I make Bookends from Old Railroad Track

I make Bookends from Old Railroad Track - using an Angle Grinder.

Рет қаралды 19,037

Жыл бұрын

I make Bookends from Old Railroad Track for a bookcase by cutting two pieces of railway track on an angle using a 9-inch angle grinder,
This was a good metalworking project for me, I totally enjoyed doing this, it was one of those simple jobs I like, putting something on the workbench cutting some stuff off it, and cleaning it up a bit, and the job is done. Hahaha, Good times.
I hope you enjoy my video of me making Bookends from a Railway Track project. Hope you found something of use in my video or at least found it entertaining.
The main tools used, are 5-inch and 9-inch angle grinders, a 5-inch random orbital sander, and a bench vice.
A metal cutoff saw or a bandsaw would be the safer way to do this, so the cut can be done in one go so there would be much less risk of a blade jamming, etc, than using an angle grinder.
Tools / Supplies, I often use are.
Marking out Tools
Markal Silver-Streak Metal Marker Round: amzn.to/3mTJDHt
Milwaukee 4pk Inkzall Black Ultra Fine Point Pens: amzn.to/2WKKpeE
Milwaukee Inkzall Jobsite Fine Point Black Permanent Marker 12 Pack: amzn.to/3kHrXfo
Locking Pliers - Vise Grips
MILWAUKEE 10” Locking Pliers, Curved Jaw: amzn.to/3zzJH2u
Milwaukee 6" Long Nose Locking Pliers: amzn.to/3jyVLeS
Milwaukee 6” Locking Clamp Regular Jaws: amzn.to/3jB94eI
KNIPEX Tools Long Nose Grip Pliers: amzn.to/3ByD1SP
Magnets
Magnetic V-Pads Kit, Magnets On Both Pad Face & Bottom: amzn.to/3DCya4W
Mini Magnetic Fabrication Square Magnets Angles: 30°, 60°, 45°, 90°: amzn.to/2WN9Fkr
“L” shape Corner Square Magnets 12°, 90° & 60° Angle Setting: amzn.to/2YaZXsU
My camera set-up.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II Camera 15-45mm Lens: amzn.to/3DNnn83
VideoMicro Rode Compact On-Camera Microphone: amzn.to/3QkUBnK
Camera Tripod Vanguard Alta Pro 2: amzn.to/3yB8hP5
The Brand of the Drill bits, and cutting/flap discs, is "Alpha" If you can't get them at your local hardware shop, here is a link to Alpha Tools: alphatools.com.au
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make more videos like this one. Thank you very much for your support!
►►Subscribe to our Channel for more videos ►► bit.ly/2ULxLJogavinclark
Always use all the correct safety gear, and use your tools safely, I am not a good role model for this.
Hope you found something of use in my video or at least found it entertaining.
Gavin Clark DIY

Пікірлер: 139

@MrJackandEmily Жыл бұрын

As a machinist I only ever use a grinder to roughly chop material.. this dude is a wizard.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it.

@Super_Meli Жыл бұрын

yes, it's incredible it's not simple to do, not simple to polish the etal like that but fort @Gavin Clark it's a normal thing and easy to do i'm pretty sure

@MadDog101 Жыл бұрын

I commented on a previous episode that some blokes can't even operate a Milling Machine as straight as straight/level as he using a grinder. Gav's definitely got a keen eye ,that's for sure!

@truth6733 Жыл бұрын

Us Metal Workers here in the Divided States Of America, Love your work. Cheers, Mate. Stay Free.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment, Cheers, from Australia Mate. Keep safe.

@davidparker3346 Жыл бұрын

These look great. A great gift for the railroad buff.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it. Yes a great present for the right person.

@joewhitney4097 Жыл бұрын

These book ends are pretty cool. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked them.

@garthbutton699 Жыл бұрын

You've got an Eagle eye,thanks for the video🤗😎🤗😎

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment.

@dobbsy90 Жыл бұрын

Absolute surgeon that grinder mate

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment, I have had a bit of practice.

@cesargomez4520 Жыл бұрын

Un gran maestro Gavin! gracias por la magia, el Messi de la metal mecanica!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias, me alegra que te haya gustado.

@EiderJChavesC2 Жыл бұрын

Awesome, Gavin!. Thank you for sharing.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Eider.

@tomcarlson3244 Жыл бұрын

Simply beautiful

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Tom.

@valborchardt3596 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Gavin, much appreciated. Take care from south africa

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Greetings from Australia.

@danmiller8429 Жыл бұрын

That a great idea, thanks Gavin

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it.

@SAMOSVAR Жыл бұрын

Your products are so good that you want to look at them for longer. You can install the products on a rotating stand for 30 seconds at the end of the video.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment. I like the idea of a rotating stand, I will have a think. Thank you.

@user-xh8ng9xq6q Жыл бұрын

thank you very much

@Everythings_Adjustable Жыл бұрын

Love them! 🔨👍😊

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Sparky, I appreciate your comment.

@380MN Жыл бұрын

Beautiful pieces Gavin as always enjoy watching your videos. Cheers

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment. Cheers mate.

@machelopa12 Жыл бұрын

Dear Mr. Gavin Clark. I love your works. This one in particular is perfect for decorating my library. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina. (The ass of the world).

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am happy that you liked it. Greetings from Australia, the land down under.

@wwtrkr3189 Жыл бұрын

I loved Buenos Aires! Don't be so down on your home, it has some fantastic buildings and a great vibe. Check out Palicia Borolo or have a coffee in El Atino Grand Splendid bookshop if you have not been there. Do the tourist things, there are reasons we visit. 💜 Even with my friend getting mugged, it didn't dampen my enjoyment of the city. There's shitty people everywhere. Wonderfully fun, imaginative video ads always, Gavin. I do look forward to your content. 👏👏👏

@machelopa12 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate your positive words. At another time, we can talk 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙨, that are experienced daily here in beautiful Buenos Aires. I send you a hug from a distance.

@MrNovruz Жыл бұрын

Amazing bro !!!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it.

@Goalsplus Жыл бұрын

With a cut-off disc! Amazing work.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it.

@bradleytuckwell4881 Жыл бұрын

They turned out great and that angle of cut is perfect. Thanks for sharing that Gavin

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Bradley, I am glad you liked it.

@joeldias4199 Жыл бұрын

Dangerous job but a beautiful piece.. thanks for sharing

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it.

@Ohdearsuperstar Жыл бұрын

They look amazing... I totally need them 😁😁

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much.

@Dr.CandanEsin Жыл бұрын

I really enjoy the artisan contrast look of the sides, one shiny and other grainy dull. Great envisagement.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment.

@youremybiggestfan Жыл бұрын

This was beautiful.. found a bunch of old railroad tracks last summer on my previous workplace just laying there trashing around in the dirt.. Then the whole workplace burnt down. Might go back and get them. Nobody is gonna miss them. This was a beautiful idea.. I think polished iron and metal is so incredibly gorgeous. Also want a piece for a little anvil.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it, I love the look of raw steel too, I wish you the best for your projects.

@damianalvarez8449 Жыл бұрын

Hola señor Gavin exelente trabajo, mis saludos desde Buenos Aires Argentina.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias, me alegra que te haya gustado. Saludos desde Australia.

@chuckeecheese162 Жыл бұрын

Very nice

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it.

@chuckeecheese162 Жыл бұрын

@@GavinClarkdiy 90% would have tossed those little chunks in the recycle. Not as easy as you make it look. First you need the vision, then the skill.

@jimschnars2866 Жыл бұрын

Great piece of work ! Skillful use of the grinder !

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment.

@viorsa8200 Жыл бұрын

Excelente proyecto muy bien desarrollado y mejor ejecutado maestro, está claro que le gusta el acero, tanto las cabillas corrugadas como esos trozos de raíl de tren,son difíciles de trabajar, lo ideal sería cortar las vías del tren con una sierra de cinta, pero bueno el resultado final es magnífico , gran trabajo, lucen muy bien aguantando de los libros, gracias por compartir sus conocimientos y experiencias, un cordial saludo y por supuesto un gran like desde Narón (Galicia) 👍🤓

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias, agradezco tu muy lindo comentario. Saludos desde Australia.

@earlcavenaugh6459 Жыл бұрын

Nice work Gavin!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Earl, I am glad you liked it.

@douglasfathers4848 Жыл бұрын

Well done mate , that track pretty hard stuff to cut . ☝👌🤠

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Douglas, it did go quite smoothly but smart people would use a bandsaw. Hahaha

@pgoessnitzer Жыл бұрын

Very nice!!! Thanks for sharing your ideas and tricks of the trade. Greetings from Oregon!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am happy that you liked it. Greetings from Australia.

@alasdairhamilton1574 Жыл бұрын

Nice❤️, now put your normal reading material between them! Kokey Koala, Ginger Meggs, Captain Atom. 😊 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, but I have to keep my reading material secret, for now anyway, thank you for your comment.

@user-pk4sp4rx2e Жыл бұрын

Nice 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am happy that you liked it.

@user-pk4sp4rx2e Жыл бұрын

@@GavinClarkdiy Now problem like

@persioboni9373 Жыл бұрын

Maravilhoso 👏👏

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Muito obrigado, agradeço seu comentário.

@scottsyt1369 Жыл бұрын

Gavin I love your videos , awesome craftsmanship. I've watched almost of your work but, I want to see you restore that VISE , I just want to pick off that paint and rust it's like a scratch that I can't itch. PLEASE !

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Hahaha, it's only surface rust, it gets wet when it rains and the wind is blowing, I have had it for over 30 years, and that's the original paint, inside it is good all greased up nicely, one day it will get a makeover, I feel the workbench may get some new legs first though, so I am sorry but that itch is staying for a while longer, Hahaha I love your comment, Cheers Scott.

@leandrofelicio71 Жыл бұрын

Excelente.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Muito obrigado, fico feliz que tenha gostado.

@leandrofelicio71 Жыл бұрын

@@GavinClarkdiy Muito habilidoso com a esmerilhadeira, parabéns.

@mikep1085 Жыл бұрын

Wow. Those are gorgeous! Its always amazing what you accomplish with relatively basic tools. I thought for sure that you would use a chop saw, or a metal band saw to cut the rail.... but nope. Great job! :)

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment.

@alialg1621 Жыл бұрын

It’s a beautiful idea man I’d love to add Anti-slip and anti-scratch sticker 💡

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it.

@user-ld5bb9of9v Жыл бұрын

Это шедевр!)

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Большое спасибо, я рада, что вам понравилось.

@chrisskelhorn5727 Жыл бұрын

These are brilliant Gavin! Well done young sir! 🙂

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment.

@chrisskelhorn5727 Жыл бұрын

@@GavinClarkdiy It's very much my pleasure! 🙂

@lucasb1324 Жыл бұрын

You are truly an artist. Beautiful But I think you should polish the underside and leave the rust on the sides, wax or paint them matt. 👍 Carsten Sweden

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Carsten, I am happy that you liked it, I have done a few projects leaving the rust on it and coating it all so it feels clean if you touch it, I do like that too. Greetings from Australia.

@yorkshirejoinery2869 Жыл бұрын

You made that look very easy, but I’m sure it could have been a total pain in the arse to get those angles correct! Like the fact you canted the cut, really added to the look of the finished pieces!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment. It did go quite well, and the cuts lined up, which is a good thing when the camera is running. Hahaha. A metal cutoff saw or a bandsaw would be the smart way to do this. Thank you for your comment.

@sienalfing3571 Жыл бұрын

Top

@charlessanford2198 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful project beautifully done. My experience with bookends with actual weight would have me suggest a bit of felt or protective material on the bottom to prevent scratches on the shelf surface. Keep the videos coming.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment, yes you have nailed it, I will have felt glued to the bottom of these to prevent scratching.

@moonolyth Жыл бұрын

All said and done, that came out flat. That's a chunky monkey. An easy way to line up a cut like that would be to dip the pieces in the desired angle in a bucket of paint or other for a perfect line. Very nice looking!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment. Yes that paint would do the job nicely.

@chonpiras2815 Жыл бұрын

chingon

@coreyrogers6587 Жыл бұрын

I'm employed with the railroad so I know track is not the lightest thing there is tears to know how much do they weigh when it was over with nice work though real nice great idea

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment. I have just weighed them both 6.7kg (14.7lb) total

@blackviewderevenskiy5744 Жыл бұрын

Молодец!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Большое спасибо, я рада, что вам понравилось.

@blackviewderevenskiy5744 Жыл бұрын

@@GavinClarkdiy у вас все поделки шедевральны!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Большое спасибо.

@noiseosoutros Жыл бұрын

Thank my friend

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much.

@paulsharpe3794 Жыл бұрын

Yet again a lovely object, but next time you need to tye a knot with a bit of rail

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Hahahaha, How awesome would that look, but that is a "NO" from me, thanks for your comment Paul, I love it.

@downunderdave5417 Жыл бұрын

Cheers Gavin If these were up for sale Id be happy to purchase them! Dave

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Dave, I am sorry but I do not have these for sale. I appreciate your comment. Cheers

@goptools Жыл бұрын

Hi Gavin, Nice idea for bookends. Cool and unique. That's a great tip using the random orbital sander to blend the swirl marks from the angle grinder. At the beginning, I was wondering how you got such a nice, smooth finish on the polished sides. I have a DA sander that should probably work about the same. Good stuff! Thanks for the video! -mike

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Mike, I appreciate your comment, and I am glad it helped a bit, I have not used a DA sander but I agree, it reads like it would do the same. I wish you the best.

@kalango198 Жыл бұрын

Magnífico seu trabalho 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Muito obrigado, fico feliz que tenha gostado.

@KoaAlias Жыл бұрын

Simple straight idea and wonderful work. Doesn't it become rusty on the polished surface?

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I am glad you liked it. I often use Penetrol Rust Treatment Penetrates Rust 300g Aerosol Spray, and then put two topcoats of Semi-Gloss Clear Coat. That is what I used on the rebar lettering on the back of my workbench, here is the link to that video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gKddqs5nl8DLmJ8.html I try not to comment on finishes, As what climate you are in, is it inside-outside, lots of rain, ice, do you want long term and rarely touch, or a wax with a wipe over every year. That is why I have no opinion Thank you for your comment.

@torowazup1 Жыл бұрын

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼🍎😎

@steveblight2120 Жыл бұрын

These are amazing! can I ask how long it took in real time to make a cut, and how many cutting discs did you go through to make each cut? I have some old track and I'd like to do the same, just working on how best to cut it...

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

4 Discs for cutting the two rails, Because I needed depth in the cut, I changed discs, all the discs used have more life in them, I used a new on each of the two cuts in each top and bottom cut, and one of those used discs did the final cut in the middle making it two bits, you don't use a NEW disc when you are cutting down a previous cut, as the new disc may jam in the bit smaller cut, also make sure your two cuts line up straight when you do the final cut or it may want to jam them too. If you can use a drop saw, it would be a safer option. I wish you the best for your project.

@Wozza1534 6 ай бұрын

cool project, I have some track myself and once attempted cutting with a normal disc on a grinder the size of yours, I gave up as it was really tough stuff. what discs are you using and how many did you get through

@GavinClarkdiy 5 ай бұрын

This is a tough one to answer, I only used the Alpha discs in this project. These ones are made for cutting and grinding Stainless Steel. For grinding, I used some worn ones, I had here from other jobs that I seem to collect, this was the perfect project to use them up, and the larger new discs for the levelling, on the cutting I used 4 x 180mm discs "BUT" as I wanted the max depth of cut, I just changed the discs, there is still plenty of life left in these 4 for future projects. So basically I don't have an answer for you. I was quite happy with how the job went and I did enjoy making it. I used 3 flap discs, but 2 still have life in them, the 60 grit did not do much work.

@kevin-pf2px Жыл бұрын

After polishing do you clear coat the bookend to prevent rust?

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

I often use Penetrol Rust Treatment Penetrates Rust 300g Aerosol Spray, and then put two topcoats of Semi-Gloss Clear Coat. That is what I used on the rebar lettering on the back of my workbench, here is the link to that video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gKddqs5nl8DLmJ8.html I try not to comment on finishes, As what climate you are in, is it inside-outside, lots of rain, ice, do you want long term and rarely touch, or a wax with a wipe over every year. That is why I have no opinion, Please ask someone in your area what you should use, I feel this is a better way to find out what would be best for you. Thank you for your comment.

@djmini2numpty141 Жыл бұрын

do you put any finish on your steel projects ? i understand the rebar handl;es and book stands are for internal use only.... :)

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

@LawtonDigital Жыл бұрын

I stumbled over a couple of meters of 30mm rebar. Any ideas how to best cut it long-wise neatly enough to use both halves?

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

My short answer is no, I have cut just by hand with limited success (Using the raised lines on the sides as my cut line) but I am only doing short bits. The only thing that comes to mind is to slide it into a tight bit of thin square tube and weld the ends. Now you have a square to cut that won't roll and can be fenced in to cut both the square tube and the rebar. 30mm is a lot of steel to cut, it may want to heat up and spread or bind the blade. I hope that helps a bit, how you cut it then depends on what you have handy. I wish you the best Robert. Keep safe.

@LawtonDigital Жыл бұрын

@@GavinClarkdiy Thanks! I hadn't thought of using a square tube, but I like the idea. If I try something that works, I'll send you a note. Thanks again!

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

That would be good Robert, I would love to know how you go.

@gerryforde8980 Жыл бұрын

How many discs did you go through?

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

I think I used 4 discs, but because I wanted max depth I put new disc on for the next cut, there is still plenty on these discs for other jobs that don't need a deep cut. I hope that helps.

@user-xh8ng9xq6q Жыл бұрын

Is there a way to make a clamp from a railroad track? Thank you.

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

It would be a heavy clamp, I would weld an upright at one end with a threaded nut in the middle, and a threaded rod with a handle on the end screwed into that nut, (just like wood clamps have, this would be the tightening end. On the other end, I would just weld a few bits of 6-inch long bits of steel together to make something that fits over and under the top rail like a C shape, and weld a rise-up bit from that to match your threaded bit on the other end. All you need then is to stop this C bit from sliding when you tighten the threaded bit up, do this with a bolt and nut and holes drilled through or maybe a nut welded on the side of the C and just screw a bolt in from the side and tighten, all depends on how much you need to squeeze it. I hope that helps a bit.

@Romgaz193 Жыл бұрын

Здравствуйте, а что у вас за тиски, очень интересные?

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

У меня есть тиски уже более 30 лет, на них нет ни надписи, ни торговой марки, я их не продаю.

@alexanderkedderli8892 Жыл бұрын

Любой поисковик выдаст подобные модели тисков по запросу "Тиски слесарные поворотные в двух плоскостях"

@descargaelbano Жыл бұрын

Books....what are books?

@GavinClarkdiy Жыл бұрын

Many years ago they used to chisel writing into Tablets to store their thoughts, then came Paper which they didn't need to chisel, they could write with ink, and they could stack the pages to make Books. BUT now we have Tablets again to store our thoughts, I am guessing books will make a comeback at some stage. It will be then that I can sell my Bookends, I am just a bit early on the marketing. Hahaha, Thank you for your comment