Rebellion got to fully agree with your statement, the only other channel that I enjoy just as much is This old Tony's videos, great sense of humour too that you have to be switched on to catch them all!
No kidding. I watched a bunch of these videos and now I'm looking at large and mill prices... Lol
I think it's incredible how the ancient civilisations created such simple but effective tools.
It's a great idea that you show us what the Greeks had in their workshops!
Actually... this is a great way to make a stitching clam! I'm a leatherworker and this is both simple but also beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
My grandfather was a carver and gilder. He had [I have] 500 master carvings and 500 molds. The older ones were made form pitch, the more modern ones are made from a mix of shellac and talc. 95% of them were used for the ornate picture frame construction [like L-13, L-14, L-15, L-16]. Nice to watch young folks use the old but time proven methods. Cheers.
Cheers Tommy, terrific to read that detail, and thanks for tuning in :)
Just an astonishingly awesome video - I'm not sure how I came upon this series, but the A.M. has been something I've read everything I could about and fascinates me to no end. And your videos are just, I'm sorry, I lack the words to convey. Just amazing. THANK YOU for sharing your incredible skills. Just - thank you.
Discovered your channel today and I just wanted to say listening to your nice voice with this high production value is simply lovely.
Terrific to have you watching mate :)
Perfectly valid approach. Workholding takes many forms, so this is one way it could be done. This series should be valuable to archeologists.
Thank you for all the episodes showing your take on the ancient tools that could have been used. More than discussion, your making and using the ancient tools was a wonderful experience to watch, and gave me a greater appreciation of the basics ideas behind precision machining.
I can see how this would also work for carving and general work holding, I need to make one of these for my workshop. Thanks for sharing.
you know Chris I am constantly amazed at how you continually outdo your previous video's...to see you making tools as well as the main components for the thing you are building is always a joy to see...I am loving this Antikythera build and I can't wait to see more over the coming months! You are an amazing machinist and fabricator mate!
You manage to make a black sand mold look amazing, great video
Experimental archaeology at it's finest....I salute you Chris
"G'day, and welcome to clickspring" is like hearing from an old friend. In a crazy year where isolation was the norm, this channel is a godsend.
These are still (seriously) some of the most well made videos on youtube by a single person, the quality overall is mindblowing,
Man, this videos series is one of the most awesome and brilliant things I've seen in my life. Thank you so so so much for sharing this.
I look forward to videos from this channel more than any other channel. Keep up the good work!
Chris, how is it that every time that I watch a video of yours I am amazed by your craftsmanship?
Came back to rewatch this entire series!
Amazing! It is pretty incredible that just the other day I was discussing with a friend how on earth could the ancients have made the gears on the antikythera mechanism and then I find your video. I am very impressed. Thanks for sharing!
I'm not a metalworker, but I can't get enough of these videos. keep up the great work.
I just can't wait to see your next videos ... By making it the ancient way is the way of showing how much is your passion and desire, Just like them. BIG applaud Chris.
Still one the best channels on UA-cam!
Hi Chris. I've been watching your clock videos since the beginning, and a have nearly finished 2 master's degrees during that time. I am now on my way to a PhD program, and love that you are starting this new series which will will continue to be a regular part of this next phase of my life. I can't wait to look back at this project years from now the same way I can keep revisiting part of the clock series. Thank you sir, and cheers!
Cheers mate!
These videos always take my breath away with the attention to detail, great camera work, godlike patience, and soothing voice over. Smelting your own bronze like that just takes it to another level, and I was happy to see that included. Can't wait for the next video!
never clicked on a video faster in my life
That actually looks like such a simple yet useable vise that I can say I think one has a place in my tool set, no question about it.
Holy cow, gear teeth cut by hand! My hats off to you Chris. :)
wow this is the soonest i've ever been to a clickspring video!
it brightens my day every time you post a video
Very nice I am glad I saw this I am in the middle of making a leather stitching pony and clam pony. This gave me different ideas for designs. You are very talented and I can't imagine the amount of research you have done for projects.
Absolutely brilliant. I agree with your approach regarding what tools and techniques are likely to be appropriate. It will be fascinating to see what you find out during the whole build series. Especially if you manage to rule out a particular technique.
This is UA-cam at its best. Thank you and all the best from a wet and overcast UK.
Cheers Gary, from hot and humid Cairns :)
I have watched many of your videos and all are great. The style and quality of presentation make them almost meditative.
I like your videos, you do a professional job! You are not afraid of your own voice, you know how to use the music so it's not annoying or too loud but just right so it can be heard in the background where it belongs. You how to use the high speed function of your camera SPARINGLY so we can enjoy the sight and sound of the operation, you are trying to share with your viewers. Great job, thank you!
Did the saying " the patience of a saint" originate from this ancient technology ? Truly absorbing to watch, a great video to watch.
I say this all the time but you never cease to amaze me. I just thought of what I think is a good analogy, you are to metal working what Norm Abrams is to woodworking. I mean that as a high praise compliment. You and Norm are huge icons in the home built industry. Well, home built if you own a lathe, drill press, planer, casting bench, forge, smeltery.. you get the point. I categorize you up there with Neil Degrass Tyson, Carl Sagan, Norm Abrams and My high school English Literature teacher and so on. super talented people who inspire me, fascinate me, and really teach me something very interesting that I otherwise never would have been exposed to.
Very much appreciate your kind words Mike, thank you
How can everything you make be so beautiful yet functional
This is amazing! Actually making the tools they could have used and then using it yourself to make a part is a way to truly appreciate all the work and skill that went into designing and making something as ancient and as precise as this.
Some day I hope to be this confident, and competent in the use of tools and fabrication techniques. Love the videos and can't wait for the next one.
I have seen talc used on files to help keep soft metal from clogging up the cutting grooves. This is crucial for cleaning small files that cannot be cleaned with a steel brush due to their fine groves.
I've been expecting this !
I just watched the entire clock build again today, off work sick, it really lifted my spirits !
I'm totally impressed with your work methodology on this build, not only are you attempting to build this thing, you are making as many tools as you can plus cutting the teeth on the wheels by hand ! Are you mad ? ! ?
I'm sure you have put a lot of research into this project and you are not concerned about how long it takes, I imagine you enjoy the challenge !
Good for you and thanks for bringing us along !
The best content. The best voice. The best production. So happy I found you and your work
I made something similar but from old mini vice, originally meant to be hammered into tree stump. The ability to have a good grip but still the whole thing being mobile is a huge benefit when working with small objects. I need to think about the "handle" more but it is one of my most favorite tools. Excellent helping hand for soldering and i filed a groove on to it to hold solid wires without mushing them, good for spring making too..
Great work indeed. As an artist and sculptor who lost the use of one arm, this video gave me a great boost of excitement; what an amazing devise, its simplicity makes it so versatile.
I own a whole bunch of flexible, jointed vises, clamps etc but for ease of use and positioning, this ancient devise is, for me, revolutionary.
I'm going to have a go at making at round or hexagonal one; being able to adjust the height so easily, when used in a vise or sitting, is very appealing.
Another fantastic video. thank you so very much! And this video is just 1 demonstration why it takes a while for a new video to be uploaded. So so much work goes into each and every video and its a sight to behold.
I love this ancient vice design brought back to life and being used. its amazing to see and not to mention the versatility offered unlike most modern counterparts. Very clever solutions for the technology of the time. Thankyou Clickspring!
Fascinating. Incredible work and I also like the way you think about how tools were made and used in ancient times. Can't get enough of this stuff!
I love the mixed technology approach, I think it adds a especial value the whole project
I love that your videos have subtitles, they help a lot sometimes !
He made a perfect sprocket with a hand file!! Thats gotta deserve a like.
I love learning about the ancient techniques used to craft this crazy thing!
Beautiful tool and remarkable craftsmanship!
Fascinating and thank you for taking the time to show how this elegant tool is made.
Another fabulous presentation which I have loved. Just dropped in to say that - Shellac is the adhesive of choice for Woodwind technicians to adhere the pads into the key-cups of instruments such as saxophones - to offer you an example.
I'm sure others have mentioned it by now, but this "Ancient Tool Technology" is strikingly similar to a stitching pony or stitching clam leather workers and saddle makers use to hold leather pieces for stitching. What's old is new again, eh? Nice work. Love your videos.
Mate. the knowledge and skills you have amaze me. and too top it off the quality of your vids is second to none. great voice over too. Can't wait for the next episode
I was hooked after the clock making series. But you just made your own bronze for casting. I'm definitely hooked now.
I was impressed by none of this...UNTIL.... you hand filed the gear with each tooth looking the same and not ending up with a half tooth. If that was real, if you didn't use some kind of camera trickery to get that done. To you sir I bow with respect.
PS. Chris, your a maniac. A highly skilled maniac
gus bisbal lol at half a tooth at end, that'd be me
that casting was beautiful
Your patience is as amazing as your craftsmanship! I guess they do go hand in hand though. :)
tbh i am quite impressed, such an old tool based design, it seems quite a brute tool on first sight, yet also perfect for decently small parts
15 secs into the video and already liked it because I know it's gonna be awesome.
Wonderful job on your ancient holder!!!! I'm wonder if a cool tool like yours might have been used to flint Knapp stone tools 12,000 years ago? Thank you for your very fantastic videos. Your work is my most favorite to watch !!!!!!! Big thumbs up,and thank you again... M.K.S.
YES!! Another video from Clickspring!
That is a beautiful casting.
As always a complete joy to watch your videos! Very nice work and production. Looking forward to the next episode.
I just realized that I forgot all about this despite having been anxiously awaiting the beginning of this series, time to binge
Modern ancient tool technology. I love it.
The video quality of your videos are always top notch!
The unfinished inside of the brass casting also improves the grip on the vise body.
i am very glad i have stumbled upon this channel
ngl since seeing this video a few years back, it's been my favourite style of vise.
I aim to make one like this for my future workshop
Absolutely brilliant execution of this bronze casting! Great video as always! Keep them coming!
Something that interests me about Clickspring - 546k subscribers and 560k viewed this video. Perhaps this means that almost everyone who watches this video becomes a subscriber.
SOOOO glad to see more vids comin' from ya.
Sweet build!
underrated channel. you deserve 10 million+ subs
And the great work continues! Well Done!
your videos, technical acumen and all around intelligence is so enjoyable.
I immediately subscribed, sure I won't regret.
Planning to view all of Clickspring's uploads.
Real craftsmanship is a joy to view. 🖖😀👍
that clamp is perfectly plausable, as is the shelack adhesive, and I have to say, for hand held worh that is phenominal, you are a legend
I'm amazed I hadn't discovered this channel sooner! Wonderful video, right up my street. I'll be subscribing and following this series for sure!
I look forward to watching you build this one like the clock, thank you for sharing your wonderful handly work
I discovered this channel today from reddit and I love it. I have no idea what you are doing in general but seeing machining in general is exciting and interesting. After this one I'll go back to seeing you make a clock which sounds kick ass.
I wanted to say, I love the editing. Whomever's doing it is amazing and it's only one part of what made me like this channel a lot. The other part is shaving bronze lol.
Nice job Chris! Speculating the tooling used in the ancient world can be quite difficult since much of what we were taught about that seems to be incorrect based on the discoveries that have been made in recent times, but it can be fun and challenging to make things from "primitive" tools made by your own hand. And since you already make a lot of tools for projects this is taking things to the next level. I sure that you are enjoying this journey. Cheers!
Cheers Jeff :)
Brother, this is the first time I have seen your channel. This was amazing!