Making a Traditional Orchard Ladder in 1982

On a farmstead in 1982, as part of winter work for rural self-sufficiency, an orchard ladder (fruit ladder) is being made. For this, a shaving horse, a universal tool for woodworking in the traditional rural craft sector, is used. Steps used in this video to make an orchard ladder: 1. Preparing the Rungs (Sprossen) A shaving horse, locally known as a “Fashbank”, is used to hold the wood securely. The craftsmen shape each rung with a drawknife, rounding the surface and tapering the ends for a precise fit. The rungs are split from solid oak rather than sawn, preserving the strength of the wood fibers. After rough shaping, the rungs are smoothed and thinned with a hatchet and plane to achieve the correct dimensions. 2. Selecting and Preparing the Ladder Rails (Holme) A straight-grown fir sapling from the farm’s own woodland is chosen for the rails. The craftsmen saw the round pole lengthwise with a frame saw to create two rails. The pole is clamped firmly using traditional methods, ensuring stability during cutting. 3. Marking and Drilling Holes for the Rungs The center line is marked with a chalk string, and equal spacing of about 10 inches/26 centimeters is measured with a folding rule. Nails mark the positions for the holes. Using a hand auger, the craftsmen drill through both rails so the holes align perfectly. Later, the holes are enlarged with a follow-up bit to fit the tapered ends of the rungs. 4. Fitting and Assembling the Rungs The dry oak rungs are inserted into the fresh fir rails, which tighten naturally as they dry. Each rung is hammered into place so it sits flush and at right angles. Stronger flat rungs are positioned at the ends to provide stability on uneven ground. 5. Finishing the Rails The bottom ends of the rails are pointed to ensure firm footing in soft orchard soil. In some cases, iron tips are added for durability. Remaining bark and knots are removed with a spokeshave or drawknife, leaving the rails smooth and ready for assembly. 6. Final Assembly The second rail is aligned, and all rungs are fitted without nails, relying solely on friction and precision joinery. The finished ladder, about 9 feet 10 inches/3 meters tall, is sturdy enough for use on sloping orchard terrain and is traditionally employed for harvesting fruit such as plums. 👇🏼 Watch more Crafted History videos 👇🏼 Hand-Powered Lathe (1MLN+ views): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9iOMcPPQxA Traditional Diel Sawing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd7C_7Gsuug&t=80s Most Dangerous Factory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWMb9QOd7IA 🔔 Subscribe for a new video every week! Questions? - Drop it in the comments, I read them all! Original source material: Leitermachen auf der Fegebank. Kürten-Engeldorf 1982 – 17 min. Aufnahme: Gabriel Simons; Schnitt/Kommentar: Alois Döring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oPTATPakSU. CC BY 4.0. Edited by GooseMedia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. #traditionalcraft #woodjoinery #woodturning #woodworking #DIY #farmcraft #traditional #handmade #ladder #orchard #rural #heritage #craftsmanship #woodcraft #shavinghorse #timber #joinery #farmtools #rustic #historical #skills #selfsufficiency #homestead #agriculture #winterwork #woodworker #handtools #carpentry #woodart #farmstead #oldways #heritagecraft #woodshaping #woodworkingtools #farmprojects #wooddesign #timberwork #woodskills #woodworkinglife #woodworkinglove #woodworkingcommunity #woodworkingtips #woodworkingprojects #woodworkingideas #woodworkingart #woodworkingfun #woodworkingtools #woodworkingdaily #woodworkingpassion #woodworkingaddict #woodworkinginspiration #woodworkingtradition #woodworkingheritage #woodworkinghistory #craftedhistory #crafted #history #alltagskulturenimrheinland