Dirty Jobs (2005) s01e16 Episode Script

1 My name is Mike rowe, and this is my job.
I explore the country looking this is my job.
I explore the country looking for people who aren't afraid to I explore the country looking for people who aren't afraid to get dirty For people who aren't afraid to get dirty Ohh! [ Spits .]
Get dirty Ohh! [ Spits .]
Ugh! Ohh! [ Spits .]
Ugh! A hunk of [bleep.]
Just flew ugh! A hunk of [bleep.]
just flew straight down my throat.
A hunk of [bleep.]
just flew straight down my throat.
Hardworking men and women straight down my throat.
Hardworking men and women who earn an honest living doing hardworking men and women who earn an honest living doing the kinds of jobs that make who earn an honest living doing the kinds of jobs that make civilized life possible for the the kinds of jobs that make civilized life possible for the rest of us.
Civilized life possible for the rest of us.
Now get ready to get dirty.
Rest of us.
Now get ready to get dirty.
Coming up on "dirty jobs" Now get ready to get dirty.
Coming up on "dirty jobs" I get fired up to learn the art coming up on "dirty jobs" I get fired up to learn the art of chimney-sweeping.
I get fired up to learn the art of chimney-sweeping.
He's running for his life, and of chimney-sweeping.
He's running for his life, and you're laughing like it's a work he's running for his life, and you're laughing like it's a work of art.
You're laughing like it's a work of art.
Oh, sure.
It's fun! Of art.
Oh, sure.
It's fun! Then Oh, sure.
It's fun! Then I search for the rarest trees on then I search for the rarest trees on earth in the murky depths of I search for the rarest trees on earth in the murky depths of these frigid waters.
Earth in the murky depths of these frigid waters.
We're in the 21st century, man.
These frigid waters.
We're in the 21st century, man.
This is the best you can do? We're in the 21st century, man.
This is the best you can do? And later This is the best you can do? And later Get out your umbrellas.
And later Get out your umbrellas.
It's raining scrap metal.
Get out your umbrellas.
It's raining scrap metal.
Full of people's spit and it's raining scrap metal.
Full of people's spit and everything that could be in a full of people's spit and everything that could be in a can.
Everything that could be in a can.
Oh, man.
Doggone it.
Oh, god.
It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it ahh! Oh! [ Gasps, coughs .]
It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it downtown Indianapolis beautiful place to live and a fine place to call home, beautiful place to live and a fine place to call home, the hoosier state, crossroads fine place to call home, the hoosier state, crossroads of America, home of the the hoosier state, crossroads of America, home of the Indianapolis 500, of America, home of the Indianapolis 500, the brickyard 400.
Indianapolis 500, the brickyard 400.
Largest children's museum in the the brickyard 400.
Largest children's museum in the nation is right here in largest children's museum in the nation is right here in Indianapolis.
Nation is right here in Indianapolis.
Of course, this is also home to Indianapolis.
Of course, this is also home to the chimney safety institute of of course, this is also home to the chimney safety institute of America.
The chimney safety institute of America.
It's true.
America.
It's true.
If you want to sweep chimneys it's true.
If you want to sweep chimneys and if you want to do it right, if you want to sweep chimneys and if you want to do it right, you got to get certified.
And if you want to do it right, you got to get certified.
And if you want to be a you got to get certified.
And if you want to be a certified chimney sweep, you've and if you want to be a certified chimney sweep, you've got to come to Indianapolis.
Certified chimney sweep, you've got to come to Indianapolis.
That's why I'm here.
Got to come to Indianapolis.
That's why I'm here.
It's a dirty job.
That's why I'm here.
It's a dirty job.
It's got to get done.
It's a dirty job.
It's got to get done.
And I'll do it, if I can find it's got to get done.
And I'll do it, if I can find the place.
And I'll do it, if I can find the place.
Do you know where the chimney the place.
Do you know where the chimney safety institute of America is? Do you know where the chimney safety institute of America is? No, that I don't know.
Safety institute of America is? No, that I don't know.
Chimney safety institute? No, that I don't know.
Chimney safety institute? Yeah.
Chimney safety institute? Yeah.
No, sir.
Yeah.
No, sir.
You guys ever hear of the no, sir.
You guys ever hear of the chimney safety institute of you guys ever hear of the chimney safety institute of America? Chimney safety institute of America? No, I have not.
America? No, I have not.
Apparently, the institute is no, I have not.
Apparently, the institute is on the outskirts of apparently, the institute is on the outskirts of Indianapolis On the outskirts of Indianapolis In plainfield should be easy Indianapolis In plainfield should be easy to find.
In plainfield should be easy to find.
Looking for the chimney sweep to find.
Looking for the chimney sweep museum institute thing? Looking for the chimney sweep museum institute thing? Never heard of it.
Museum institute thing? Never heard of it.
You guys heard of it? Never heard of it.
You guys heard of it? Chimney You guys heard of it? Chimney No, I've lived here for chimney No, I've lived here for years.
No, I've lived here for years.
I've never heard of it.
Years.
I've never heard of it.
This is where all the I've never heard of it.
This is where all the certified chimney sweeps go to this is where all the certified chimney sweeps go to learn how to be chimney sweeps? Certified chimney sweeps go to learn how to be chimney sweeps? Unh-unh.
Learn how to be chimney sweeps? Unh-unh.
Chimney sweep institute? Unh-unh.
Chimney sweep institute? Yeah.
Chimney sweep institute? Yeah.
Truly, I don't let me Yeah.
Truly, I don't let me They'll know inside? Truly, I don't let me They'll know inside? Yeah, maybe.
They'll know inside? Yeah, maybe.
They tell me the chimney yeah, maybe.
They tell me the chimney sweep institute has been here in they tell me the chimney sweep institute has been here in plainfield for nearly five sweep institute has been here in plainfield for nearly five years.
Plainfield for nearly five years.
Just don't tell the residents years.
Just don't tell the residents that.
Just don't tell the residents that.
They've never heard of it.
That.
They've never heard of it.
Should be right on the right they've never heard of it.
Should be right on the right side.
Should be right on the right side.
They got a big chimney out in side.
They got a big chimney out in the front of it.
They got a big chimney out in the front of it.
See? Chimneys.
The front of it.
See? Chimneys.
All right, thanks very much.
See? Chimneys.
All right, thanks very much.
Right at the stop.
All right, thanks very much.
Right at the stop.
Look for the chimney.
Right at the stop.
Look for the chimney.
We've got a lead, and I think look for the chimney.
We've got a lead, and I think we're getting close.
We've got a lead, and I think we're getting close.
It's very exciting.
We're getting close.
It's very exciting.
I feel good about it.
It's very exciting.
I feel good about it.
We're gonna find this place.
I feel good about it.
We're gonna find this place.
Here we go.
We're gonna find this place.
Here we go.
There it is.
Here we go.
There it is.
All, right I think we are here.
There it is.
All, right I think we are here.
And are you Peter? All, right I think we are here.
And are you Peter? No, I'm Ashley.
And are you Peter? No, I'm Ashley.
How do you do, Mike? No, I'm Ashley.
How do you do, Mike? Ashley, pleasure to meet you.
How do you do, Mike? Ashley, pleasure to meet you.
Here's my business card.
Ashley, pleasure to meet you.
Here's my business card.
Let me take you inside.
Here's my business card.
Let me take you inside.
Class has already started.
Let me take you inside.
Class has already started.
Your name's really Ashley? Class has already started.
Your name's really Ashley? It really is.
Your name's really Ashley? It really is.
Seriously? It really is.
Seriously? Seriously.
Seriously? Seriously.
You didn't change it just to seriously.
You didn't change it just to be kind of a funny chimney-sweep you didn't change it just to be kind of a funny chimney-sweep name? Be kind of a funny chimney-sweep name? Just a coincidence.
Name? Just a coincidence.
I have a respirator and some just a coincidence.
I have a respirator and some glasses for you.
I have a respirator and some glasses for you.
And I have this full zoot suit glasses for you.
And I have this full zoot suit here.
And I have this full zoot suit here.
I sensed immediately that here.
I sensed immediately that these guys were going to be I sensed immediately that these guys were going to be serious about dirt.
These guys were going to be serious about dirt.
[ Indistinct talking .]
Serious about dirt.
[ Indistinct talking .]
Turn it over.
[ Indistinct talking .]
Turn it over.
You're putting it on there.
Turn it over.
You're putting it on there.
This part here goes on top of you're putting it on there.
This part here goes on top of your nose.
This part here goes on top of your nose.
'Cause my nose is above my your nose.
'Cause my nose is above my mouth.
'Cause my nose is above my mouth.
That's right.
Mouth.
That's right.
And it's a good tip, Pete.
That's right.
And it's a good tip, Pete.
Thanks.
And it's a good tip, Pete.
Thanks.
You'll come up in here.
Thanks.
You'll come up in here.
And you're gonna get what we you'll come up in here.
And you're gonna get what we call a scrubbing action.
And you're gonna get what we call a scrubbing action.
[ Air whooshing .]
There you go.
That's a dirty job.
A lot of people think you only that's a dirty job.
A lot of people think you only need to wear the respirator down a lot of people think you only need to wear the respirator down below where the stuff's falling, need to wear the respirator down below where the stuff's falling, but, in fact, if you go to the below where the stuff's falling, but, in fact, if you go to the top when you're doing this work, but, in fact, if you go to the top when you're doing this work, the draft's coming up the flue, top when you're doing this work, the draft's coming up the flue, just bringing that dust right to the draft's coming up the flue, just bringing that dust right to you.
Just bringing that dust right to you.
If you want to become a you.
If you want to become a chimney sweep, the first thing if you want to become a chimney sweep, the first thing you need to learn Chimney sweep, the first thing you need to learn Like a chimney chandelier.
You need to learn Like a chimney chandelier.
Are the tools of the like a chimney chandelier.
Are the tools of the trade.
are the tools of the trade.
One of the best ways to trade.
One of the best ways to illuminate the interior of the one of the best ways to illuminate the interior of the flue is just to reflect sunlight illuminate the interior of the flue is just to reflect sunlight right down the chimney.
Flue is just to reflect sunlight right down the chimney.
You see, there's a wheel on the right down the chimney.
You see, there's a wheel on the end of that brush.
You see, there's a wheel on the end of that brush.
It's that first push that takes end of that brush.
It's that first push that takes a little strength.
It's that first push that takes a little strength.
This is, like, almost like a a little strength.
This is, like, almost like a weed-whacker.
This is, like, almost like a weed-whacker.
This method is used to recover weed-whacker.
This method is used to recover creosote from the chimney.
This method is used to recover creosote from the chimney.
You don't want to open that up creosote from the chimney.
You don't want to open that up without your respirator on.
You don't want to open that up without your respirator on.
Okay.
Without your respirator on.
Okay.
Oh, jeez! Okay.
Oh, jeez! After you've mastered the tools, oh, jeez! After you've mastered the tools, cleaning the chimney is easy After you've mastered the tools, cleaning the chimney is easy sort of.
Every certified chimney sweep needs to be aware of the dangers of chimney fires caused by the needs to be aware of the dangers of chimney fires caused by the buildup of creosote on the inner of chimney fires caused by the buildup of creosote on the inner walls of the flue.
Buildup of creosote on the inner walls of the flue.
[ Rumbling .]
Walls of the flue.
[ Rumbling .]
Do you hear that noise that [ rumbling .]
Do you hear that noise that sounds like one of those do you hear that noise that sounds like one of those airplanes going over? Sounds like one of those airplanes going over? Like it's about to explode? Airplanes going over? Like it's about to explode? Yeah, that's what it is.
Like it's about to explode? Yeah, that's what it is.
And that's because this sort yeah, that's what it is.
And that's because this sort of And that's because this sort of Creosote Of Creosote That's right.
Creosote That's right.
Is inside here, and it's that's right.
Is inside here, and it's on fire.
is inside here, and it's on fire.
[ Popping .]
On fire.
[ Popping .]
Right.
[ Popping .]
Right.
Every one of those pops that you right.
Every one of those pops that you hear is the tile breaking.
Every one of those pops that you hear is the tile breaking.
Do you hear that? Hear is the tile breaking.
Do you hear that? Yeah, I do.
Do you hear that? Yeah, I do.
Oh, my goodness.
Yeah, I do.
Oh, my goodness.
[ Laughs .]
Oh, my goodness.
[ Laughs .]
When you say, "oh, my [ laughs .]
When you say, "oh, my goodness," that's generally a when you say, "oh, my goodness," that's generally a bad sign.
Goodness," that's generally a bad sign.
[ Laughs .]
Bad sign.
[ Laughs .]
Ashley is going to ignite the [ laughs .]
Ashley is going to ignite the gases created by the burning Ashley is going to ignite the gases created by the burning creosote.
Gases created by the burning creosote.
You guys basically at heart creosote.
You guys basically at heart are just a couple of you guys basically at heart are just a couple of pyromaniacs, aren't you? Are just a couple of pyromaniacs, aren't you? Yeah! Pyromaniacs, aren't you? Yeah! Amen! Yeah! Amen! [ Laughing .]
Amen! [ Laughing .]
So, what's the class learning [ laughing .]
So, what's the class learning right now? So, what's the class learning right now? We're learning how Ashley right now? We're learning how Ashley lost his hair.
We're learning how Ashley lost his hair.
[ Laughter .]
Lost his hair.
[ Laughter .]
Besides having fun playing [ laughter .]
Besides having fun playing with fire, the class is learning besides having fun playing with fire, the class is learning why the job of a chimney sweep with fire, the class is learning why the job of a chimney sweep is important because fires why the job of a chimney sweep is important because fires don't occur inside clean is important because fires don't occur inside clean chimneys.
Don't occur inside clean chimneys.
[ Laughter .]
Chimneys.
[ Laughter .]
You people are dangerous! [ Laughter .]
You people are dangerous! He's running for his life, and you people are dangerous! He's running for his life, and you're laughing like it's a work he's running for his life, and you're laughing like it's a work of art.
You're laughing like it's a work of art.
Oh, sure.
It's fun! Of art.
Oh, sure.
It's fun! Oh.
It's beautiful, Peter.
Oh, sure.
It's fun! Oh.
It's beautiful, Peter.
That's a beautiful fire.
Oh.
It's beautiful, Peter.
That's a beautiful fire.
Sorry I can't join you.
That's a beautiful fire.
Sorry I can't join you.
Yeah.
Sorry I can't join you.
Yeah.
Oh! No, don't get in there.
Yeah.
Oh! No, don't get in there.
I don't want to Oh! No, don't get in there.
I don't want to [ Laughter .]
I don't want to [ Laughter .]
Jeez! [ Laughter .]
Jeez! [ Laughter .]
Jeez! [ Laughter .]
Yes.
[ Laughter .]
Yes.
Where's your respirator?! Yes.
Where's your respirator?! Whoa! Where's your respirator?! Whoa! [ Laughter .]
Whoa! [ Laughter .]
Armed with knowledge and [ laughter .]
Armed with knowledge and driven by a clear sense of armed with knowledge and driven by a clear sense of purpose burning inside me, I driven by a clear sense of purpose burning inside me, I ventured out into the field to purpose burning inside me, I ventured out into the field to put my skills to the test.
Ventured out into the field to put my skills to the test.
Right.
Put my skills to the test.
Right.
All right, Pete, it's all coming right.
All right, Pete, it's all coming back to me, starting to look all right, Pete, it's all coming back to me, starting to look familiar.
Back to me, starting to look familiar.
All right.
Familiar.
All right.
I'll tell you what, Mike this all right.
I'll tell you what, Mike this is gonna be your test, bud.
I'll tell you what, Mike this is gonna be your test, bud.
I'll put the vacuum on the is gonna be your test, bud.
I'll put the vacuum on the ready.
I'll put the vacuum on the ready.
Got you a light and a brush.
Ready.
Got you a light and a brush.
Gonna do what you need to do.
Got you a light and a brush.
Gonna do what you need to do.
I'm not gonna tell you anything.
Gonna do what you need to do.
I'm not gonna tell you anything.
You go do it.
I'm not gonna tell you anything.
You go do it.
[ Air whooshing .]
What do we got there? There you go.
Let me take a peek at the thing.
There you go.
Let me take a peek at the thing.
You were listening, weren't you? Let me take a peek at the thing.
You were listening, weren't you? I was doing my best.
You were listening, weren't you? I was doing my best.
All right.
I was doing my best.
All right.
Looks like you did okay.
All right.
Looks like you did okay.
All right.
Looks like you did okay.
All right.
That's what I'm shooting for all right.
That's what I'm shooting for okay.
That's what I'm shooting for okay.
I've already taken the screws okay.
I've already taken the screws out of the top here.
I've already taken the screws out of the top here.
So all we got to do is lift it out of the top here.
So all we got to do is lift it off.
So all we got to do is lift it off.
And then we'll look down inside off.
And then we'll look down inside and see what kind of cleaning and then we'll look down inside and see what kind of cleaning job you did.
And see what kind of cleaning job you did.
Okay, this is where the Job you did.
Okay, this is where the This is your test, huh? Okay, this is where the This is your test, huh? Sure.
This is your test, huh? Sure.
I think you did a real good sure.
I think you did a real good job, guy.
I think you did a real good job, guy.
I feel Job, guy.
I feel I feel darn proud, Pete.
I feel I feel darn proud, Pete.
You should.
[ Chuckles .]
I feel darn proud, Pete.
You should.
[ Chuckles .]
You should.
You should.
[ Chuckles .]
You should.
[ Chuckles .]
You should.
[ Chuckles .]
[ Echoing .]
Hello? [ Chuckles .]
[ Echoing .]
Hello? Luke [ Echoing .]
Hello? Luke When it talks back Luke When it talks back I'm your father.
When it talks back I'm your father.
When it talks back, watch I'm your father.
When it talks back, watch out.
When it talks back, watch out.
Nice.
Yeah, what are you gonna do? Great.
[ Air whooshing .]
Great.
[ Air whooshing .]
And so, it was on to the next [ air whooshing .]
And so, it was on to the next customer.
And so, it was on to the next customer.
A thorough cleaning and customer.
A thorough cleaning and inspection usually takes 30 to a thorough cleaning and inspection usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and averages about inspection usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and averages about 100 bucks.
60 minutes and averages about 100 bucks.
During peak season, a chimney 100 bucks.
During peak season, a chimney sweep can clean out about 7 during peak season, a chimney sweep can clean out about 7 chimneys a day.
Sweep can clean out about 7 chimneys a day.
It's pretty good money but not chimneys a day.
It's pretty good money but not enough to lure me away from the it's pretty good money but not enough to lure me away from the glamour of show biz.
[ Whooshing stops .]
Oh, yeah, that's clean.
Sure, you could eat right off oh, yeah, that's clean.
Sure, you could eat right off that, for sure.
Sure, you could eat right off that, for sure.
All right.
That, for sure.
All right.
We'll come back here for lunch.
All right.
We'll come back here for lunch.
[ Laughter .]
We'll come back here for lunch.
[ Laughter .]
Coming up [ Laughter .]
Coming up Yeah, years of experience has coming up Yeah, years of experience has told me this this is dirty.
Yeah, years of experience has told me this this is dirty.
You're already getting the told me this this is dirty.
You're already getting the hang of this, Mike.
You're already getting the hang of this, Mike.
[ Laughing .]
Hang of this, Mike.
[ Laughing .]
Then I'm a lumberjack, and i'm [ laughing .]
Then I'm a lumberjack, and i'm not okay.
Then I'm a lumberjack, and i'm not okay.
Slow-growth virgin timber.
Not okay.
Slow-growth virgin timber.
Hey, look, man, you know slow-growth virgin timber.
Hey, look, man, you know what? Hey, look, man, you know what? You had me with slow-growing what? You had me with slow-growing virgins.
You had me with slow-growing virgins.
And later Virgins.
And later I shake things up down at the and later I shake things up down at the scrapyard.
I shake things up down at the scrapyard.
I'm familiar with this.
Scrapyard.
I'm familiar with this.
[ Laughing .]
I'm familiar with this.
[ Laughing .]
So far, chimney-sweeping is [ laughing .]
So far, chimney-sweeping is not what I read about.
So far, chimney-sweeping is not what I read about.
I don't see any top hats.
Not what I read about.
I don't see any top hats.
I don't see any kids.
I don't see any top hats.
I don't see any kids.
I don't see any big, giant I don't see any kids.
I don't see any big, giant colonial brick chimneys.
I don't see any big, giant colonial brick chimneys.
I just see a lot of houses here colonial brick chimneys.
I just see a lot of houses here in Indiana that look pretty much I just see a lot of houses here in Indiana that look pretty much the same In Indiana that look pretty much the same And a lot of dirty fireplaces.
The same And a lot of dirty fireplaces.
Yeah, years of experience has and a lot of dirty fireplaces.
Yeah, years of experience has told me this this is dirty Yeah, years of experience has told me this this is dirty Dirty chimney.
Told me this this is dirty Dirty chimney.
If you use your fireplace in the dirty chimney.
If you use your fireplace in the winter months, your chimney if you use your fireplace in the winter months, your chimney ought to be swept and inspected winter months, your chimney ought to be swept and inspected at least once a year.
Ought to be swept and inspected at least once a year.
But don't wait for the experts.
At least once a year.
But don't wait for the experts.
You can do your own inspection but don't wait for the experts.
You can do your own inspection of your chimney, ideally once a you can do your own inspection of your chimney, ideally once a month.
Of your chimney, ideally once a month.
Remember, creosote buildup Month.
Remember, creosote buildup never good.
Remember, creosote buildup never good.
You're already getting the never good.
You're already getting the hang of this, Mike.
You're already getting the hang of this, Mike.
[ Chuckles .]
Hang of this, Mike.
[ Chuckles .]
You don't need to be told [ chuckles .]
You don't need to be told anymore.
You don't need to be told anymore.
I've been watching.
Anymore.
I've been watching.
Now, as you can see, yes, I've been watching.
Now, as you can see, yes, it's still dirty, but it'll now, as you can see, yes, it's still dirty, but it'll never be clean.
It's still dirty, but it'll never be clean.
We don't clean chimneys.
Never be clean.
We don't clean chimneys.
We sweep them.
We don't clean chimneys.
We sweep them.
Right.
We sweep them.
Right.
That's good.
Right.
That's good.
We don't clean them.
That's good.
We don't clean them.
We sweep them.
We don't clean them.
We sweep them.
Well, Pete We sweep them.
Well, Pete We're finished with this.
Well, Pete We're finished with this.
So, what do you think of what we we're finished with this.
So, what do you think of what we do for a living? So, what do you think of what we do for a living? I think, you know, I was do for a living? I think, you know, I was expecting the big top hat, and I I think, you know, I was expecting the big top hat, and I got a respirator instead, so expecting the big top hat, and I got a respirator instead, so times change.
Got a respirator instead, so times change.
Times do change.
Times change.
Times do change.
They certainly do.
Times do change.
They certainly do.
But it's still a dirty job.
They certainly do.
But it's still a dirty job.
Absolutely a dirty job.
But it's still a dirty job.
Absolutely a dirty job.
Well, there it is, folks absolutely a dirty job.
Well, there it is, folks chimney-sweeping in Indiana.
Well, there it is, folks chimney-sweeping in Indiana.
It's a dirty job.
Chimney-sweeping in Indiana.
It's a dirty job.
It's a hot job.
It's a dirty job.
It's a hot job.
It's got to get done.
It's a hot job.
It's got to get done.
The good news is, I don't have it's got to get done.
The good news is, I don't have to do it anymore.
The good news is, I don't have to do it anymore.
There are not too many places to do it anymore.
There are not too many places left in the world where an there are not too many places left in the world where an honest lumberjack can legally left in the world where an honest lumberjack can legally harvest a 1,000-year-old tree.
Honest lumberjack can legally harvest a 1,000-year-old tree.
But midland, Ontario, is not harvest a 1,000-year-old tree.
But midland, Ontario, is not like most places, and these guys but midland, Ontario, is not like most places, and these guys are not like most lumberjacks.
Like most places, and these guys are not like most lumberjacks.
When they told me I was coming are not like most lumberjacks.
When they told me I was coming to Ontario, Canada, to do a when they told me I was coming to Ontario, Canada, to do a dirty job on logging, I figured to Ontario, Canada, to do a dirty job on logging, I figured I'd be up there in the woods dirty job on logging, I figured I'd be up there in the woods with a bunch of lumberjacks.
I'd be up there in the woods with a bunch of lumberjacks.
I was wrong.
With a bunch of lumberjacks.
I was wrong.
I'm out here on a boat instead I was wrong.
I'm out here on a boat instead with a bunch of treasure I'm out here on a boat instead with a bunch of treasure hunters.
With a bunch of treasure hunters.
This is Scott.
Hunters.
This is Scott.
This is Bob.
This is Scott.
This is Bob.
Thank you, Bob.
This is Bob.
Thank you, Bob.
And Scott and I are gonna dive thank you, Bob.
And Scott and I are gonna dive into the water here because And Scott and I are gonna dive into the water here because why are we doing this again? Into the water here because why are we doing this again? Well, it's a treasure.
Why are we doing this again? Well, it's a treasure.
This wood was cut 140 years ago.
Well, it's a treasure.
This wood was cut 140 years ago.
Before it could get up into the this wood was cut 140 years ago.
Before it could get up into the mills, a certain percentage before it could get up into the mills, a certain percentage would sink every year before mills, a certain percentage would sink every year before they could get it up and cut it.
Would sink every year before they could get it up and cut it.
Well, what makes it worth they could get it up and cut it.
Well, what makes it worth dressing up like this and going well, what makes it worth dressing up like this and going after it? Dressing up like this and going after it? Because that cold water down after it? Because that cold water down there preserved it so nicely.
Because that cold water down there preserved it so nicely.
And it's slow-growth virgin there preserved it so nicely.
And it's slow-growth virgin timber that just doesn't grow and it's slow-growth virgin timber that just doesn't grow anymore.
Timber that just doesn't grow anymore.
Hey, look, man, you know anymore.
Hey, look, man, you know what? Hey, look, man, you know what? You had me with slow-growing what? You had me with slow-growing virgins.
You had me with slow-growing virgins.
Let's go take a look.
Virgins.
Let's go take a look.
[ Laughing .]
Okay.
Let's go take a look.
[ Laughing .]
Okay.
The water was not only [ laughing .]
Okay.
The water was not only cold it was murky.
The water was not only cold it was murky.
And I was blind as a bat.
Cold it was murky.
And I was blind as a bat.
Fortunately, bats have sonar, and I was blind as a bat.
Fortunately, bats have sonar, and so do we.
Once we found the timber, the job was pretty straightforward fasten 1-inch job was pretty straightforward fasten 1-inch eyebolts into the logs and haul straightforward fasten 1-inch eyebolts into the logs and haul them up.
Eyebolts into the logs and haul them up.
The work not too dirty, just them up.
The work not too dirty, just difficult, dangerous, and the work not too dirty, just difficult, dangerous, and exhausting.
Difficult, dangerous, and exhausting.
But that rubber suit that's exhausting.
But that rubber suit that's gonna need a dry cleaning.
But that rubber suit that's gonna need a dry cleaning.
Come on, you're gonna have to gonna need a dry cleaning.
Come on, you're gonna have to put a bit of muscle into that, come on, you're gonna have to put a bit of muscle into that, Mike.
Put a bit of muscle into that, Mike.
Good.
Mike.
Good.
Okay, we'll wait for your line good.
Okay, we'll wait for your line at the surface now.
Okay, we'll wait for your line at the surface now.
Let it go.
At the surface now.
Let it go.
Good job.
Let it go.
Good job.
You're clear to make your ascent good job.
You're clear to make your ascent to the surface.
You're clear to make your ascent to the surface.
That was a first for me, to the surface.
That was a first for me, anyway.
That was a first for me, anyway.
Just pull your head out.
Anyway.
Just pull your head out.
Yeah, it's definitely not very just pull your head out.
Yeah, it's definitely not very comfortable.
Yeah, it's definitely not very comfortable.
No.
Comfortable.
No.
So, typically, the actual no.
So, typically, the actual work, we we slip into so, typically, the actual work, we we slip into something more comfortable? Work, we we slip into something more comfortable? What's this? Something more comfortable? What's this? Greasing you up.
What's this? Greasing you up.
You're greasing me up? Greasing you up.
You're greasing me up? Your hands are so soft.
You're greasing me up? Your hands are so soft.
Oh, yeah, look at that.
Your hands are so soft.
Oh, yeah, look at that.
You guys have a trick for oh, yeah, look at that.
You guys have a trick for everything.
You guys have a trick for everything.
[ Grunting .]
Everything.
[ Grunting .]
No one knows exactly how many [ grunting .]
No one knows exactly how many sunken logs there are at the no one knows exactly how many sunken logs there are at the bottom of this waterway.
Sunken logs there are at the bottom of this waterway.
Today, we're fishing for six.
Bottom of this waterway.
Today, we're fishing for six.
So, this is a crew of Dave, Rob, today, we're fishing for six.
So, this is a crew of Dave, Rob, and Chris over here.
So, this is a crew of Dave, Rob, and Chris over here.
Dave, the job now is pretty and Chris over here.
Dave, the job now is pretty straightforward, I guess.
Dave, the job now is pretty straightforward, I guess.
We got to get the logs.
Straightforward, I guess.
We got to get the logs.
Onto the boat.
We got to get the logs.
Onto the boat.
Onto the boat.
Onto the boat.
Onto the boat.
What happens here? onto the boat.
What happens here? We use that when we haul the what happens here? We use that when we haul the logs up.
We use that when we haul the logs up.
They're neutrally buoyant in the logs up.
They're neutrally buoyant in the water.
They're neutrally buoyant in the water.
We get them to the surface, and water.
We get them to the surface, and we'll hook these suckers on we get them to the surface, and we'll hook these suckers on there, grab on, and we use the we'll hook these suckers on there, grab on, and we use the chain fall to pull it up.
There, grab on, and we use the chain fall to pull it up.
We're in the 21st century, chain fall to pull it up.
We're in the 21st century, man.
We're in the 21st century, man.
This is the best you can do? Man.
This is the best you can do? Hey, they work good.
This is the best you can do? Hey, they work good.
That little bit of line's hey, they work good.
That little bit of line's gonna pull that great, big log? That little bit of line's gonna pull that great, big log? That little bit of line is gonna pull that great, big log? That little bit of line is gonna pull that great, big log.
That little bit of line is gonna pull that great, big log.
Well, are you ready for your gonna pull that great, big log.
Well, are you ready for your first log to come to surface? Well, are you ready for your first log to come to surface? Yes, sir.
First log to come to surface? Yes, sir.
All right.
Yes, sir.
All right.
Underwater logging it's all right.
Underwater logging it's one of those jobs my career underwater logging it's one of those jobs my career counselor never told me about, one of those jobs my career counselor never told me about, and here it is.
Counselor never told me about, and here it is.
These guys are doing it every and here it is.
These guys are doing it every day.
These guys are doing it every day.
Man, that thing really grabs day.
Man, that thing really grabs onto it.
Man, that thing really grabs onto it.
See, they're old, but they onto it.
See, they're old, but they work well.
See, they're old, but they work well.
Look at that that's work well.
Look at that that's incredible.
Look at that that's incredible.
You look at the softwoods and incredible.
You look at the softwoods and hardwoods of today, and they you look at the softwoods and hardwoods of today, and they don't have nearly as many rings hardwoods of today, and they don't have nearly as many rings as one of these things will.
Don't have nearly as many rings as one of these things will.
That's a lot of rings.
As one of these things will.
That's a lot of rings.
So, you figure, 150 years it's that's a lot of rings.
So, you figure, 150 years it's been lying there on the bottom so, you figure, 150 years it's been lying there on the bottom of this thing.
Been lying there on the bottom of this thing.
And that's the condition they of this thing.
And that's the condition they all are in.
And that's the condition they all are in.
Why don't they rot? All are in.
Why don't they rot? I still don't understand.
Why don't they rot? I still don't understand.
Lack of oxygen the cold, I still don't understand.
Lack of oxygen the cold, cold waters of Georgian bay.
Lack of oxygen the cold, cold waters of Georgian bay.
You like the looks of this cold waters of Georgian bay.
You like the looks of this one, Dave? You like the looks of this one, Dave? This is the gold.
One, Dave? This is the gold.
Wow, this this one looks this is the gold.
Wow, this this one looks different than the others.
Wow, this this one looks different than the others.
Yep, this is maple.
Different than the others.
Yep, this is maple.
This looks like a curly yep, this is maple.
This looks like a curly maple, actually.
This looks like a curly maple, actually.
Yeah, looks like a curly maple, actually.
Yeah, looks like a curly maple.
Yeah, looks like a curly maple.
We'll look at it once we get maple.
We'll look at it once we get it on deck.
We'll look at it once we get it on deck.
All right.
It on deck.
All right.
Yeah, we don't want to lose all right.
Yeah, we don't want to lose her now that we got her.
Yeah, we don't want to lose her now that we got her.
No, it's been lost for 200 her now that we got her.
No, it's been lost for 200 years.
No, it's been lost for 200 years.
We can take these eyebolts years.
We can take these eyebolts out.
We can take these eyebolts out.
The eyebolts the ones I out.
The eyebolts the ones I worked so hard to get in now the eyebolts the ones I worked so hard to get in now we're gonna take them out.
Worked so hard to get in now we're gonna take them out.
The ones you worked so hard we're gonna take them out.
The ones you worked so hard to get in, you got to take them the ones you worked so hard to get in, you got to take them out.
At the end of the day, we head back to the shore to unload the waterlogged timber.
Head back to the shore to unload the waterlogged timber.
From here, these 1,000-pound the waterlogged timber.
From here, these 1,000-pound logs are lifted by crane and from here, these 1,000-pound logs are lifted by crane and transported to the mill for logs are lifted by crane and transported to the mill for cutting and drying.
Transported to the mill for cutting and drying.
So after 200 years of lying cutting and drying.
So after 200 years of lying peacefully at the bottom of the so after 200 years of lying peacefully at the bottom of the bay, the timber is once again on peacefully at the bottom of the bay, the timber is once again on the move.
Bay, the timber is once again on the move.
It's been uprooted again, and the move.
It's been uprooted again, and now it's finally on its way to it's been uprooted again, and now it's finally on its way to the mill.
Now it's finally on its way to the mill.
Coming up The mill.
Coming up Down at the mill, sawing logs coming up Down at the mill, sawing logs does not mean sleeping on the down at the mill, sawing logs does not mean sleeping on the job.
Does not mean sleeping on the job.
It's been in water for 200 job.
It's been in water for 200 years.
It's been in water for 200 years.
How much more water does it years.
How much more water does it need? How much more water does it need? And so the wood we pulled from need? And so the wood we pulled from the bottom of the bay today is and so the wood we pulled from the bottom of the bay today is one step closer to becoming an the bottom of the bay today is one step closer to becoming an elegant China cabinet or maybe one step closer to becoming an elegant China cabinet or maybe some tasteful hardwood floors or elegant China cabinet or maybe some tasteful hardwood floors or perhaps the striking desk of an some tasteful hardwood floors or perhaps the striking desk of an overpaid network executive.
Perhaps the striking desk of an overpaid network executive.
Either way, it has a few more overpaid network executive.
Either way, it has a few more steps to go before any of that either way, it has a few more steps to go before any of that can happen.
Steps to go before any of that can happen.
It needs to be milled.
Can happen.
It needs to be milled.
That goes on over there.
It needs to be milled.
That goes on over there.
Then it needs to be dried out.
That goes on over there.
Then it needs to be dried out.
That happens in the kiln, which then it needs to be dried out.
That happens in the kiln, which is over there.
That happens in the kiln, which is over there.
And back here in the silo, is over there.
And back here in the silo, nothing happens at all.
And back here in the silo, nothing happens at all.
That's just for show.
Nothing happens at all.
That's just for show.
So, Pete, this is the mill, huh? That's just for show.
So, Pete, this is the mill, huh? This is the mill.
So, Pete, this is the mill, huh? This is the mill.
I like what you've done with this is the mill.
I like what you've done with the place.
I like what you've done with the place.
Beautiful.
The place.
Beautiful.
It's my first time in a mill, beautiful.
It's my first time in a mill, to be honest with you.
It's my first time in a mill, to be honest with you.
Man, what in the heck are these to be honest with you.
Man, what in the heck are these things? Man, what in the heck are these things? Those are squared white oak things? Those are squared white oak timbers recovered from the those are squared white oak timbers recovered from the St.
Lawrence river, timbers recovered from the St.
Lawrence river, pre-war of 1812.
St.
Lawrence river, pre-war of 1812.
These would have been destined pre-war of 1812.
These would have been destined for england for the royal fleet.
These would have been destined for england for the royal fleet.
If you want to do an authentic for england for the royal fleet.
If you want to do an authentic job, you got to come here, if you want to do an authentic job, you got to come here, 'cause this is the authentic job, you got to come here, 'cause this is the authentic product.
'Cause this is the authentic product.
What's this stuff? Product.
What's this stuff? This is birch.
What's this stuff? This is birch.
These will be 450-to this is birch.
These will be 450-to 600-year-old logs.
These will be 450-to 600-year-old logs.
Son of a birch.
600-year-old logs.
Son of a birch.
How are you? Son of a birch.
How are you? Not too bad.
How are you? Not too bad.
How about yourself? Not too bad.
How about yourself? You remember Dave.
How about yourself? You remember Dave.
He's gonna turn what are you you remember Dave.
He's gonna turn what are you gonna do here? He's gonna turn what are you gonna do here? This is where the actual milling gonna do here? This is where the actual milling happens, right? This is where the actual milling happens, right? This is where the milling happens, right? This is where the milling happens.
This is where the milling happens.
And I'm not gonna do anything.
Happens.
And I'm not gonna do anything.
You are.
And I'm not gonna do anything.
You are.
Well, all right, then.
You are.
Well, all right, then.
Perhaps you can instruct me at well, all right, then.
Perhaps you can instruct me at least in a perfunctory way.
Perhaps you can instruct me at least in a perfunctory way.
I can give you a little hand least in a perfunctory way.
I can give you a little hand here.
I can give you a little hand here.
All right, good.
Here.
All right, good.
This is the support.
All right, good.
This is the support.
[ Squeaking .]
This is the support.
[ Squeaking .]
Oh, that's quite a sound that [ squeaking .]
Oh, that's quite a sound that makes.
Oh, that's quite a sound that makes.
You like that? Makes.
You like that? I do.
You like that? I do.
Yeah, that's a good one.
I do.
Yeah, that's a good one.
This would be the gentle part.
Yeah, that's a good one.
This would be the gentle part.
This is the gentle part, this would be the gentle part.
This is the gentle part, right there.
This is the gentle part, right there.
All right.
Right there.
All right.
Mike, we got the controls to all right.
Mike, we got the controls to turn the log, clamp it in place.
Mike, we got the controls to turn the log, clamp it in place.
Right.
Turn the log, clamp it in place.
Right.
The market value of one of these right.
The market value of one of these logs is between $7,000 and the market value of one of these logs is between $7,000 and $8,000.
Logs is between $7,000 and $8,000.
So every cut of this timber must $8,000.
So every cut of this timber must be precise.
So every cut of this timber must be precise.
All right, Mike, stop.
Be precise.
All right, Mike, stop.
Perfect, right there.
All right, Mike, stop.
Perfect, right there.
You got her.
Perfect, right there.
You got her.
All right.
You got her.
All right.
Great, we'll get that blade all right.
Great, we'll get that blade spinning.
Great, we'll get that blade spinning.
Lots of water that'll help spinning.
Lots of water that'll help keep the noise down, get rid of lots of water that'll help keep the noise down, get rid of the Keep the noise down, get rid of the Lubricates the blade.
The Lubricates the blade.
Believe it or not, from this lubricates the blade.
Believe it or not, from this one log, they'll make about 36 believe it or not, from this one log, they'll make about 36 pieces of furniture.
One log, they'll make about 36 pieces of furniture.
They do that by cutting the logs pieces of furniture.
They do that by cutting the logs into paper-thin slices of they do that by cutting the logs into paper-thin slices of veneer.
Into paper-thin slices of veneer.
They'll get about 75 to 100 veneer.
They'll get about 75 to 100 sheets from this one log.
They'll get about 75 to 100 sheets from this one log.
Then they glue the veneer onto sheets from this one log.
Then they glue the veneer onto substrate, making the most out then they glue the veneer onto substrate, making the most out of this rare wood.
Substrate, making the most out of this rare wood.
Not a bad cut.
Of this rare wood.
Not a bad cut.
Man, this is like the moment not a bad cut.
Man, this is like the moment of truth there, right? Man, this is like the moment of truth there, right? It is.
Of truth there, right? It is.
We get to see what you've done.
It is.
We get to see what you've done.
Actually, this is beautiful we get to see what you've done.
Actually, this is beautiful wood though, isn't it? Actually, this is beautiful wood though, isn't it? It is.
Wood though, isn't it? It is.
This log here is a it's a it is.
This log here is a it's a beech log.
This log here is a it's a beech log.
What are you doing at this beech log.
What are you doing at this point, Pete? What are you doing at this point, Pete? Add a little bit of water to point, Pete? Add a little bit of water to this.
Add a little bit of water to this.
It's been in water for 200 this.
It's been in water for 200 years.
It's been in water for 200 years.
How much more water does it years.
How much more water does it need? How much more water does it need? Well, it brings out the need? Well, it brings out the Greens so you can really see well, it brings out the Greens so you can really see what you're getting into when Greens so you can really see what you're getting into when you're cutting your logs.
What you're getting into when you're cutting your logs.
You couldn't stain a board like you're cutting your logs.
You couldn't stain a board like this by hand, no matter how hard you couldn't stain a board like this by hand, no matter how hard you tried.
This by hand, no matter how hard you tried.
It will always mute into the you tried.
It will always mute into the next sort of layer, the next it will always mute into the next sort of layer, the next growth ring.
Next sort of layer, the next growth ring.
You can't get it anywhere.
Growth ring.
You can't get it anywhere.
Well, you can get it here.
You can't get it anywhere.
Well, you can get it here.
This is the only place.
So, this is your basic giant vacuum kiln? Radio frequency.
Vacuum kiln? Radio frequency.
This enables us to dry our wood radio frequency.
This enables us to dry our wood virtually defect-free 16 times this enables us to dry our wood virtually defect-free 16 times faster than conventional kilns.
Virtually defect-free 16 times faster than conventional kilns.
So, basically, you've got faster than conventional kilns.
So, basically, you've got state-of-the-art technology for so, basically, you've got state-of-the-art technology for drying your wood with the kiln.
State-of-the-art technology for drying your wood with the kiln.
You got state-of-the-art drying your wood with the kiln.
You got state-of-the-art technology to find the wood with you got state-of-the-art technology to find the wood with the side-sweeping sonar.
Technology to find the wood with the side-sweeping sonar.
Correct.
The side-sweeping sonar.
Correct.
And all of this is being correct.
And all of this is being directed toward a fairly ancient and all of this is being directed toward a fairly ancient medium, these old timbers.
Directed toward a fairly ancient medium, these old timbers.
That's correct.
Medium, these old timbers.
That's correct.
Do you see the dichotomy, that's correct.
Do you see the dichotomy, Pete? Do you see the dichotomy, Pete? Old meets new.
Pete? Old meets new.
Now, is there some automated old meets new.
Now, is there some automated device that allows us to go in, now, is there some automated device that allows us to go in, or do we rely on good device that allows us to go in, or do we rely on good old-fashioned work? Or do we rely on good old-fashioned work? There sure is its name is old-fashioned work? There sure is its name is Dave and Chris and Bob.
There sure is its name is Dave and Chris and Bob.
Dave, Chris, and Bob, hit it.
Dave and Chris and Bob.
Dave, Chris, and Bob, hit it.
So, the real lesson here, Pete, Dave, Chris, and Bob, hit it.
So, the real lesson here, Pete, is that, technology not so, the real lesson here, Pete, is that, technology not withstanding, everybody should is that, technology not withstanding, everybody should just have a bunch of guys withstanding, everybody should just have a bunch of guys standing around to push things just have a bunch of guys standing around to push things for them when push comes to standing around to push things for them when push comes to shove.
For them when push comes to shove.
When push comes to shove Shove.
When push comes to shove that's right.
When push comes to shove that's right.
No substitute for elbow that's right.
No substitute for elbow grease in the end.
No substitute for elbow grease in the end.
So, the wood is in the kiln.
Grease in the end.
So, the wood is in the kiln.
The door closes like so.
So, the wood is in the kiln.
The door closes like so.
You flip a switch, and the next the door closes like so.
You flip a switch, and the next thing you know, you're drying you flip a switch, and the next thing you know, you're drying out your wood.
Thing you know, you're drying out your wood.
You guys basically do everything out your wood.
You guys basically do everything but make the furniture.
You guys basically do everything but make the furniture.
Absolutely.
But make the furniture.
Absolutely.
Who does that? Absolutely.
Who does that? We leave that to the experts.
Who does that? We leave that to the experts.
"Novodai" is Latin.
We leave that to the experts.
"Novodai" is Latin.
I don't know what it means.
"Novodai" is Latin.
I don't know what it means.
I do know that they make some I don't know what it means.
I do know that they make some pretty incredible furniture, I do know that they make some pretty incredible furniture, though, and they buy a lot of pretty incredible furniture, though, and they buy a lot of their woods from our buddies at though, and they buy a lot of their woods from our buddies at Georgian bay wetwoods.
Their woods from our buddies at Georgian bay wetwoods.
Well, our timber has been Georgian bay wetwoods.
Well, our timber has been through the ringer more well, our timber has been through the ringer more specifically, through the mill through the ringer more specifically, through the mill several times over.
Specifically, through the mill several times over.
This is this is one of the several times over.
This is this is one of the logs that we found.
This is this is one of the logs that we found.
And you can see, it's been cut logs that we found.
And you can see, it's been cut into these paper-thin pieces.
And you can see, it's been cut into these paper-thin pieces.
This essentially is the veneer, into these paper-thin pieces.
This essentially is the veneer, right? This essentially is the veneer, right? Yes, sir.
Right? Yes, sir.
This is Brent.
Yes, sir.
This is Brent.
And we're gonna take a piece of this is Brent.
And we're gonna take a piece of this very, very thin cherry And we're gonna take a piece of this very, very thin cherry in this case and we're going this very, very thin cherry in this case and we're going to affix it to some substrate? In this case and we're going to affix it to some substrate? Yes.
To affix it to some substrate? Yes.
Which is a fancy term for Yes.
Which is a fancy term for Particleboard.
Which is a fancy term for Particleboard.
See, I'm getting my terms particleboard.
See, I'm getting my terms straight.
See, I'm getting my terms straight.
[ Chuckles .]
Straight.
[ Chuckles .]
To the glue spreader.
[ Chuckles .]
To the glue spreader.
This is just tons of glue just to the glue spreader.
This is just tons of glue just squirted right in here.
This is just tons of glue just squirted right in here.
Yeah, just typical white squirted right in here.
Yeah, just typical white glue.
Yeah, just typical white glue.
'Round and 'round it goes.
Glue.
'Round and 'round it goes.
Yep.
'Round and 'round it goes.
Yep.
Essentially, this is all yep.
Essentially, this is all gonna get jammed together, and essentially, this is all gonna get jammed together, and the veneer's gonna begin the gonna get jammed together, and the veneer's gonna begin the adhesion process.
The veneer's gonna begin the adhesion process.
Yep, put the pressure and adhesion process.
Yep, put the pressure and heat at the same time.
Yep, put the pressure and heat at the same time.
Pressure and heat i'm heat at the same time.
Pressure and heat i'm familiar with both.
Pressure and heat i'm familiar with both.
All right.
Familiar with both.
All right.
There must be a switch or all right.
There must be a switch or something you flick, right? There must be a switch or something you flick, right? Yes, sir.
Something you flick, right? Yes, sir.
There's always a switch.
Yes, sir.
There's always a switch.
Coming up There's always a switch.
Coming up The old logs become new coming up The old logs become new furniture.
The old logs become new furniture.
How's the stain come out of furniture.
How's the stain come out of clothes okay? How's the stain come out of clothes okay? No.
Clothes okay? No.
[ Laughing .]
No.
[ Laughing .]
Then [ Laughing .]
Then A magnetic personality can only then A magnetic personality can only take you so far in the a magnetic personality can only take you so far in the scrapyard.
Take you so far in the scrapyard.
Wow.
Scrapyard.
Wow.
It can be a little touchy.
Wow.
It can be a little touchy.
You're not kidding.
It can be a little touchy.
You're not kidding.
Adhering the veneer to the you're not kidding.
Adhering the veneer to the substrate takes 3,000 pounds of adhering the veneer to the substrate takes 3,000 pounds of pressure and 200 degrees of substrate takes 3,000 pounds of pressure and 200 degrees of heat.
Pressure and 200 degrees of heat.
This is Tim.
Heat.
This is Tim.
He'll show us the next step in this is Tim.
He'll show us the next step in the furniture-making process.
He'll show us the next step in the furniture-making process.
So, this is basically a this the furniture-making process.
So, this is basically a this is a router.
So, this is basically a this is a router.
It is.
Is a router.
It is.
It's a computerized router.
It is.
It's a computerized router.
So you tell this computer it's a computerized router.
So you tell this computer what to do, and this machine so you tell this computer what to do, and this machine does it.
What to do, and this machine does it.
Basically, yeah, that's about does it.
Basically, yeah, that's about all it takes.
Basically, yeah, that's about all it takes.
What in the world did we do all it takes.
What in the world did we do before computers? What in the world did we do before computers? I don't know.
Before computers? I don't know.
Last step safety glasses.
I don't know.
Last step safety glasses.
Good.
Last step safety glasses.
Good.
You're gonna see flying good.
You're gonna see flying debris.
You're gonna see flying debris.
Flying debris that's my debris.
Flying debris that's my favorite kind of debris.
Flying debris that's my favorite kind of debris.
There you go.
Favorite kind of debris.
There you go.
So, next, it's gonna cut the there you go.
So, next, it's gonna cut the part.
So, next, it's gonna cut the part.
That is very, very part.
That is very, very sophisticated.
That is very, very sophisticated.
It would be totally uncool to sophisticated.
It would be totally uncool to rearrange these.
It would be totally uncool to rearrange these.
Very.
Rearrange these.
Very.
Right, right.
Very.
Right, right.
There's something creepy about right, right.
There's something creepy about it, Tim.
There's something creepy about it, Tim.
It is.
After the router finishes cutting, Darnell helps me prep the wood for staining.
Cutting, Darnell helps me prep the wood for staining.
All the way in? The wood for staining.
All the way in? Yeah, all the way in.
All the way in? Yeah, all the way in.
I think we're running a yeah, all the way in.
I think we're running a little low on juice here.
I think we're running a little low on juice here.
Not really the most efficient little low on juice here.
Not really the most efficient way to go, huh? Not really the most efficient way to go, huh? No.
Way to go, huh? No.
Uh-oh, bringing in the big no.
Uh-oh, bringing in the big guns? Uh-oh, bringing in the big guns? Yeah, we're bringing in big guns? Yeah, we're bringing in big ones.
Yeah, we're bringing in big ones.
Oh, yeah.
Ones.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah.
Push and pull.
Yeah.
Push and pull.
Okay, good job.
Push and pull.
Okay, good job.
I think I got it.
Okay, good job.
I think I got it.
Good job, Mike.
I think I got it.
Good job, Mike.
What do I do now? Good job, Mike.
What do I do now? Well, see that lady Kathy what do I do now? Well, see that lady Kathy over there? Well, see that lady Kathy over there? She'll tell me what to do? Over there? She'll tell me what to do? She'll tell you the rest of she'll tell me what to do? She'll tell you the rest of what to do over there.
She'll tell you the rest of what to do over there.
People have been telling me what to do over there.
People have been telling me what to do all day, Darnell.
People have been telling me what to do all day, Darnell.
Okay.
What to do all day, Darnell.
Okay.
I don't mind.
Okay.
I don't mind.
I kind of like it.
I don't mind.
I kind of like it.
I hear you.
I kind of like it.
I hear you.
Where do I put this? I hear you.
Where do I put this? Right up here.
Where do I put this? Right up here.
All right.
Anywhere fine? Right up here.
All right.
Anywhere fine? Yep.
All right.
Anywhere fine? Yep.
These are chemical-resistant.
Yep.
These are chemical-resistant.
Because that is a chemical in these are chemical-resistant.
Because that is a chemical in there.
Because that is a chemical in there.
What kind of stain are we there.
What kind of stain are we looking at? What kind of stain are we looking at? This is, like, an oil-based looking at? This is, like, an oil-based stain.
This is, like, an oil-based stain.
How do we approach this? Stain.
How do we approach this? Okay, all you got to do is how do we approach this? Okay, all you got to do is I got the stain all stirred.
Okay, all you got to do is I got the stain all stirred.
All you got to do is take that I got the stain all stirred.
All you got to do is take that rag, dunk it in.
All you got to do is take that rag, dunk it in.
Yeah.
Rag, dunk it in.
Yeah.
Get it good and saturated.
Yeah.
Get it good and saturated.
Okay.
Get it good and saturated.
Okay.
And then you just wipe it on okay.
And then you just wipe it on all over it.
And then you just wipe it on all over it.
All right.
All over it.
All right.
I can't mess it up, right? All right.
I can't mess it up, right? Oh, no.
No.
I can't mess it up, right? Oh, no.
No.
Just make sure it's all covered.
Oh, no.
No.
Just make sure it's all covered.
How's the stain come out of just make sure it's all covered.
How's the stain come out of clothes okay? How's the stain come out of clothes okay? No.
Clothes okay? No.
[ Laughing .]
No.
[ Laughing .]
Fine.
[ Laughing .]
Fine.
I should've warned you about fine.
I should've warned you about that first.
I should've warned you about that first.
You could've.
That first.
You could've.
[ Laughs .]
You could've.
[ Laughs .]
That's okay.
[ Laughs .]
That's okay.
Well, if you're keeping track that's okay.
Well, if you're keeping track at home, that's the 28th shirt well, if you're keeping track at home, that's the 28th shirt I've ruined for the greater good at home, that's the 28th shirt I've ruined for the greater good of "dirty jobs.
" I've ruined for the greater good of "dirty jobs.
" What do you think, Kathy? Of "dirty jobs.
" What do you think, Kathy? Looks good.
What do you think, Kathy? Looks good.
Now the fun part's wiping it all looks good.
Now the fun part's wiping it all off evenly.
Now the fun part's wiping it all off evenly.
[ Laughing .]
Off evenly.
[ Laughing .]
Without no streaks, no [ laughing .]
Without no streaks, no fingerprints.
Without no streaks, no fingerprints.
Yeah.
Fingerprints.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's gonna happen.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's gonna happen.
Now, see what you did over yeah, that's gonna happen.
Now, see what you did over here? Now, see what you did over here? What'd I do? Here? What'd I do? You put your fingerprints in what'd I do? You put your fingerprints in it when you grabbed ahold of it you put your fingerprints in it when you grabbed ahold of it here.
It when you grabbed ahold of it here.
Oh, damn.
Here.
Oh, damn.
I'm sorry.
Oh, damn.
I'm sorry.
Do you know what that is? I'm sorry.
Do you know what that is? That is a rookie mistake.
Do you know what that is? That is a rookie mistake.
A lot of toxics in this, is that is a rookie mistake.
A lot of toxics in this, is here? A lot of toxics in this, is here? Oh, yeah.
Here? Oh, yeah.
This is not the kind of thing oh, yeah.
This is not the kind of thing you want to smell all day long.
This is not the kind of thing you want to smell all day long.
Oh, no, not really.
You want to smell all day long.
Oh, no, not really.
Is that why you're laughing oh, no, not really.
Is that why you're laughing all the time? Is that why you're laughing all the time? No.
All the time? No.
You sure? No.
You sure? It doesn't affect me.
You sure? It doesn't affect me.
It doesn't affect me either.
It doesn't affect me.
It doesn't affect me either.
[ Laughs .]
It doesn't affect me either.
[ Laughs .]
I'm fine.
[ Laughs .]
I'm fine.
Staining.
I'm fine.
Staining.
Now, here is your respirator.
Staining.
Now, here is your respirator.
Do I really need to wear it? Now, here is your respirator.
Do I really need to wear it? You should.
Do I really need to wear it? You should.
I was just starting to enjoy you should.
I was just starting to enjoy the day.
I was just starting to enjoy the day.
Yeah, you're probably right.
The day.
Yeah, you're probably right.
You're supposed to be able to yeah, you're probably right.
You're supposed to be able to hold the sides in.
You're supposed to be able to hold the sides in.
Now, what comes out of here? Hold the sides in.
Now, what comes out of here? This is the sealer.
Now, what comes out of here? This is the sealer.
That's good.
This is the sealer.
That's good.
If you go too much, then you'll that's good.
If you go too much, then you'll get the runs and the sags, and if you go too much, then you'll get the runs and the sags, and then you got a mess.
Get the runs and the sags, and then you got a mess.
Nobody wants the runs Then you got a mess.
Nobody wants the runs No.
Nobody wants the runs No.
Ever.
No.
Ever.
[ Laughs .]
ever.
[ Laughs .]
So, we've stained it.
[ Laughs .]
So, we've stained it.
We've sealed it.
So, we've stained it.
We've sealed it.
Our job is done.
We've sealed it.
Our job is done.
Right.
Our job is done.
Right.
What's next? Right.
What's next? What's next is taking the what's next? What's next is taking the finished parts and putting them what's next is taking the finished parts and putting them together something new from finished parts and putting them together something new from something old, put together one together something new from something old, put together one piece at a time.
The important thing here, though, is, no matter what the part is, they're all well-hung.
Though, is, no matter what the part is, they're all well-hung.
Yep.
Part is, they're all well-hung.
Yep.
[ Laughing .]
Yep.
[ Laughing .]
Thank you very much.
[ Laughing .]
Thank you very much.
I'll be here all week.
I know what you're thinking.
You're thinking, "there's Mike rowe, sitting in another you're thinking, "there's Mike rowe, sitting in another great, big steamy pile of dirt.
" Mike rowe, sitting in another great, big steamy pile of dirt.
" Well, think again.
Great, big steamy pile of dirt.
" Well, think again.
Dirt does not stick to a magnet.
Well, think again.
Dirt does not stick to a magnet.
Metal does.
Dirt does not stick to a magnet.
Metal does.
And that's what this is.
Metal does.
And that's what this is.
There's metal everywhere here at and that's what this is.
There's metal everywhere here at cash's metal & scrap iron.
There's metal everywhere here at cash's metal & scrap iron.
And even though cash might be cash's metal & scrap iron.
And even though cash might be king out here, metal is money.
You ever wonder where the bottoms of broken light bulbs wind up? Bottoms of broken light bulbs wind up? They wind up here.
Wind up? They wind up here.
Winchester 12-Gauge casing? They wind up here.
Winchester 12-Gauge casing? Yeah.
Winchester 12-Gauge casing? Yeah.
We got them.
Yeah.
We got them.
Used motor heads off car we got them.
Used motor heads off car engines Used motor heads off car engines They wind up here.
Engines They wind up here.
This is a fascinating device.
They wind up here.
This is a fascinating device.
It's called a I don't know this is a fascinating device.
It's called a I don't know what it's called.
It's called a I don't know what it's called.
But we got them.
What it's called.
But we got them.
Radiators? But we got them.
Radiators? Down to our last 600,000.
Radiators? Down to our last 600,000.
Look at this.
Down to our last 600,000.
Look at this.
Someone has thrown out a look at this.
Someone has thrown out a perfectly good dumpster.
Someone has thrown out a perfectly good dumpster.
We've even got Perfectly good dumpster.
We've even got The kitchen sink.
We've even got The kitchen sink.
Cash's scrapyard processes over the kitchen sink.
Cash's scrapyard processes over 350 million pounds of metal cash's scrapyard processes over 350 million pounds of metal every year, and all of it has to 350 million pounds of metal every year, and all of it has to be sorted, weighed, and shipped every year, and all of it has to be sorted, weighed, and shipped out.
Be sorted, weighed, and shipped out.
They handle every kind of scrap out.
They handle every kind of scrap imaginable, from rusty, old they handle every kind of scrap imaginable, from rusty, old railway Bridges to gunky imaginable, from rusty, old railway Bridges to gunky aluminum rain gutters, which is railway Bridges to gunky aluminum rain gutters, which is where we'll start sorting aluminum rain gutters, which is where we'll start sorting through a fresh shipment of the where we'll start sorting through a fresh shipment of the twisted gutters with through a fresh shipment of the twisted gutters with Agatha guyress and twisted gutters with Agatha guyress and Heath mcclaine.
Agatha guyress and Heath mcclaine.
This is Heath.
Heath mcclaine.
This is Heath.
Heath is the safety director and this is Heath.
Heath is the safety director and quality manager here at the Heath is the safety director and quality manager here at the plant.
Quality manager here at the plant.
Right, a little bit of plant.
Right, a little bit of everything.
Right, a little bit of everything.
All right.
Everything.
All right.
And you brought me to what is all right.
And you brought me to what is this a conveyor belt? And you brought me to what is this a conveyor belt? Yeah, this is where we're this a conveyor belt? Yeah, this is where we're gonna get all the steel out yeah, this is where we're gonna get all the steel out of this.
Gonna get all the steel out of this.
So we're gonna separate steel of this.
So we're gonna separate steel from aluminum.
So we're gonna separate steel from aluminum.
Anything other than aluminum from aluminum.
Anything other than aluminum guttering or siding, we want to anything other than aluminum guttering or siding, we want to pull out.
Guttering or siding, we want to pull out.
Got your magnet? Pull out.
Got your magnet? I got my magnet Got your magnet? I got my magnet Our tool is our magnet.
I got my magnet Our tool is our magnet.
Which I love.
Our tool is our magnet.
Which I love.
Right, you want to just try and which I love.
Right, you want to just try and stick it to the pieces as we go.
Right, you want to just try and stick it to the pieces as we go.
So, as you see that it doesn't stick it to the pieces as we go.
So, as you see that it doesn't stick, you're gonna pull that so, as you see that it doesn't stick, you're gonna pull that off.
Stick, you're gonna pull that off.
Put it on the belt.
Off.
Put it on the belt.
You really got to watch your put it on the belt.
You really got to watch your fellow man here, don't you? You really got to watch your fellow man here, don't you? Good.
Might be sticky there.
Fellow man here, don't you? Good.
Might be sticky there.
I think this is good.
Good.
Might be sticky there.
I think this is good.
Good.
I think this is good.
Good.
Yep.
Good.
Yep.
What the heck is this thing? Yep.
What the heck is this thing? That's aluminum.
What the heck is this thing? That's aluminum.
That's a piece of aluminum that's aluminum.
That's a piece of aluminum solid.
That's a piece of aluminum solid.
We got to check that.
Solid.
We got to check that.
We don't know what that is.
We got to check that.
We don't know what that is.
"Aluminum salad"? We don't know what that is.
"Aluminum salad"? Right.
"Aluminum salad"? Right.
What do you mean? Right.
What do you mean? That means it's not a piece what do you mean? That means it's not a piece of guttering.
That means it's not a piece of guttering.
It's a solid piece of aluminum, of guttering.
It's a solid piece of aluminum, like a big chunk.
It's a solid piece of aluminum, like a big chunk.
Oh, "solid.
" Like a big chunk.
Oh, "solid.
" Solid.
Oh, "solid.
" Solid.
I thought you said "salad.
" Solid.
I thought you said "salad.
" No, not salad.
I thought you said "salad.
" No, not salad.
I'm like, "that's fancy.
" No, not salad.
I'm like, "that's fancy.
" Aluminum solid.
I'm like, "that's fancy.
" Aluminum solid.
So we'll check and see what kind aluminum solid.
So we'll check and see what kind of aluminum this is, 'cause so we'll check and see what kind of aluminum this is, 'cause maybe this is worth more money.
Of aluminum this is, 'cause maybe this is worth more money.
I forgot I was in St.
Louis.
Maybe this is worth more money.
I forgot I was in St.
Louis.
Yeah, right, a little bit of I forgot I was in St.
Louis.
Yeah, right, a little bit of an accent, right? Yeah, right, a little bit of an accent, right? There you go.
An accent, right? There you go.
You want to you hold this? There you go.
You want to you hold this? I'll get my gun.
You want to you hold this? I'll get my gun.
We've got a gun that we can I'll get my gun.
We've got a gun that we can check that with.
We've got a gun that we can check that with.
All right.
Check that with.
All right.
Shoot it, right? All right.
Shoot it, right? He's gonna get a gun? Shoot it, right? He's gonna get a gun? Yeah, he is.
He's gonna get a gun? Yeah, he is.
This is a minisort.
Yeah, he is.
This is a minisort.
This is a spectrograph machine this is a minisort.
This is a spectrograph machine that shoots it and tells me the this is a spectrograph machine that shoots it and tells me the chemical breakdown of that.
That shoots it and tells me the chemical breakdown of that.
Get out of here.
Chemical breakdown of that.
Get out of here.
No, it might be worth like 30 get out of here.
No, it might be worth like 30 cents more.
No, it might be worth like 30 cents more.
How's it work? Cents more.
How's it work? It'll burn it burn a how's it work? It'll burn it burn a little hole right on the end of it'll burn it burn a little hole right on the end of that metal and tell me what it little hole right on the end of that metal and tell me what it is.
That metal and tell me what it is.
You ready? Is.
You ready? Yeah.
You ready? Yeah.
See it burning? Yeah.
See it burning? Yeah.
See it burning? Yeah.
Okay.
Yeah.
Okay.
Tells me it's 7075 or 7050.
Okay.
Tells me it's 7075 or 7050.
I don't know what that means.
Tells me it's 7075 or 7050.
I don't know what that means.
That's an alloy of metal.
I don't know what that means.
That's an alloy of metal.
Like, painted aluminum is 3105.
That's an alloy of metal.
Like, painted aluminum is 3105.
Every metal is sold by alloy.
Like, painted aluminum is 3105.
Every metal is sold by alloy.
There's about 20,000 different every metal is sold by alloy.
There's about 20,000 different types of aluminum.
There's about 20,000 different types of aluminum.
So the more we can separate, the types of aluminum.
So the more we can separate, the more money we'll make on each so the more we can separate, the more money we'll make on each type.
More money we'll make on each type.
Did you just say there are type.
Did you just say there are 20,000 different types of did you just say there are 20,000 different types of aluminum? 20,000 different types of aluminum? Yeah, all different alloys aluminum? Yeah, all different alloys of aluminum.
Yeah, all different alloys of aluminum.
Amazing.
Of aluminum.
Amazing.
The minisort.
Amazing.
The minisort.
The minisort.
The minisort.
The minisort.
This is the man.
The minisort.
This is the man.
It's good-looking.
This is the man.
It's good-looking.
Couldn't have sprung for the it's good-looking.
Couldn't have sprung for the maxi? Couldn't have sprung for the maxi? Nope.
[ Laughs .]
Maxi? Nope.
[ Laughs .]
It's too too doggone big? Nope.
[ Laughs .]
It's too too doggone big? Too big, right.
It's too too doggone big? Too big, right.
[ Laughs .]
Too big, right.
[ Laughs .]
[ Laughs .]
[ Laughs .]
[ Laughs .]
[ Clattering .]
[ Laughs .]
[ Clattering .]
Coming up [ Clattering .]
Coming up Every load of aluminum cans has coming up Every load of aluminum cans has a surprise inside.
Every load of aluminum cans has a surprise inside.
Is that a piece of poo? A surprise inside.
Is that a piece of poo? Gosh, I hope not.
Every week, cash's metals sorts about 29,000 pounds of painted aluminum with a market sorts about 29,000 pounds of painted aluminum with a market value of roughly $20,000.
There's the bale we just made.
So that's all the aluminum we made.
So that's all the aluminum we just unloaded, put on the so that's all the aluminum we just unloaded, put on the conveyor belt, and this is what just unloaded, put on the conveyor belt, and this is what it looks like baled? Conveyor belt, and this is what it looks like baled? Right.
It looks like baled? Right.
It weighs 2,193 well, with right.
It weighs 2,193 well, with your hand on it, it's 2,193 it weighs 2,193 well, with your hand on it, it's 2,193 pounds.
Your hand on it, it's 2,193 pounds.
Oh, sorry about that.
Pounds.
Oh, sorry about that.
2,189.
Oh, sorry about that.
2,189.
2,189 pounds.
2,189.
2,189 pounds.
Now we'll check it and make 2,189 pounds.
Now we'll check it and make sure we don't miss anything, and now we'll check it and make sure we don't miss anything, and hopefully we don't because once sure we don't miss anything, and hopefully we don't because once this is compacted together, you hopefully we don't because once this is compacted together, you can't get anything on it.
This is compacted together, you can't get anything on it.
What's this? Can't get anything on it.
What's this? That's our strap.
What's this? That's our strap.
That's okay.
That's our strap.
That's okay.
That's okay.
That's okay.
That's okay.
Yeah, that's okay.
That's okay.
Yeah, that's okay.
All right.
Yeah, that's okay.
All right.
Just make sure that there's all right.
Just make sure that there's no steel or any plastic or paper just make sure that there's no steel or any plastic or paper or anything else that might be no steel or any plastic or paper or anything else that might be in it.
Or anything else that might be in it.
'Cause what kind of nightmare in it.
'Cause what kind of nightmare would it be if you found steel? 'Cause what kind of nightmare would it be if you found steel? You'd have to go pry this out.
Would it be if you found steel? You'd have to go pry this out.
2 guys and a crowbar and you'd have to go pry this out.
2 guys and a crowbar and 15 minutes.
2 guys and a crowbar and 15 minutes.
The rain gutters box up very 15 minutes.
The rain gutters box up very nicely.
The rain gutters box up very nicely.
Some may even call it art.
Nicely.
Some may even call it art.
See the trash? Some may even call it art.
See the trash? See an extension cord hanging see the trash? See an extension cord hanging out of it? See an extension cord hanging out of it? But aluminum cans, well, if out of it? But aluminum cans, well, if this is art, it stinks bad.
But aluminum cans, well, if this is art, it stinks bad.
Why does it stink? This is art, it stinks bad.
Why does it stink? Full of beer, people's spit, why does it stink? Full of beer, people's spit, everything that could be in a full of beer, people's spit, everything that could be in a can.
Everything that could be in a can.
It's the spit.
Can.
It's the spit.
See, the beer I'm familiar with, it's the spit.
See, the beer I'm familiar with, but the spit See, the beer I'm familiar with, but the spit No, it doesn't smell good, but the spit No, it doesn't smell good, does it? No, it doesn't smell good, does it? No.
Is that a piece of poo? Gosh, I hope not.
It looks more like a bratwurst.
Gosh, I hope not.
It looks more like a bratwurst.
We're in St.
Louis.
It looks more like a bratwurst.
We're in St.
Louis.
Let's think positive.
We're in St.
Louis.
Let's think positive.
So, how many of these bales let's think positive.
So, how many of these bales do you hope to complete in a so, how many of these bales do you hope to complete in a day? Do you hope to complete in a day? Well, we want to bale up at day? Well, we want to bale up at least two or three trailers.
Well, we want to bale up at least two or three trailers.
That'll make us about a load of least two or three trailers.
That'll make us about a load of cans, about 40,000 pounds of that'll make us about a load of cans, about 40,000 pounds of cans.
Cans, about 40,000 pounds of cans.
The aluminum cans are fed cans.
The aluminum cans are fed into the compactor, squashed the aluminum cans are fed into the compactor, squashed into a giant 1,200-pound cube, into the compactor, squashed into a giant 1,200-pound cube, and shipped off to beverage into a giant 1,200-pound cube, and shipped off to beverage makers, who melt them down and and shipped off to beverage makers, who melt them down and turn them back into more cans Makers, who melt them down and turn them back into more cans Without so much of the spit.
Turn them back into more cans Without so much of the spit.
Once I'm done helping to build without so much of the spit.
Once I'm done helping to build this great wall of cans, it's once I'm done helping to build this great wall of cans, it's time to meet Oscar armore.
This great wall of cans, it's time to meet Oscar armore.
Oscar spent over 30 years at time to meet Oscar armore.
Oscar spent over 30 years at cash's, and when it comes to Oscar spent over 30 years at cash's, and when it comes to telling nickel from tin or cash's, and when it comes to telling nickel from tin or copper from brass, there's telling nickel from tin or copper from brass, there's nobody better.
Copper from brass, there's nobody better.
This is what we call a nobody better.
This is what we call a magnetic separator.
This is what we call a magnetic separator.
What this does this separates magnetic separator.
What this does this separates nonferrous from ferrous.
What this does this separates nonferrous from ferrous.
You mean, so nonferrous metal nonferrous from ferrous.
You mean, so nonferrous metal is the stuff that's You mean, so nonferrous metal is the stuff that's Not magnetic.
Is the stuff that's Not magnetic.
Not magnetic.
Not magnetic.
Not magnetic.
Right, and ferrous is not magnetic.
Right, and ferrous is magnetic.
Right, and ferrous is magnetic.
So, is ferrous metal steel? Magnetic.
So, is ferrous metal steel? Exactly.
So, is ferrous metal steel? Exactly.
Or iron? Exactly.
Or iron? Right.
Or iron? Right.
Nonferrous would be aluminum? Right.
Nonferrous would be aluminum? Copper, brass, aluminum.
Nonferrous would be aluminum? Copper, brass, aluminum.
How's it work? Copper, brass, aluminum.
How's it work? Okay.
How's it work? Okay.
We're gonna crank her up here.
Okay.
We're gonna crank her up here.
And that's where the magnet we're gonna crank her up here.
And that's where the magnet is? And that's where the magnet is? Right.
Is? Right.
The magnet's right under there.
Right.
The magnet's right under there.
It's turning.
The magnet's right under there.
It's turning.
And see the little ridges on it? It's turning.
And see the little ridges on it? What it does it picks it up, and see the little ridges on it? What it does it picks it up, carry it back, and drops it.
What it does it picks it up, carry it back, and drops it.
Gotcha.
Carry it back, and drops it.
Gotcha.
There's the lever right gotcha.
There's the lever right there, Mike.
There's the lever right there, Mike.
So this is all operated by There, Mike.
So this is all operated by By foot.
So this is all operated by By foot.
By your foot? By foot.
By your foot? Mm-hmm.
by your foot? Mm-hmm.
She'll start picking it up.
Mm-hmm.
She'll start picking it up.
Oh, yeah.
So, right now, you're running bullets through here, but you could be running anything.
Bullets through here, but you could be running anything.
Right, we run copper Could be running anything.
Right, we run copper Brass.
Right, we run copper Brass.
Sometimes we run aluminum over brass.
Sometimes we run aluminum over it.
Sometimes we run aluminum over it.
Yeah.
It.
Yeah.
Any ferrous that's mixed with yeah.
Any ferrous that's mixed with nonferrous, we can separate any ferrous that's mixed with nonferrous, we can separate them right here.
Nonferrous, we can separate them right here.
So, our bullets have pretty them right here.
So, our bullets have pretty much gone through.
So, our bullets have pretty much gone through.
Right.
Much gone through.
Right.
And all the steel ones have right.
And all the steel ones have been pulled out.
And all the steel ones have been pulled out.
Exactly.
Been pulled out.
Exactly.
What else you do here? Exactly.
What else you do here? Everything that's separated what else you do here? Everything that's separated is right here in this room.
Everything that's separated is right here in this room.
Okay, this right here is 194 is right here in this room.
Okay, this right here is 194 copper punchings.
Okay, this right here is 194 copper punchings.
Uh-huh.
Copper punchings.
Uh-huh.
This is copper turnings.
Uh-huh.
This is copper turnings.
Uh-huh.
This is copper turnings.
Uh-huh.
Sheet copper.
Uh-huh.
Sheet copper.
Sheet copper, all right.
Sheet copper.
Sheet copper, all right.
Yellow brass.
Sheet copper, all right.
Yellow brass.
This is yellow brass, and yellow brass.
This is yellow brass, and that's orange copper.
This is yellow brass, and that's orange copper.
I'm familiar with this.
That's orange copper.
I'm familiar with this.
Right.
[ Laughs .]
I'm familiar with this.
Right.
[ Laughs .]
All right.
Right.
[ Laughs .]
All right.
Okay, Mike, what we're gonna all right.
Okay, Mike, what we're gonna do now we're gonna run the okay, Mike, what we're gonna do now we're gonna run the stripper.
Do now we're gonna run the stripper.
Turn that button on there.
Stripper.
Turn that button on there.
We gotta get the copper turn that button on there.
We gotta get the copper outside We gotta get the copper outside Of the shell.
Outside Of the shell.
The insulation, I guess, of the shell.
The insulation, I guess, right? the insulation, I guess, right? All right, what's the best way right? All right, what's the best way to get the insulation off? All right, what's the best way to get the insulation off? Okay, you'll run it right to get the insulation off? Okay, you'll run it right through that third hole right okay, you'll run it right through that third hole right there.
Through that third hole right there.
One, two, three this guy there.
One, two, three this guy here? One, two, three this guy here? The smallest one.
Here? The smallest one.
It's razors in there that's the smallest one.
It's razors in there that's gonna cut it.
It's razors in there that's gonna cut it.
And then once it hits the other gonna cut it.
And then once it hits the other side of the box, then you'll and then once it hits the other side of the box, then you'll just peel the insulation off of side of the box, then you'll just peel the insulation off of it.
Just peel the insulation off of it.
Just as simple as sticking it it.
Just as simple as sticking it in the hole? Just as simple as sticking it in the hole? Sticking it in the hole.
In the hole? Sticking it in the hole.
There you go.
Sticking it in the hole.
There you go.
It's still on.
There you go.
It's still on.
Well, you have to peel it it's still on.
Well, you have to peel it off.
Well, you have to peel it off.
Oh, I gotta do this.
Off.
Oh, I gotta do this.
What am I wearing gloves for? Oh, I gotta do this.
What am I wearing gloves for? There you go.
What am I wearing gloves for? There you go.
Huh? There you go.
Huh? Goes there, and the copper huh? Goes there, and the copper goes right there.
Goes there, and the copper goes right there.
That's bad, and this is good.
Goes right there.
That's bad, and this is good.
[ Laughs .]
That's bad, and this is good.
[ Laughs .]
Well, that's simple enough.
[ Laughs .]
Well, that's simple enough.
You're a master stripper now.
Well, that's simple enough.
You're a master stripper now.
[ Laughs .]
You're a master stripper now.
[ Laughs .]
A master stripper just [ laughs .]
A master stripper just working my way through college.
A master stripper just working my way through college.
[ Laughs .]
Working my way through college.
[ Laughs .]
I don't really strip for a [ laughs .]
I don't really strip for a living.
I don't really strip for a living.
It's just something I wanted to living.
It's just something I wanted to experiment with.
It's just something I wanted to experiment with.
All of this copper harvesting is experiment with.
All of this copper harvesting is well worth the time.
All of this copper harvesting is well worth the time.
Copper's one of the most well worth the time.
Copper's one of the most valuable metals on the market copper's one of the most valuable metals on the market today.
Valuable metals on the market today.
Coming up Today.
Coming up My heavy-metal handling skills coming up My heavy-metal handling skills are put to the test.
My heavy-metal handling skills are put to the test.
Uh-oh! Stop! Are put to the test.
Uh-oh! Stop! I believe I'm going up in the uh-oh! Stop! I believe I'm going up in the air! I believe I'm going up in the air! Out in the yard at cash's air! Out in the yard at cash's scrap metal, big boys with big out in the yard at cash's scrap metal, big boys with big toys load massive mounds of scrap metal, big boys with big toys load massive mounds of metal into railroad cars.
Toys load massive mounds of metal into railroad cars.
That is truly the biggest magnet metal into railroad cars.
That is truly the biggest magnet I've ever seen.
That is truly the biggest magnet I've ever seen.
They come a lot bigger than I've ever seen.
They come a lot bigger than that.
They come a lot bigger than that.
Really? That.
Really? Mm-hmm.
Really? Mm-hmm.
Straight up? Mm-hmm.
Straight up? Climb on up.
Straight up? Climb on up.
Lance specter is the climb on up.
Lance specter is the supervisor out here in the yard.
Lance specter is the supervisor out here in the yard.
He's gonna teach me how to use supervisor out here in the yard.
He's gonna teach me how to use this thing.
He's gonna teach me how to use this thing.
Go ahead and pop the door this thing.
Go ahead and pop the door open.
Go ahead and pop the door open.
Well, he's gonna try, anyway.
Open.
Well, he's gonna try, anyway.
Man, oh, man! Well, he's gonna try, anyway.
Man, oh, man! When's the last time you cleaned man, oh, man! When's the last time you cleaned this thing out? When's the last time you cleaned this thing out? Well, it's a dirty job.
This thing out? Well, it's a dirty job.
Yeah, it is.
Well, it's a dirty job.
Yeah, it is.
[ Laughter .]
Yeah, it is.
[ Laughter .]
[ Engine turns over .]
[ Laughter .]
[ Engine turns over .]
All right, so my joy stick here [ engine turns over .]
All right, so my joy stick here to the left All right, so my joy stick here to the left To the left.
To the left To the left.
Should move us to the to the left.
Should move us to the left.
should move us to the left.
Yep.
Left.
Yep.
Now lower it at the same time yep.
Now lower it at the same time with that one.
Now lower it at the same time with that one.
There you go.
With that one.
There you go.
So, I'm about to pick up There you go.
So, I'm about to pick up if you get a good chunk of so, I'm about to pick up if you get a good chunk of that, you'll get about 1,200 if you get a good chunk of that, you'll get about 1,200 pounds.
That, you'll get about 1,200 pounds.
Really? Pounds.
Really? Turn the magnet on.
Really? Turn the magnet on.
Smash it down.
Turn the magnet on.
Smash it down.
There you go.
Smash it down.
There you go.
Now just pick it up.
There you go.
Now just pick it up.
Holy cow, look at that! Now just pick it up.
Holy cow, look at that! Now spin it around.
Holy cow, look at that! Now spin it around.
There you go.
Now spin it around.
There you go.
Lower it.
There you go.
Lower it.
Wow, very touchy.
Lower it.
Wow, very touchy.
Let her go.
Wow, very touchy.
Let her go.
I'm dropping her.
Let her go.
I'm dropping her.
Now you just do the same I'm dropping her.
Now you just do the same thing over and over again now you just do the same thing over and over again about Thing over and over again about Wow.
About Wow.
900 times a day.
Wow.
900 times a day.
That feels really heavy.
900 times a day.
That feels really heavy.
Yep.
That feels really heavy.
Yep.
I mean, you know, on my yep.
I mean, you know, on my little finger.
I mean, you know, on my little finger.
Some genius named sturgeon little finger.
Some genius named sturgeon invented the electromagnet way some genius named sturgeon invented the electromagnet way back in 1820.
Invented the electromagnet way back in 1820.
But I doubt that even he foresaw back in 1820.
But I doubt that even he foresaw that a guy like me would be but I doubt that even he foresaw that a guy like me would be using one to toss half a ton of that a guy like me would be using one to toss half a ton of metal into the back of a railway using one to toss half a ton of metal into the back of a railway car with the flick of my wrist.
Metal into the back of a railway car with the flick of my wrist.
Great.
Car with the flick of my wrist.
Great.
I tell you what, a good crane great.
I tell you what, a good crane operator will pick that big I tell you what, a good crane operator will pick that big bundle up there and not break operator will pick that big bundle up there and not break the band.
Bundle up there and not break the band.
Really? The band.
Really? Want to give it a shot? Really? Want to give it a shot? Yeah, I do.
Want to give it a shot? Yeah, I do.
All right.
Yeah, I do.
All right.
Magnet on? All right.
Magnet on? Magnet on.
Magnet on? Magnet on.
Now, just be gentle.
Magnet on.
Now, just be gentle.
Now you can start swinging.
Now, just be gentle.
Now you can start swinging.
Now, when it gets to the car, now you can start swinging.
Now, when it gets to the car, that's when you got to brake it.
Now, when it gets to the car, that's when you got to brake it.
Oh, you mean without That's when you got to brake it.
Oh, you mean without without demagnetizing it? Oh, you mean without without demagnetizing it? Right, well, what you're without demagnetizing it? Right, well, what you're gonna do is, you're gonna bang right, well, what you're gonna do is, you're gonna bang it up against the side of the gonna do is, you're gonna bang it up against the side of the rail car.
It up against the side of the rail car.
You're kidding me? Rail car.
You're kidding me? Nope.
You're kidding me? Nope.
Give it a good whack.
There you go! Okay, now you can let it go.
It's already broke.
Okay, now you can let it go.
It's already broke.
You don't have to break it it's already broke.
You don't have to break it again.
You don't have to break it again.
Gotcha.
Again.
Gotcha.
[ Laughs .]
Gotcha.
[ Laughs .]
It's like a surgeon.
[ Laughs .]
It's like a surgeon.
Yeah, a very delicate process it's like a surgeon.
Yeah, a very delicate process here.
Yeah, a very delicate process here.
Yeah, like a drunk doctor.
Here.
Yeah, like a drunk doctor.
[ Laughs .]
Yeah, like a drunk doctor.
[ Laughs .]
There you go.
[ Laughs .]
There you go.
Pick it up.
There you go.
Pick it up.
Like I said, let's try to get pick it up.
Like I said, let's try to get most of it in the car.
Like I said, let's try to get most of it in the car.
Oh, crap! Most of it in the car.
Oh, crap! Oh, man! Oh, crap! Oh, man! Let me clean that up for you.
Oh, man! Let me clean that up for you.
Yeah.
Let me clean that up for you.
Yeah.
Oh, jeez.
Yeah.
Oh, jeez.
Now, it's going crazy.
Oh, jeez.
Now, it's going crazy.
There you go.
Now, it's going crazy.
There you go.
You're all right.
There you go.
You're all right.
Or drop it from way up there.
You're all right.
Or drop it from way up there.
I figure gravity's on our or drop it from way up there.
I figure gravity's on our side.
I figure gravity's on our side.
[ Laughs .]
Side.
[ Laughs .]
[ Horn honks .]
[ Laughs .]
[ Horn honks .]
What do you think of that? [ Horn honks .]
What do you think of that? You're letting everybody know what do you think of that? You're letting everybody know you're coming.
You're letting everybody know you're coming.
Did I just blow the horn? You're coming.
Did I just blow the horn? You hit the horn.
Did I just blow the horn? You hit the horn.
I didn't know had a horn.
You hit the horn.
I didn't know had a horn.
Oh, yeah.
I didn't know had a horn.
Oh, yeah.
[ Horn honks .]
Oh, yeah.
[ Horn honks .]
I got a horn! [ Horn honks .]
I got a horn! [ Horn honks .]
I got a horn! [ Horn honks .]
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would [ horn honks .]
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you how would you put me as a on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you how would you put me as a crane operator at this point? You how would you put me as a crane operator at this point? Oh, that's a tough call.
Crane operator at this point? Oh, that's a tough call.
I don't think "sucks" registers oh, that's a tough call.
I don't think "sucks" registers on a scale of 1 to 10, so I don't think "sucks" registers on a scale of 1 to 10, so That's hard, man! On a scale of 1 to 10, so That's hard, man! You're telling me that "suck" is that's hard, man! You're telling me that "suck" is not a number? You're telling me that "suck" is not a number? "Suck" is not a number.
Not a number? "Suck" is not a number.
[ Laughs .]
"Suck" is not a number.
[ Laughs .]
If at first you don't [ laughs .]
If at first you don't succeed, try another machine.
If at first you don't succeed, try another machine.
Oh, that's awesome.
Succeed, try another machine.
Oh, that's awesome.
Maybe I'll be better at this one oh, that's awesome.
Maybe I'll be better at this one than that other Maybe I'll be better at this one than that other I hope so.
Than that other I hope so.
That magnet thing.
I hope so.
That magnet thing.
Couldn't be much worse.
that magnet thing.
Couldn't be much worse.
Now, what you're gonna do is, couldn't be much worse.
Now, what you're gonna do is, you're gonna be grabbing one of now, what you're gonna do is, you're gonna be grabbing one of these beams out of here.
You're gonna be grabbing one of these beams out of here.
Yeah.
These beams out of here.
Yeah.
Bring it around to the pile yeah.
Bring it around to the pile and cut it up to under 5 foot.
Bring it around to the pile and cut it up to under 5 foot.
Yep, grab one of those gray ones and cut it up to under 5 foot.
Yep, grab one of those gray ones first.
Yep, grab one of those gray ones first.
This little guy? First.
This little guy? Right in front of you, yeah.
This little guy? Right in front of you, yeah.
And your boom down.
Right in front of you, yeah.
And your boom down.
There you go.
And your boom down.
There you go.
Push the stick out.
There you go.
Push the stick out.
Whoa! Push the stick out.
Whoa! There you go.
Whoa! There you go.
Now close it.
There you go.
Now close it.
Pick it up, slide over to your now close it.
Pick it up, slide over to your left slowly.
Pick it up, slide over to your left slowly.
All right, close it all the way.
Left slowly.
All right, close it all the way.
You want it to snap it in all right, close it all the way.
You want it to snap it in half? You want it to snap it in half? Keep going.
Half? Keep going.
That's all there is to it? Keep going.
That's all there is to it? That's all there is to it.
That's all there is to it? That's all there is to it.
This rubble used to be a that's all there is to it.
This rubble used to be a railway bridge strong enough to this rubble used to be a railway bridge strong enough to support the weight of railway bridge strong enough to support the weight of locomotives.
Support the weight of locomotives.
Look at that.
Locomotives.
Look at that.
God, it's amazing! Look at that.
God, it's amazing! Now we're chopping it down to god, it's amazing! Now we're chopping it down to size so it can fit in the back now we're chopping it down to size so it can fit in the back of one of the hopper cars that size so it can fit in the back of one of the hopper cars that used to roll across it.
Of one of the hopper cars that used to roll across it.
If you want to go down a used to roll across it.
If you want to go down a little bit, you can.
If you want to go down a little bit, you can.
Oh! Little bit, you can.
Oh! Oh, when you say "down," you oh! Oh, when you say "down," you mean the opposite of up? Oh, when you say "down," you mean the opposite of up? Usually, yeah.
Mean the opposite of up? Usually, yeah.
I got all kinds of goodies usually, yeah.
I got all kinds of goodies there.
I got all kinds of goodies there.
There you go, grab that bad there.
There you go, grab that bad boy! There you go, grab that bad boy! Uh-oh, stop! Boy! Uh-oh, stop! I believe I'm going up in the uh-oh, stop! I believe I'm going up in the air! I believe I'm going up in the air! You're not gonna get it! Air! You're not gonna get it! Not gonna get it? You're not gonna get it! Not gonna get it? You've got too much weight on not gonna get it? You've got too much weight on it.
You've got too much weight on it.
For crying out loud! All right, never mind.
No? Let that one go.
No? Let that one go.
You had about probably 70 to 80 let that one go.
You had about probably 70 to 80 tons sitting on top of that you had about probably 70 to 80 tons sitting on top of that beam, so you're never gonna get tons sitting on top of that beam, so you're never gonna get it out.
Beam, so you're never gonna get it out.
80 tons? It out.
80 tons? About.
80 tons? About.
That's a lot.
About.
That's a lot.
Want to pick another beam? That's a lot.
Want to pick another beam? Pull it out.
Want to pick another beam? Pull it out.
Man, that's a big beam! Pull it out.
Man, that's a big beam! That's gonna be the biggest man, that's a big beam! That's gonna be the biggest one you're gonna cut, probably.
That's gonna be the biggest one you're gonna cut, probably.
See if it'll do it.
Now squeeze it.
Oh, yeah.
You're mine.
Oh, yeah.
You're mine.
Oh! You're mine.
Oh! Stalled her.
Oh! Stalled her.
You ready? Stalled her.
You ready? Fire in the hole.
You ready? Fire in the hole.
[ Engine turns over .]
Fire in the hole.
[ Engine turns over .]
Okay, now try it.
[ Engine turns over .]
Okay, now try it.
There you go.
Okay, now try it.
There you go.
Look at that! There you go.
Look at that! I think I got it.
Look at that! I think I got it.
I think you got it.
I think I got it.
I think you got it.
Oh, yeah! I think you got it.
Oh, yeah! Well, let me ask you a practical oh, yeah! Well, let me ask you a practical question.
Well, let me ask you a practical question.
This is a huge mountain of what question.
This is a huge mountain of what used to be a bridge.
This is a huge mountain of what used to be a bridge.
I mean, how how long would it used to be a bridge.
I mean, how how long would it take a good crane operator to go I mean, how how long would it take a good crane operator to go through this whole thing? Take a good crane operator to go through this whole thing? Uh Through this whole thing? Uh Nonstop, going eight hours a uh Nonstop, going eight hours a day, probably two to three days.
Nonstop, going eight hours a day, probably two to three days.
Two to three days.
Day, probably two to three days.
Two to three days.
And from what I've showed you so two to three days.
And from what I've showed you so far, roughly how long? And from what I've showed you so far, roughly how long? Two to three months.
Far, roughly how long? Two to three months.
I got time.
Two to three months.
I got time.
At the end of the day, I finally I got time.
At the end of the day, I finally found a machine I could operate at the end of the day, I finally found a machine I could operate and a worthy mission Found a machine I could operate and a worthy mission There it is again.
And a worthy mission There it is again.
Finding the director's car there it is again.
Finding the director's car keys.
finding the director's car keys.
I'm getting a reading.
Keys.
I'm getting a reading.
[ Beeping .]
I'm getting a reading.
[ Beeping .]
It's faint.
[ Beeping .]
It's faint.
But there's definitely metal it's faint.
But there's definitely metal here.
But there's definitely metal here.
[ Beeping .]
Here.
[ Beeping .]
There it is again.
[ Beeping .]
There it is again.
Here at "dirty jobs," we're there it is again.
Here at "dirty jobs," we're looking to expand our research here at "dirty jobs," we're looking to expand our research department by a few hundred looking to expand our research department by a few hundred million people.
Department by a few hundred million people.
If you have a dirty job or know million people.
If you have a dirty job or know someone who does, do me a favor, if you have a dirty job or know someone who does, do me a favor, drop us a line at someone who does, do me a favor, drop us a line at discovery.
Com/dirtyjobs and tell drop us a line at discovery.
Com/dirtyjobs and tell us all about it.
Discovery.
com/dirtyjobs and tell us all about it.
If it's dirty enough, we'll come us all about it.
If it's dirty enough, we'll come out and do it with you.
If it's dirty enough, we'll come out and do it with you.
Appreciate it.
I do love to push buttons.
Oh! Oh! Sometimes I push them too quickly.
Well, here's what I've learned so far those are cast-iron borings, and they're being dumped right now into empty railway cars.
Empty railway cars, I've also learned, weigh approximately 70 thous Captions by vitac captions paid for by discovery communications, inc.
No! I want so bad to be competent.