SPRINGS - The Secret Life of Components, a series of guides for makers and designers - Episode 5

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  • Опубліковано 8 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 407

  • @DaveCurran
    @DaveCurran 3 роки тому +127

    Not many people can pull off a video along the lines of "here are some of my favourite springs", but Tim Hunkin clearly can. Great stuff.

    • @AintBigAintClever
      @AintBigAintClever 3 роки тому +21

      Some that pull tightly when put under tension
      Some that need bending and some for compression
      Boing through the air land amongst all your things
      These are a few of my favourite springs

    • @Validole
      @Validole 3 роки тому +2

      @@AintBigAintClever Love it!

    • @RapperBC
      @RapperBC 3 роки тому

      @@mixtapesfrommylatepartner thanks for saving me the trouble {8^D)

    • @nicholasittzes7224
      @nicholasittzes7224 Рік тому +1

      @@AintBigAintClever You suppose Dame Julie Andrews might like to sing it? After all, those are some darn good lyrics! 😁

  • @osirisandilio
    @osirisandilio 3 роки тому +18

    I'm 52 years old and have never heard of this gentleman before, I'm hooked. This guy is awesome!

  • @elitexelectric
    @elitexelectric 3 роки тому +43

    Does it get any better than this?! No, it doesn't. Absolutely thrilled is an understatement. Mr. Hunkin is back at it, the world is a bit brighter today

  • @78a67h
    @78a67h Рік тому +2

    He has got the style, the humour, the knowledge, the ingenuity, the skills, and the correct approach. Mr Hunkin has got it all at once! No wonder he is so vastly popular everywhere.

  • @mrflamewars
    @mrflamewars 3 роки тому +5

    Love an an Englishman in a shed. No greater creativity.

  • @rayceeya8659
    @rayceeya8659 3 роки тому +96

    I

  • @hugeshows
    @hugeshows 3 роки тому +165

    As soon as I opened this video, it flew across the room and I lost it.

    • @gargarman
      @gargarman 3 роки тому +7

      Springens will sproingen..

    • @robinbeckford
      @robinbeckford 3 роки тому +6

      It'll be hidden behind something, and way off the direction you thought it went in.

    • @hamjazz
      @hamjazz 3 роки тому +8

      Watch it in a transparent plastic bag.

    • @hamjazz
      @hamjazz 3 роки тому +1

      @belly tripper Huh????? grandad.

    • @jagmarc
      @jagmarc 3 роки тому +1

      25:00 I once used a vice to stretch out all my car's valve springs so they they were another 5 mm longer and afterwards the engine easily revved past redline

  • @micvanreijen
    @micvanreijen 3 роки тому +36

    "*flop* - Lead does not make a good spring."
    This is so good to wake up with :)

  • @ronaldtartaglia4459
    @ronaldtartaglia4459 3 роки тому +1

    I just rediscovered all of your old videos after not watching them for decades. Nobody ever believed me about Alexander Baine inventing the fax machine over 100 years ago growing up. I win a lot of wagers with that fact.😊

  • @Farlig69
    @Farlig69 Рік тому +1

    Love coming back and re-watching these, and the original remastered ones from the 80's - there's a lovely warm comfortable nostalgia from the faded memory of just goodness and great educational TV that's just hot chocolaty!!!

  • @RFC-3514
    @RFC-3514 3 роки тому +8

    15:34 - "A short length always feels a lot stiffer." - Finally, vindication!

  • @kjamison5951
    @kjamison5951 3 роки тому +3

    14:03 Me telephones: “May I have a copy of your spring catalogue, please?”
    Engineer: “Our catalogue is for all year round.”

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 3 роки тому

      "Your Spring catalog has got me all wound up!"

  • @MrTridac
    @MrTridac 3 роки тому +54

    This Old Tony taught me that the spring was originally invented to fill the gap between winter and summer.

    • @John_Ridley
      @John_Ridley 3 роки тому +9

      Ave taught me they were for flying off into low earth orbit never to be found.

    • @markfryer9880
      @markfryer9880 3 роки тому +1

      @@John_Ridley Wasn’t it to be eaten by the Carpet Monster?

    • @ronnronn55
      @ronnronn55 3 роки тому

      Indeed, some springs are longer than others! Ronn

  • @monomille1
    @monomille1 2 роки тому +1

    Love this series. Way back around 1965 I lived in Pennsylvania, US and bought a very used early Austin Mini which was a wonderful car. Imagine my surprise when working on it I found that the front “springs” were large versions of the conical rubber springs Tim shows near the end of this video. Extra brilliant since it not only served as a spring but also because of its rising rate it was also the bump stop. Engineers feel the win when they can make multi function parts!

  • @scorinth
    @scorinth 3 роки тому +6

    That strip of lead flopping over at the beginning was oddly satisfying.

  • @rossrian6037
    @rossrian6037 3 роки тому +2

    I can't stop watching these videos of Tim's-Secret Life Of Machines was my FAVORITE cable TV show when I was young as well and tried to replicate many of the experiments that Tim & Rex would do to my Mother's horror, especially when it involved mains current which almost all of them did, LOL!

  • @Roadhardd
    @Roadhardd 3 роки тому +1

    With names like Divorce, and Pet or Meat, Tim certainly makes some dark attractions. Love it!

  • @francisburns1545
    @francisburns1545 3 роки тому

    Hi Tim - I'm a custom furniture maker & restorer of automotive woodwork here in the USA - Your episodes are inspiring and entertaining - keep up the good work!!
    Frank Burns

  • @RapperBC
    @RapperBC 3 роки тому +7

    I can't believe you've had a UA-cam channel for years and somehow, despite my having all the (absolutely outstanding) SLOM episodes bookmarked, favorited and in a playlist, UA-cam's clumsy-ass algorithm has just now pointed your channel out to me.

  • @robinwells8879
    @robinwells8879 3 роки тому +12

    I have cramp in my smile muscles! 42 minutes of purest joy. Thanks Tim.

  • @steamsearcher
    @steamsearcher 3 роки тому +4

    We got to the SPRING CATALOGUE and lost it to laughter.
    Expecting a nice short garment to be chosen!!!
    Love David and Lily.

  • @TheWoodgineer
    @TheWoodgineer Рік тому

    I always love the "I'm not an expert" disclaimer before Tim blows our mind on how much he knows :D

  • @davidwilkie9551
    @davidwilkie9551 2 роки тому

    That suggestion that we take designs from nature really makes sense with Springs and Resonances in holographic QM-TIME.

  • @baconsledge
    @baconsledge 3 роки тому +11

    With all the chaos in the world Tim and his machines are a breathe of sanity.

  • @NewWhirledSlacker42
    @NewWhirledSlacker42 3 роки тому +34

    I stumbled on to the fax machine episode of Secret Life Of Machines way back as a kid. It definitely inspired me to be the builder/fixer I am to day. Thank you Tim Hunkin for making such creative and informative videos!

    • @lostspecter2
      @lostspecter2 3 роки тому +1

      That’s the one I remember the most it must have been thirty years or so when I first seen it on KCET/KVCR I just found him just a few days ago 5/16/2021

    • @r0bhumm
      @r0bhumm 2 роки тому +1

      @@lostspecter2 that one is a family favourite with me and my father the most imaginative use of a pair of laths ever.

  • @cobramartrogers
    @cobramartrogers 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I have built mechanical stuff for many years but still get plenty of useful advice in your videos. Rex Garrod was also generous with his time many years ago when I asked him about his plasma globe - he sent me a lovely letter with globe and electronics details.

  • @21stcenturyozman20
    @21stcenturyozman20 3 роки тому

    Tim's a true "star" without star ego and attitude. Ten outta nine just for that, Sir!

  • @goodun2974
    @goodun2974 3 роки тому

    As a teenager, after a New England ice storm damaged some of the trees in our woodsy backyard, I received an inadvertent lesson in kinetic energy. One skinny ironwood was bent into an arch, the tops nearly touching the ground, and when I cut through it near the base, it became momentarily weightless, straightened out in a nanosecond as it started to fall, with the cut butt end catching me in the hip socket area and knocking me back a couple yards, right off of my feet. I could barely walk for a week afterwards. Had it caught me just a few inches lower, I'd be a soprano!

  • @marihewson4195
    @marihewson4195 3 роки тому +17

    Greetings from New Zealand. We are so enjoying your videos, both the old and new. You would be a wonderful man to chat to over a coffee. Brilliant mind and you explain things so simply. Have been binge watching you.

  • @jeremytravis360
    @jeremytravis360 3 роки тому +12

    It's astonishing how many springs we pass bye in our lives without even realising it.
    These films make you think and I love Tims Gadgets and Automata. So good to see him back.

  • @FREEHAND.WETGRINDER
    @FREEHAND.WETGRINDER 3 роки тому

    Holy Crap! I could have made good use of your brain these last 40 years. Next time someone tells me they are amazed how I can make anything I'll have them watch your videos. YOU ARE A TRUE GOD!

  • @sovietspybob
    @sovietspybob 3 роки тому +5

    saw this pop up and thought I'll just watch 5 minutes of it before bed, now ended up watching the whole thing!

  • @karthick86c
    @karthick86c 3 роки тому +4

    I have watched your "Secret life of machines" series dozens of times. Often I recommend young students to watch the series and their feedback has been nothing short of amazing! Please keep the videos coming. I pray to god you live long and continue doing what you do best!

  • @deankay4434
    @deankay4434 3 роки тому

    I forgot to say, as an automotive repair technician, I am slightly jealous of certain product that is sold in England or Europe. I bet it works both ways to a certain degree for products sold here in the States.
    I found by accident that plastic springs are shaped like the letter “H” are used under the keys of certain Apple laptop keys. An endless design for use and some quite confusing to understand how the work. Automatic transmissions use a flat spring, bent like the letter “W” but longer. They push against a barrel shaped bearing that allows for movement one direction but lock with extreme force the other. It is a “Cam” action wedging force the bearing to stop a smooth polished ring to rotate one direction but not the other. An ingenious way of creating a one-way-clutch action. But in all honesty, you did touch on it in the video about “Bearings” for a minute. I understand the millimeter and by moving the decimal point, you have a centimeter. A meter is 39” long and the “Prime Meridian” starts at “Zero” in Bristol” England. I suppose of the Royal Navy need a measurement of how far they have gone, plus how far it takes to get home. The Naval term “Knotts” has alway confused me as well as your money system.
    It is similar to things from years ago, but for example, the Danish did not create the pastry, but did create the “Rule of Thumb”. The Kings knuckle was used as a description of measurement as tape measures of Danish markings are longer than the American inch. It is longer so the King has larger knuckles and than the US inch. Confusing! ???

  • @jrocco36
    @jrocco36 3 роки тому +14

    Tim, It's really great to see you again doing another series. I loved The Secret Life of Machines when it was on here in the US back in the 80's. Keep up the great work and thanks for making such a great series!

  • @AugustusOakstar
    @AugustusOakstar 2 роки тому

    Tim I admire your ability to get on a pogo stick and go🤣 bless you glad you got off Okay. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch.

  • @Tmanaz480
    @Tmanaz480 3 роки тому

    I'm fascinated by the pace of this and the machines series. It's not 21st century ADHD frenetic, but it's not boringly slow either.

  • @gchoate100
    @gchoate100 3 роки тому +1

    Die designer by trade and after 40 years I still buy different springs when I need to eject a part from a die. If they are too strong it will mark the part. If it is too weak it will stay stuck to the punch. I deal with compression springs for ejection and stripping pressure in progressive dies. Excellent video. I have been watching you a long time and I am glad you are back.

  • @spirosfoufoutos6241
    @spirosfoufoutos6241 3 роки тому

    The other day I learned about safety springs. It's a spring that's confined in a tube but it's made to be thicker than the gap between the coils. The point is that even if the spring breaks, it can't be screwed within itself and will retain most of its springiness. It's used as a part of a dynamic functional safety brake for a machine.

  • @souperdragon
    @souperdragon 3 роки тому

    Thank you, Thank you... your status as a legend and national treasure is assured Tim.. xx

  • @steadilyebbing
    @steadilyebbing 3 роки тому +2

    Oh I do like the painting of the forge you have on the wall

  • @deltapee9259
    @deltapee9259 3 роки тому +5

    Television executives are just too stupid to know what to broadcast on tv. These videos would be great on prime time. So, soooo much better than their horrible reality shows or crappy sitcoms.
    Thanks Tim for making these videos!

    • @chrisengland5523
      @chrisengland5523 2 роки тому

      You have to have a certain level of understanding to start with to appreciate videos like this. Anything vaguely scientific on TV has to be dumbed down to such an extent that even morons can follow the points being made. And then, most folk can't be bothered to "get their heads round it" (horrible expression) so they switch channels. I've more or less given up watching TV.

  • @JanicekTrnecka
    @JanicekTrnecka 3 роки тому

    21:41 - I ve never seen people being so happy just from being freshly regurgitated !

  • @thomaslau8806
    @thomaslau8806 3 роки тому +2

    Mr. Hunkin, Thanks for continuing the "secret life of..." Series.

  • @archlich4489
    @archlich4489 3 роки тому +1

    Watching this in the Spring

  • @RCAvhstape
    @RCAvhstape 3 роки тому +1

    Watching the Chinese spring machines at 6:36 with the video at half speed is so satisfying.

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 3 роки тому

      I do potentially dangerous things with tools all the time, but watching Tim wind a spring on the lathe without any gloves or hand protection made me rather nervous!

    • @RCAvhstape
      @RCAvhstape 3 роки тому

      @@goodun2974 Gloves and power tools are a bad combination.

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 3 роки тому +1

      @@RCAvhstape , I've been working with power tools for over 50 years and rarely wear gloves; still got all my fingers, but my hands are dried out and beat up and my fingernails are a mess.

  • @pixoariz
    @pixoariz 2 роки тому +1

    I always love seeing Tim's extremely creative engineering at work. I compare his very down to earth machines with the amazing stuff the Jet Propulsion Lab does in space. He is so brilliant in his own way.

  • @LeightonsLibrary
    @LeightonsLibrary 3 роки тому +2

    You're a legend Tim. Thanks for continuing to inspire future generations of engineers and makers.

  • @c42cly
    @c42cly 3 роки тому

    My favourite of the component series so far, springs seem so simple but this just shows how sophisticated they are. Great video thanks!

    • @jhareng
      @jhareng 2 роки тому

      Then theres the craftsmanship/time served side of hand making V springs of pure quality with microns!

  • @Thelionatays
    @Thelionatays 3 роки тому

    I absolutely love all these videos. Thank you for making them possible. Cheers from Pennsylvania, USA.

  • @SciHeartJourney
    @SciHeartJourney Рік тому

    I ❤ his artworks! I must visit London one day to see this place.

  • @lostspecter2
    @lostspecter2 3 роки тому

    I’m happy that I found Tim again. The first time I watched “The Secret Life of Machines “ was close to thirty years ago on KCET/KVCR they dropped Tim years ago. I’m glad Tim Hunkin is on UA-cam.

  • @MasterYota1
    @MasterYota1 3 роки тому

    Yes!! He is back. Took me a while to find you. dang this is sweet! I was 7 years old when your show came on and I learned so so much . Watched first on tv in Singapore. Boy how time flys. Any way you can revisit some of your old topics with the new technology? I think you could go back on air.

  • @MrAsBBB
    @MrAsBBB 3 роки тому +1

    Secret Life of Machines helped me not to have any fear of fixing things. I like to mend stuff instead of throwing it away but I do know when to buy a new piece of equipment. I often dream of retirement in a workshop like Tim’s! Thanks for a great video.

  • @ManicMechanic007
    @ManicMechanic007 3 роки тому

    So glad to have found you again Tim, it's been a long time.

  • @JohnJones-oy3md
    @JohnJones-oy3md 3 роки тому +3

    I hope this series never ends.

  • @JamesSkemp
    @JamesSkemp 3 роки тому +2

    4:32 has such a satisfying sound. Your reaction was the same I had. :)

  • @piconano
    @piconano 3 роки тому +1

    I've never seen the invention at 31:20 !!!
    I can't say that any more thanks to your fantastic videos.

  • @wamplertube
    @wamplertube 3 роки тому +16

    Man I really enjoy these! Just early had to comment! Be well Sir!

  • @djfromage
    @djfromage 3 роки тому +12

    As I write this, the video was uploaded 6 minutes ago. I'm very much looking forward to watching this today. Tim always produces some great content. 👍🏻

  • @gabromgabrom5870
    @gabromgabrom5870 3 роки тому +1

    HELLO Tim Hunkin. Your videos are wonderful, they inspire and generate the desire to learn more and create. It's as if you an old friend or family member, teaching and sharing knowledge. I think I'm speaking for everyone, when i express my hope that you'll continue making these videos. Please, do not stop making them.

  • @goodun2974
    @goodun2974 3 роки тому

    Having watched Tim's episode on The Secret Life of Switches, it occurs to me that nearly all Switches would not be possible without the use of Springs!! Such as the microswitch shown at 21:18, used in the "Emergency!" mechanism of the Bathyscape.

  • @kajyakuzonik9130
    @kajyakuzonik9130 3 роки тому

    That clock at 22:35 is brilliant! :D

  • @Agrivv
    @Agrivv 3 роки тому +3

    What a boss making springs on a lathe with no gloves

    • @cambridgemart2075
      @cambridgemart2075 3 роки тому +3

      Safer to work around machine tools without gloves, I can attest to what can happen if a glove gets snagged in a rotating part, and it wasn't pretty!

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 3 роки тому

      @@cambridgemart2075, although, since even monofilament fishing line can cut you pretty deeply, I bet that spring wire could cut you badly in a nano-second. A slip clutch or some kind of instant electronic braking would seem to be in order (as found on some modern table saws and powered hand tools), but that lathe is probably older than I am, so no electronic braking there!

    • @cambridgemart2075
      @cambridgemart2075 3 роки тому

      @@goodun2974 The lather is around about 50 years old, so no electronic braking, but it does have an effective foot brake!

  • @nitt3rz
    @nitt3rz 3 роки тому

    Tim's videos are always interesting & entertaining.

  • @LiborTinka
    @LiborTinka 3 роки тому

    The buckling of compression springs have been used in old mechanical IBM keyboards, actually called a "buckling spring" switch - when the spring buckles, it provides both tactile feedback and the switching.

  • @PeterPeer
    @PeterPeer 3 роки тому

    Really nice touch, those examples of the components being used in your very funny machines. Such a creative genius!

  • @georgebrudos3068
    @georgebrudos3068 3 роки тому +1

    Fantastic clocks! Thanks for the lesson, best of health to you and your family, Sir.

  • @techtinkerin
    @techtinkerin 3 роки тому +1

    Love the theme music, the editing is so reminiscent of secret life of machines. Absolutely brilliant 😁

  • @orangebrandon5260
    @orangebrandon5260 3 роки тому +6

    You would be the worlds best grandfather

  • @black5f
    @black5f 3 роки тому

    A mate of mine once nicely described this kind of thing as "primal knowledge". Knowing these axioms equips you with the tools to think things through, make anything, understand anything and do anything you desire. It's how I grew up watching my Dad. Learning physics and philosophy without even realising. Should be taught in schools as "Life 101". Well done Sir, a fine video.

  • @vincentdore6835
    @vincentdore6835 3 роки тому

    I am half way through the video. Excellent, thank you!!!

  • @TheChloeRed
    @TheChloeRed 3 роки тому +2

    The sound of the strip of spring steel was what I expect from a Tim video! Sponnnning! :)

  • @owenjoseph6097
    @owenjoseph6097 3 роки тому

    Tim I love all your videos, My dad and I used to watch your secret life of machines together. Your knowledge clearly comes from years of hands on experimentation. Its great to have such a novel engineer sharing his knowledge on this platform. Thanks and big respect to you

  • @SavvasPapasavva
    @SavvasPapasavva 3 роки тому +31

    Another great video with so much useful information! Essential viewing for anyone who wants to get into making! :)

  • @gearstil
    @gearstil 3 роки тому +1

    The Secret Life series is super! I am so happy that I found this channel!

  • @lordmcted
    @lordmcted 3 роки тому

    been a while since i empathised with a piece of metal, but that piece of lead, i feel you bro

  • @BuildswithBrian
    @BuildswithBrian Рік тому

    I think Tim hunkin is my hero 😊

  • @torquemada1971
    @torquemada1971 3 роки тому +5

    Rex Garrod is watching down from heaven.

  • @TheClumsyFairy
    @TheClumsyFairy 3 роки тому

    I have been binge-watching the series, it really is thoroughly enjoyable. Even though I am pretty knowledgeable on electronics, and mechanics there's always something new, and the best thing is that we get to see a snippet of different machines. It seems so random in the way it's put together, but I can tell just how well they are thought out, like so much of your work, it looks fairly cheap, simple and thrown together, but in reality, it's all beautifully complex, and intricate.
    Seriously, thank you so much for sharing all this knowledge, in a beautiful and entertaining way.

  • @oskimac
    @oskimac 3 роки тому +1

    you sr are amazing. i recently discover about you and your old tv show. keep on . despite i am more into microcontrollers and computers , thats was the things that i learned when i was a child among my father. good old days

  • @gonzo_the_great1675
    @gonzo_the_great1675 3 роки тому +2

    And once again, even as an engineer, I have learned something!
    Cheers Tim.

  • @hanksmith3628
    @hanksmith3628 2 роки тому

    Thanks Tim, I have always enjoyed your series, I hope you can keep it up.

  • @joppepeelen
    @joppepeelen 3 роки тому

    i wish i am this energetic when i reach ur age ! love the videos !! thanks you sir for making them !

  • @nirgunapa56
    @nirgunapa56 3 роки тому

    If only YOU had taught me physics...Love it!

  • @robertbinder106
    @robertbinder106 3 роки тому

    Fantastic video. Intro music brings back memories.

  • @BoB4jjjjs
    @BoB4jjjjs 3 роки тому

    Brilliant, a lot of this I had known, but I never thought about it much. Your very thought provoking! Excellent, I like that.

  • @aaltan
    @aaltan Рік тому

    I wish i could make a statue of this magnificent personality.. i do respect hım sooo very much!!

  • @AndyDolphinArtist
    @AndyDolphinArtist 3 роки тому

    Loved watching The Secret Life back in the early nineties and so happy to find them remastered, plus this new series. :)

  • @TheRecreationalMachinist
    @TheRecreationalMachinist 3 роки тому +1

    Great stuff! Keep 'em coming! 👍 🇬🇧

  • @goodun2974
    @goodun2974 3 роки тому

    That Spring catalog is a tension-filled read that gets me all wound up! It really puts a twist in my knickers, such that I can't wait for release.....🤔

  • @deankay4434
    @deankay4434 3 роки тому

    An absolute joy to spring into action, with the proper force to allow me to stay up right to watch the entire video! We’ll sprung.!?7)? I mean, well done! I will spring this video onto my youngest son who have 6 children. I believe he knows about the conical springs used in, aah mattresses, or should know by now. ;( Grandpa is tired! I will spring into action with a short nap. Excellent video and info. Thank again for an interesting view of the world of springs!

  • @abnrmlmind
    @abnrmlmind 3 роки тому

    I would work with this guy everyday just to learn what he knows..

  • @dauber1828
    @dauber1828 3 роки тому +2

    Allied spring Syr. N.Y. going on for about 40+ years a small shop but unbelievable how quickly the machinery runs

  • @SkyOctopus1
    @SkyOctopus1 3 роки тому +1

    Absolutely wonderful. Every day's a school day.

  • @TheMan1510
    @TheMan1510 3 роки тому +2

    That weight balancing system you built was genius!

  • @UserNameAnonymous
    @UserNameAnonymous 3 роки тому

    The clock at around @37:50 is incredible

  • @1Stevencat
    @1Stevencat 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you so much Tim. You have a huge new fan from Alabama. I think you are a treasure

  • @danielpirone8028
    @danielpirone8028 3 роки тому +2

    Wonderful! Thank you!

  • @bbrockert
    @bbrockert 3 роки тому

    These videos are great, it's nice to hear from you again.