Japanese Timberframe Part I Stones and Sills 

I’ve contacted several pole barn companies to come out and build a simple barn structure for us. No one’s come through. Whether Covid or supply line or lack of workers or just weather all have reneged on their timelines or deliveries. So, I purposefully watched and re-watched this series. Mr. Chickadee has inspired me to build a barn myself. The money I would’ve spent on someone else’s labor I used to buy a wood mill. Started marking standing dead trees last Fall. Will begin cutting and milling soon. Looking forward to my own personal pace of building. Thanks Mr. Chickadee for the inspiration and visual guidance.

Thank you for not adding music. Your work does not need it.

I was amazed to see the construction process of the foundation of a wooden building with a natural stone foundation. My house, which I lived in about 70 years ago, had pillars standing on natural stone like this. When I was a child, I wondered how they put a wooden pillar on a round stone. Nowadays in Japan, it is rare to see houses with stone foundations like this. It brought back memories of 70 years ago - thank you.

Your camera angles match where the old timers teaching me trades as a kid had me stand. They didn’t want to talk, your job was to watch and know what they needed next before they had to talk about it. They told you where to watch from to learn from seeing. Great tutorials ,and a real poetic yet functional editing the point of views.

Not only has your woodworking and craftsmanship become masterful, but your editing has become very skillful. Beautiful all around. Always such a pleasure to watch.

Does anybody else feel like they just aren’t putting enough effort into life after watching Mr.Chickadee? This man is awesome!!!!

Wow, beautiful video, and such beautiful work. I live in Japan (in Ishikawa, where we just had a major earthquake on New Years Day) and I know a Master Japanese Carpenter in Kaga, Ishikawa, and I can tell you - this is exactly how the old master craftsmen in Japan do it. Sadly, it's a bit of a dying art (new houses are definitively NOT built this way in Japan), but there are enough carpenters that focus primarily on temple renovations and rebuilds that I don't think this will ever simple "die". By the way there are thousands of old houses ("Kominkas") that are 100+ years old that have withstood many an earthquake, and are still standing today, built exactly in this fashion. I am amazed to see this being done in the U.S. though, hats off to this gentleman for his skill and patience, and for documenting this on RU-vid with such an enjoyable video. Brilliant stuff!

I drive a big rig, in my down time I get to watch videos such as this. That was one of the most satisfying videos I’ve watched. Thank you for letting us join your build. You have absolutely earned a new subscriber sir.

My wife asked me what I was watching. I told her it was my favorite channel, he never talks. People talk too much.

Skills of a master, patience of a saint, and unrivaled work ethic.

25:20 Anyone who builds wooden buildings knows how the heart will cheer at this sound. Perfect job man.

I have been watching him for a while now, LOVE his work! What I love almost as much as his skillset is the fact that he doesn't drone on talking about this, that and whatever (blah, blah, blah), you watch, you learn. There is NO music in the background, just the sounds of this fine craftsman doing his work, keep up the brilliance!

Just a small idea for the channel, you may want to mention that there are captions in the videos. I didn't know for the longest time, and they help me understand so much more, One of the few channels that I actually get excited when there's a new one. Love them! I'm sure the 9 dislikes are from black and decker, Stanley, and all the nail and screw companies.😃

Everyone had missed your videos....I personally was going thru withdrawals. Watching you work is amazing.

It never occurred to me that I would have been able to make such a complex joint between a rock and a post. Your documentation is fantastic and this was apparently very within my skill set. Thank you so much once again

There are skilled people and then there's Mr. Chickadee, beyond skilled! A real pleasure to watch and I'm full of admiration for you sir!

I give a thumbs up automatically, Mr. Chickadee. You are more appreciated than you'll ever know.

In two hundred years when modern buildings have rotted away and been replaced that structure will be standing strong still in it’s youth. Very calming watching you do work old school style, i have a great respect for what you do sir. Keep up the good work. 👍

It's interesting how unhurried he is about all these perfections.It'll be done when it's done and it'll be done correctly. Brilliant!

You have to admire his skill and attention to detail. He’s about craftsmanship and precision, that shows in the sharpness of his chisels and how he uses them. Bravo Mr. Chickadee you are truly an inspiration to all woodworkers.

Without even showing the actual measurement layout, this was a good demonstration about the importance of measurement layout.

I watch a lot of guys on YT building things but suspect they settle for less craftsmanship than you do. I think you settle for perfection and nothing less. It's always a good learning experience for me when I watch your videos. Please keep up the excellent work!!!

I watched a BBC programme showing how a traditional Japanese wood crafting business worked - amazing dedication, craft and tradition - this is in the same vein - loved it

I didn't plan on watching the whole video but my sense of curiosity got the better of me as I wondered why...then slowly, as the video progressed, one by one, things started making sense and although not my own, a feeling of satisfaction washed over me knowing that there is a man out there capable of such accomplishment. It truly is an inspiration to us all.

Incredibly clear sound of wood being worked, without any chitchat. Wow.

I rarely watch videos of more than 10 mins let alone half an hour but I was transfixed by this. His skill is mesmerising. Bob 🇬🇧

You are a legend, I am doing 20 years carpentery, but I'm so pleased and happy that there are still people who love the art and try to share it to this new generation, today's world is so unstable and weak and crumble. Watch this video of him and let's go back in time😉

This is truly remarkable, thank you for keeping this art alive and sharing it!

The setting, the audio, the videography, the editing, the craftsmanship and most of all the end product are all perfect contributions to human culture, thank you.

the dull thud of a crisp wooden joint sliding into place is the most satisfying sound ever

That satisfying sound when everything slots in perfectly.

Thanks it's extremely interesting to come across series like this as I live most of my life in a wheelchair and bed as I have limited mobility. So a real pleasure to watch for which I thank you. Take Care Ian.

Thanks for showing all the details of this style of building techniques as we own a huge barn built in such the same manner. On a hillside upon large stone rock beds with huge timbers hand cut and placed. I have always been amazed by this barn as it was erected without any modern machinery of the 1858 time period. The video you shown sheds a great deal of light upon just how they were able to build such a huge barn on such an offset land site. After 16 years later of the owning the ranch settled by these pioneers I am still amazed by the craft of these men. Shared by the such of you.

I only wish I had words to say how much I admire your work ... and the genius you display in self teaching accomplishments.

I’m speechless, having been to Japan and seen this stone plinth, wood post construction and wondered how they get the fit... when you place the post on the stone, you must feel like little Arthur drawing the sword from the stone! What a lovely, slow film, thank you 🙏

I'm in awe! It appeared the first post grew from the rock the fit was so perfect. I've been watching you a long time Mr. Chickadee. you are an amazing Craftsman!!!!

just the sounds alone of hand tools are amazing

In this dark hour, remote area, surrounding by nothing but tree, deeply immerged into project. Totally detached from the hustle bustle. What a blessing. I envied what you have

Love the sound work, lots of satisfaction hearing those joints come together.

Absolutely amazing to watch a true craftsman, just brings peace. what an honor. Thanks so much for sharing. Sending blessings and keep up the great work.

This was a blessing to watch, this kind of craftmanship is surely rare nowadays and I highly appreciate this, very inspiring to start own projects!

I am a master carpenter.. and I find it amazing, the skill a few people have, in doing such detailed work, with all hand tool's.. And quite primitive to how we do things today.. I wish I had that kind of patients.. I so enjoy watching each and every video you post... Your skills are simply awesome... Be Blessed my friend..

This guys craftsmanship in wood, and filmmaking skills are superb. I wish I had half the talent this man has. Bravo sir.

mesmerizing! The sound of the chisel taking those shavings is wonderful!

That beam seemed to almost pierce up out of that boulder. Brilliant ancient arts. Thank you for teaching us so we learn together.

I actually found myself listening to the chisel cutting the wood making the mortise joints on the long support timbers. It's amazing what a sharp tool can do.

I like it. I was a timber framer for 32 years professionally. I now just play with it when I can. Love to see others still framing especially in the Japanese tradition

This was pure joy, truly beautiful. I wish I had watch it on a 60 inch screen. Stay blessed, and live a long, happy life.

So this is it. I finally get to see the whole thing before i’ll start doing my self-build timber frame. This is amazing! Thank you so much Mr. Chickadee! Wish you all the best and much health!

You are one hell of a craftsman.

A sharp chisel and a sharp hand saw, is a thing of beauty. Put your hands on the wood and it will tell you what it really wants to be....And it will serve you well. Peace Jim

Shou sugi ban, and the like, it's amazing this ancient technology is not more widely known. I know of some ranchers who use a similar burn metthod, but hardly any one knows the simple magic that can keep would sound for ages. Bless you for your service, you and your family's sacrifice, and for sharing this wonderful way of living and building. It is because of your very first videos I've begun to aspire to change my way of living.

Best timber-man work I've seen in a very long time. Great respect from a Norwegian woodworker.

I love everything about this, especially how gently it sits upon the land. 🍀

All the dislikes comes from the nail companies.

Thanks for this. After a lifetime making things from wood I want to share something but words just don't do it or what you have created here justice. Thank you for having the courage to find your own path.

This is really incredible. I had no idea this was a thing. Thank you for showing us. Its truly an art.

In a time of universal deceit - we suggest everyone to stop reading news, kill your biggest enemy - fear and live your own and only life and enjoy it! Get back to the basic meaning of Life, Nature and Craft. We think Mr. Chickadee is a great example and inspiration of such action. Beautiful meditative video Josh! Hands not machines!

I work with 'modern' tools and materials. It's a relief to watch craftsman and techniques shown here. Truly inspiring, please keep making more stuff.

Oh that is amazing, I’m in awe, I wish I could do this at 63yrs, love❤️ about to watch next one.

i must say, i am a fan of this whole process...especially the relationship of the stone and post. very poetic

Thank you for a delightful display of human skill, patience, and ingenuity, as always. I have done enough woodworking to appreciate that I am a hack and Mr. Chickadee is a master.

The sound of wood working within a vacuum of no surrounding sound is so calming, soothing, and meditative! I don't do building. But I subscribed! So beautiful. Thank you.

Patience, perfection, and pure joy to watch. I went into a hypnotic trance watching this.

Beautiful. Can't wait to see this extension progress.

Your craftsmanship and attention to detail is on a whole nether level!

Your chisel work is artfully exquisite both in technique and visual and audio production. The sound of the chisel slicing off paper thin sheets was pure bliss.

I love the evening vibe in this video, it's my favourite time to work.

Pure beauty. From the content to editing. Enjoyed every moment

Omg new video from mr.Chickadee! 🤩 Greetings from Turkey! 🇹🇷🤗

Attention to detail and precision and lots of patience = beautiful results & fantastic fitment!

Patience is key for any great craftsman/woman. You definitely have a LOT of that as well as skill! Awesome video. I'm excited to see the finished product of your labor.

I never get tired of watching you and the amazing work you do.

With skill and craftsmanship such as this, it's no wonder why there are japanese timber frames centuries old that are still standing today.

A great watch I really appreciate the time you show in this video. Its obvious from the group that you taught that they felt like they all achieved something special . Thankyou for Keeping the old ways alive 👍👍👍 from an avid Electrified Mafell swinging oak Timber framer .

This is extremely valuable information. These 大工 (carpenter) skills are a privilege to see. Thank you Mr Chickadee

The absolute precision of each cut, each fit, every detail is amazing and speaks well of your mastery. It is a true joy to watch your plans come to life. The old master craftsmen would welcome you as one of their own. :-)

Omg, just like we talk about mi friend, many hugs for u and ur family, cant wait ro see you again , lifes before we were brothers , love ur work

13:34 - 13:34 is just such a great shot! Very beautiful video, and amazing work!

One cannot help but smile when that post is gingerly lowered onto the cornerstone for a perfect fit.

Sir, your tolerances for error are as close as if you were fabricating a jewelry box. Well done. Well done. Such a pleasure and inspiration to watch.

Amazing craftmanship!!! Everything spot on!!

Sir, what a joy to watch you working. You are such a craftsman!

Wow. The craftsmanship is just beautiful. Has only increased my interest in traditional Japanese architecture.

Hey man. I’ve been watching your videos for a few years, and have always wanted to build a timber frame of my own. Whelp, I finally pulled the trigger and am building my workshop as we speak. I wanted to say thanks, as your videos are definitely vital motivation. Watching someone take on such large projects totally solo has helped me realize what i’m capable of. Keep up the awesome work dude!

Waw, japanese architecture and woodwork is the best, and you make it look so easy and relaxing to do, such craftmanship. When i try anything remotely like this I end up with sqewed edges or a soar thumb. Respect .

I see it with my own eyes, but my brain still goes "how does he DO that?!" Awesome work, dear sir. True craftmanship.

RU-vid algorithm sent me here and i like what i see

This is beautiful. Very impressive how the camera set up really shows the grade of a hill you are working on. Truly inspiring stuff!

Wow. It is hard to fathom how people can be so good at their craft. Fascinating to watch, well done.

I am feeling great pleasure simply watching and seeing, listening and hearing, Thank you for this

I saw Japan in the title & immediately remembered seeing a video with snippets of a Japanese man building a house with nothing but joining wood together & this turned out to be the same what that man was doing. Glad I now know what kind of structure building to look up now when I'm settling in before bed 🙏

Absolutely amazing what this guy accomplishes. Never fails to impress

This is a man's man.great work.a true craftsman.thanks Mr. Chickadee

This work... wow. I'm enamoured by your craftsmanship. Thank you!

Damn I have missed your work. This project is an absolute example of why I can't look away while you're working. Mad skills. Instead of school, they should send the kiddos to you. Our world would be a much better place.

A testament to the ingenuity of Japanese Craftsmanship.

New favourite channel, time to binge watch. Thank you for making such a peaceful video

Minute 12 confirming my expectations: a beautiful fit. Your work speaks volumes about you.