Thread: Your Favorite Examples of Craftsmanship?

Pre-1900 clocks. Gustav Beckers in particular.

Originally Posted by Speedster

Without a doubt, the Kees van der Westen Speedster:

Attachment 274162

Kees is both a brilliant artist and engineer.

Sheesh, at $12,000 Cdn, it better rub my feet and braid my back hair after making me a cup of Joe....and I thought the MoccaMaster charged a lot to essentially boil water and spray it over some coffee grinds in a plastic Melita filter.

Gorgeous machine without a doubt....

@Phrank — Quite the opposite end of the spectrum from the $40 Krups “espresso machine” I started using, eh?

The brew lever’s internal mechanisms are astonishingly well done. Instead of using plastic actuators, Kees employed sprung metal rods with metal wheels/rollers. Moving the lever left, depresses a sideways actuator to begin pre-infusion. When the lever is moved from that position downward, the rotary pump engages. Built to last!

In this modern age of electronics, I love the fact that Kees went analog to a large degree. The machine is a pleasure to use, easy to maintain (thanks to those easily removed side panels), and makes a spectacular espresso given a decent grinder and fresh beans.

Evidently, I’m prone to plunging headlong into rabbit holes.

An original 1967 Olympia Cremina:

Some wood added!

~Richard

Originally Posted by Speedster

@Phrank — Quite the opposite end of the spectrum from the $40 Krups “espresso machine” I started using, eh?

The brew lever’s internal mechanisms are astonishingly well done. Instead of using plastic actuators, Kees employed sprung metal rods with metal wheels/rollers. Moving the lever left, depresses a sideways actuator to begin pre-infusion. When the lever is moved from that position downward, the rotary pump engages. Built to last!

In this modern age of electronics, I love the fact that Kees went analog to a large degree. The machine is a pleasure to use, easy to maintain (thanks to those easily removed side panels), and makes a spectacular espresso given a decent grinder and fresh beans.

Evidently, I’m prone to plunging headlong into rabbit holes.

Never thought of that...analog...and totally get your point on that; and hence, great example of craftsmanship....just reading about the machine, and it is a superb piece.

I was close to popping on the MoccaMaster, and then realized it's essentially an expensive kettle with a thermal carafe...and although I love espresso, and I can kill for an Americano...I'm more the Starbucks dark roast brew type.

But if I was more of an espresso guy, that would be a machine I'd look at...for me, coffee MUST BE scalding hot, and a machine has to deliver on the right temp, first thing I look for, and coffee is life, and worth every penny to get it right...

Any early Colt handgun that was hand fitted (funny, I don't have any Colts right now), like the 1903, 1905, 1908 etc. Early Browning guns like the Superposed, A5 etc. Winchester Model 12, 42, 1897. etc. The Swiss K31 - a fine rifle and super accurate with irons. A good machine gun either LMG or Subgun.

I also like anything in miniature. There is a miniature firearms guild that make some really super neat scaled down firearms that leave me in awe. Miniature engines that run, either by steam or fuel. They are neat - all polished up and clacking away with themselves.

The list goes on and on. Lathes, milling machines etc. The Unimat is a cool little rig and my Mom's husband has one for making clock parts.

I recently watched a youtube video under the name "clickspring" and the fella made a clock in his shop. Super cool and the craftsmanship was out of this world!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU7iKNmQBIs

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Built in 1015, the place just astounds me. Gives me goosebumps whenever I see it.1

The original medieval building was completely destroyed by fire in 1834. What you see now is the Gothic style building designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus WN Pugin which was built between 1840-70. Sadly it's in poor condition at present, with major repairs due which will involve re-location of the Government while they carry out refurbishment. Expect overruns on time and massive cost once they start.

Aloha!

When I think of fine craftsmanship, I think of buildings constructed before the artisans that erected them and hand-applied the adornments perished. Most of this craftsmanship is long gone, but the legacy of what they did remains.

Have you ever been to Chicago's Michigan Avenue and walked past the Chicago Tribune Building and noticed the 149 parts of other famous buildings from around the world placed into the exterior wall? The Roman Colosseum, the Alamo, The Great Wall of China, The Parthenon, The great Pyramid of Egypt and so on. Amazing craftsmanship in that building ALONG with the extra effort to procure pieces of buildings from around the world to incorporate into the build. The building itself is a marvel of artisan craftsmanship, but the incorporation of the parts of other buildings from around the globe is amazing.



Full list and pics here:
https://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/...tribune-tower/

-Zip

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

On a slightly larger scale of craftsmanship.
The Houses of Parliament. Westminster, London.

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Built in 1015, the place just astounds me. Gives me goosebumps whenever I see it.1

A few years ago i was at a course held just behind it in Westminster conference center witch is just behind the Parliament...

I had a chanse to admire it...beautifull....well the whole city is...London is the only city i can walk all day and not get tired...wisited it a few times since that.

Originally Posted by ovidiucotiga

A few years ago i was at a course held just behind it in Westminster conference center witch is just behind the Parliament...

I had a chanse to admire it...beautifull....well the whole city is...London is the only city i can walk all day and not get tired...wisited it a few times since that.

I love London, even the dodgy parts are interesting! The history is astounding too.