Building a medieval capstan with hand tools, video

This video is so incredible, and there is something weirdly soothing about watching a bunch of hand tools be used. Maybe it's the lack of roaring motors and whirring drills, but I love listening to the soft scrape of wood!

I had no idea what a capstan was initially, but it's incredible to think of the amount of work that goes into such a simple device when it's made by human hands and basic tools.

was that a Mr Chickadee video? I have been watching those with my 6yr old. someday... all exept the sawing, but the 6 yr old can do that when he is big

Skye Alexandra wrote:was that a Mr Chickadee video?

Yep, sure was! I really like the way he produced it, beautiful, great shots, and such a calming experience.

What's the intended use of this? I know of capstans from colonial-era ships, which would use them to raise and drop anchor; I can imagine it's good for hauling on land, to a point?

I'd love to have ideas for a use for this, 'cause I love a good capstan shanty, and an excuse to actually use one in a work situation would be just fantastic.

I went to this thread (mentioned in the dailyish) because I was curious wo knaow what is a 'capstan'.

Now I understand: it is a 'kaapstander'! That's the Dutch name, I think the original name, of that thing.
Exactly as someone here says: from the colonial-era ships. During the 17th century the Dutch were very 'colonial minded'! Their ships sailed everywhere, and sailing involves doing things with ropes ...

A capstan is used with a rope, and a windlass is used with a chain.
Early sailing ships used ropes for their anchors, but after losing them, switched to chains.

Just looked it up - capstans are vertical axis and windlasses are horizontal axis. Capstans only work with rope and depend on friction controlled by the user. Windlasses generally work with chain, and use a geared "gypsy wheel" to pull the chain. They can sometimes use rope; the article I read does not specify how.

All this discussion of the minute differences is fascinating, but I'm still curious if anyone has any ideas for terrestrial uses of a capstan. Especially wondering about the video title 'medieval capstan' since I know them from several hundred years later and maritime. What might someone in medieval Europe have used a capstan for?

Would it be any help in moving large logs out of the woods after they were felled?