Dave, please keep this series going! They keep me busy in my shop and have proved to be excellent learning tools. I now am the proud owner of several tools of my own making because of what I've learned. Most recently I made my self a hook knife. It's more along the lines of the Mora hook knives, made from a piece of an old planer blade and the cut off from a tomahawk . I beveled, bent and even managed to harden the blade with little more than a belt sander, bench grinder, and a propane torch. My first spoon is in the works! Thanks again.
Dave: You could probably windlass things down to that clave, instead of wedging things against it. Putting a loop in both ends of a rope that connects to what you're holding, twisting the middle of it with a stick under the stump anvil, and putting that twisting stick in one of the notches on the other side of the anvil (or digging a little trench under it, or sticking the end in the ground nest to the anvil) should work. It would be a good idea to have some length in that line (so it's like a twist tie), that way you could get the twisting stick into one of the notches. When the stump anvil is on top of it, it won't spin out & loosen up. Might be that you could bend some pack poards this way, as well.
I saw a silent movie of last century skills and the old craftsman was using a bench much like this. Im thankful you showed how to make it. Thanks. John.
I think the correct name for the pegs as applied here is bench dogs. I hope this helps. Maybe instead of pegs one might recycle old railroad spikes minus the head as a bench dog. That is if longevity and durability are a concern. BTW, Dave you are a star. You help me to be a better pathfinder everyday, many thanks, Terry a.k.a. ruck up
Hi, that´s an interesting concept, that you present here. I noticed something that might be able to make this vice/workbench even better. To add stability to that bench, two things come into my mind: 1. Dig out a small trench or ditch to place the log in there. It does not wiggle around then so much. You loose some hight to the working surface with this solution. The ability to turn the top vice is kept. 2. Do you know how to make a stack of logs? A log stack starts with three logs. Two on the ground and one on top of ther other two. That´s the concept to apply. Now if a log is splitted into two parts, every part gets a flat surface. Put theese flat surfaces on the ground and both halfes beneath each other. Then it is possible to put the vice/workbench onto that for better spability (like a stack of logs). Also the ability to turn the top vice is kept. Also I would suggest to make the angles on the fixing chissels more flat or lower. This is mechanically more favorable, as with that the chance is reduced, that the two chissels will pop out, because of vibration. Oh and I like the dog.
Found a 20 in. piece of RR track to use as an anvil. Problem is, the top of the track is kinda rounded when it needs to be flat.. Enter the good old tree stump. With chisel and grinder I cut a groove across the top of a waist high stump the same size as the rounded part of the track. Set the track, flat side up, in the groove and secured with 4, 4 in. lag bolts dipped in wood glue & Bellville washers on each side. Pounded that anvil like a Kardashian in a locker room and it hasn't moved an iota.
Thanks Dave for the video. It is nice to learn and hopefully to pass on to my sons when they get time to come home . Usually my oldest who lives now in Southern Indiana . They may need this knowledge if something bad happens here or world wide. A old timer still learning.
I really enjoy these type of videos. And the clave appeared to work splendid. Thanks for sharing this knowledge, I am working to teach my sons things of this nature. Thanks for taking the time Dave.
Great wisdom to have here. Love all your videos, Dave. I saw where you were careful to move your thumb out of the way as you were using your hatchet. I'm sure you have learned the hard way; 'what not to do' as it pertains to safety. It would be nice to see you do a video on 'what not to do' as you recreate some of your own past personal injuries while working on videos or in everyday life. I could do a long 're-creation series' on my injuries. LOL All of us have something to teach in this area. Hope you could shed some light by replaying what has taught you, by trial and error. One time, I climbed a tree and wrapped my tree-stand-strap around the tree. I was unfamiliar with this tree. I didn't know the strap was around a large vine that was on the backside of the tree. I also didn't place my safety harness around the tree until I was standing upright in the tree stand. I happen to shift my weight and that was it. The vine shifted and I was sent straight to the ground. I wasn't hurt baldy, but I could have been.
Thank you for all the videos. The possibilities with a stump are endless…. You shine most when you are cooking:-) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Sweden
Dave, again thank you for all that you do, also thank Iris, we know she does a lot in the background for us, with pictures and other things, Merry Xmas to you and yours.
Now you need to show us how to build a tractor out of stumps :P I really like these videos, and it's really cool how you take the time to actually respond to people... I've been watching your stuff since I was a kid and I just wanted to say thanks for all of the things you've shown me how to do
I think the only way he's gonna face a challenge is if you give him nothing but a knife, the most basic of survival tools. I don't doubt his ability to be self reliant in that situation though. Although to be honest, would you want to keep a man away from his family for 6 months?
pretty soon Dave you will be posting a vid of banging out a pair of wooden shoes!! Nice job on this vid, just need a couple scoop drills and you will be set for tools to make about anything. Well done, and thanks again for a great video!
do you have a video on how to make the adze you were using? I've been looking at different diy blacksmith adze but yours by far is the most impressive and versatile I've seen
wow Dave great idea i needed this i cant afford a true vice but this seems to be a awesome project i can afford as always love your videos and knowledge you share. may you and yours have a Merry Christmas.
Four mortises and tenoned legs that could easily be attached and detached. Simply friction and gravity to hold them in. Could be good so you can still use it as a stump and wouldn`t affect you rolling it around but still have it raised up when you want. You could use the multi tool you showed off the other day to make the mortise and tenon joints.
kaleb fifield That would work for sure except you would not have access to all sides then, and if the legs were left in and swelled from moisture they would be tough to get out.
Nice! I used to do a similar system on the ground. The anvil seems better. I would use the bottom of a tree and put my work piece against it , then drive stales to hold it against a the base of the tree, it would come loose and be frustrating to reset it , sometimes I would have to find another tree for a base , because the ground would be torn up after one use.
I really should comment more on your videos, they are wonderful. Between you and Wranglerstar I'm gonna end up living in the forest, LOL. Hay bro, Merry Christmas to you and yours and blessed new year
Thank you for the video as always, Dave I have a stump I want to put a bowl in it like you did with that Adze, I'll use to put a stainless steel bowl in for my dogs outside water, though if I don't have an Adze any idea's on what I could do?
Also, Thanks to everyone involved with the pathfinder school and self reliance outfitters that make it possible for Dave to do what he does for the world.
Dave do you have any recommendations on fine wood working tools, as opposed to roughing tools, to purchase such as quality brands and even types of tools to have for the beginner?
Hey Dave you remember the Dual survival you did out in the pacific northwest / olympic peninsula, you wanna come run it again? with a native westy lol... it's backyard son. let's do it.
Nice adze and vise. I usually see bowls being carved from the round side. Is there a reason you carved from the flat side or does it not really matter in the grand scheme of the piece? New to carving myself and just curious?
Joe Drinkhorn It would make sense to work from the round side down to have a more stable flat bottom to work the inside carving if a stump anvil weren't available.
There is a really good video on youtube of bowl making that features a "stump vise" (sorry I forget the name as I watched it some time ago) granted theirs had legs though. In that and other videos as well the round side is dug into first. I think that the reasoning is that its easier to leave flat what is than to make flat what is not. I do not have an adze or hook knife. For now I am living vicariously through other peoples stories and videos on the topic. I can see both sides of the issue and fail to find any reason why going about carving a bowl in this manner would be wrong. I suppose its really a matter for the carver to decide on. By the way dave, you got me into all this bush stuff. Most appreciated for sure. I am also glad to see you using Axe Junkies constructively and while I am not an admin of the group I would like to thank you for your contribution to the surge of new members.
On a semi related subject, that carpenter ax your useing, it obviously works well for carving tasks, but how well does it function for splitting fire wood and the other ax related camp jobs. Would it make a good all round carry tool if you could only bring one ax, or is more of a specialised tool for wood working ?
A bit off subject, but your dog really impresses me. I know he's part lab and part pit bull; does he have any guarding/protective instincts, or is he pretty much happy-go-lucky?
44dawgman Rufus is a Black Mouth Mountain Cur/mix, and he would flat tear someone apart if he thought they were threatening, he is very aggressive with anyone or anything that approaches me from the side or behind.
***** i had a Catahoula, and everyone thought he was a pit mix. But yeah, curs are amazing dogs. Very protective, intelligent. tons of energy. Gotta work em!
VietNormbo He is a cur mix most likely, he looks like a lot of photos of BM Curs, but not sure if they had webbed feet like a lab or not so hard to tell, he is a Dog and he is a good one and that is good enough for me for sure-
I feel like you've been watching Alexander Yerks' videos lately. Between the kuska adze carving and the clave or 'kuska horse' as he calls it. He is one dedicated carver. ua-cam.com/users/alexanderyerksvideos
Sometimes I get the feeling that Dave goes old-school just to make it more of a challenge, as anything less would just be too easy with his advanced skill level. Not as relevant with this particular video, though.
Dave, please keep this series going! They keep me busy in my shop and have proved to be excellent learning tools. I now am the proud owner of several tools of my own making because of what I've learned. Most recently I made my self a hook knife. It's more along the lines of the Mora hook knives, made from a piece of an old planer blade and the cut off from a tomahawk . I beveled, bent and even managed to harden the blade with little more than a belt sander, bench grinder, and a propane torch. My first spoon is in the works! Thanks again.
Dave: You could probably windlass things down to that clave, instead of wedging things against it. Putting a loop in both ends of a rope that connects to what you're holding, twisting the middle of it with a stick under the stump anvil, and putting that twisting stick in one of the notches on the other side of the anvil (or digging a little trench under it, or sticking the end in the ground nest to the anvil) should work. It would be a good idea to have some length in that line (so it's like a twist tie), that way you could get the twisting stick into one of the notches. When the stump anvil is on top of it, it won't spin out & loosen up. Might be that you could bend some pack poards this way, as well.
These stationary camp tips are fantastic! Love it! Thanks
I saw a silent movie of last century skills and the old craftsman was using a bench much like this. Im thankful you showed how to make it. Thanks. John.
I think the correct name for the pegs as applied here is bench dogs. I hope this helps. Maybe instead of pegs one might recycle old railroad spikes minus the head as a bench dog. That is if longevity and durability are a concern. BTW, Dave you are a star. You help me to be a better pathfinder everyday, many thanks, Terry a.k.a. ruck up
So many great ideas from the past. Good video Dave, keep us thinking...
Hi,
that´s an interesting concept, that you present here. I noticed something that might be able to make this vice/workbench even better.
To add stability to that bench, two things come into my mind:
1. Dig out a small trench or ditch to place the log in there. It does not wiggle around then so much. You loose some hight to the working surface with this solution. The ability to turn the top vice is kept.
2. Do you know how to make a stack of logs? A log stack starts with three logs. Two on the ground and one on top of ther other two. That´s the concept to apply.
Now if a log is splitted into two parts, every part gets a flat surface. Put theese flat surfaces on the ground and both halfes beneath each other. Then it is possible to put the vice/workbench onto that for better spability (like a stack of logs). Also the ability to turn the top vice is kept.
Also I would suggest to make the angles on the fixing chissels more flat or lower. This is mechanically more favorable, as with that the chance is reduced, that the two chissels will pop out, because of vibration.
Oh and I like the dog.
These videos from Dave are the best I`ve seen so far! Very informative, two thumbs up...
Found a 20 in. piece of RR track to use as an anvil. Problem is, the top of the track is kinda rounded when it needs to be flat.. Enter the good old tree stump. With chisel and grinder I cut a groove across the top of a waist high stump the same size as the rounded part of the track. Set the track, flat side up, in the groove and secured with 4, 4 in. lag bolts dipped in wood glue & Bellville washers on each side. Pounded that anvil like a Kardashian in a locker room and it hasn't moved an iota.
God Bless you Dave
Thanks Dave for the video. It is nice to learn and hopefully to pass on to my sons when they get time to come home . Usually my oldest who lives now in Southern Indiana . They may need this knowledge if something bad happens here or world wide.
A old timer still learning.
That's a new Canterburryism...."It works dandy fine". Like it.
Thanks Dave. You give me great ideas to work with
I really enjoy these type of videos. And the clave appeared to work splendid. Thanks for sharing this knowledge, I am working to teach my sons things of this nature. Thanks for taking the time Dave.
Great wisdom to have here. Love all your videos, Dave. I saw where you were careful to move your thumb out of the way as you were using your hatchet. I'm sure you have learned the hard way; 'what not to do' as it pertains to safety. It would be nice to see you do a video on 'what not to do' as you recreate some of your own past personal injuries while working on videos or in everyday life. I could do a long 're-creation series' on my injuries. LOL All of us have something to teach in this area. Hope you could shed some light by replaying what has taught you, by trial and error.
One time, I climbed a tree and wrapped my tree-stand-strap around the tree. I was unfamiliar with this tree. I didn't know the strap was around a large vine that was on the backside of the tree. I also didn't place my safety harness around the tree until I was standing upright in the tree stand. I happen to shift my weight and that was it. The vine shifted and I was sent straight to the ground. I wasn't hurt baldy, but I could have been.
That stump vice is a fantastic device.
Cool, this is what we were talking about last week. Nice!
Thank you for all the videos. The possibilities with a stump are endless….
You shine most when you are cooking:-)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Sweden
Dave, again thank you for all that you do, also thank Iris, we know she does a lot in the background for us, with pictures and other things, Merry Xmas to you and yours.
Now you need to show us how to build a tractor out of stumps :P I really like these videos, and it's really cool how you take the time to actually respond to people... I've been watching your stuff since I was a kid and I just wanted to say thanks for all of the things you've shown me how to do
Bushcraft engineering. Gotta love it .
Thanks for the time you take in making these vids. I have learnt lots of useful stuff!
A home made bowl Adze will be my next project!
we should make a tv show where mr. canterbury is left in the woods with a few basic hand tools and has to survive for 6 months and film it.
I think the only way he's gonna face a challenge is if you give him nothing but a knife, the most basic of survival tools. I don't doubt his ability to be self reliant in that situation though.
Although to be honest, would you want to keep a man away from his family for 6 months?
Dave, thank you for all the videos. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Cheers, Mate.
pretty soon Dave you will be posting a vid of banging out a pair of wooden shoes!! Nice job on this vid, just need a couple scoop drills and you will be set for tools to make about anything.
Well done, and thanks again for a great video!
I know it must be very satisfying to repurpose that file, making that adze, and then using that tool for wood crafting. Thanks!
All of these wood working / wood working tools videos have been fantastic.
Thanks Dave!!
Another great video Dave!
Nice Dave.
Your'e having a good ol time out there. Merry Christmas Dave
do you have a video on how to make the adze you were using? I've been looking at different diy blacksmith adze but yours by far is the most impressive and versatile I've seen
nice video!
wow Dave great idea i needed this i cant afford a true vice but this seems to be a awesome project i can afford as always love your videos and knowledge you share. may you and yours have a Merry Christmas.
Four mortises and tenoned legs that could easily be attached and detached. Simply friction and gravity to hold them in. Could be good so you can still use it as a stump and wouldn`t affect you rolling it around but still have it raised up when you want. You could use the multi tool you showed off the other day to make the mortise and tenon joints.
kaleb fifield That would work for sure except you would not have access to all sides then, and if the legs were left in and swelled from moisture they would be tough to get out.
Fair point.
Nice! I used to do a similar system on the ground. The anvil seems better. I would use the bottom of a tree and put my work piece against it , then drive stales to hold it against a the base of the tree, it would come loose and be frustrating to reset it , sometimes I would have to find another tree for a base , because the ground would be torn up after one use.
good info dave
Great video as usual.
You should watch some episodes of the Woodwrights shop if your into old tools and ways.
Man, I love your videos
I really should comment more on your videos, they are wonderful. Between you and Wranglerstar I'm gonna end up living in the forest, LOL. Hay bro, Merry Christmas to you and yours and blessed new year
Great video!
Did the 'ol times chew tobacco in cans?
haha
You have some amazing skills my friend. Thanks for sharing.
I think you could make the wedge out of metal. And then you could use it as a hammer as well. Maybe not a strong hammer but still.
you can place it on an a frame, for legs and you could then rotate it also
Thank you for the video as always, Dave I have a stump I want to put a bowl in it like you did with that Adze, I'll use to put a stainless steel bowl in for my dogs outside water, though if I don't have an Adze any idea's on what I could do?
Dandy fine Lincoln log
Also,
Thanks to everyone involved with the pathfinder school and self reliance outfitters that make it possible for Dave to do what he does for the world.
good stuff man...
Dave do you have any recommendations on fine wood working tools, as opposed to roughing tools, to purchase such as quality brands and even types of tools to have for the beginner?
I think it would be better to wedge the adze from the other side that way it slides in with each strike.
Who made your firmer chisel? Its a beauty.
The dog thinks: he is talking to himself again
Hey Dave you remember the Dual survival you did out in the pacific northwest / olympic peninsula, you wanna come run it again? with a native westy lol... it's backyard son. let's do it.
Another good video as usual
Nice adze and vise. I usually see bowls being carved from the round side. Is there a reason you carved from the flat side or does it not really matter in the grand scheme of the piece? New to carving myself and just curious?
Joe Drinkhorn In my mind if a bowl is rounded, why not use the wood to my advantage instead of forcing a round on something I just made flat?
Right on, makes sense to me too.
Joe Drinkhorn It would make sense to work from the round side down to have a more stable flat bottom to work the inside carving if a stump anvil weren't available.
There is a really good video on youtube of bowl making that features a "stump vise" (sorry I forget the name as I watched it some time ago) granted theirs had legs though. In that and other videos as well the round side is dug into first. I think that the reasoning is that its easier to leave flat what is than to make flat what is not. I do not have an adze or hook knife. For now I am living vicariously through other peoples stories and videos on the topic. I can see both sides of the issue and fail to find any reason why going about carving a bowl in this manner would be wrong. I suppose its really a matter for the carver to decide on.
By the way dave, you got me into all this bush stuff. Most appreciated for sure. I am also glad to see you using Axe Junkies constructively and while I am not an admin of the group I would like to thank you for your contribution to the surge of new members.
Outstanding
On a semi related subject, that carpenter ax your useing, it obviously works well for carving tasks, but how well does it function for splitting fire wood and the other ax related camp jobs. Would it make a good all round carry tool if you could only bring one ax, or is more of a specialised tool for wood working ?
Chris Dorris It is a specialty tool would make a good camp hatchet along with a large axe but not a good al around ax for carry
Thanks
I would like to see your hat collection please. Hi Rufus
Nice. WoodCRAFT!
On my way out the door now and I happen to catch this!
excellent video, I enjoyed watching this :)
Helpful tool!
did you build your adze handle to accept an adze head vertically? as an axe?
what is the blade made out of? could it be a planing bit
Expert tool handler.
Thanks:)
Rock on.
A bit off subject, but your dog really impresses me. I know he's part lab and part pit bull; does he have any guarding/protective instincts, or is he pretty much happy-go-lucky?
44dawgman Rufus is a Black Mouth Mountain Cur/mix, and he would flat tear someone apart if he thought they were threatening, he is very aggressive with anyone or anything that approaches me from the side or behind.
***** i had a Catahoula, and everyone thought he was a pit mix. But yeah, curs are amazing dogs. Very protective, intelligent. tons of energy. Gotta work em!
***** Do you mean a black mouth cur ?
***** Or black lab/ mountain cur mix ?
VietNormbo He is a cur mix most likely, he looks like a lot of photos of BM Curs, but not sure if they had webbed feet like a lab or not so hard to tell, he is a Dog and he is a good one and that is good enough for me for sure-
very cool
Your the bomb Dave
G'day,
Very good stuff...; Yay Team !
;-p
Ciao !
watching the vids with a background music Living Good :D
I feel like you've been watching Alexander Yerks' videos lately. Between the kuska adze carving and the clave or 'kuska horse' as he calls it. He is one dedicated carver.
ua-cam.com/users/alexanderyerksvideos
cool
Sometimes I get the feeling that Dave goes old-school just to make it more of a challenge, as anything less would just be too easy with his advanced skill level.
Not as relevant with this particular video, though.