Call yourself "average", Mate, you're a legend!

The most dangerous peter griffin

I've been a machinist for over 30 years. My skills transferred over the ages from working on manual equipment to CNC many years ago. I also developed a passion for the engineering of firearms in my youth. This video exemplifies not only the respect for historical firearm design and preservation, but more importantly, the craft of the machinist. Much kudos to you for reminding all of us who have ever put tool to metal what the craft can create.

"A hydraulic lunch with some ribs to wash the beer down"... that's hilarious.

I'm impressed. That thing was an absolute mess, they had worked very hard to see that it would never shoot again and you sure proved them wrong.

As a guy setting up a gunsmithing shop currently getting tooling and FFL and licensing I would love to pay a visit to Marks shop. I can’t get enough of this mans work. A true artist of the trade.

Mark, if you were the standard for "an average guy" then most of us would fall somewhere between cavemen and crash test dummies.

Watching Mark work is akin to watching Da Vinci paint, absolute fine art.

Mark, Ian, and Othias are the three best things to ever happen to KZfaq. I havent watched regular TV in years Honorable mentions for Mark Felton, Drachinifel, and Indy Neidell too

You might be an average machinist...You might be an average wood worker, but you are an outstanding gunsmith. Great video and channel.

That is so cool. I'm a collector and I love that firearm. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time at the gunsmiths at the gun shop/range that I worked at. I got to do the final firing of the firearms that our gunsmiths fixed and sent a target and brass with the firearms to the customers. I was able to fix a Browning A5 that my dad bought for $2.50 for at a garage sale because they thought 5he barrel was bad and it didn't fire. It turned out that the bolt block was bad and the gunsmiths taught me how to machine the bolt block to get the action to work. I spent about 8 and a half hours to fix it. It would have taken a real gunsmith about a 2 hours to do but they let me do it because they know I love to fix and feel the pride of doing it myself. Nothing beats the feeling of shooting something that you fixed yourself. That's why I have been reloading and casting and powder coating my own bullets. I'm too old to take gunsmithing classes but I still can fix most of the projects that I get. If it is beyond what I'm comfortable doing I take it to a gunsmith that can do it. I never want to do anything that would hurt me. Gunsmiths are here for a reason. Please take your projects to a good gunsmith and your firearm will last for a very long time. Thanks for the great video.

Pat yourself on the back! This isn't something anyone average can do. That took a commitment and skill set that is not "average"!

I was always told, never part between centres. I'm not saying I never do it, just that I was not to. You brought back a memory. I used to work with a guy who could pretty much make a French horn out of a sheet of brass. One day I dropped the parting tool and my partner freeks out. I ask what's the problem. He says he needs it to finish a valve he's making. I tell him not to worry, I'll grind a new one. He looks at me puzzled and asks if I can really make one. I point and say, well I made that one didn't I. The taught this guy how to make a French horn from scratch, but not how to grind bits. I thought that very odd. Guess I was very lucky because in my early 20s I worked with a great old gentleman who taught me how to grind bits, sharpen drill bits among other things. So much to learn and such little time.

"average machinist" that's some serious modesty my dude, this was a masterful restoration on all counts.

Man Peter griffin got a MP18

"Oh yeah, no ones ever gonna be able to shoot that again" - Welder who didn't know Mark would save the day.

Mark, you are way too modest. You are most definitely not an average machinist. What you did to restore that gun was remarkable. Thank you for sharing.

Full auto next to a muzzle loader. A picture of the arc of innovation and really not far a part in time.

Something tells me, that I wasn't the only one smiling the entire time while watching this one... THIS WAS COOL!!!!!

That's awkward moment when some one ruined perfection to make a movie prop. And then. .. Mark saved it..👌

Great exhibition of mechanical resurrection! That little quote at the end... "I haven't felt like I've been around 100% competent people since I was on that submarine." Man, I gotta tell ya, that quote hit home.

@Mark, you mentioned something at the ending that rang true. You felt safer on a properly controlled firing range than on the drive to it. And that was a feeling you hadn't felt since being on the sub. Military people are accustomed to working with and trusting others in something that an old friend of mine called vertical competency. That is one sense of pride and professionalism that too few people get to feel.

I sure wish I had you for shop class in highschool. I might have learned something.

for someone that's meant to be average you did some great work

You may say you're "average" in some areas, but you are way above average in your talents. Another great job and I really enjoy your in- depth explanation of all the processes. People like you, Sir, who demonstrate their excellence in their skills don't have to do anything but exhibit how well they do any job. All such folks in your category are usually modest about themselves.

My Grandfather was a tool and Die man also. He is up in heaven smiling down on ur Great Vid! Good stuff. Im now a sub. 👍👍

You remind me of my father, a machinist, and you are not average. Thank you very much.

This makes me so comfortable to hear you say you are an average everything. Im wanting to start gunsmithing and Im kinda scared of failing but at the same time im a disabled vet with nothing but time on my hands.

I'm just some Dutch guy who doesn't own any guns because I consider it too much of a hassle Vs. what I can do with them here... But the fascination for their history and mechanics is there, and you, sir, are doing some marvelous stuff I wish I could. It's wonderful to watch the work you do come to life, and see something that mangled be restored.

I was reading a popular mechanics from the 50s or 60s and there was an ad for MP-18s that were deactivated by welding, im guessing this one was from one of those sales.

I have 30+ years of working on military firearms. Dude, I am in awe by what you can do!

Little tip. Don't touch the work with your tungsten. It damages the tips and gives you an unstable arc. You can get much smoother results by swiping your filler rod across quickly. It will bridge the gap between the tungsten and the weldament. It makes much extremely brief contact and gives you a better result. Little practice and you'll be golden. It makes a huge difference, especially on larger welds.

This is clear artistry. Much of that barrel blank ends up in the chip tray. Sir your insights tie the whole package together. God bless you.

Just subscribed, as a uk resident and a non gun owner I just want to say, even if you don’t like guns The comprehensive detail on woodworking restoration and mechanical restoration is incredible. Lots to learn, thank you!

It's like if "puff the magic dragon" had a KZfaq channel. They tell me your not real , yet here u are ! Cheers mate

It is a pleasure to see a true craftsman bring back such a beautiful piece of history. Good job .

I watched this 3 times last time it was uploaded. I gladly watched it again 2 more. Thanks Mark and Bruno.

"Hydraulic lunch. Beer to wash the ribs down."

Average isn't a word is use to describe anything I've learned about you so far. 👍

Nothing fascinates me more than watching steel move under proper motivation.

Anything can be accomplished if one uses his or her brains and adds a little bit of precious commodity we all call time

Mark has a great craftsmanship and real humor. That is a great mix 👍🏻

Great job, I have to admit that I found myself literally hold my breath through some of your work... Thank you for putting this video up.

You are a freaking wizard mr Novak! Awesome work.

me looking at that weld:THAT'S A LOTTA DAMAGE

An average machinist doesn't have the task management skills and ingenuity that you have. Don't sell yourself short.

I knew this older woman whose grandfather served in WW2. She was very wealthy and during one night at her house, she showed me a gun that looked like this. I'm not sure if it was the same kind of gun, but she told me her grandfather brought it back from the war. She also told me that it's illegal to own, since it's a fully automatic machine gun. I got to hold it, and I vividly remember the weight and look of the barrel, it looks identical to the one in this video. Very cool gun, indeed.

All I have to say is men like you and Mark Serbu are what separate the novices from the masters. Doing the work putting back together what was rendered as neutered, inoperable... destroyed. Pure skill and attention to detail that you make seem effortless. Thank you for bringing this rare endangered masterpiece back to life she deserved it.

12:15 milling cutter used as a drill bit has no side loads anyway, it's just a flat bottom drill which have no issues in drill chucks(obvs). If a 30mm+ spade bit for wood can go in a drill chuck, a 12mm end mill is no dramas. Only issue is using it to mill sideways, then it has a habit of coming loose(from what I see, anyway)

Average? You can think in 3d. Many people cant comprehend such thinking. And you are persistent and thorough. All of your attributes combined make you above average. Dont puff your self up like an nfl or nba clown, be you be cool be humble and strive always for perfection. And never sell yourself short

Outstanding! edge of the seat industrial action I could have sat through that in real time. that you took on a job like this takes a lot of workshop courage, i hope you post the rest of the restoration. You performed historical CPR to the MP18. Thank you.

Mr Novak's comment about the feeling of comfortable security on a shooting range as compared to driving on the open road is SO TRUE. I KNOW that feeling. And certain people who think they have a right (they are wrong) to constrain my preferred sporting activities again and again AND AGAIN and take that feeling away from me because these activities are (allegedly) DANGEROUS can take a long walk off the end of a short pier. I saw this restoration the first time it was put up. Loved it then, loved it again.

I saw your work the first time you made a video on it, and watching this again still gives me the willies. I've done a few similar pucker jobs, but never on anything this valuable. Keeping the boring bar loose in the Jacobs chuck was a clever idea.

You are not just a machinist you are a metal magician so very very talented. Great job protecting our antiques!!!

He is like a gun savvy Peter Griffin

I don't even have a pony in the show, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole episode. Nice work! If I was the original owner I'd keep it as a bull barrel and take it prairie dog hunting.

I haven't had a KZfaq video this long keep my full attention, all the way through, for a very long time. Excellent!

If it were a STEN, this would have been a 5-minute video.

Funny that most folks don't realize that many guns want to be full auto. We have to use hammer disconnects etc to make them stop shooting more than one shot per trigger pull.

I have to confess that when you pulled that back plate, spring and bolt group the first thing that popped into my head was how much the set up reminded me of a MK-19 Grenade Launcher and an M-9 Grease Gun.

At 4:55, gotta love a tradesman who used the technical term for cutting steel.

There was nothing "average" in this video my friend, only skill and craftsmanship; outstanding work.

Below average, MY ARSE! Just watching your prowess on the lathe was spectacular. I too am going to mix hydraulics, beer and ribs and savor this whole ANVIL. Bravo Zulu, my friend!

Man, you need to stop: "below average." You are well above average in all of those fields. You might do some things unconventionally, but that shows just how brilliant you are as a gunsmith. You know all the processes and you seem to make them work flawlessly. Please keep up the great work!

man you are not just average at anything you do that was an awesome build!

Thank you Mark for all the content you have posted, I have learned a great deal just from watching your videos, there is nothing average about your skills sir. Especially if you consider all that you have accomplished in your videos. I'm 61 years old and only hope to be able to replicate in some reasonable fashion on all I have learned from your videos. I'm retiring soon and have amassed a collection of rusted and busted junk out of garage sales and basements and am planning on putting to the test what I have learned, with hopes of making some shooters but moreover with making some decent looking wall hangers in my scopes. I hope this finds you well as you have inspired not only myself but I'm sure a great many of us.

seems KZfaq is recommending this to a lot of people glad it is too

You sir are one hell of gunsmith

Regarding "average"... This awsome episode, had me sweating MORE than the 'average' suspense / action movie!!. So many thanks & Blessings to Master Mark Novak for your priceless generosity, sharing your wealth of ingenuity, vast experience + creativity!!. 🤗🇺🇲🙏🙏🙏

I guess that trashing your skills is your right. After all, if anyone should be allowed to insult you, it's you; but you, Sir, are what we English describe as 'bloody good' at what you do. Keep on being bloody good at it. 👍

What a craftsman! My dad was a gunsmith and I spent hours in his shop watching him. Thank you for allowing us do do the same.

So glad to see someone repair something so rare ill probably only get to see these in games such a beautiful piece of history thanks for sharing

This is one of my favorite videos and I think it's the frist one I ever watched

I love it! Restoring this from a welded hunk of metal to a working firearm is IMHO, epic!

That ending statement was gold

Peter Griffon has never been more intimidating

I love the fast forward harpsichord

Such a shame they destroy these great guns because it’s full auto or to import. thank you mark

Mark have I mentioned in the past, that with twenty years of gunsmithing under my belt. you are still my hero! I love the work you do.

Thank you for saving this piece of history! You do phenomenal work 👌🏻

Well done! I bet that was a thrill to shoot. Thanks for sharing.

Just brilliant Mark. Thanks for sharing.

who the ufck welds up a literal unobtainium of a historical piece like an mp18 MONSTERS!!!!! . theres a very special place in hell reserved for those type of people . you are doing God's work here my good man

I bet he can make a whole one from scratch.

Great job restoring a piece of history

A ww1 smg and flintlock rifles? What fantasy setting is this

...a $100K machining master class free on KZfaq...thank you Mark!!! I worked as the 'production control' rep for a while in the sheet metal/machine shop at Sikorsky Aircraft WPB, FL, facility and was fascinated at the skill of the machinists who could take a chunk of T6 or T7 aluminum and make it into a working part with all its complex angles & cuts...wish I'd become a machinist insteadda getting two (practically useless) degrees...

Glad KZfaq recommended this video to me.. finally something worth while! You know your stuff so I'll definitely be tuning in often.

From a machinists standpoint. Regardless of what others may think or say, there really is no right or wrong if it works. Some of the most crude set ups have produced the most satisfactory returns.

Average………no not even close. If I had a fraction of your knowledge I’d consider myself something. This video has been a total joy to see a wrong righted. I am also thrilled that you take the young up & coming gunsmiths and pour into them. Thank you Mark! I am truly in awe of your talents.

One of the best gunsmithing videos ive seen in awhile...excellent job!!

Sad to see it in such a state. It's a shame you couldn't rescue more of the original pieces but damn I'm surprised you rescued as much as you did. Stellar work, sir. Made my day.

Mark, I surmise that you are a man of many accomplishments but what you have so humbly achieved here is truly wonderful. My hat is off to you. (P.S. The hammer of my MP44 has this teensy crack in it…)

There is nothing "Average" About the job you just did on this gun!!!

....04:00.... those are some really awesome versatile cutters...designed for a mag-base drill...but they work for other stuff... I've never thought about working with guns....but I've always been the maintenance guy....breaks down, I fix it....wide variety of small skills...I like watching how other guys do it now...I'm 73...'retired'....but still work on my own Corvette and Harley.

Mark you are a true craftsman you gun smithing skills are off the chart watching what you did has peaked my interest in more of your videos great job

Good job Petter Griffin

Yeah, you may have a functional MP-18, but I got out of bed before 11 yesterday, so you're not the only one to be proud of something, Mark! Are there plans to upload the original MP Anvils alongside this video? I'm asking because I believe that it will be good to see both the originals and the condensed version. Also, you could almost feel the tension in the original cutting-the-tube moment. Fantastic stuff. Thanks for taking the time to (re)edit and (re)upload this, guys!

A man of many talents, master of all. You sir are an inspiration to all of us up and coming gunsmiths and hobbyists. I pray that I can become half as talented as you are. Keep the videos coming, cant wait for the next one.

Don't sell yourself short, I never got to machinist but I was an apprentice for a few years, training with some of the best, even tool makers and you appear to be very capable to me. Anyone wanting to learn should be privileged to train along side you, I would! God Bless you and yours!😇👏