Ep 8. Bamboo Bicycles; Chainsaw Art; Breath Mints; Manual Motorcycle Transmissions

In season 12 episode 8 of How It's Made, viewers are given a glimpse into the manufacturing process of a diverse range of products. The episode starts off with the production process of bamboo bicycles, showcasing how bamboo is used as a structural material for building the frames of these eco-friendly bicycles. It is fascinating to watch as the raw material is cut and processed into strips, then laminated into a solid bamboo frame using eco-friendly resins. The episode provides insights into how the composite materials are tested for strength, tension, and flexibility, ensuring that the final product is both durable and resilient.

The second segment of the episode delves into the world of chainsaw art, showcasing how skilled artists transform huge chunks of wood into beautifully carved sculptures using chainsaws. Viewers get to see the creative process as the artists visualize and sketch their designs, then carve out intricate details with breathtaking precision. The episode also highlights the safety concerns and precautions necessary when utilizing high-powered equipment like chainsaws.

The third segment explores the creation of breath mints, demonstrating how these tiny yet powerful sweets are made. From mixing the ingredients to molding and shaping the mints, the episode provides a comprehensive look at how breath mints are produced in large quantities. The manufacturing process includes steps like powdering the mold, pouring in the liquid mix, and finally, vacuuming the air out to remove any remaining moisture. The episode showcases how breath mints are packaged and labeled, and how hygiene and safety standards are upheld in the production process.

The final segment of the episode features the production of manual motorcycle transmissions. The show takes viewers on a factory tour providing a detailed look at how manual gearboxes are assembled in motorcycles. The segment showcases how engineers and technicians carefully craft each component, including gears, shafts, and bearings, that all work seamlessly together to make a manual transmission work. The episode recounts the rigorous testing of the transmission components to ensure that they are functioning correctly, and the final assembly of these components into the finished product. Viewers will learn how to optimize performance by changing gear ratios and the importance of timing and shifting gears in a motorcycle.

Overall, this episode of How It's Made contains an interesting mix of products, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative, technical, and manufacturing processes involved in producing each one.