Birch Bark Canoe Build - Sheathing | WOODWORKING | BUSHCRAFT | CANADIAN WILDERNESS | FRONTIER
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2024
- Peter splits out the cedar logs, then froes out planks for the sheathing. He introduces books that he uses in his builds, giving tribute to Tappan Adney's contribution to preserving the knowledge. Chris Johnson, a blacksmith, visits and presents Peter with the gift of a hammer he has forged. He stays to help with the canoe construction.
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Guest - Chris Johnston
Facebook @adventureforge
Instagram @adventureforge
www.cjblacksmith.ca
Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Catherine Wolfe
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook - / the.woodland.escape
MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends, Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald.
#18thcentury #birchbarkcanoe #canoe #wilderness #pioneer #woodworking #knife #bushcraft #cabin
Good day 2 U Peter and Catherine and thank you most kindly 4 sharing with us your time/talents. And yet ANOTHER Smithy-friend Peter...I don't think U can have enough in your life eh? U found a man with an 'attentive heart' in finding the 'right tool' that was amiss from your workings. Nice that! After teaching him the ropes, did U ask him; "Now, 'can-oe' do what I do?" LOL! What lovely lives U lead! Here's a quote from; Billy Two Rivers: "Love many; trust few - and always paddle your own canoe." Health and God Bless!
Your a gem Marie. Once again my first smile of the day was reading your comments. Thank you.
Peter your patience and workmanship are awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Curt.
I made a cypress fence that went down both sides of my driveway exactly the same way. I cut the cypress trees at our farm and hauled them home in my F250 4x4. I then split them with steel wedges, an axe and my sledge. It was still up 30 years later when we moved. Cutting cypress is tough, because they usually reside in water. In my case, about a foot or two. My Vietnam Jungle boots took a beating, as did my feet, because they are not waterproof.😮
Nothing wrong with having a fleet of canoes! Each one probably has its own character. Like my cameras, I pick the one I feel drawn to that day!
I can certainly relate Alex, well, perhaps not to the camera but, certainly a tool that simply feels good in my hand and should be used on a particular day.
You two apparition’s of canoe history have made my day and prepared me for all the coming episodes. Well back to the here and now - thank you, take care, and be well.
Thank you.
I had the choice of watching a documentary or watching this video. I chose this video because your videos are just as informative as a documentary and even more entertaining.
Wow, thank you, that’s a wonderful compliment.
Reciprocal mentoring is a wonderful thing. The older we get the more interesting people we meet. If we are smart enough to realize how ignorant we are, then the real learning begins. I can't wait to see the whole process.
Totally agree … if we’re not learning we’re dead.
Thank you Peter for Hosting me and sharing with me some of your knowledge. I hope one day soon you can visit my workshop.
Chris that is a great gift you gave our friend. May you be blessed in your blacksmith endeavour. Great to meet you on Peters channel.
It was our pleasure Chris. We will indeed drop by sometime on a road trip north.
Not only a good looking hammer but, the balance a weight are perfect.
Appreciate your efforts and dedication! Oh the freedom of being in a canoe. You are a smart man, you are willing to learn and to teach. Our future will be built by those willing to learn and to teach. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!
I do appreciate your constant and positive feedback, Ashley. Watch your top knot!o
Like that hammer, I've seen you use it many times and now I know where it came from.
It is a fantastic hammer. Chris is an amazing blacksmith.
Peter, always a joy to visit you virtually and watch whatever task you have at hand! This should be a very watched playlist; a 'living history' record.
I think it would be noteworthy (if not historically constrained) to hear how Chris Johnson might consider 'adjusting' the design of the tools used. Once a blacksmith actually uses the tools of another trade, he might be inspired to alter the design of the metal he forms at the forge.....
You raise a great point. Some tools though, like the draw knife have seen so many modifications that it would be like inventing a better mouse trap, lol.
I can't wait to see this canoe come together! Here in South Texas birchbark canoes are an extreme rarity, and you never see one in the creeks, rivers or lakes. As an avid amateur canoe-ist, I am very excited about this project!
There is a continuous band of white birch that grows through your upper states and right across Canada and Russia. It is still a problem to find the quality of bark one needs. Harvesting for veneer has decimated the gene pool.
Very nice. That hammer is beautiful.
I’m very pleased with the hammer, balance and weight are perfect.
Certainly one of the most challenging things to build correctly and accurately. Truly amazing job Peter ! 😀
Thanks so much!
Great job Peter! It looks to me like shaving the sheathing would be great fun. I think it could become very methodical and almost tranquil - as you sit quietly and work away at them. What a great way to spend the hours on a beautiful spring day! Looking forward to seeing the entire build.
It is indeed Alan. Heck, who needs yoga when you got yourself a draw knife.
That is the first time I had ever seen even a picture of a birchbark canoe. It is a beautiful thing. I envy you the birchbark. If we had it this far south I'd have to have one. I think I understand why you like to build them.
It not simply that I like building them, I thrive on it. You you know your enjoying building something when you don’t really need another!
So much more to a birch bark canoe than I would’ve ever imagined. I also thought they would be very fragile but I’m starting to see just how tough they really are. Really enjoyed seeing the hammer, it looks so cool.
Thank you Peter and Cathy for another fine video.
Thanks Richard. I’ve actually demonstrated at educational days for youth by taking a baseball bat to the bottom.
You know that I follow your journey with great interest and excitement. I have been looking forward to the birch bark canoe built since you mentioned it many moons ago. Well that historic hammer is one purty piece of art. I just love it. Thanks for another great video. Blessings from South Africa.
Thanks Christiaan. If I ever get to South Africa, I’m looking you up. Appreciate your continued support.
@@TheWoodlandEscape, if ever you get to South Africa you just give me a shout. I have a friend with a game farm and I will arrange for you to hunt an Impala. I live only 100 miles or 150km from OR Tambo Airport so I will come to pick you up.
I'm looking forward to the ongoing build. I've long been aware of Howard Chapelle's wooden boat documentation. It shouldn't surprise me that he did an equally comprehensive book on canoe building. Another book to add to the collection.
Sorry for the expense David, lol. Books like most things are not cheap these days. You will not be disappointed.
Hi. Peter, can’t wait to see the finished product. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸
Me too, however, as much as look forward to the first paddle, I do enjoy the process.
Hello Peter and good afternoon friend. We've skipped spring and went directly to humid heat. We broke a temp record the other day. I hope all are well, sounds if though you may have caught a cold or are having allergies. Be safe and I too hope one day we cross paths friend. Until then keep up the great work and thanks for sharing and we'll see you down the road......thanks
Healthy as a bug in a rug, must be the audio technician, lol. Keep it between the ditches.
Hey Peter! It must be a very satisfying feeling when a long planned project gets underway! I am looking forward to seeing how this one progresses along. I was concerned that you would not find suitable pieces of birchbark for the skin. I have no doubt that another pair of hands will speed things along as well. Great looking hammer; by the by! See you on down the trail!
Love to see you down the trail. As to that there bark, we’ll, I still haven’t found it. The search begins in earnest next week.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Hope springs eternal! Hope you find some that fits the need! Good Luck!
Very interesting I bet it was Nice being out in the water or lake sailing along in the canoe looks fun wish I was on the lake out on a boat love how your building this out in the woods and forest awesome very neat and informative thanks man
It is amazing what one can build using only what Mother Nature provides and satisfying to boot!
Yep it sure is that's for sure man very amazing indeed with great tools and equipment indeed buddy
Looks so satisfying and rewarding, Great video
It is indeed Tammy, thank you.
Very interesting watching the build. I can’t imagine how wonderful to paddle one of the canoes. I have only paddled a modern one. But how fun it was to be on the water with it. Back in the 70’s on lakes of Minnesota.
Minnesota is an amazing state for canoeing. There is the Boundary Waters park with our Quetico Park on our side.
Always a joy to watch and listen to your projects and stories. Again, two thumbs up.
Thank you.
I’ve gotta say I’m so excited about this series!!
That is encouraging feedback, thanks.
Me too 😍😍🌲👌
Great job and education.
Thanks Linda.
It looks like you have a good helper!! That should make the canoe building go faster!
It would, however, Chris was only here for a day. Oh well, best get back at it!
Love the new hammer and the work you put into creating a canoe from the woods.
Used it for the first time today and it is perfect … balance, weight etc.
Hi, Peter! Saturday, I spent my day at Fort Michilimackinac they had several reproduction birch bark canoes. The first thing that came to my mind was you and what was the status with your progress and bam here you are! Looks like you're sure coming along. Very interesting I look forward to watching the full playlist on your build. Take care see ya on the next one.
Thanks Gil. Fort Michilimackinac is an amazing historical site.
Outstanding Peter. Beautiful old canoe you made there. Can wait for the full tutorial. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Manuel.
So we'll done, thanks again
Thanks Gary and Denice. Good luck with that wing boned turkey call.
It would be very interesting to see the distinct differences in style and construction of the different Indian tribes' canoes. Grateful that you showcased the books, which would be of great help and perhaps a great artist's resource. Good video.
It is amazing to see the varieties of canoes. I suspect each nation wanted their own signature to theirs . They would certainly know if it was friend or foe paddling toward them.
@@TheWoodlandEscape That does make good sense.
Anxious to watch
Hope I don’t disappoint.
Enthralling.
Intrigues me what these canoes can carry in volume & weight.
Watching the build totally immersed.
Slightly different to our Indigenous river gum bark cut-out style!!!
It is amazing the amount of weight they carried. They did have flared sides instead of tumblehome which means they displaced more water.
Highly unlikely I'd ever have an opportunity to build I one myself. That said, I have always been fascinated by Birch bark canoes. This is another great series, Peter. Thank you for sharing these endeavors.
Thanks James.
Its TWE Time...........awesome
Flattered, Paul.
Wow Peter I love the project! I just moved off grid and on the way over to my property I picked up an old Cedar Strip Canoe that can use some re-finishing, and so this is great to watch. Maybe I will make this a project someday as well at least after I get finished restoring the old log cabin on my acreage. Thanks for the great video's....
Good for you moving off grid. We have a cedar strip canoe made about 50 years ago by a Cree Fellow in northern Quebec. We love that canoe. Definitely worth the effort Al to restore yours.
Thanks for taking us along on this build, i find it quite interesting. I certainly wouldn't mind taking one for a paddle someday!
If your ever in our neck of the woods you can do just that.
Very satisfying 😀😃😄
Thank you.
By the way, I have seen pictures of Roman claw hammers. The pictures I saw were very much like the modern hammer. The only difference was that they hadn't perfected the eye socket. I'm going to follow along on your canoe build and enjoy every minute of it.
Your a loyal follower, Larry and it is sincerely appreciated.
@@TheWoodlandEscape well sir, along with English and journalism, history and social studies was my forte. For 28 years that's what I taught. Not to mention many of those tools you use, I am familiar with and have used myself. On a special mantel on my wall hangs my father and mother's old crosscut, my father in law's mallet and froe, an old home made hand plane, my grandmother's hominy pounders, a peg maker, and an old cartridge belt that belonged to my wife's great uncle, who had been drygulched in this Indian Territory back in the 1880s. Over my fireplace mantel hang a tennessee mountain rifle and a Henry Leman trade rifle, both of reproduced by me. On the wall, among the deer mounts, hangs a Cherokee longbow of boisd'arc along with its deer skin quiver and cane arrows. So, yes, your videos are of much interest, and they're well done.
Always nice to have those family artifacts and the memories hat go with them.
Excellant addition to the channel as always. Can't remember which video it was, but you talked about a tumpline. I'm assuming like everything else you made your own. What did you make it from? How long is it? And would you consider a video talking more about the tumpline?
Certainly food for thought, Gregory. I do make mine and I use hemp cordage. I hand weave the brow band ( about 2 feet) then taper it down to 9 strands. These strands get individually braided using a standard braid like one does their hair. Once all 3 are braided, I braid the 3 together into one, leaving about 6” unbraided. I add tin cones to these like they did in the 1700’s. The total length is 20 feet. You will lose about 2/3 the starting length, so 60 feet. Can be a wee bit frustrating, so have someone help untangling while the other braids is very helpful.
@@TheWoodlandEscape oooookkkk that reads pretty detail for a visual learner like myself. I will have to read it a few times. But a video about your tump line at some point would be great I think.
Peter builds a host of furniture, a flotilla of wooden canoes and an entire house out of rough-sawn wood without getting a single splinter. I put together a single small ikea cabinet and need to be hospitalised from a thousand paper cuts from the instruction booklet and end up with so many splinters in my fingers that it looks like ten porcupines are hanging from my fists when I hold out my hands.
And, I’m still laughing here… seriously!
That was Awesome ,I took notes 📝 so Greatful to you Peter 🤲
Huy Chexw a
Always the follower, Sandy,thank you.
@@TheWoodlandEscape
I can't wait to visit😊
Hi from Syracuse NY USA been away for 4 days at a Re-enactment campout 1754
Good for you Earl, I trust you had a wonderful time stepping back to 1754.
We had a camp in Britt, I know where there is a sunken treasure chest. Well its a large trunk of some kind.
Can I join the search party, lol.
Hey Peter, do you ever have guests come to stay with you? I would love the experience and time to absorb some of your knowledge and energy!
I do indeed Chad but, I must warn you, I’ll put you to work,lol.
@@TheWoodlandEscape well, I would expect nothing less! Can we plan some work for me around late summer/early fall? I would be more than willing to do some heavy lifting! Could we email each other and possible work out tentative dates?
catherinepwolfe@gmail.com
hi peter i he late 1987 a group os from sutters fort in sacramento hollowed out to cedar logs madr dug outs. then paddled them from redbluff ca to sacramento.We .sset up a HUDSON BAY camps along the way. forth grade school kids were bussed in for a visit
Wow, that sounds like an amazing adventure.
Cant wait to see more. In your opinion, what type of skill level do you need to make a canoe?
That would be hard to put a number say 1 to 10. If one uses hand tools the skill set required is pretty low. If not, it would take a wee bit of practice to learn the feel of the tools.
@@TheWoodlandEscape I think I would need some practice with the hand tools. But I think I would need more patience than any thing else. :-)
They say patience is the best tool in the box!
I think life back then must have been more enjoyable in some ways. With the world moving slower and all.
We certainly agree on that. I like it slow and methodical.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Do you have any videos on napping stones/flint into arrow heads or blades? I don't know if napping is the correct term. However, I'm pretty sure you know what I'm talking about. I once saw a guy do it with broken glass when I was a kid and never really understood how they could chip away an edge without breaking the whole thing.
I have napped some flints but, I’m not all that good at it. I think that it would require hours of time to become good at it.
Hello Peter, just curious to why your sheathing is shaved down instead of splitting it thin ? And you can use the sap wood for this correct and the heart wood for ribs. Thanks again
Yes, exactly. Splitting the sheathing is the best approach but, if you don’t have perfect straight grained wood it is next to impossible, so some thinning is required.
@@TheWoodlandEscape OK that's the reason ... Thanks. Probably I will need to do the same.
Peter can you tell me how far away the holes on your building table would be from your building frame ? Thanks
I generally have them about 1/2” outside the actual frame to all for bending the bark.
I love the canoe I cannot wait to see yours.
I have a question. I am undergoing chemo. Where did you get your hat. I love it. Is there a link to a store??
Thanks Cindy. Bought that hat so long ago I can’t remember. I’ll look into for you. I trust you have a full recovery.
I would like to make a shaving horse why use it for my Broomsticks but I never done one well thank you for the video you're very good teacher
Thanks.
Very cool! Is there any other woods that would work in place of cedar say mayb ash 🤔? Don't have any straight grained cedar like that but this is on my bucket list now!
Ash works well for the thwarts but, would not work for the ribs due primarily to the weight. Black spruce can be used and was quite a common wood used by the Northern Cree. Black spruce need to be shaped green … right from a live tree. When slitting out spruce one needs to go across the grain versus going with it on cedar.
@@TheWoodlandEscape ah okay spruce I should be able to find thanks.looking forward to the rest of the series
❤😊😊
Really appreciate your continued interest.
Building a canoe sounds really cool but I neither have an abundance of mature cedars nor birch. Would white pine work in place of cedar?
No it will not. You can use black spruce but, you need to shape the ribs green not dried.
Peter l have been watching your videos sorry l couldn't respond l had a bad case of Covid but now in the recovery stage l can start to talk to you again how does one seat in the canor as a passager and one pa
As one paddling take care always Freddie 😄👍🛶
Sorry to hear about your Illness, I trust your on the road to recovery. There were no seats in A native canoe, they kneeled. The French however added seat to theirs by suspending a narrow plank on ropes or rawhide wrapped around the gunwales… sort like a swing.
Maybe you should show how to remove a splinter. You have got to engage many of them.. lol
You would think but, working with green wood they are rare.
Is cedar the ideal tree for sheathing?
It is absolutely perfect. Cedar was considered a sacred plant by indigenous peoples in the Woodland Lakes area.