Antikythera Fragment #3 - Ancient Tool Technology - Hand Cut Precision Files

Antikythera Fragment #3 - Ancient Tool Technology - Hand Cut Precision Files

There are quite a few very interesting tools still to come in this Fragment series, but I have to admit I've been super excited about these: A set of hand cut files suitable for constructing the #Antikythera Mechanism. Please enjoy :)

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Abbreviated Transcript:

00:40 The Greek civilisation was well into the Iron Age at the time of the devices creation. But the question of steel availability is not easily answered. Certainly there was a form of crucible steel known as Wootz, from the region we now call India. But there was also the technique known as case hardening, which essentially converts the surface of an iron object into steel.
01:23 The first step is to take this raw stock, and shape the basic file blanks. In recent history, this job was done on a massive grinding wheel. And although it would of course have been much slower and less convenient, similar hand powered abrasive tools are known to have existed in antiquity.
02:46 No matter how much I roll the file on top of the work, it rotates so that the file will still cut reasonably flat. Ok, so with the file surfaces stripped, the next step is to form the teeth. And I need to make a few more custom tools to get this part of the job done. I've made a simple file cutting workstation, based on the traditional approach, but scaled down to suit the size of my shop.
06:15 And that first tooth now becomes the reference for the next tooth. The chisel blade is slid up against it, and then the subsequent teeth are laid down one after another. Each time, using the previous cut to locate the next.
08:59 Well I'm not about to give up my commercially made files any time soon. But they do work quite well. They're probably equivalent to a modern #2 cut file, and although the cutting action is not quite as sweet as a new, modern file, its a reasonable balance between metal removal and surface finish. They're durable, easy to handle, and certainly perform well enough to have constructed the original mechanism.
10:31 But there's still quite a high degree of consistency of the root angles around each given wheel. That suggests to me that the teeth were in fact formed by simply plunging the file into the workpiece, like I've done here. And that the root angle variation observed across the gearing, was in fact generated by a small selection of files cut specifically to construct this mechanism. Ok, so to wrap this one up, Its still very early days for this reconstruction. And I've still got a lot more research to do into the tool technology behind this machine.

References:

Antikythera Fragment #3 - Ancient Tool Technology - Hand Cut Precision Files

[AlRoderick]

This is great, almost every discussion of old tool technology I've ever seen stops at knapping flint and picks up at the middle ages, skipping millennia of slow, steady advancement. Thanks for doing your part Chris.

[FaithInAshes]

I think it's absolutely amazing that you're not only trying to build the Antikythera Mechanism, but also spending a lot of time trying to understand how it was built using as close to possible the period accurate tools, that you're making yourself...amazing

[pdotzdb]

Chris, it's hard to explain how much I'm excited by techno-archeology, and how well you do it! I'm back to this video again after years. You, Sir, are an inspiration and a wealth of genuine insight.

[stephenhealey]

As a person who wears out alot of files, I found this video to be very fascinating. Finding your channel is like opening a door to a higher level of craftsmanship. Much appreciation for your work! Thank you!

[jaywest]

Making tools to make tools to make your project. Dedication!

[mikebergman]

These projects are more valuable to me as an adult whose been in the machining/fabricating industry my whole working life, than any other videos on YouTube. These videos even got my wife interested, who wasn’t into this stuff.. We will be patreon supporters very soon.. thank you!

[Clickspring]

There are quite a few very interesting tools still to come in this Fragment series, but I have to admit I've been super excited about these: A set of hand cut files suitable for constructing the Antikythera Mechanism. Please enjoy :)

[jackdewey]

Chris' attention to detail and dedication to making this project as historically accurate as possible make these videos an absolute treat to watch. It is not often that one can get such an in-depth glimpse of ancient history, and these videos deserve way more views for doing just that. Keep up the awesome work!

[davidkohler]

I have watched this entire series more than once or twice, . I love how Chris starts out by making the tools necessary to complete the project.to show how it was actually done ions ago..to reverse engineer everything after seeing the end result still has to be easier than designing and building it the first time, with nothing to compare it to. It is all just so amazing to me. Love this channel.

[jimandaubz]

Interestingly, the lack of uniformity in hand made files, is shared in high quality machine made files, because if the tooth spacing is too uniform the file chatters, and fails to make a good cut, and instead squeals and digs in from vibrations generated at a high frequency. Nicklson (did I spell that right?) file corporation invented the first file cutting machine that was suitably Random to mimic hand struck files, and allowed for machine made files to take over.

Betcha if ya used a nice hard modern tool steel, it would end up better then most store bought files!
(That are made of straight high carbon steel still... some tools refuse to evolve)

I like watching files get struck, there is some magic in the process, happy to see your channel. You earned a subscriber.

[stefos]

Clickspring...your channel is about one of the very few WORTHY of being perpetually

[ltheo]

I love your dedication and persistence. If only I had your patience too...
As a Greek, you make me very proud!

[nikolovell]

I really admire that you don't take the easy way out, but instead use the techniques and methods of the original makers of the tools you're constructing. The fact that you do your work not completely for the end product, but mostly for the experience is also respectable. Your hard work is a huge inspiration!

[DJignyte]

Ahh man. I forgot just how much blood, sweat, and tears you put into every project. Lovely to see your work again, Chris.
Keep it up, mate.

[Timf]

I find it astonishing that anyone can put so much time, talent and effort into this, but the results are remarkable. I am staggered by the step change in technology that these relatively simple tools would facilitate. Its amazing to see them made from such humble beginnings. I'm hooked on the series now. No question!

[michaelw.]

As a knifemaker/hobby machinist who appreciates a good quality file, I absolutely love this video. I might have a go at it myself! Beautiful work.

[makeminefreedom]

I have never seen anyone make a handmade file before. This is really fascinating. Thanks for making this video.

[johndilsaver]

The antikystera mechanism is the holy grail for the home shop enthusiast. Thank you for this video!

[tcl]

It goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway. Your presentation was accomplished without the glaring and telling need for recognition and significance typically found on YouTube.

It is refreshing to witness what was possible and subsequently accomplished in ancient times by people who saw possibility and then invented the technology and tools needed to make it happen. Your presentation clearly demonstrates the human capacity for creativity and inventiveness. Thank you.

[thevillageinn]

Your attention to detail and patience are incredible and very inspirational. I know I don't know the half of what it takes for you to make your videos but I sure do appreciate them