FIXING THE 300LBS POWER HAMMER!!! Part 4

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  • Опубліковано 1 кві 2020
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 3,6 тис.

  • @KatanaGuy
    @KatanaGuy 4 роки тому +171

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

    • @Bilabius
      @Bilabius 4 роки тому +3

      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
      @ryanivester5042 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @JamesStephen710
      @JamesStephen710 3 роки тому

      He’s talented

  • @AnessenAranion
    @AnessenAranion 4 роки тому +114

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

    • @taitano12
      @taitano12 4 роки тому

      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.

  • @jeffk3370
    @jeffk3370 4 роки тому +323

    "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
      @troywalker8078 4 роки тому +3

      I actually laughed out loud!

    • @stephenhobson8456
      @stephenhobson8456 4 роки тому +10

      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
      @marlberg976 4 роки тому +7

      @@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
      @bodibrodice147 4 роки тому +7

      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
      @StefanAxelsson 4 роки тому +3

      @@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
    @whiteeagle58 4 роки тому +315

    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
      @johnsullivan7633 4 роки тому +15

      whiteeagle58 now there’s some good advice.

    • @linkwokeup
      @linkwokeup 4 роки тому +15

      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
      @pablodoporto9003 4 роки тому +2

      Wise advice

    • @chemech
      @chemech 4 роки тому +3

      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...

    • @XnoobSpeakable
      @XnoobSpeakable 4 роки тому +5

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

  • @neko3663
    @neko3663 4 роки тому +120

    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
      @ciarangale4738 4 роки тому +3

      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
      @JP-qg2uq 4 роки тому +2

      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.)

  • @ericross6995
    @ericross6995 4 роки тому +230

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

    • @gatorb8
      @gatorb8 4 роки тому +14

      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
      @zaneturner9223 4 роки тому +3

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

  • @AndrewRollette
    @AndrewRollette 4 роки тому +43

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

    • @chemech
      @chemech 4 роки тому +4

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

    • @boatbeard7767
      @boatbeard7767 4 роки тому +10

      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...

  • @humorousknowledgefac
    @humorousknowledgefac 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @markadams1165
    @markadams1165 4 роки тому +246

    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
      @riograndedosulball248 4 роки тому +3

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

    • @cooperbrahmsteadt5123
      @cooperbrahmsteadt5123 4 роки тому

      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
      @g4yktzgjx6 4 роки тому

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

    • @cooperbrahmsteadt5123
      @cooperbrahmsteadt5123 4 роки тому

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

    • @markadams1165
      @markadams1165 4 роки тому

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

  • @cheezwiz6256
    @cheezwiz6256 4 роки тому +179

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

  • @aceblackburn9504
    @aceblackburn9504 4 роки тому +7

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

  • @dominiknowakowski2479
    @dominiknowakowski2479 4 роки тому +8

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

  • @TheVzada
    @TheVzada 4 роки тому +36

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

  • @Jack-mk8tn
    @Jack-mk8tn 4 роки тому +768

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

  • @eliashojden4640
    @eliashojden4640 4 роки тому +1

    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!

  • @zacfrana8963
    @zacfrana8963 4 роки тому +95

    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
      @PrimalRenegade17 4 роки тому +7

      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
      @ReinQuest 4 роки тому +3

      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.

  • @Hello-wo4sx
    @Hello-wo4sx 4 роки тому +256

    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
      @neolithx 4 роки тому +4

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

    • @anders3940
      @anders3940 4 роки тому

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

    • @reneeschke
      @reneeschke 4 роки тому

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

  • @pedrop1192
    @pedrop1192 4 роки тому +272

    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"

    • @Bilabius
      @Bilabius 4 роки тому +25

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

    • @TaranTatsuuchi
      @TaranTatsuuchi 4 роки тому +9

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

    • @harknessj112
      @harknessj112 4 роки тому +8

      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
      @scottdouglas2490 4 роки тому

      Right??? That was my favorite part!

    • @Bilabius
      @Bilabius 4 роки тому

      @@TaranTatsuuchi Exactly!

  • @shanechepren8119
    @shanechepren8119 4 роки тому +141

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

    • @AlecSteele
      @AlecSteele  4 роки тому +58

      :O THATS AN AWESOME IDEA!

    • @blackhawk15897
      @blackhawk15897 4 роки тому +18

      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
      @badsamaritan8223 4 роки тому +2

      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
      @Staker89 4 роки тому +8

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

    • @chrissmith800
      @chrissmith800 4 роки тому +2

      @@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

  • @hamitup01
    @hamitup01 4 роки тому +24

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

  • @pokec.
    @pokec. 4 роки тому +172

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

    • @dhgodzilla1
      @dhgodzilla1 4 роки тому +14

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

    • @toxxt3018
      @toxxt3018 4 роки тому

      Ist’s called Zweihänder :D sry

    • @havtor007
      @havtor007 4 роки тому +5

      @@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
      @toxxt3018 4 роки тому +1

      havtor007 okay i give up xD

    • @javanbybee4822
      @javanbybee4822 4 роки тому

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

  • @coolHawk_
    @coolHawk_ 4 роки тому +286

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

    • @phalcon23
      @phalcon23 4 роки тому +3

      Home is where the heart is :)

    • @helmsman359
      @helmsman359 4 роки тому +15

      Home is where the hammer is!

    • @Bilabius
      @Bilabius 4 роки тому +7

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

    • @coolHawk_
      @coolHawk_ 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @taykay445
      @taykay445 4 роки тому +2

      will: *breaks chambersburg in half*

  • @Skullspinx
    @Skullspinx 4 роки тому +9

    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!

  • @Volvith
    @Volvith 3 роки тому +4

    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! :)

  • @AT16
    @AT16 4 роки тому +48

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

  • @Myxril
    @Myxril 4 роки тому +412

    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
      @bludhaven8634 4 роки тому +7

      This comment needs more likes!

    • @officerdic
      @officerdic 4 роки тому +4

      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
      @spudpud-T67 4 роки тому +13

      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
      @PrimalRenegade17 4 роки тому +8

      Alec is thus so stupid he is smart😉

    • @NemoConsequentae
      @NemoConsequentae 4 роки тому +3

      “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...

  • @christopherandrade8751
    @christopherandrade8751 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @UnderfundedScientist
    @UnderfundedScientist 4 роки тому

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

  • @carlwitt7950
    @carlwitt7950 4 роки тому +68

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

  • @JiryStark
    @JiryStark 4 роки тому +30

    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.

  • @pazuzu_666
    @pazuzu_666 4 роки тому +19

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

  • @williamst.germain3394
    @williamst.germain3394 3 роки тому +1

    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.

  • @SunnnyDay
    @SunnnyDay 4 роки тому +150

    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
      @notarobot-markhunte180 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @markfergerson2145
      @markfergerson2145 4 роки тому +6

      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
      @lonnieporter8566 4 роки тому +2

      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
      @bubblebandit2940 4 роки тому

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

    • @SunnnyDay
      @SunnnyDay 4 роки тому

      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.

  • @TleilaxuFD
    @TleilaxuFD 4 роки тому +290

    “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
      @thebusbums2825 4 роки тому +2

      TleilaxuFD exactly, at least he’s trying his damndest

    • @lonnieporter8566
      @lonnieporter8566 4 роки тому +3

      well said, sir!

    • @HamhockandHemorrhoids
      @HamhockandHemorrhoids 4 роки тому

      What kind of job did you take?

    • @TleilaxuFD
      @TleilaxuFD 4 роки тому

      @@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.

  • @KoreyMacGill
    @KoreyMacGill 4 роки тому +19

    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
      @mtayler 2 роки тому

      I dunno, could be kind of a long series

  • @92Pyromaniac
    @92Pyromaniac 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @JP-qg2uq
    @JP-qg2uq 4 роки тому +42

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

  • @glennwiebe5128
    @glennwiebe5128 4 роки тому +33

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

  • @mirth-n-magic
    @mirth-n-magic 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @3067jon
    @3067jon 4 роки тому

    Back to the days of the Barker Street forge - and a live stream will be EPIC - Saturday night live streams were a real highlight of the week for so many - watching and learning about this amazing craft.

  • @Uldihaa
    @Uldihaa 4 роки тому +31

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

    • @ZekeWaters_
      @ZekeWaters_ 4 роки тому

      I contracted visual aids reading this lol

  • @falcon_viii
    @falcon_viii 4 роки тому +33

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

  • @diceblue6817
    @diceblue6817 4 роки тому +1

    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!

  • @tommiharris98
    @tommiharris98 4 роки тому

    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.

  • @nephesh1
    @nephesh1 4 роки тому +15

    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!

  • @bigernbladesmith
    @bigernbladesmith 4 роки тому +9

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

  • @ldavis8980
    @ldavis8980 4 роки тому

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

  • @imournhim
    @imournhim 4 роки тому +3

    I would enjoy a live show, Alec.
    I'm looking forward to seeing how you professional problem-solvers approach the current situation. Good luck!

  • @shenzen911
    @shenzen911 4 роки тому +20

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

  • @ninjaart5787
    @ninjaart5787 4 роки тому +63

    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
      @defenderred1212 4 роки тому +7

      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
      @podboi825 4 роки тому +7

      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
      @Izzy-lm6dh 4 роки тому +4

      @@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
      @ItsJoeHut 4 роки тому +2

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

    • @veruslupus
      @veruslupus 4 роки тому +1

      @@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

  • @decomposingman
    @decomposingman 4 роки тому +4

    “I don’t know what I’m making up in my head and what’s real.” Welcome to life, Alec!

  • @jsovey
    @jsovey 4 роки тому +2

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

  • @ehsnils
    @ehsnils 4 роки тому +152

    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
      @avroarchitect1793 4 роки тому +8

      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
      @NGC1433 4 роки тому +4

      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
      @ssu7653 4 роки тому +3

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

    • @awolfalone2006
      @awolfalone2006 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @philgrindle2741
      @philgrindle2741 4 роки тому +1

      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...

  • @crobison4717
    @crobison4717 4 роки тому +75

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

    • @Nevir202
      @Nevir202 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @genelomas332
      @genelomas332 4 роки тому +2

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

    • @Nevir202
      @Nevir202 4 роки тому +1

      Gene Lomas Fair point. 🤷‍♂️

  • @nathanielzaharia9630
    @nathanielzaharia9630 4 роки тому

    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.

  • @BrandonHaynesGolf
    @BrandonHaynesGolf 4 роки тому

    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.

  • @M3D1C2121
    @M3D1C2121 4 роки тому +16

    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.

  • @rickylynn1020
    @rickylynn1020 4 роки тому +39

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

  • @anthonyciofalo7005
    @anthonyciofalo7005 4 роки тому

    We definitely need a live show of Alec and Will!!!

  • @jkimrey
    @jkimrey 4 роки тому +2

    "Don't have an Allen Key big enough... Need to make one" I love it! Why go buy one, when you can make it yourself?

  • @neoliu8801
    @neoliu8801 4 роки тому +30

    Like this for the liveshow EVERYBODY!!!

    • @ciaran1449
      @ciaran1449 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @Isnogood12
    @Isnogood12 4 роки тому +74

    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!

  • @geoff3610
    @geoff3610 2 роки тому

    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!

  • @bensonmathison
    @bensonmathison 4 роки тому +1

    "Hmm, don't have a big enough alen key....oh, I know, I'll just make one" love it.

  • @JP-qg2uq
    @JP-qg2uq 4 роки тому +42

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

  • @davidkgame
    @davidkgame 4 роки тому +33

    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
      @Guysm1l3y 4 роки тому +6

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

    • @keviathan7266
      @keviathan7266 4 роки тому +4

      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.

  • @janbernad4729
    @janbernad4729 4 роки тому +5

    Alec: *Takes off the nut.*
    The threaded metal thingy: Ight imma head out.

  • @brianlane9319
    @brianlane9319 4 роки тому

    Alec,
    Jealousy makes people think mean things about others. The internet empowers them to say it without repercussions.
    Don't let someone else's ignorance get in the way of what you're doing. You're doing things that most of us couldn't even dream of. Keep up the great work.

  • @hpcrewsmith22
    @hpcrewsmith22 4 роки тому +20

    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.

  • @twostroke350
    @twostroke350 4 роки тому +33

    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?

  • @CrashTestCoder
    @CrashTestCoder 4 роки тому

    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

  • @jameshoman9090
    @jameshoman9090 4 роки тому +1

    Really liking the machinery breakdown learning sections, more of these would be awesome!

  • @moonboogien8908
    @moonboogien8908 4 роки тому +31

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

  • @Dave_0993_I
    @Dave_0993_I 4 роки тому +12

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

    • @snappingbear
      @snappingbear 4 роки тому +2

      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.

  • @conrad.blacksmithing
    @conrad.blacksmithing 4 роки тому

    I miss these good one-man videos. It brings me back to the good old days🙌.

  • @inonehand
    @inonehand 3 роки тому

    Adding the Countdown music was quite the wonderful touch, best of luck mate.

  • @mightymalikie
    @mightymalikie 4 роки тому +44

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

    • @jasoncramer6717
      @jasoncramer6717 4 роки тому +3

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

    • @markfergerson2145
      @markfergerson2145 4 роки тому +3

      *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...

  • @sognestephane8365
    @sognestephane8365 4 роки тому +30

    That weld probably just sticking out enough to hit the cover.
    I really want to see you putting the ram in the lathe 😂

    • @carlcomputer9686
      @carlcomputer9686 4 роки тому

      *four hours of adjusting the four jaw later*
      andddd... its too heavy lol

  • @Sandtigar
    @Sandtigar 4 роки тому

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

  • @SteveWrightDesign
    @SteveWrightDesign 4 роки тому

    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!!

  • @douglascampbell9809
    @douglascampbell9809 4 роки тому +15

    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.

  • @Gleepicus
    @Gleepicus 4 роки тому +20

    Love his first instinct is "need to make one" where mine is "need to go buy one".

    • @marcus8851
      @marcus8851 4 роки тому

      Gleepicus I thought the same thing. Hope Ace is open, but then he just makes his own Allen key.

  • @williamthomas8459
    @williamthomas8459 4 роки тому

    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.

  • @waverleyjournalise5757
    @waverleyjournalise5757 4 роки тому

    Really glad you took the time to explain this properly, and can't wait to see the next part of tuning the beast!

  • @sanderkoster9680
    @sanderkoster9680 4 роки тому +380

    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
      @CitizenSniiiips 4 роки тому +18

      Some great sensible points right here!

    • @turtlemann14
      @turtlemann14 4 роки тому +8

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

    • @turtlemann14
      @turtlemann14 4 роки тому +4

      @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
      @Broadbenttravis 4 роки тому +14

      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
      @Mk1SpitfireGuy 4 роки тому +4

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

  • @oliverwilson6162
    @oliverwilson6162 4 роки тому +14

    With just that one little "Plink", you took me back 40yrs to watching the timing chain disappear into the crankcase of a Honda CB200 engine

    • @docskate4312
      @docskate4312 4 роки тому +1

      Lol, I know that one too.

    • @oliverwilson6162
      @oliverwilson6162 4 роки тому

      @@docskate4312 ... & the ensuing joy of feeling the piddling little tensioner bolt shearing off too? Happy days!

    • @slipsonic809
      @slipsonic809 4 роки тому

      Been there on my 72' SL350. Luckily I was able to fish it out with a piece of wire and about 10 minutes of effort.

    • @conservat1vepatr1ot
      @conservat1vepatr1ot 4 роки тому

      Oliver Wilson
      “That didn’t just happen.. No... no-no-no-no-no... noooooooooooooooo”

    • @docskate4312
      @docskate4312 4 роки тому

      @@oliverwilson6162 Of course I went the whole nine yards, even managed to mess up the master link😂

  • @scripturusl
    @scripturusl 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @kglesq1
    @kglesq1 4 роки тому

    Thanks for an excellent explanation of the operating principles of the power hammer.

  • @brianthaxton229
    @brianthaxton229 4 роки тому +73

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

    • @pietperske3583
      @pietperske3583 4 роки тому +7

      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
      @MediocreHexPeddler 4 роки тому +5

      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
      @Adamant_Consternation 3 роки тому

      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.

  • @DrummerTheAndre
    @DrummerTheAndre 4 роки тому +10

    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.

  • @dougberger6102
    @dougberger6102 4 роки тому

    Yes on the live show! Brings me back to the good ol days.

  • @thatoneguy-zv8fy
    @thatoneguy-zv8fy 4 роки тому

    I love seeing the inner workings of machines. Great vid

  • @ruthc8407
    @ruthc8407 4 роки тому +40

    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
      @joshschneider9766 4 роки тому +3

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

  • @chiphungerford
    @chiphungerford 4 роки тому +29

    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
      @TKettle 4 роки тому +1

      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

  • @figsb.4138
    @figsb.4138 4 роки тому

    really like you taking the time to explain how the valves work, very interesting to hear and your model really helped to picture it.

  • @SuperBaconMan999
    @SuperBaconMan999 4 роки тому

    This just might be my favorite episode you have done! I fixed clocks for a number of years and I love seeing how mechanical things are put together and work. I am normally pretty good at working things out in my head but I haven't been able to figure out those hammers.

  • @joejgarcia
    @joejgarcia 4 роки тому +54

    The rust down the one side of the cylinder means that it was stored outside for a while. Water got in. If water can get in air can get out. You need to fix the seal between the cover and the cylinder. That's your issue.

    • @jeremydelerocha6275
      @jeremydelerocha6275 4 роки тому +4

      Agreed. If you can't find a good gasket for the top. Try looking at some Plumbing Ductile Iron flange gaskets and some permatex (plumbing dope) to fill the small gaps. Ferguson Supply should have it. @alecsteele

    • @snteevveetns
      @snteevveetns 4 роки тому +5

      Remember he barely had to try to get the bolts loose... maybe they weren’t tight enough

    • @UncleDon226
      @UncleDon226 4 роки тому +3

      More likely it just sat for a long time and the walls got condensation from the air and that started rusting.

    • @AnttiBrax
      @AnttiBrax 4 роки тому +7

      There is no water separator in the system so all the moisture in the air gets into the cylinder during normal operation. There's not necessarily any leaks.

    • @joejgarcia
      @joejgarcia 4 роки тому +1

      @@UncleDon226 on only one side that looks like a water flow pattern?

  • @vaalrus
    @vaalrus 4 роки тому +160

    Alec: Opens door to workshop to let in the sun.
    Me: Scurries outside to the woodshed to cut wood, and hurry back inside to escape the -20C temps…
    Bastard. :)

    • @Y2KNW
      @Y2KNW 4 роки тому +1

      Yeah, he had way nicer weather on Tuesday then where I live. :D

    • @genelomas332
      @genelomas332 4 роки тому +5

      You forgot to mention that he also took OFF his jacket.. ;)

    • @arthurbaker9553
      @arthurbaker9553 4 роки тому +1

      it hit 92 here in florida :(

    • @ridercfo3368
      @ridercfo3368 4 роки тому +1

      LOL -20 Where the heck are you Antarctica? I am in Canada and weather here is as nice if not nicer :))) I am just to scared to leave the house due to pandemic reasons ;)

    • @lastwymsi
      @lastwymsi 4 роки тому +1

      @@ridercfo3368 -20 Celsius is just -4 Fahrenheit. Pretty common in the US.

  • @addisonz2802
    @addisonz2802 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @johnoconnor4941
    @johnoconnor4941 2 роки тому

    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...