FIXING THE 300LBS POWER HAMMER!!! Part 4

Рет қаралды 1,087,365

4 жыл бұрын

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Пікірлер: 3 600

@KatanaGuy 4 жыл бұрын

Didn't even flinch..."I don't have that allen size, I need to make one." This it the Alec I have been missing!

@BillB23 4 жыл бұрын

Alec has been busting his [insert crude anatomical reference here] moving across the Atlantic, getting married, starting not one but TWO businesses and tweaking the above. This must seem like a holiday to him.

@ryanivester5042 4 жыл бұрын

@@BillB23 Probably as close to a "vacation" as Alec gets.

@JamesStephen710 3 жыл бұрын

He’s talented

@pedrop1192 4 жыл бұрын

The classical I don't have the right allen key problem... Anyone else: "I've got to buy one" Alec: "I've got to make one"

@BillB23 4 жыл бұрын

The place with the helpful hardware folk is closed. Steel on hand, Steele on hand: presto!

@TaranTatsuuchi 4 жыл бұрын

True blacksmiths, 'need a tool, make a tool.'

@harknessj112 4 жыл бұрын

I initially misread your comment as "I make new one" and had a moment of happiness at that little cross-over before I read it properly

@scottdouglas2490 4 жыл бұрын

Right??? That was my favorite part!

@BillB23 4 жыл бұрын

@@TaranTatsuuchi Exactly!

@jeffk3370 4 жыл бұрын

"Let's maybe break this to learn about it", "I'm such a moron!", "Oh, ****! Did I just drop that in THERE?!?" I just about split my sides laughing there. Not at you mind you Alec, but remembering mistakes very similar in my past. So thank you for sharing your mistakes along with your triumphs. Nobody knows anything until they learn it, and experience is one of the best teachers there is.

@troywalker8078 4 жыл бұрын

I actually laughed out loud!

@stephenhobson8456 4 жыл бұрын

There is a lot I love about this channel, and up at the top is Alec's willingness to show his failures. As Adam Savage says "failure is always an option" - our failures are how we learn, and by showing them and showing his journey I think we learn more as well.

@marlberg976 4 жыл бұрын

@@stephenhobson8456 In this particular case he would never have seen the welds on the ram top had he not made the mistake. Getting the valve stem back out of the cylinder showed him a potential root cause of the knocking.

@bodibrodice147 4 жыл бұрын

Great comment tree here. There's never anything stupid about learning by doing. As long as one persists they'll always be better off for having taken the journey.... and yes, sometimes it really does feel like a journey. Ha!

@StefanAxelsson 4 жыл бұрын

@@stephenhobson8456 I agree. I have a saying (that I probably stole from someone at some point). "You never fail, as long as you learn something that's a success." Now, it DO help if you have the time, skills and tools to fix things you break in the process of learning. But usually having at least the skills and the tools comes from the times you didn't. ;)

@whiteeagle58 4 жыл бұрын

Alec Steele, Looking at the cylinder that big ram is in I can see two areas on opposite sides that have rust going about half way down the cylinder. This means the seal on the ram is not making contact with the cylinder wall in those two areas. These are points of air leakage (top chamber to bottom chamber). This means you lose some of the air cushion in the top chamber and add air to the bottom chamber on the upstroke which pushes the ram up even faster and with greater force. Drop the ram and replace the seal, then get the cylinder honed to give you the best seal. This will increase your power on the downstroke and make sure you have that air cushion in the top chamber. You will also be able to address that weld issue on the ram.

@johnsullivan7633 4 жыл бұрын

whiteeagle58 now there’s some good advice.

@linkwokeup 4 жыл бұрын

That rust could be from the moisture in the air in the ram when it was not used for a while, and could be pretty thin and minor. Though a seal replacement might not be a bad idea. It's not easy to see how air flows through this machine. From the footage it looks like the poppet valve in the cover is signaled from, and ejects to, the exact same space, which would mean it does nothing, which can't be the case. It needs to be understood. I reckon the biggest question I'd want answered is how does the air flow between the top and bottom of the driven piston, when the ram is stationary. Dunno

@pablodoporto9003 4 жыл бұрын

Wise advice

@chemech 4 жыл бұрын

That, and get the piston face and the face of the head (top cover) machined back to where they are flat & smooth again. Speaking for myself, I would have pulled the head first, on the idea that it should be easier to work on at the bench, rather than from being perched atop a ladder... Partly, that's because I'm a bit on the big & heavy side, and don't find ladders to be all that terrific of a choice of working platform...

@Xnoob545 4 жыл бұрын

I didnt understand anything but i liked it so he notices this This looks important

@Myxril 4 жыл бұрын

Alec: **drops valve into cylinder** I'm so dumb. Alec's dumbness: I'm actually your subconscious guiding you to problem areas for you to fix. Alec: Oh wow hey look, there's damage inside of this component and I think it explains the issue with the ram hitting the cover. Alec's dumbness: [Intelligence 100]

@bludhaven8634 4 жыл бұрын

This comment needs more likes!

@officerdic 4 жыл бұрын

I had to look through because I was, in a round about way, going to say the same thing! Lol Just JB Weld and duct tape it, it will be fine!

@spudpud-T67 4 жыл бұрын

I'm in my 50s and I now see every mistake as a guide to an alternative route. This new state of mind has meant a problem or error, instead of creating frustration has become a point of intrigue and objective questioning of my original idea. This greatly enhances my design process. I do like the reasoning alex used here to clear the valve.

@PrimalRenegade17 4 жыл бұрын

Alec is thus so stupid he is smart😉

@NemoConsequentae 4 жыл бұрын

“Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom." ― Terry Pratchett Or: To avoid bad decisions, you need wisdom. To get wisdom, you need experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions...

@Jack-mk8tn 4 жыл бұрын

"Work From Home!" Alec- "Home Is where the Hammer is. Edit: that should be a shirt!

@rogerramiussergeialexander5541 4 жыл бұрын

True that.

@scottniederauer2148 4 жыл бұрын

I would buy that

@damnitvinny7880 4 жыл бұрын

Omg YES that is awesome😂😂

@j-man72b72 4 жыл бұрын

Home is where the power hammer is. Sounds about right.

@michikipsy1951 4 жыл бұрын

Home Is where my Anvil stands!

@zacfrana8963 4 жыл бұрын

Alec: Maybe theyre just right Also Alec: *makes a tool that 99% of the people watching couldn't do to save their life, even if it seems simple like an allen wrench*

@PrimalRenegade17 4 жыл бұрын

Thats probably cause most people watching don't have the tools but I agree haters gone hate no matter how much more skilled alec is

@ReinQuest 4 жыл бұрын

That was my thought too. I have tooling to do that myself but I don’t think I’d of even considered trying it. Alec is just like “right, make one”. Just a reflex build.

@pazuzu_666 4 жыл бұрын

Blacksmiths: Oh, I don't have an allen key that size, I'll make one. Everyone else: Grabs car keys

@SunnnyDay 4 жыл бұрын

No matter what the top valve does, if the cover leaks you will just chase your tail. Looks like there was a "puff" in the slow mo footage, check the torque on the bolts when you re-assemble, might need gasket material between the 2 pieces for a tight seal. Might need a stop nut on the turnbuckle. The blast from the past was fun ! Important segment, more than you'll ever know, thanks for staying strong and working while everyone else is forced to stay home. Thanks !!

@notarobot-markhunte180 4 жыл бұрын

Yer I saw that. Would that also allow the hammer travel up easier since there is les resistance.? ( not finished the video yet..)

@markfergerson2145 4 жыл бұрын

If he's right and that's the valve seat chipped on the inside of the cover, that would explain the puff- but where was it escaping from? Wouldn't that be from overpressure in the headspace after the piston had already covered the upper valve port? (Did I mention I thought of making a gigantic two-stroke engine out of the press for a moment?) The mating surfaces of the cylinder and cover *looked* like they were milled to a tight fit with no gasket. I'd have expected a gasket groove but couldn't make one out on either part. Are they milled to meet first at the rim and last on the inside like some pneumatic gear I've seen? He also seems to have (to me) way too much confidence in the piston seal- that rust in the bore gave me the willies.

@lonnieporter8566 4 жыл бұрын

The puff we saw originated from the exhaust port, the unthreaded hole he found on top. The damaged valve allowed too much air to bypass into that exhaust port, creating the hit.

@bubblebandit2940 4 жыл бұрын

Might I suggest a low cost way to figure out where the puff is coming from? Tape paper strips all over the top.

@SunnnyDay 4 жыл бұрын

Looking at the video again, there could be a leak in more than one location...I would check everything holding back pressure, especially the other cover.

@ericross6995 4 жыл бұрын

Gotta say, I really prefer this "Vintage Steele" style.

@gatorb8 4 жыл бұрын

I'm sure most of us agree with you but his goal is to have his own business and it's pretty hard to achieve that on his own so unfortunately he has to expand his work onto others.

@zaneturner9223 4 жыл бұрын

I have to disagree no offense I just believe the others bring something good and new to the content

@eliashojden4640 4 жыл бұрын

You definetly arent stupid Alec. They way you explanied how a powerhammer works was just fenomenal. Always fun to watch your videos and keep up the good work!

@AndrewRollette 4 жыл бұрын

Imagine having a Bridgeport and still making your hex key on the grinder. Blacksmiths think differently from machinists lol.

@chemech 4 жыл бұрын

Yep... I was expecting him to use the mill.

@boatbeard7767 4 жыл бұрын

Of course it might have taken far longer to set up the Bridgeport compared to just free handing a bit of rod there too. given he is a production based blacksmith used to get it done fast type hand work...

@TheVzada 4 жыл бұрын

Everyone leaves the workshop and Alec immediately starts disassembling the new power hammer. Classic

@pokec. 4 жыл бұрын

Me: "where is the zweihander?!" Alec: "STOP!!! Hammer time"

@dhgodzilla1 4 жыл бұрын

They sent it to the Dwarves under the Mountain to finish it

@toxxt3018 4 жыл бұрын

Ist’s called Zweihänder :D sry

@havtor007 4 жыл бұрын

@@toxxt3018 it is called a montante. zweihander. bidenhander. greatsword. longsword. twohanded sword. Big sword. And in the day it was simply called a Sword.

@toxxt3018 4 жыл бұрын

havtor007 okay i give up xD

@javanbybee4822 4 жыл бұрын

PoKec in other words, it’s a overhyped weapon. I like that he’s doing something else

@dominiknowakowski2479 4 жыл бұрын

I prefer that kind of editing with al the little details , than the slowmo everywhere and every time. Nice Alec is finally back .

@humorousknowledgefac 4 жыл бұрын

That lil blast from the past got me emotional!! Holyyyyyy I’ve been watching this guy for a while

@markadams1165 4 жыл бұрын

Lol poor Alec is already reached level 17 of quarantine boredom. He's drawing on things lol thank you so much for keeping us entertained during these weird times

@riograndedosulball248 4 жыл бұрын

His workplace be looking like the Sistine Chapel when this all ends

@cooperbrahmsteadt5123 4 жыл бұрын

Rio Grande do Sul Ball to bad it won’t as beautiful as the Sistine chapel. It’ll be a bunch of knife drawings, blue dykem splotches, and chalk scribbles

@g4yktzgjx6 4 жыл бұрын

I am having spaghetti with nutella sauce for dinner. What level am I?

@cooperbrahmsteadt5123 4 жыл бұрын

who cares your that blip on the radar that is so strong it can’t even be measured

@markadams1165 4 жыл бұрын

@@g4yktzgjx6 I believe that's level 12 trying to create new dishes lol

@sanderkoster9680 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Alec, just two quick observations from a mechanical engineer. When you look at the top cover of the ram cylinder at +/-22:49 min it looks like there are hairline crack (long ones) running from the center outwards. Just a heads up since a blow out from over-pressure and weakened material would be a real shame. I don't know to what extend the hairline cracks affect the part but a growing fatigue crack is a real danger here. Also, although I have no clues what the laws regarding Covid-19 are in the States (I only know the Dutch regulation on Covid) I would still like to suggest if possible to work in pairs. Not necessarily on the same machinery or even within close proximity of one another but just to keep an eye out. You do work with heavy equipment and it would be a shame if something would happen to you. Just keep safe out there! Kind Regards and keep up the videos, I really do appreciate them.

@CitizenSniiiips 4 жыл бұрын

Some great sensible points right here!

@turtlemann14 4 жыл бұрын

good eye. looks like it might need to be addressed or at least checked time to time.

@turtlemann14 4 жыл бұрын

@Forged Outlaw probably be better to weld it with high nickle filler. but being in the valve seat area you probably want something like braze that is softer than the parent material. anything to keep it from flexing and opening up would be good.

@Broadbenttravis 4 жыл бұрын

I went to look in the comments to see if anyone mentioned that fracture and I find this gem, the part about working in pairs is particularly pertinent .

@Mk1SpitfireGuy 4 жыл бұрын

Hat tip to Sander for the catch; I'd recommend at least having that cover magnafluxed to check if it's cracked.

@Volvith 3 жыл бұрын

It's amazing to realize how little Alec has changed between his pre-25k days, and now. ... And at the same time how much he's changed. Learned so much, got to meet so many new people, got to work on so many beautiful new projects, and yet, he's still our old, energetic, kind and all-round amazing Alec. Cheers man. To better times, past and present! :)

@christopherandrade8751 4 жыл бұрын

Alec, over the last few years I’ve had the pleasure of watching your channel during my lunch breaks at work. Starting back just before you moved into your new UK space. Since I’ve been relegated to working from home during this COVID-19 phase of life I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to share lunch with my seven-year-old and nine-year-old.The other day they came up and found me watching your channel. They both have fallen in love with blacksmithing and my son runs around the house saying “Need a tool, make a tool” and “Alec Steele is sooo cool”! It is now part of daily ritual to hang around my computer and watch an episode or 2 together! I wanted to thank you for being one of my silver linings amidst this chaos!

@cheezwiz6256 4 жыл бұрын

Its wholesome that he even made a paper diagram for us to understand this

@TleilaxuFD 4 жыл бұрын

“If you don't make mistakes, you're not working on hard enough problems. And that's a mistake.” Frank Wilczek Alec your perseverance through tough problems inspired me greatly when I took a new job two years ago. I made penalty of mistakes but proved my mettle. It was the hardest but best time of my life. It's easy to sit behind a keyboard and armchair quarterback plus we forget that none of us were born an expert .

@thebusbums2825 4 жыл бұрын

TleilaxuFD exactly, at least he’s trying his damndest

@lonnieporter8566 4 жыл бұрын

well said, sir!

@HamhockandHemorrhoids 4 жыл бұрын

What kind of job did you take?

@TleilaxuFD 4 жыл бұрын

@@HamhockandHemorrhoids I'm a machinist. I was working for a small shop then moved to a scientific research facility. Lots of one off's and manual machining. Best job I've ever had.

@aceblackburn9504 4 жыл бұрын

It's such a satisfying feeling when you perfectly understand how a complicated machine works

@williamst.germain3394 3 жыл бұрын

The fact I'm learning means so much to me. I've watched many a Blacksmith videos and they hardly teach and just state what they are doing and move on. You on the other hand have no qualms explaining it. There are times you say you can't explain it but honestly that's fine. You give a vague idea and give us the opportunity to research it, but not totally butcher it to where it's completely wrong. Not to mention you make it entertaining, relate exactly to your work/real life scenarios, and overall make it flow with your video. Honestly I've learned more watching this series than watching those "Educational" Blacksmiths.

@ehsnils 4 жыл бұрын

We learn by mistakes. Dropping a valve into a cylinder is something that most engine mechanics knows about. And you did discover something about the innards of the machine. That weld does look like it was some kind of crude repair of the piston, so maybe you should look at that weld too.

@avroarchitect1793 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely, that weld is either the cause or part of the problems he's having. That weld wouldn't pass in a manufacturing setting, due to the damage it could cause ( and clearly has) to the cylinder.

@NGC1433 4 жыл бұрын

That machine is from times where there was no instagram-model tig welders. That might be the jewellery equivalent of a weld for that era.

@ssu7653 4 жыл бұрын

@@NGC1433 by jewellery i assume you mean a thick gold chain made of plastic?

@awolfalone2006 4 жыл бұрын

That mechanic dropping a valve in an engine comment hurts. I did that once.

@PhilG999 4 жыл бұрын

I don't claim to be an Engine Mechanic (although I've built a few). I'm a Mechanical Engineer by profession and sometimes screw up the wrenching stuff. Years ago I was Prepping a SBC block (for me). Chasing all the threads with a tap like a good novice. That day I learned NOT to run the tap down in the threads from the top but from the SIDE! Got to the bottom and the tap came out of the handle and dropped into the water jacket! :( Took me a while to tickle that thing out. Now that I'm older and more experienced (not necessarily wiser) I would have pulled a core plug (they're not "freeze plugs" only for getting the casting sand out of the raw block) and fished it out that way...

@JiryStark 4 жыл бұрын

Alec, please, never, EVER, change the way you are. Please. You are not just an inspiration to many... you are such a great guy and an honest, brilliant human being. Had so much fun with this episode.

@Skullspinx 4 жыл бұрын

Gotta say, REALLY liked this video! By the end I was like "Wait, it's over?" and 25 minutes flew by! Please keep making long and interesting videos!

@92Pyromaniac 4 жыл бұрын

Watching Alec tinkering is one of life's greatest paradoxes. It should be amongst the most mind-numbing content on youtube, and yet I find myself glued to the screen and totally invested in the outcome. Great stuff!

@Hello-wo4sx 4 жыл бұрын

I was so disappointed when this video ended. one of your most interesting videos yet honestly. loved learning about this amazing machine! also, i’ve been hoping you’d start doing live shows again for so long! that would be a great idea.

@neolithx 4 жыл бұрын

Agree! I was totally into this video and then he starts talking about the sponsor. I was all ""NOOOO! it cant be over!"

@anders3940 4 жыл бұрын

Totaly agree with you. For myself who always have worked "the old way" and never wanted a power hammer, now want one..😅

@reneeschke 4 жыл бұрын

Agreeeed. This „tresure hunt“ or „detective work“ of finding the mistake is immensely cool!

@neko3663 4 жыл бұрын

I would watch a live episode, to me it looks like the dropped valve was not a stupid move but a 'hay look inside me and see an issue' moment.

@ciarangale4738 4 жыл бұрын

Honestly stuff like this probably contributed to widespread belief in greater powers beyond our knowledge. Its happened to me, was cleaning my laptop and decided to check under the fans even tough i thought i was done, and found a centimeter thick of essentially dryer lint blocking the sole coolimg for a high performance laptop

@JP-qg2uq 4 жыл бұрын

Ciaran Gale Are you referencing, “When God closed a door, he opens a window?” or “Always look on the bright side of life?” (Insert Life of Brian by the British philosophers, Monty Python.)

@mirth-n-magic 4 жыл бұрын

Man I enjoyed this episode! 22 years of Navy life, 11 of which as a Submariner, I enjoyed becoming intimate with my equipment. Learning the nuances of everything electrical and mechanical in the space I was accountable for as well as others throughout my ship. Thanks for this wonderful educational show. This is why I watch!

@hamitup01 4 жыл бұрын

If Alec is dumb I’m surprised I’m still even breathing! Love the videos! Keep up the great work and stay safe!

@francismcknight724 3 жыл бұрын

Not dumb, just does dumb stuff occassionally

@JP-qg2uq 4 жыл бұрын

I love how the nostalgia feel is bringing back the Okalie dokalie. LOL

@AnessenAranion 4 жыл бұрын

"Maybe they're just right and I AM stupid" - then makes his own allen key; Cognition dissonated.

@taitano12 4 жыл бұрын

I've found that talent and intelligence does not necessarily equate to smarts. Think: "The Absent-minded Professor". Like when someone is so focused on the idea and principles behind what he's doing that a simple thing like securing the pieces so they don't fall somewhere they're not supposed to.

@shanechepren8119 4 жыл бұрын

I feel like you should change the name of your building from “Unit 4” to “Unit 4GED”.

@AlecSteele 4 жыл бұрын

:O THATS AN AWESOME IDEA!

@blackhawk15897 4 жыл бұрын

It took me a minute to realize you meant (Four)GED and was wondering what 4 General Education Diplomas had to do with anything.

@badsamaritan8223 4 жыл бұрын

Probably better to spell it FOURGED, or 4ORGED, otherwise people will think he dropped out of high school. Though from the sound of it, some viewers already think he did.

@Staker89 4 жыл бұрын

@@badsamaritan8223 Um he did tho....."So aged 16, I left school to pursue blacksmithing full-time" -Alec

@chrissmith800 4 жыл бұрын

@@AlecSteele Alec i don't know if you'll even read or see this but this could be a bit of useful info I see your upper seal is leaking when its hitting the cylinder top replace your seals and check the seal in the upper an lower valves and as your valves switch from raise to fall they should match but in opposite positions they should be mirrored does that make any sense to you hope this helps

@UnderfundedScientist 4 жыл бұрын

Alec talking to the editor and getting instant results on screen was amazing

@rameking1 4 жыл бұрын

Alec was so excited about 25k subs. He's now sitting at just over 2M subs. That's some insane growth for just 4 years! Great job Alex, Will, and team!

@falcon_viii 4 жыл бұрын

20:24 The addition of the countdown clock made that so much better...oml 🤣

@ldavis8980 4 жыл бұрын

I can confidently say I'll never actually forge anything, but your videos are honestly fascinating and you're such a great teacher

@tommiharris98 4 жыл бұрын

I love the effort you put into your videos (makes me laugh as well sometimes). You literally walked into a room set up a camera turned all the lights off, locked the doors and then re-entered the room. It goes to show how much extra effort you put into the other parts of the videos.

@coolHawk_ 4 жыл бұрын

Alec: **to Will** “Work from home” Will: **grabs pallet jack to take home Chambersburg**

@phalcon23 4 жыл бұрын

Home is where the heart is :)

@helmsman359 4 жыл бұрын

Home is where the hammer is!

@BillB23 4 жыл бұрын

@cool Hawk It hurts when coffee comes out of your nose.

@coolHawk_ 4 жыл бұрын

Bill Brockmann Damn, glad I’ve never had to feel that then

@taykay445 4 жыл бұрын

will: *breaks chambersburg in half*

@AT16 4 жыл бұрын

25k to 2M+ in less than 5 years. Alec, that’s something to be proud of! Best wishes from the UK, we miss you! 🇬🇧

@Mr123jes 4 жыл бұрын

Well kiddo, I have seen your progress from the first time on I forge iron till now and I have to say you are IMPRESSIVE!! You give me faith in the younger generation! Mistakes made, lessons learned and you are well on your way to a journey that few will take in these days and time. I commend you young man!

@maxmussdermann1754 2 жыл бұрын

Coming back to this after pretty much exactly 2 years brings back some memorys about the start of the pandamic. Your videos really helped me through many of the rainy days of quarantine, when I could not work in my garden. Thank you so much for the great content. I'm glad the situation ist finally looking to get more chill and we can return to a pretty much regular schedule. Thoughts with all the ones who didn't make it trough that pandemic.

@ninjaart5787 4 жыл бұрын

I love how Alec got supremely scammed, yet is making the most of it and actually turning a profit from it with just hard work and dedication. Please keep inspiring me to get of my ass and work harder despite any problem I may face, love you man

@defenderred1212 4 жыл бұрын

Perhaps there's a bit of creative material when taking on equipment that's in ok condition as opposed to perfect condition. That would be some crafty thinking bc it generates a TON of additional content.

@podboi825 4 жыл бұрын

Depending on the price he may or may not have been scammed. Alec is the type of dude that likes challenges and learning, who knows if the person who sold him this did or did not disclose the issues they are encountering. I'm gonna guess they bought this knowing it has issues, maybe not the piston hitting the cover but they probably knew there is a massive risk involved in buying something as old as as that machine. And in that regard they didn't get scammed at all, just fixing it is netting them views, after they fix it it might have already paid for itself in content.

@Izzy-lm6dh 4 жыл бұрын

@@podboi825 They said they bought it (and, iirc, spent more on it than similar ones supposedly in worse condition) thinking they could get straight to using it. That implies they weren't aware of the issues.

@ItsJoeHut 4 жыл бұрын

@@Izzy-lm6dh you shouldn't believe everything an entertainment channel is asking you to believe :-)

@veruslupus 4 жыл бұрын

@@Izzy-lm6dh Alec runs a business successfully enough to fund a move to the USA buy expensive machinery and have a huge stock of steel, I find it extremely unlikely given that that he spent multiple thousands and didn't have comprehensive insurance if not from the shipping company from an independent insurer. So if there was damage he was actually lied about to, and he kept it anyway I'm sure he either got a partial refund or was offered a full refund and chose to keep it. Businesses don't like losing money so I'm sure he either determined it was more profitable to keep it and gain content or that the fixes wouldn't cost him enough to make it unfeasible when taking into account a partial refund or insurance payment. Now it is possible that the hammer was simply so rare and he wanted it so much that this gave some wriggle room to the cost benefit but at the end of the day he needs to make money for himself and 5 or 6 others to make bills and live so that's why i doubt he was simply scammed and had to eat the loss

@glennwiebe5128 4 жыл бұрын

Just a little disappointed that this video didn't continue. We need to see victory with the Chambersburg.

@BrandonHaynesGolf 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been a machinist for 16 years now and I love working with metal. You’re videos are making me want to try blacksmithing. Keep it up love to content and newly gained knowledge with every video.

@nathanielzaharia9630 4 жыл бұрын

I'm a mechanical engineer and I absolutely love your channel. I always learn so much watching you pick stuff apart. Keep up the good work! And I hope that this is the last thing you need to fix before that beast works the way it's supposed to.

@douglascampbell9809 4 жыл бұрын

Alex I would think minimum operational personnel with fixing anything in the shop would be 2 people. The Governor's mandate doesn't say make foolish choices. Don't compromise your safety by working alone. Which is what you did here. I'm not saying have two people standing shoulder to shoulder. If you are working with power equipment have a second person there to call the paramedics if something happens and you can't. You can bleed out in minutes. They could be in the office or behind the camera but far enough away to be safe. If you roll the dice enough times, one time it will be bad eventually. I was in manufacturing for a LOT of years. It happens all the time. A friends neighbor lost an arm and died even with help and first aid right there fixing a paper making machine. Work safe and stay safe.

@carlwitt7950 4 жыл бұрын

"Maybe they're not mean... maybe they're just right." I felt that.

@connorwoods3652 4 жыл бұрын

That really resonated lol

@geoff3610 2 жыл бұрын

Started watching when you got your first home shop in the UK. I don't even know how long it's been, just came back and you're all over the U.S. with your own shop and doing awesome!

@joshsater4044 4 жыл бұрын

We love you Alec. You are one of the sweetest most honest most genuine people on the internet and we hope you stay safe and healthy as well.

@bigernbladesmith 4 жыл бұрын

You can definitely tell Alec is a natural teacher. Clear, concise, and easy to understand explanations.

@davidkgame 4 жыл бұрын

Please tell me as part of the restoration/fixing you're going to repaint the outside? At the moment it looks like it's been dug up from Easter Island!

@Guysm1l3y 4 жыл бұрын

Gives it character, also it instills fear and compliance into any hot steel brought into its vicinity.

@keviathan7266 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! Please please please! That big beautiful machine deserves a fresh coat of enamel. I’ve painted many old elevator machines after clean downs/ repairs/ rebuilds, even one that my great grandfather installed in the early 1900’s. There’s something almost magical about big heavy equipment from those bygone days gleaming with a fresh coat. It doesn’t detract from their character. It pays homage to their dignity, durability, and elegance. Just saying.

@KoreyMacGill 4 жыл бұрын

Steele vs stelter Quarantine edition: audience votes, editors give you each your assignments. you guys have all quarantine to make it. which makes it a fun gamble. niether is allowed to see what the other is doing. and at the end you guys show off what you guys made! and have some awesome time. just an idea.

@mtayler 2 жыл бұрын

I dunno, could be kind of a long series

@abhivaysh_906 4 жыл бұрын

You have really simplified the machine operation via these explanations, thank you Alec ! Lots of love from Mauritius island.

@mightymalikie 4 жыл бұрын

When you reinstall that valve Get some valve lapping compound And lapp it in To prevent blow by on a shut valve

@jasoncramer6717 4 жыл бұрын

I dunno what any of that means but it sounds important, do it Alec!

@markfergerson2145 4 жыл бұрын

*After* regrinding the seat. That assumes there's enough metal there to regrind it without having to shorten the stem or use a stiffer spring or something...

@twostroke350 4 жыл бұрын

I was literally shouting the screen telling you not to undo the nut on that poppet valve. There is the exact same setup with the decompressor valve on my enfield motorbike but held in with a splitpin rather than a nut and guess what I did first time I went to service it?

@SolCrown80 4 жыл бұрын

LOVED the explanation of the power hammer operation. The overall operating principle is surprisingly simple!

@sn1p3s29 3 жыл бұрын

Not having a tool you need and just being like "alright lemme just make one real quick" is such a power move

@DrummerTheAndre 4 жыл бұрын

No! Alec, this video ended too soon! I need more chambersberg... I'd love to be there deep diving into that machine, cleaning, fixing, fine tuning.

@moonboogien8908 4 жыл бұрын

This is turning into more of a "fix-it" channel or a problem solving one..... And I'm loving it.

@razzyn4782 4 жыл бұрын

It is awesome that you take us through all the steps of fixing this beast of a machine! I've been watching your video's for about a year now and I must say, I'm getting more and more interested in forging myself as well. If only I knew where to start. Great content, keep it up!

@zakmoreland 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I really appreciate that you drew directly on your power hammer. Your explanation was great!

@M3D1C2121 4 жыл бұрын

Knowing the camera is a few feet away and that hammer is making it bounce, boy that just sends home how much strength is behind that beast. Also ive been stuck in my house for 3 weeks.

@shenzen911 4 жыл бұрын

Can’t believe how invested I am in the workings of an antique piece of equipment on another continent.

@d.m.8175 4 жыл бұрын

Alec, been watching you for years, and I am very proud of you and your attitude about life and your work. It really inspires me, and I am a good bit older than you. Thanks for your outstanding outlook. I hope you and yours stay healthy and safe.

@monkeyart813 4 жыл бұрын

Holy crap! It's awesome to see how far you've come. So proud of you! I've been a fan for many years and look forward to many years to come. Stay safe!

@Dave_0993_I 4 жыл бұрын

I'd suggest adding some lock-nuts to your turnbuckle, or your carefully set timing might 'change'

@snappingbear 4 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. With all that vibration the setting will change. He needs to use jam / lock nuts to keep it from moving.

@Uldihaa 4 жыл бұрын

On today's episode of _Mechanics with Alec_ , we learn how a power-hammer actually works; bonus paper-craft visual aids included.

@ZekeWaters_ 4 жыл бұрын

I contracted visual aids reading this lol

@diceblue6817 4 жыл бұрын

I love the journey here, from "what an idiot" dropping it in, to taking off the header and finding the problem due to a weld causing an intrusion into the valve space... great work!

@Sandtigar 4 жыл бұрын

I'm soooo looking forward to part 5. I love watching you fix your machines and learn as you go.

@Isnogood12 4 жыл бұрын

You aren't dumb, Alec! Everyone makes mistakes, and sure, you might make a wee bit more of them than others, or at least you show more of them in your videos... BUT! You learn from your mistakes! Dumb people don't do that!

@crobison4717 4 жыл бұрын

Alec: im getting work done alone. Everyone else: all around me are familiar faces

@Nevir202 4 жыл бұрын

Kinda the wrong song for this situation, as the problem is the absence of familiar faces. 😜

@genelomas332 4 жыл бұрын

@@Nevir202 not if you're stuck at home with your family, and are unable to head out in public..

@Nevir202 4 жыл бұрын

Gene Lomas Fair point. 🤷‍♂️

@bigred675 4 жыл бұрын

The fact that the 180 people that dislike ur videos but still watch them just to dislike them shows how entertaining ur... keep on making awesome entertainment man!!!

@williamthomas8459 4 жыл бұрын

That was a perfect explanation of how the power hammer works. The drawings helped too! It was cool to see the inside and what you just had explained.

@rickylynn1020 4 жыл бұрын

Was that a serious question about doin a live show? Of course we would like a live show!!!

@hpcrewsmith22 4 жыл бұрын

Not gonna lie, I definitely let out an audible “ohhhhhhh” when he pointed out the weld. Love it when the cause of a problem becomes apparent.

@MegaWookie11 4 жыл бұрын

Loved it. I’ve been watching your shows for a couple of years now. There’s nothing wrong with taking things apart, breaking them and then fixing them. That’s all I’ve been doing in lockdown. The Doris is threaders now! Keep up the excellent work Alec.

@mikemcclure5175 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the instruction on how it works. "How a Power Hammer works"? was my next search after watching this set of vids. Good timing, thanks again. Keep up the good work.

@BlackiePandai 4 жыл бұрын

Like this for the liveshow EVERYBODY!!!

@ciaran1449 4 жыл бұрын

Alec should do another 3 hour Damascus knife challenge during the live stream, just like he did back in the UK 🇬🇧.

@JP-qg2uq 4 жыл бұрын

And back to “Need a tool: Make a tool.” 😢 feels

@CrashTestCoder 4 жыл бұрын

This is a welcome change of content. I stopped watching this channel about a year ago because the channel stopped showing all the little details that make what you do interesting and it was getting boring. It's nice to see you alone in the shop sharing all the relevant details again. I hope this style sticks around after this period passes. Example of the types of relevant details I'm talking about: when you were opening the bore in the gear in part 1 you played audio of the chatter the tool was making, but when you got the bigger boring bar a couple episodes later, you played music instead of the sound the tool was making. Also, a couple years ago, making the pully puller would have been much more than a 10s montage

@SteveWrightDesign 4 жыл бұрын

Dropping that bolt was funny, as it was something I would do!! All I need is a power hammer! Just want to add that you are the reason I bought a forge and have started blacksmithing, so forget those who leave bad comments, you truly are an Inspiration!!

@brianthaxton229 4 жыл бұрын

BTW...if people judge you for making mistakes..they are the ones with the issues. Mistakes are necessary and most certainly not dumb!

@pietperske3583 4 жыл бұрын

Somebody who has't made mistakes is somebody who has never done anything else but going around criticizing people who are actually doing something.

@MediocreHexPeddler 4 жыл бұрын

My high school band director always said about the band hall, "This room was built for mistakes." Don't be afraid of failure or making mistakes. If you are, then you are stagnant, and forever will do everything but succeed.

@Adamant_Consternation 3 жыл бұрын

Maxim 70 Failure is not an option - it is mandatory. The option is whether or not to let failure be the last thing you do.

@grantteuber1253 4 жыл бұрын

I love that you have a beautiful, perfect milling machine and your first thought is “I should put this in a collet block so its easier to use the belt sander”

@pgids5886 4 жыл бұрын

Grant Teuber to be fair, I make hex/Allen bits quite often... if I had a badass grinder like that’d, I’d use it over the Bridgeport too

@johnoconnor4941 2 жыл бұрын

I am going thru your catalogue again and noticed that on this date I had been discharged from hospital one day, after suffering a heart attack. Waow! Your videos have kept me excited about stuff and lessened the doubt and worry. Thanks to you Alec and both Will and Matt also Jamie on the camera...

@awesomecreationschannel 4 жыл бұрын

I look forward to your daily videos as I love old industry and I have recently acquired an old fly press and anvil, for years now you have inspired me to take up blacksmithing and it's finally coming together, it's been fantastic watching you grow and I'd love to see you do a live show. Take it easy Alec 👍🇬🇧

@ruthc8407 4 жыл бұрын

Cattail Foundary, in Gordonville, Penn. still does one-off cast iron and cast aluminium castings at a reasonable price. It's an Amish business, and they do good work.

@joshschneider9766 4 жыл бұрын

Hah I used to live in Harrisburg and once got to watch them do a hefty big casting those cats are fantastic workers.

@Crush0819 Жыл бұрын

I love how are you guys in the blacksmith family hope each other out feels like one big family

@Dinnye01 4 жыл бұрын

Actually this type of video is way better than the ones nowadays. No music, slowmo and glossing over the details.

@RealLuckless 4 жыл бұрын

Health and Safety Note for anyone working alone in a shop: If possible, set up a webcam and keep in contact with someone offsite while working. You get to stay a bit social during your workday, and you still have someone who can call for paramedics if you really screw something up.

@badsamaritan8223 4 жыл бұрын

Two words. Life-Alert.

@michaelhalligan6111 4 жыл бұрын

Didnt see Alex wearing his self save kit... Naughty boy.

@marcocano335 4 жыл бұрын

Alec, it may be worthwhile to weld a "cage" around the top of the hammer to prevent any injury until you put a couple of months worth of not hitting the top.

@markfergerson2145 4 жыл бұрын

A suitable cage will be equally gigantic. Best to just fix the thing.

@jsovey 4 жыл бұрын

2:25 Awesome explanation with the drawing on the side of the hammer!

@addisonz2802 4 жыл бұрын

It was good to have the throwback. Awesome to see how far you've come and it's going to be great watching where you, Will, Matt, and the whole crew go from here!

@chiphungerford 4 жыл бұрын

Knowledge comes from taking things apart, Experience come from putting them back together. Reminds me of when I was a kid and took everything I could get my hand so apart, but really started looking ahead and thinking of next steps when I had to put things back together. Love the videos and great production quality.

@TKettle 4 жыл бұрын

My parents used to save old electronics to let me take them apart before tossing them out. I never learned too much from the endeavor, except that big capacitors in old CRT tv's will shock the absolute PISS out of you! :D

@drrrrockzo 4 жыл бұрын

Don't feel bad about dropping that part into the cylinder...I've done the same replacing vavle springs before and anyone who claims they've never dropped a valve has probably never done the job either.

@UncleDon226 4 жыл бұрын

"Great, now I need new headgaskets, new manifold gaskets, new head bolts, 5 more hours..." lol Been there. Feels bad, man.

@adambass3781 4 жыл бұрын

Been there done that, but we have the convenience of pressuring cylinder with leak down tester. Alec you dont but it was a blessing, you found root cause.

@cornovii3012 4 жыл бұрын

Never dropped a valve, pain in the arse doing valve seals like that but ive done it a few times, ALWAYS make sure of TDC on the cylinder you are working on first :D

@jessemarshall7176 4 жыл бұрын

The very first piece of equipment I worked on I. The AF was a fuel truck. I was changing the main filters and my boss said make sure you don’t drop those screws. They are stainless and if you drop them you have to go inside the tank. To retrieve them. Guess who dropped the last screw and got to wade in diesel until he found it

@bulletproofpepper2 4 жыл бұрын

Jesse Marshall at least mine was a fuel converted to a water truck it had a weird two way valve on top. It was the tank over pressure/ vacuum relief valve, everything was stainless steel. Who ever work on the valve last cross threaded it and it wouldn’t budge to easily work on the bench, so i worked on it on the tank. Yes i dropped valve parts into the tank.

@scripturusl 4 жыл бұрын

absolutely love this hammer series. im horribly addicted to equipment repair videos and this is great. your videos are always loved by me and mine. cheers!

@nahu974 4 жыл бұрын

It's amazing to see the the progress you've made from the beginning. But it is even better to see that you never lost your enthusiasm and spirit. Keep going. This video, is very interesting too. I desperately wanted to know how this this works. Thanks to you, this is done now.