Ep 2. Powder Horns; Handcrafted Molds; Pierogies; Inner Tubes

How It's Made is a fascinating documentary series that shows the process of manufacturing various products from start to finish. In season 14 episode 2, we get an in-depth look into the production of four items: powder horns, handcrafted molds, pierogies, and inner tubes.

The first segment of the episode takes us through the process of creating powder horns, which were used as containers for gunpowder in the 18th and 19th century. The process of crafting a powder horn is a time-consuming and intricate one that involves various steps such as selecting the right piece of bovine horn, cleaning, shaping it, and then designing and hand-carving intricate patterns on it. The powder horns are then polished and coated with a protective layer to give them a long-lasting finish.

The second segment takes us behind the scenes of handcrafted mold making. Handcrafted molds are used in the manufacturing of various products such as chocolate, candles, and even automotive parts. The process involves creating a mold from a master pattern, using a high-quality silicone that is poured into a mold frame. The silicone is then cured, and the mold is removed and cleaned. The handcrafted molds are preferred over machine-made molds because they can produce more intricate and complex designs that are not possible with a machine.

The third segment of the show takes us on a culinary journey of making pierogies, a delicious traditional Polish dish that has gained popularity worldwide. The process of making pierogies involves creating a dough by mixing flour, water, and eggs and then rolling it into thin sheets. The filling for pierogies is made by mixing mashed potatoes, cheese, and onions, amongst other ingredients. The filling is then stuffed into the dough and shaped into pocket-like structures, which are then boiled and flash frozen to maintain their freshness.

Finally, the episode takes us closer to home as we see the production process of inner tubes. Inner tubes are an integral component of bicycles and are made by first selecting the right rubber compound. This rubber is then mixed with various chemicals and molded into a circular shape. The inner tube is then cured and cut to size. The manufacturing process of inner tubes is highly automated to ensure accuracy and consistency.

In conclusion, this episode of How It's Made offers a fascinating glimpse into the process of manufacturing some everyday products that we may take for granted. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of humankind in producing products that are both functional and beautiful.