What an awesome day! Let me know if you have any places in mind for us to visit next! Also grateful to today’s sponsor for making this possible: 🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code forge at checkout. Download Saily app or go to saily.com/forge ⛵
I think you should visit a tree climbing competition... After your interest in both climbing and arboriculture, as well as already visiting one of the industry's favorite manufacturers. There are competitions all throughout the year, in Europe and North America, and next year's international competition is going to be hosted in New Zealand!
love this series. I also love how humble you are. you still remind me of when you were in your tiny shop but youve grown so much! I really wanna do some blacksmithing.
I'm lucky enough to own a Yard-O-Led Diplomat ballpoint pen I received as a university graduation present from my parents over 10 years ago, and I use it every day. It's the best pen I've ever used, and has a lot of sentimental value. Thanks Alec for showing us the hard work that goes into producing these reliable and beautiful tools.
yea I am looking at their prices, and its not for the faint of heart but its practical jewelry that will last more than 1 lifetime so in that respects its pretty good value
@kevinsellsit5584 i though it would be a press. When i saw how it actually worked i was genuinely impressed since i would have never thought of something like that.
OK, that just blew my mind, especially the machine that punches the texture onto the pen! The person who designed that machine and literally made a piece of art at the same time. I wonder if they knew that people would look at their machine and see the beauty of it in the future?? That was great. Thanks, Alec and Yard-O-Lead 😊👍👍👍👍👍
@@SeishukuS12 Uri is building/rebuilding a rose engine, this is a straight line engine, very similar but the former rotates. I learned about both types by watching Clickspring. This video fits right in with theirs. What a fantastic tour to actually make the finest product of its kind.
Ngl, the videos have been slapping recently. The quality of the videography, the crystal clear audio and the extremely interesting subject matter. Keep it up man
I always enjoy your smithing videos. But, visiting the these old and established business that craft their wares by traditional means is very enjoyable. Thanks for the video.
I love the fact the jewellery quarter still exists. It makes sense that all the different businesses in the area worked in unison when travel and logistics were harder but the fact that it’s survived is fascinating.
As an old school trained Tool & Die Maker this was so very cathartic. I can never explain to lay-people what it is we actually do. We don't make the "product", we make the "tooling" that makes a million "products". It's like operating in the shadows, behind the curtain. Aside from nature, everything that anyone has ever touched only exists because a tool-maker, somewhere along the line, made it so. Aside from a few Corvids and Primates using sticks, the making and use of "tools" towards a goal separates us Hominids from the pack.
If I were to explain your career to a layperson, I'd say that "T&D Makers create the tools that every manufacturer uses. Almost always custom-made for a niche use case, it's unlikely YOU will ever use his product, but every product you use was made with one of his." Also, as a Glazier, I work with several of the extrusions your contemporaries manufactured the dies for. I would say I'm possibly one of the least-distant end-users of your products. Every chunk of curtain wall, every drill and impact bit, every piece of flashing came through a die a T&D made.
My parents knew a man who was a tool & die maker. I remember my father helping him one summer when he was running late on some dies he was making. My father was really a gardener but he did what he could to help. He spent a week working on the finish of some dies. It was manual work and he said it felt like he was polishing the steel with a piece of balsa wood as it took hours before he could really tell there was a difference. These dies were for a making nylon plastic and the surface finish had to be incredibly good or the nylon would stick. Our friend had a pretty relaxed idea about acid as he used a barrel of sulphuric acid for cleaning tools dies and even his hands. Insane I thought but he said he'd been using it for years, and if you washed quickly it didn't really hurt your hands. It might have been hydrochloric acid, it's been fifty years since so I can't remember for sure. Just seeing a barrel of that acid was enough to keep me at the other end of the shop. No die & tool makers are rather special as the tool they make is what makes the reat of the industrial world work.
@@thegurw1994 "Almost always custom-made for a niche use case..." True, in "jobber shops" tooling and prototypes are made for many different manufacturers who run the tooling in their own facilities. In these shops, literally every tool you build is the first time it's ever been done. I appreciate your comment, I know the exact extrusions (frames & caps) you're using. I don't have any tooling experience with that product but I've seen similar extrusion processes and the forces involved are just mind boggling. It turns solid metal into play-dough while barely "grunting".
@@sirmontag I get asked, "Like a screwdriver ?" No, but I'll tool up a process that makes as many screwdrivers as you like. First one costs you $1,000,000, after that, they're $0.10 a piece.
The young lady that seems like a gem of a human. I may have only seen 5 minutes of her life but she seems to be proud of her craft and she damn well should be.
It's also not exactly the kind of craft you'd normally think had appeal to young women. I bet there's an interesting story about why and how she applied for apprenticeship there.
division of labour took the joy out of most jobs, sitting behind the machine that does step 23 of 152 is not very fulfilling but very economically efficient. Yard o Led survives by being high quality and expensive.
As a person in my late twenties and just starting to study engineering, it’s so inspiring to see Alec and other people around my age engaged in this kind of heritage manufacturing. It’s really beautiful stuff and I hope our industrialized world can keep amazing machine shops like this one alive well into the future!!!
Do I need a fancy pencil? No. Do I now really want a fancy pencil? Yes. Great video again, Alec - these artisan showcases are great fun, please keep making them.
@@piccalillipit9211 Agreed, I barely write anymore but I always look forward to the opportunity to pick up my sheaffer targa or Sailor pgs manyou, or any of my other fountain pens that I went kind of stupid buying for a minute there. Wish I had this appreciation back when I was in school so I'd get to use them more often but then I probably wouldnt be able to afford some of the stuff I have now. I'm more of a modern tech kinda guy but I have a solid appreciation for history when it comes to stuff like watches, pens and guns, its strange.
@@piccalillipit9211 Agreed, I barely write anymore as I'm always in front of a screen but I always look forward to the opportunity to pick up my sheaffer targa or sailor pgs manyou, or any of the other fountain pens I went kind of stupid buying for a minute there. I wish I had the appreciation back when I was in school so i'd get to use them more often but then I probably wouldn't be able to afford the stuff I have now.
I’ve a Yard-O-Lead pencil that was a christening present 51 years ago. Gorgeous engineering, perhaps it needs a clean lol seeing how stunning they look new! Thanks Alex, really great insight.
I used to work at a press factory (Now demolished) directly behind Yard-O-Led! Birmingham was once a haven of incredible manual manufacturing machinery. Amazing machines made by amazing people with passion. Love to see a great team still manufacturing beautiful hand made pens in the heart of Birmingham! And thank you Alec as always for showing the world these traditional factories!
My Dad was an architect whose practice (O'Neill and Bracewell) was in Coventry in the 70s, 80s and 90s. He owned several of these Yard O' Led pens and pencils.
fun fact, the solder wiping she did is done in gunsmithing too! (atleast at my gunsmithing school) When soldering on the "barrel covers" of a double barrel shotgun or rifle you first prep the parts of the cover that touch the barrels with solder and wipe it with a clean cloth while its still flowy, so you get a clean and even spread of a thin solder layer, than you slot the cover between the barrels, bind it with wire so it doenst move and heat it evenly until the solder flows, you add a little but of solder if needed and than wipe of the remaining solder so that you get a nice and clean solder joint it would be really cool to see a gunsmith in this series of videos, its such a lovely craft, with long traditions and knowledge on handworking metal, i may be biased because its my learned trade, but many people never seen the craft of a traditional gunsmith
As someone who has never been to the UK and only knows what we learn in school, I'd like to thank you for showing us some of the history and culture of British manufacturing.
That machine doing the pattern is called a Straight Line Engine. Used in watchmaking, along with a Rose Engine that does similar patterns in a circular pattern.
I was going to comment on that, if he loves the straight line engine he’d absolutely lose it when he sees a rose engine. Beautiful machines, I’d love to own one.
@@Oldtanktapper Ditto was looking for a comment mentioning this! There is a wonderful series of videos on ClickSpring's channel showing massively intricate patterning achieved by these machines 😍
I love how you can see all the little burn rings of all the thousands of pencils they've made at that bench. That's the kind of thing I love to see in a museum.
This was phenomenal. I looove shops and trades where the history is as much a part of the product as its material is. Even though I'm in Canada, I am so tempted to buy one from yard-o-lead just because I could own part of that history.
I just want to say I love how far you've come as a machinist and overall craftsman. Considering when I first started watching years ago forging was the only premise of this channel. I am constantly learning how things are manufactured and how the machines and humans that do the manufacturing work from you.
The unadulterated joy and excitement from Alec when doing these videos is a pleasure to watch. You can tell he is genuinely enthralled with the whole experience. I'm always jealous of these things he gets to do.
I have never seen that kind of mechanical pencil mechanism. All that I had you just press the button on top to "extrude" more lead or hold the button to release the lead and then press it back in by hand. That fine control is pretty cool
I love the mechanical sounds that embosser makes. I could just click around on that for a while or better yet, just listen to someone else do it. Thanks for bringing this company to my attention. I love finds like these. I'm definitely putting them on my bucket list for my next pencil. I've been using a pentel plastic click style pencil made in Japan for like six years. Durable and lasted me longer than any drafting pencil I have purchased. But I've always wanted a good screw feed style pencil like these.
Their processes are so smooth because they have 100 years of trying it out and someone new thinking of a new little iteration without undoing what's already working well. What a tremendous compliment you gave them.
This is the most beautiful pencil I have ever seen. I love these "behind the scenes," if you will, videos are made. The time and effort put into this pencil is astounding. This company definitely has pride in their craft.
I love the combination of these gorgeous purpose made machines and "push it against the wood". Really gives the impression of a process that was gradually improved over time, but without reinventing the wheel where it wasn't necessary
Absolutely love the history behind these shops! And that machine used for the engraving, so cool! I love how analog and mechanical it is! Would love to visit the UK someday!
Your very good at making blue collar workers feel like celebrities with your enthusiasm, and I love to see people who take pride in their work get the recognition they deserve. I think it’s a wonderful thing your doing. I hope to see more of it soon.
Very impressed with this whole process and workshop. Alex and Amy are wonderful people and are both very skilled. I will have to purchase one of their writing instruments someday.
What a joy this video was to watch. Not only the fascination and respect from Alec, but also the great instructions and explanations of Amy and Alex. Fantastic!
im lucky enough to own one of their gold mechanical pencils that my grandad left to me after his death and i love it to death its a joy to use and i used it all through my a level and gcse exams lol
Due to some of my schooling I have learned quite a bit about modern manufacturing. It’s so interesting to see both the similarities and differences between it and the more traditional manufacturing methods shown here. Loved the video, Thanks Alec!
From the days of real machining making real items. Not just molds making plastic crap... And I say that as a resin smith and pattern maker. Look at those machines... Magnificent.
What a fantastic process and craftsmanship. One thing I picked up on though, is the graphite powder the lady added would be for lubrication rather than sanding but would do what she said. Graphite powder is very fine and super slippy, so it’ll fill any imperfections and make the mechanism nice and smooth.
Incredibly interesting! Amy is so talented and a very good instructor. I feel like I could pick up the process in a couple of tries, with her teaching. Now I need to go buy a Diplomat pen and pencil set.
Alec you do provide some of the most interesting content from places you never think of, thats why I subbed to you, you are one of a kind finding interesting things all over the place!
Your/this series is way more interesting to watch and so much better explained on how things work or are made, than any other "how it's made"-ish series. Love it, keep up the good work!
This was fantastic mate! I really liked the whole thing. Not just the manufacturing but the whole vibe of the place with nice people. Alec+Amy nice combo!
See us brummies aren't just pretty faces we av pretty pens too. Yes just amazing stuff. It is great to see how focused you am Alex in how the machinery works. Great stuff. Bab.
I do a job that's similar to this in matter of skills acquired in years. But if I have to explain to a visitor every process and trick I use to achieve the final product, I wouldn't certainly be able to be calm, supportive and gentle as this two wonderful human beings. Just a lot of swearing and "no, let me do it for you"... 😂😂 Really appreciated the complex process, the final result and the nice environment in which everything had been done.
I'm just amazed by that machine/tool at 3:30. I want it so badly, even though I don't have a practical use for it. But wow, all the small details-levers, wheels, and everything. I could spend the whole day just watching how it's connected and how one part or input affects the next. I'm honestly speechless, so I'm just rambling here... but it would be a dream to spend even an hour with it. As you said, it's truly a work of art. Thanks, Alec, for showing this to us!
@@starshiphopper7044 My god, another thing on the list of things I want that I can't afford. Found 'Lindow Rose Engine', now, they're new but.. $13,450 for the "basic lathe" package. Anyhow, some day, when the stars align I'll find either a straight line engine or a rose engine on a auction and also have the money to buy one. Thanks for the information! Now I at least know what the thing I want is called =)
Just a fun fact I've learned in the past. Do you know the corporation Sharp? Producing TV's, phones, calculators, etc.? Well, its founder invented a mechanical pencil in 1915 (more or less at the same time as another inventor in the US did) and named it an "ever-ready sharp pencil". Hence the name of the company.
Mechanical pencil was invented in 1822 by Sampson Mordan Ltd which eventually merged with another company to form Yard-o-led hundred years later. Sharp was the first company to invent the first cheap modern mass produced pencil
The engine turning process is fascinating, and much less "engine" than I pictured. I collect lighters from the early 20th century, and many feature engine turned finishes - I always pictured a big automatic engraving machine that used physical pattern wheels. I don't know much about vintage mechanical pencils, but there are a number with integrated lighters such as the Ronson Penciliter. It has a similar spare lead storage system which I always thought was fascinating. Everyone needs a quality mechanical pencil in their life - Screw the mass produced plastic stuff.
Loving this series! It's truly amazing in the age we live in that these places still exist. It's fascinating, and we need to keep these places. The embossing machine is such a cool piece of ingenuity from a time long gone, but kept alive.
Even though this product is something I can't afford, I'm extremely pleased to see that this level of craftsmanship still exists. I find it amazing that they are still using the original tooling and process.
Well I'll be! I had a grandparent with one of these on their workbench that mesmerized me as a young kid. No idea who inherited it but last I saw it, it was non-functional. I had no idea they were still in business, but this tickles me in ways I can't fully explain. Time to take a look at acquiring my own legacy mech pen. ❤
These hand manufactured things, like this mechanical pen and the scissors factory you visited, are such works of art. I'm glad that there are people who still are passionate about building things the old way, things that are meant to last several lifetimes, especially in the consumerist society we live in today. England and Japan are two countries that seem to have a lot of people and companies like this.
I have walked those same streets in search of a planishing press hammer. All sorts of wonderful shops and workshops in that district. Nice to see some of the old craftsmanship is still alive. You got to play with a rose engine, I am so envoys!
Some 60 years ago I was given one of these at my christening. I never knew how special it is. I can't believe I actually have one of these and never knew its history. Thanks ❤
This sort of stuff is what I used to love about TV back in the day. These, "How its Made" mixed with traditional British crafts... the spirit of Fred Dibnah is with you, Alec.
This reminds me of how it’s made on discovery. I think it’s way better since you bring the enthusiasm and hands on application towards the manufacturing process.
You are a man of many talents. Your ability to find shops like this, and also make the experience entertaining and informative is a true skill. I would not be surprised to see you on a major network doing this.
I absolutely love these vids. I love the machines, I love the old buildings with the huge windows, I love that this place feels like it would be a pretty focused but relaxed place to work.
alright mind blown on the knurling machine and how it worked to created different types of patterns mind was BLOWN just at how robust and over built things where made and how it sounded with perfection level results so easily learned literally AMAZING!
These 'craftsman factory' videos are soooo good. I love how you present them as well, like it's genuinely impressive. You understand your audience so well as to find the exact phrasings and additions to the explanations given by the professionals. Some things seem like common sense to them and you manage to make it understandable to everyone while not over explaining and keeping the sense of wonder intact. Very, very engaging and inspiring ❤
the fact that something can be that polished via only hand usage amazes me in the same way that a well walked stone path does, history exists and this is the evidence for it
That was AMAZEBALLZ!!!! HOLY WOWZ!!!! I am truly impressed! That girl showed you so many small steps and YOU DIDN'T SCREW THEM UP!! GREAT WORK ALEC!!! lol 🤪🤣
My wife bought me an old Yard o lead not long ago. It needed cleaning up & I got it working again. Fascinating video. Thanks Alec & the team at Yard o lead in Birmingham.
Alec, I’ve been watching for a while and love your enthusiasm about learning new processes and how different things are made. This gives me smarter everyday vibes with your own twist. Awesome video as always!
What an awesome day! Let me know if you have any places in mind for us to visit next! Also grateful to today’s sponsor for making this possible: 🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code forge at checkout. Download Saily app or go to saily.com/forge ⛵
I think you should visit a tree climbing competition... After your interest in both climbing and arboriculture, as well as already visiting one of the industry's favorite manufacturers. There are competitions all throughout the year, in Europe and North America, and next year's international competition is going to be hosted in New Zealand!
love this series. I also love how humble you are. you still remind me of when you were in your tiny shop but youve grown so much! I really wanna do some blacksmithing.
Please visit a tool and die shop, that would be awesome to see
aye jamie you get her @ or what homie?!
Alex mate when will you go to see kurt and Karen at CEE that would be amazing get him to make you a tool post❤
I love these "behind the scenes" manufacturing videos!
Yes, more of these, please, Alec!
Definitely more please
i second this
"Today, on How It's Made"
Me too
I'm lucky enough to own a Yard-O-Led Diplomat ballpoint pen I received as a university graduation present from my parents over 10 years ago, and I use it every day.
It's the best pen I've ever used, and has a lot of sentimental value.
Thanks Alec for showing us the hard work that goes into producing these reliable and beautiful tools.
That is awesome!
I have a Diplomat fountain pen. Amazing writer.
yea I am looking at their prices, and its not for the faint of heart but its practical jewelry that will last more than 1 lifetime so in that respects its pretty good value
@@osgeld With the amount of work that goes into them im not surprised
@@osgeld I have one of their pencils that originally belonged to my grandfather
The way the machines work are so vastly different from what i imagined. It's such a beautifully unique process.
The people who designed them about 100 years ago, without CAD, is equally amazing.
I agree, I would have thought the pattern would be rolled on, but that pattern machine needs much more study before I can build one.
@kevinsellsit5584 i though it would be a press. When i saw how it actually worked i was genuinely impressed since i would have never thought of something like that.
@@kevinsellsit5584 chris from clickspring has a (or some?) really good video about his rose engine. You'll be amazed
She's amazing at her craft, and explains how it's done in such a calm and supportive way, she's awesome!
Beautiful hair too!
@@randomname4726 for sure :)
OK, that just blew my mind, especially the machine that punches the texture onto the pen! The person who designed that machine and literally made a piece of art at the same time. I wonder if they knew that people would look at their machine and see the beauty of it in the future?? That was great. Thanks, Alec and Yard-O-Lead 😊👍👍👍👍👍
Uri Tuchman is trying to build one, should be interesting to see how far he goes with it. They are super fascinating machines.
Gives new meaning to "They don't make them like they used to".
@@SeishukuS12 Uri is building/rebuilding a rose engine, this is a straight line engine, very similar but the former rotates. I learned about both types by watching Clickspring. This video fits right in with theirs. What a fantastic tour to actually make the finest product of its kind.
Absolutely brilliant, thank you so very much for sharing your experience with us.
Finally we get some thick British accent on this channel. Those pens are beautiful. It's lovely to see old art stay alive.
There's no such thing as a British accent.
This lad's a Brummie
It's 'Brummie'. Not really such a thing as a 'british accent' 😅
@@tomdavis5878 Since British English is the original language. Something the colonies tend to forget.
@@ThaFuzzwooddon’t know about that!
@@ThaFuzzwood ;)
Ngl, the videos have been slapping recently. The quality of the videography, the crystal clear audio and the extremely interesting subject matter. Keep it up man
I genuinely hope you write a memoir down the road about how craftsmanship has changed your life.
I always enjoy your smithing videos. But, visiting the these old and established business that craft their wares by traditional means is very enjoyable. Thanks for the video.
I love the fact the jewellery quarter still exists. It makes sense that all the different businesses in the area worked in unison when travel and logistics were harder but the fact that it’s survived is fascinating.
As an old school trained Tool & Die Maker this was so very cathartic.
I can never explain to lay-people what it is we actually do. We don't make the "product", we make the "tooling" that makes a million "products".
It's like operating in the shadows, behind the curtain. Aside from nature, everything that anyone has ever touched only exists because a tool-maker, somewhere along the line, made it so.
Aside from a few Corvids and Primates using sticks, the making and use of "tools" towards a goal separates us Hominids from the pack.
If I were to explain your career to a layperson, I'd say that "T&D Makers create the tools that every manufacturer uses. Almost always custom-made for a niche use case, it's unlikely YOU will ever use his product, but every product you use was made with one of his."
Also, as a Glazier, I work with several of the extrusions your contemporaries manufactured the dies for. I would say I'm possibly one of the least-distant end-users of your products. Every chunk of curtain wall, every drill and impact bit, every piece of flashing came through a die a T&D made.
I like to tell people that I make the factories that make the cars. An underappreciated art indeed!
My parents knew a man who was a tool & die maker. I remember my father helping him one summer when he was running late on some dies he was making. My father was really a gardener but he did what he could to help. He spent a week working on the finish of some dies. It was manual work and he said it felt like he was polishing the steel with a piece of balsa wood as it took hours before he could really tell there was a difference. These dies were for a making nylon plastic and the surface finish had to be incredibly good or the nylon would stick. Our friend had a pretty relaxed idea about acid as he used a barrel of sulphuric acid for cleaning tools dies and even his hands. Insane I thought but he said he'd been using it for years, and if you washed quickly it didn't really hurt your hands. It might have been hydrochloric acid, it's been fifty years since so I can't remember for sure. Just seeing a barrel of that acid was enough to keep me at the other end of the shop. No die & tool makers are rather special as the tool they make is what makes the reat of the industrial world work.
@@thegurw1994 "Almost always custom-made for a niche use case..."
True, in "jobber shops" tooling and prototypes are made for many different manufacturers who run the tooling in their own facilities.
In these shops, literally every tool you build is the first time it's ever been done.
I appreciate your comment, I know the exact extrusions (frames & caps) you're using. I don't have any tooling experience with that product but I've seen similar extrusion processes and the forces involved are just mind boggling. It turns solid metal into play-dough while barely "grunting".
@@sirmontag I get asked, "Like a screwdriver ?"
No, but I'll tool up a process that makes as many screwdrivers as you like.
First one costs you $1,000,000, after that, they're $0.10 a piece.
The young lady that seems like a gem of a human. I may have only seen 5 minutes of her life but she seems to be proud of her craft and she damn well should be.
It's also not exactly the kind of craft you'd normally think had appeal to young women. I bet there's an interesting story about why and how she applied for apprenticeship there.
She is wonderful to watch work.
She could definitely have a successful RUclips channel - so engaging and charismatic for someone not used to being on camera.
division of labour took the joy out of most jobs, sitting behind the machine that does step 23 of 152 is not very fulfilling but very economically efficient. Yard o Led survives by being high quality and expensive.
As a person in my late twenties and just starting to study engineering, it’s so inspiring to see Alec and other people around my age engaged in this kind of heritage manufacturing. It’s really beautiful stuff and I hope our industrialized world can keep amazing machine shops like this one alive well into the future!!!
Do I need a fancy pencil? No. Do I now really want a fancy pencil? Yes. Great video again, Alec - these artisan showcases are great fun, please keep making them.
if i had the cash id be ordering one for sure lol
Honestly, its worth having a nice pen or pencil - something that you pick up to use and it just gives you so much pleasure.
@@piccalillipit9211 Agreed, I barely write anymore but I always look forward to the opportunity to pick up my sheaffer targa or Sailor pgs manyou, or any of my other fountain pens that I went kind of stupid buying for a minute there. Wish I had this appreciation back when I was in school so I'd get to use them more often but then I probably wouldnt be able to afford some of the stuff I have now. I'm more of a modern tech kinda guy but I have a solid appreciation for history when it comes to stuff like watches, pens and guns, its strange.
Exactly. For something you use every day, having a nice one is really joyful
@@piccalillipit9211 Agreed, I barely write anymore as I'm always in front of a screen but I always look forward to the opportunity to pick up my sheaffer targa or sailor pgs manyou, or any of the other fountain pens I went kind of stupid buying for a minute there. I wish I had the appreciation back when I was in school so i'd get to use them more often but then I probably wouldn't be able to afford the stuff I have now.
I’ve a Yard-O-Lead pencil that was a christening present 51 years ago. Gorgeous engineering, perhaps it needs a clean lol seeing how stunning they look new! Thanks Alex, really great insight.
I used to work at a press factory (Now demolished) directly behind Yard-O-Led! Birmingham was once a haven of incredible manual manufacturing machinery. Amazing machines made by amazing people with passion. Love to see a great team still manufacturing beautiful hand made pens in the heart of Birmingham! And thank you Alec as always for showing the world these traditional factories!
My Dad was an architect whose practice (O'Neill and Bracewell) was in Coventry in the 70s, 80s and 90s. He owned several of these Yard O' Led pens and pencils.
Same with my father. He was a drafter and engineer. I grew up with these!
I'm so lucky to have my great grandfathers Yard-O-Lead in it original case along with all it's paperwork. Totally priceless to me
Something about that soldering station tickles me utterly. I love it! The way you can see the marks from years and years of use is wonderful!
Never would I have thought that you would make a mechanical pencil. This is amazing!
fun fact, the solder wiping she did is done in gunsmithing too! (atleast at my gunsmithing school)
When soldering on the "barrel covers" of a double barrel shotgun or rifle you first prep the parts of the cover that touch the barrels with solder and wipe it with a clean cloth while its still flowy, so you get a clean and even spread of a thin solder layer, than you slot the cover between the barrels, bind it with wire so it doenst move and heat it evenly until the solder flows, you add a little but of solder if needed and than wipe of the remaining solder so that you get a nice and clean solder joint
it would be really cool to see a gunsmith in this series of videos, its such a lovely craft, with long traditions and knowledge on handworking metal, i may be biased because its my learned trade, but many people never seen the craft of a traditional gunsmith
This is also the technique to tin-line copper pots, pans, and cups (using pure tin instead of solder, or course.)
As someone who has never been to the UK and only knows what we learn in school, I'd like to thank you for showing us some of the history and culture of British manufacturing.
That machine doing the pattern is called a Straight Line Engine. Used in watchmaking, along with a Rose Engine that does similar patterns in a circular pattern.
I was going to comment on that, if he loves the straight line engine he’d absolutely lose it when he sees a rose engine. Beautiful machines, I’d love to own one.
@@Oldtanktapper Ditto was looking for a comment mentioning this! There is a wonderful series of videos on ClickSpring's channel showing massively intricate patterning achieved by these machines 😍
I've never wanted an expensive pencil... until today. The craftsmanship is just *chef's kiss*. That table for doing the pattern is really awesome.
I love how you can see all the little burn rings of all the thousands of pencils they've made at that bench. That's the kind of thing I love to see in a museum.
This was phenomenal. I looove shops and trades where the history is as much a part of the product as its material is. Even though I'm in Canada, I am so tempted to buy one from yard-o-lead just because I could own part of that history.
Awesome video Alec! I love seeing these factory tours, especially the older stuff. Thanks!
No way you made something as delicate as a pen
That's so cool i love your insight videos into manufacturing of something that meaningfull and artful
I just want to say I love how far you've come as a machinist and overall craftsman. Considering when I first started watching years ago forging was the only premise of this channel. I am constantly learning how things are manufactured and how the machines and humans that do the manufacturing work from you.
The unadulterated joy and excitement from Alec when doing these videos is a pleasure to watch.
You can tell he is genuinely enthralled with the whole experience.
I'm always jealous of these things he gets to do.
I have never seen that kind of mechanical pencil mechanism. All that I had you just press the button on top to "extrude" more lead or hold the button to release the lead and then press it back in by hand. That fine control is pretty cool
I love the mechanical sounds that embosser makes. I could just click around on that for a while or better yet, just listen to someone else do it. Thanks for bringing this company to my attention. I love finds like these. I'm definitely putting them on my bucket list for my next pencil. I've been using a pentel plastic click style pencil made in Japan for like six years. Durable and lasted me longer than any drafting pencil I have purchased. But I've always wanted a good screw feed style pencil like these.
That embossing machine is a beautiful example of living history!
Their processes are so smooth because they have 100 years of trying it out and someone new thinking of a new little iteration without undoing what's already working well. What a tremendous compliment you gave them.
I would challenge anyone not to be moved by the beauty of the machines, the ingenuity of the tools and the skill of the assembly! Wonderful video!
This is the most beautiful pencil I have ever seen. I love these "behind the scenes," if you will, videos are made. The time and effort put into this pencil is astounding. This company definitely has pride in their craft.
13:53 The graphite itself is actually the lubricant here. Graphite powder is a wonderful dry lubricant.
These pencils use a mixture of graphite and ceramic that is hardened by high temperatures. It is literally an abrasive, not a lubricant.
I love the combination of these gorgeous purpose made machines and "push it against the wood". Really gives the impression of a process that was gradually improved over time, but without reinventing the wheel where it wasn't necessary
Absolutely love the history behind these shops! And that machine used for the engraving, so cool! I love how analog and mechanical it is! Would love to visit the UK someday!
Your very good at making blue collar workers feel like celebrities with your enthusiasm, and I love to see people who take pride in their work get the recognition they deserve. I think it’s a wonderful thing your doing. I hope to see more of it soon.
The sounds of that embossing machine are incredible I'd play with that thing for hours
I love these videos of local manufacturing. Gives them the spotlight they deserve, and we get a peak behind the curtain of these gems.
Very impressed with this whole process and workshop.
Alex and Amy are wonderful people and are both very skilled.
I will have to purchase one of their writing instruments someday.
What a joy this video was to watch. Not only the fascination and respect from Alec, but also the great instructions and explanations of Amy and Alex. Fantastic!
im lucky enough to own one of their gold mechanical pencils that my grandad left to me after his death and i love it to death its a joy to use and i used it all through my a level and gcse exams lol
Exams in pencil?
@skahnk6550 for graphs and things lol
@@skahnk6550 Probably the studying part.
Due to some of my schooling I have learned quite a bit about modern manufacturing. It’s so interesting to see both the similarities and differences between it and the more traditional manufacturing methods shown here. Loved the video, Thanks Alec!
From the days of real machining making real items.
Not just molds making plastic crap...
And I say that as a resin smith and pattern maker.
Look at those machines... Magnificent.
What a fantastic process and craftsmanship. One thing I picked up on though, is the graphite powder the lady added would be for lubrication rather than sanding but would do what she said. Graphite powder is very fine and super slippy, so it’ll fill any imperfections and make the mechanism nice and smooth.
Incredibly interesting! Amy is so talented and a very good instructor. I feel like I could pick up the process in a couple of tries, with her teaching. Now I need to go buy a Diplomat pen and pencil set.
This is amazing. I love when an art is kept an art. Letting something simple, but elegant stay what it is for what it is.
Alec you do provide some of the most interesting content from places you never think of, thats why I subbed to you, you are one of a kind finding interesting things all over the place!
I love these videos Alec. Its great to see this kind of old school UK workmanship and engineering.
Your/this series is way more interesting to watch and so much better explained on how things work or are made, than any other "how it's made"-ish series. Love it, keep up the good work!
These workflows and artisan shop tours you make are legitimately preserving and making tangible the cultural heritage of craftsmen everywhere
I know it's not the subject of the video but I have to say the hair colour of the artisan who does the gnarling is absolutely stunning.
This was fantastic mate! I really liked the whole thing. Not just the manufacturing but the whole vibe of the place with nice people. Alec+Amy nice combo!
See us brummies aren't just pretty faces we av pretty pens too. Yes just amazing stuff. It is great to see how focused you am Alex in how the machinery works. Great stuff. Bab.
I do a job that's similar to this in matter of skills acquired in years. But if I have to explain to a visitor every process and trick I use to achieve the final product, I wouldn't certainly be able to be calm, supportive and gentle as this two wonderful human beings. Just a lot of swearing and "no, let me do it for you"... 😂😂
Really appreciated the complex process, the final result and the nice environment in which everything had been done.
Absolutely ridiculous amount of money to pay for a pencil....I just ordered one! Love to support this history and craftmanship...great video!
Crikey, £300! I like the sentiment though.
lol my first thought was "dang thats expensive" my second was "but id buy one"
I’m really enjoying these ‘how it’s made’ style of videos. It’s a joy to see traditional hand made items being produced!
Is it just me or is the first guy we met like the best wholesome dude ever
I'm just amazed by that machine/tool at 3:30. I want it so badly, even though I don't have a practical use for it. But wow, all the small details-levers, wheels, and everything. I could spend the whole day just watching how it's connected and how one part or input affects the next. I'm honestly speechless, so I'm just rambling here... but it would be a dream to spend even an hour with it. As you said, it's truly a work of art.
Thanks, Alec, for showing this to us!
it's called straight line engine if you like it then you will surely like Rose engine.
@@starshiphopper7044 My god, another thing on the list of things I want that I can't afford. Found 'Lindow Rose Engine', now, they're new but.. $13,450 for the "basic lathe" package.
Anyhow, some day, when the stars align I'll find either a straight line engine or a rose engine on a auction and also have the money to buy one.
Thanks for the information! Now I at least know what the thing I want is called =)
17:00 “all blokally made” like bloke and locally 😂
This is the best thing I've watched in a while. So many processes that I have never seen before. Very interesting! 👍
Just a fun fact I've learned in the past.
Do you know the corporation Sharp? Producing TV's, phones, calculators, etc.? Well, its founder invented a mechanical pencil in 1915 (more or less at the same time as another inventor in the US did) and named it an "ever-ready sharp pencil". Hence the name of the company.
Mechanical pencil was invented in 1822 by Sampson Mordan Ltd which eventually merged with another company to form Yard-o-led hundred years later. Sharp was the first company to invent the first cheap modern mass produced pencil
The engine turning process is fascinating, and much less "engine" than I pictured. I collect lighters from the early 20th century, and many feature engine turned finishes - I always pictured a big automatic engraving machine that used physical pattern wheels.
I don't know much about vintage mechanical pencils, but there are a number with integrated lighters such as the Ronson Penciliter. It has a similar spare lead storage system which I always thought was fascinating. Everyone needs a quality mechanical pencil in their life - Screw the mass produced plastic stuff.
Loving this series! It's truly amazing in the age we live in that these places still exist. It's fascinating, and we need to keep these places. The embossing machine is such a cool piece of ingenuity from a time long gone, but kept alive.
2:00 Industrial Pencil Sharpener XD
I should have not watched this video ... absolutely love the craftsmanship. One day I will gift myself one of their pencils.
And our very diplomatic Canadian sponsor for this video is LTT pens.
Even though this product is something I can't afford, I'm extremely pleased to see that this level of craftsmanship still exists. I find it amazing that they are still using the original tooling and process.
I'm so glad that Alec has found other craftsman who take pride in the unique things they make.
Well I'll be! I had a grandparent with one of these on their workbench that mesmerized me as a young kid. No idea who inherited it but last I saw it, it was non-functional. I had no idea they were still in business, but this tickles me in ways I can't fully explain. Time to take a look at acquiring my own legacy mech pen. ❤
Beautiful how these people show their craft. She shows it even better than he does.
These are the videos that make the difference.
These hand manufactured things, like this mechanical pen and the scissors factory you visited, are such works of art. I'm glad that there are people who still are passionate about building things the old way, things that are meant to last several lifetimes, especially in the consumerist society we live in today. England and Japan are two countries that seem to have a lot of people and companies like this.
That is a gorgeous pencil, and they do some awesome stuff... I love that theyre an entirely hands on company..very cool.
I have walked those same streets in search of a planishing press hammer. All sorts of wonderful shops and workshops in that district. Nice to see some of the old craftsmanship is still alive.
You got to play with a rose engine, I am so envoys!
Man, the level of craftsmanship that exists in the world is insane!
Thanks for the video and sharing this experience with us.
Some 60 years ago I was given one of these at my christening. I never knew how special it is. I can't believe I actually have one of these and never knew its history. Thanks ❤
I love your build videos and project restorations, but these are awesome as well! I appreciate all the small businesses you visit!!
This sort of stuff is what I used to love about TV back in the day. These, "How its Made" mixed with traditional British crafts... the spirit of Fred Dibnah is with you, Alec.
This reminds me of how it’s made on discovery. I think it’s way better since you bring the enthusiasm and hands on application towards the manufacturing process.
It’s honestly delightful to see you so thrilled by learning about this stuff
Why are your videos so good? I think it's Alecs cheerful personality.
Keep it you lovely man.
You are a man of many talents. Your ability to find shops like this, and also make the experience entertaining and informative is a true skill. I would not be surprised to see you on a major network doing this.
I absolutely love these vids. I love the machines, I love the old buildings with the huge windows, I love that this place feels like it would be a pretty focused but relaxed place to work.
Never seen a spinning version before. That was cool Alec. And what a cool lady also
The precision of that embossing is incredible
alright mind blown on the knurling machine and how it worked to created different types of patterns mind was BLOWN just at how robust and over built things where made and how it sounded with perfection level results so easily learned literally AMAZING!
I really enjoy these factory tour's you have been doing. So great to see quality hand-made products still being made.
What a great company and beautiful product. I love that the edge of that desk is an important tool for the assembly of these pencils.
Absolutely love these types of video! So great to see places like this still exist, makes me feel proud of our industrial heritage.
These 'craftsman factory' videos are soooo good. I love how you present them as well, like it's genuinely impressive. You understand your audience so well as to find the exact phrasings and additions to the explanations given by the professionals. Some things seem like common sense to them and you manage to make it understandable to everyone while not over explaining and keeping the sense of wonder intact. Very, very engaging and inspiring ❤
Alec could have a job in TV in a second, the man is so natural on camera and passionate about the craft.
the fact that something can be that polished via only hand usage amazes me in the same way that a well walked stone path does, history exists and this is the evidence for it
The manual knurling tool is one of the most amazing machines I've seen in years! Such an amazing video, I love it!
That was AMAZEBALLZ!!!! HOLY WOWZ!!!!
I am truly impressed! That girl showed you so many small steps and YOU DIDN'T SCREW THEM UP!! GREAT WORK ALEC!!! lol 🤪🤣
My wife bought me an old Yard o lead not long ago. It needed cleaning up & I got it working again.
Fascinating video.
Thanks Alec & the team at Yard o lead in Birmingham.
Alec, I’ve been watching for a while and love your enthusiasm about learning new processes and how different things are made. This gives me smarter everyday vibes with your own twist. Awesome video as always!