How Do They Do It?

The programme shows how recycled aluminium cans are transformed into aircraft and rockets, outlining each stage from collection through melting, moulding and assembly. It also demonstrates the carving techniques used to create a traditional Black Forest cuckoo clock, highlighting the hand‑crafted craftsmanship involved.

The episode forms part of a programme that looks at the surprising ways everyday objects can be re‑imagined. It brings together two very different subjects – the high‑tech conversion of scrap metal and the age‑old art of clock‑making – to show how creativity can reshape both modern industry and traditional craft. In the first segment, the show walks viewers through the steps involved in taking discarded aluminium cans and turning them into components for aircraft and rockets. It outlines the collection, cleaning and melting stages, then follows the material as it is cast, machined and assembled into lightweight structural parts suitable for flight. The second part shifts focus to the Black Forest, where a master carver demonstrates the techniques used to create a classic cuckoo clock. The camera follows the careful removal of wood, the precise carving of the case and the intricate detailing that gives the clock its characteristic charm, highlighting the skill required to produce each piece by hand. By juxtaposing these two processes, the episode underscores the contrast between cutting‑edge recycling methods and time‑honoured woodworking. It suggests that, whether dealing with recycled aluminium or a hand‑carved timepiece, the underlying principle is the same: transforming raw material into something both functional and distinctive.