Ep 8. Aluminium Canoes; Wood Bowls; Ramp Lifts; Marimbas

In season 14 episode 8 of How It's Made, viewers are taken on a fascinating journey of the manufacturing of four different products. The first item featured in the episode is aluminium canoes. The process of creating these recreational boats begins with a sheet of aluminium being cut down to size and shaped into the desired form. The aluminium is then coated with a protective layer and assembled using various nuts and bolts. The finished canoe is then tested for both buoyancy and stability before being packaged and shipped to various retailers.

The next item on the episode is wood bowls. The process of creating these household items starts with a block of wood being cut down to size and mounted onto a lathe. The lathe is then used to shape the wood into the desired bowl shape, while various tools are used to add embellishments and rims. The bowl is then sanded down to a smooth finish and coated with a food-safe sealant before being packaged and shipped to various stores.

The third item on the list is ramp lifts. These are essential products used to facilitate mobility for those with disabilities or mobility issues. The episode explores how these ramp lifts are constructed from various pieces, including hydraulic lifts and steel platforms. The various parts are assembled in a workshop, and the finished ramp lifts are tested for safety before being installed in homes and businesses.

Finally, the episode features the manufacturing process of marimbas. This classical musical instrument's creation requires a combination of handiwork and mechanical manufacturing. The marimba's wooden frame is made from hardwood, and the bars are created from various types of wood, including rosewood and maple. The bars are then cut and shaped into the needed size and tone using tools such as chisels and saws. The final process involves tuning each bar to the desired sound and assembling the marimba's various components efficiently and accurately before it's packaged and shipped to buyers.

Overall, this episode of How It's Made provides a fascinating look into the engineering and creativity that goes into crafting various products. Each item's featured manufacturing process is unique in both its required materials and assembly stages, providing viewers with a newfound appreciation for the hard work, precision and skill required by artisans and engineers alike.