OT... We Build the Ladders by Which We Climb.

that's pretty awesome.
one of those things you never really think about.
thanks

 

That's pretty cool, keeping history alive...

 

taking a personal pride in your efforts is what WE are all about, IMHO... which is why we tend to eschew the mass-produced, packed in plastic mentality of the mainstream consumer. my Dad used to be heavy into wooden boats... something in creating a boat out of "thin air" that appealled to him. not a box of parts, just plans, tools, and wood.

we have to start with SOMETHING manmade, but as far as that goes, we don't have to follow ANYBODY'S established designs.... just our imagination and our resources to limit us.

 

Off topic! "Come see the softer side of the HAMB".

Kidding. This story is great. Always heartwarming to see proud craftsmen relying on hand work as opposed to the cold deadness of things machine produced.

 

Wood ladders,I used ladders all my life as an electrician.Used to take care of wooden ladders,keep them indoors when possible,brush oil on them to hope it made them weather resistant,check for cracks,get splinters in your hands on occasion.Them came Fiberglass ladders,stronger, lighter weight,bigger rungs are less tiring on the feet,far more weather resistant and no splinters.
My beautiful wood ladders are stored in the garage.

 

History, design to specifications, workmanship, function. What is off-topic? Thanks.

 

Thanks for bending your own rules but you knew it would appeal to the historian in all of us. As Mel Brooks said "it's good to be king"

 

Thanks Ryan. I will be wiser next post. Now pass me the Band-Aids and alcohol.

 

I work for Pacific Gas and Electric and I think they build our transmission ladders too. We hang them from the transmission towers to work on the lines suspended below, and now were using helicopters and high reach cranes more often because of labor and speed/effiency. but when the ladders are new they are gorgeous. Thanks for thinking out of the box. I enjoyed it.

 

Exactly! Didn't they build cars that way once?

 

My exact thoughts. Nice link and video Ryan that serves as a reminder that there are still those out there who do take pride in what they make with their hands and enjoy the history that goes with the product.

 

Impressive to say the least. OT? Yes and No. Craftsmanship, attention to detail, building something that has the potential to outlast yourself, well that all seems very familiar to this site. Thanks Ryan, this "OT" thread made my day. You seem to think outside the box in just the right way at just the right time.

 

Very cool. Yes, I am a nut for all things old. I saved a rickety old Orchard ladder from the dump.................plan to rebuild it with hardwood some day.

 

My Dad was an electrician also. He had the nicest wood extension ladder.

I was working in a small factory when they hired a new electrician. He was bitching about the wood ladder and how they should buy aluminum ladders. I said "I thought you were an electrician" He said "I am an elctrician, what's aluminum ladders got to do with anything".... He didn't work there too much longer.

 

Very cool, good to see that art surviving. Very worthy off topic post.

 

very interesting!!!

 

cool.

 

Skill and craftmenship always stand the test of time plus a little common sense.That place looks like a dream job for me but alas the commute would be a killer.Thanks Ryan for the video , Rob.

 

Pretty dang cool.

 

for some reason, i thought it was going to be a much more philosophical discussion.

"We Build the Ladders by Which We Climb. " but it turned out quite well!

 

Remarkable. Neat post, thanks.

 

Great info,for anyone.Thanks...................YG

 

Nice to see a positive media piece about this city. I work in construction and I still miss the wooden ladders, I hate the 'glass ones. However the post is about quality and craftmanship, pride in your work which I think we all share.

 

Mike the Foreman is a friend of mine. Great guy, in his spare time he builds hi performance period correct Ford motors.

 

Ryan
Great Story and the perfect place to show the pride of Craftsmanship.
The Keeping and Repairing, the Tradition and Quality of an American made and hand crafted item is what the H.A.M.B. is all about!

 

Very cool. One of those "I didn't know that" posts.

 

That was really good to watch. Thanks for being soft today with your rules Ryan!

 

Interesting...thanks for posting!! Appeals to the craftsman in all of us!

 

Now there is a job that has history and something to be proud of making a career at.

Going to work there would be good.