MAKING MEGA TONGS!!!

[@nicoleheymannweltgestalter]

It's always "fantastic to have you here", Alec :) I finally was able to forge my first knife in my backyard a few days ago. My parents were afraid something would catch on fire, but the forge was a safe distance from flammable things. The result is a little, not so sharp, but still useful knife! Thanks for inspiring us to be creative with every episode!

[@caedmonjones9982]

My grandfather, a machinist, told me that if I ever had trouble keeping a pulley on a shaft, drill and tap for another grub screw at 90 degrees to the existing grub screw (NOT 180 DEGREES). I've had great success with this method. I don't see why this wouldn't work for your case.

[@arg8763]

It puts twice as much force on the large area of the shaft and gear in between and opposite the two grub screws, where as 180° off would just be relying on friction of the tiny faces of the grub screws themselves. Your grandfather knew what he was doing.

[@graithtools8215]

Best watch for how you offset the screw, as unbalanced shear forces can be an issue; undersize the secondary grub screw so it sacrifices itself rather than cracking the pulley or shaft. Something made the primary fail, and adding a secondary might fix the failure but doesn't address the root of the problem (likely still a better fix). Your grandfather knew what he was doing.

[@Chrome-ws6qw]

this is by no means coming from anybody as qualified as your grandfather but i've had good success in the past using a smaller grub screw behind the first to act as a kind of lock, similar to using a lock nut on stuff that *really* doesn't want to come undone at the wrong time

[@StefsEngineering]

or you could grind a small flat on the axle for the screw to sit in. the screw mars the surface of the axle anyway so having a small flat for it to sit in shouldn't be an issue.

[@lapislignum]

@@arg8763 1.4 times as much force. :)

[@evanrimmele5598]

Hey Alec you are the best I’m 13 and you inspired me to start blacksmithing I’m still practicing leafs like you have always suggested

[@hinsleytodd8023]

Evan Rimmele same here but I’m twelve:)

[@diegoskitchenlab6824]

me too

[@evanrimmele5598]

Well I started when I was 11 but I’m still going now I’m 14

[@diegoskitchenlab6824]

*update* a couple months later I finished my first chefs knife and now I’m working on a Bowie

[@evanrimmele5598]

@@diegoskitchenlab6824 good job, that’s impressive. Keep up the good work

[@tomcuthbert-sayers1451]

Montana has such a beautiful landscape, and I enjoy it when you incorporate it into your vids. More please, so we can all be jealous.

[@fredericapanon207]

Envious; yes, indeed.

[@bobbyknotts2309]

I live there, looks to be the middle of the state.

[@Drew_lininger]

Yeah, Bozeman Montana is a nice place!

[@JRockySchmidt]

@@bobbyknotts2309 south of 4 corners.

[@JRockySchmidt]

@@Drew_lininger closer to four corners I would think. Buffalo Jump Sports bar is pretty far from Bozo

[@TangiersIntrigue]

Jesus, that power hammer is an absolute beast, never get tired of seeing how easily it shapes metal.

[@neitzche1245]

Dang, that paint job is impressive. So cool in the background of your shots.

[@ursa5000]

There is nothing better than breakfast and coffee with Alec. Making new tools for a specific project demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and skill.

[@henrikhansborg7491]

I'm loving the Corona output of videos from you, brings me back to the days in the first workshop. Where it wasn't elaborate builds and so, just pure forging. I still love the new things you create, just been missing this style of videos from you. Also really liking the videos Will has been doing

[@AdriWL]

I want to thank you alec, I live in Spain and currently the situation here is delicate but these 14 minutes of your video motivated me seeing your positivity, so thank you for your work and for bringing us some happiness to our homes.

[@thebridgeninja]

I feel bad for the anyang... was such a beast... now it looks like just a little guy

[@Nick-xm1ux]

Nothing beats American steel :)

[@Vickwick58]

I had a pulley on a mighty big motor that kept loosening up. I used loc-tite on the grub screw and also used a second grub screw (with loc-tite) behind the first one. Never had another problem.

[@kevinvermeer9011]

The second grub screw behind the first one is really the key. It functions like a double nut, shifting the material that needs to be torqued from the part-to-part (pulley-to-shaft) interface (which has loads of other stresses) to the tension that's purely in the threads. Unfortunately, I think the phenolic material of that gear is the real problem in this application, I hope the locktite is compatible and holds, and that if he ever has to remove it that the loctite doesn't wreck the gear!

[@JETWTF]

@@kevinvermeer9011 There's a good chance it may be a problem. He used 4-5x more Loctite than needed. 1/2 rice grain drop on the end of it would be as much as needed, any more and it could make the grub screw cemented in. "Double nut" is always the best solution if it can be done and Loctite is a second solution when you cannot "double nut".

[@notstonks20]

@@kevinvermeer9011 iirc the phenolic material the gear is made of is not what the grub screw threads into, it's a two part gear (plus fasteners to connect the inner to outer) with the inner bushing (idk the correct nomenclature) being made of steel, which is what the grub screw threads into.

[@jsn1252]

@@notstonks20 Doesn't matter, it just has to make contact. If the phenolic resin of the gear is susceptible, the result is reminiscent of what happens to aluminum when contaminated with gallium .

[@kewlkidz4465]

If there’s a trident in the works... a fish scale style inlay wouldn’t be a bad touch

[@monkey-wrench1027]

wouldn't be bad? dude that's genius

[@Cam-qc8dr]

Alec! Ive been a long time watcher of your videos and a long time enthusiest of blacksmithing, but ive always been afraid to actually try it. Until i watched your videos that is. Ive set up my own little brick forge with a hairdrier and a dumbbell weight as an anvil! Ive made a few hooks and a leaf as youve said in the past, and i couldnt be happier to finally be able to forge my first piece! So thank you soso much for giving me the encouragement and inspiration to finally forge for myself!

[@fredericapanon207]

Love it when you build tools! Innovation in tool building is what got us to our current level of technology. And it started with the smiths and other skilled artisans.

[@chriswillman5047]

It looked like you really enjoyed making them. Getting back to basics sometimes can be refreshing and while I really enjoy watching your bigger projects it's also nice to see you having simple fun

[@colin8971]

You gotta paint that table red so it looks like a tongue.

[@thegoldenchild4657]

Sharks don't have tongues, they have basihyals.

[@colin8971]

The GoldenChild lol don’t crush my dreams it would be so cute

[@bobedwards8896]

@@thegoldenchild4657 power hammers also dont have teeth -_- well the gears do

[@Geckomayhem]

@@thegoldenchild4657 Sharks have a tongue referred to as a basihyal. The basihyal is a small, thick piece of cartilage located on the floor of the mouth of sharks and other fishes. It appears to be useless for most sharks with the exception of the cookiecutter shark. I'm more interested in this cookiecutter shark. :o

[@JBOhardhatdiver]

It’s so nice to seeing you do some solo work again. As much as I love watching you and will play off one another I do kind of miss your early days. It’s also very impressive to see a young man doing so well in turning his passion into a career. The need a tool, make a tool motto has translated so well into the anvil project. It is such a beautiful work of art that is tremendously functional. Keep up the good work sir. I very much enjoy your videos!

[@mostlymonkey1979]

You're such an amazing professional. Not only are your videos high quality content (and your products as well), but the time and effort you put into your sponsor segments is never on the shabby side, and it shows. Happy to see your growth and success. Much love from a swiss fan, back across the pond!

[@craigsudman4556]

So nice to come along with you for a bike ride, reminiscent of when you use to take us sailing. Great tongs (your welcome). Now that you're in the shop alone it would be nice to have Mrs. S bring a picnic luch so you can both sit down and have a nice picnic. Very good video Alec, thumbs up.

[@lextheap1638]

I feel like that sharp corner on the front of that table is going to be a nuisance.

[@davyaldy76]

Agree.

[@jonaspavelek1333]

It might be but he can always cut it with angle grinder.

[@briansmith3011]

No, during Q. Alec in the shop, Will having to try in his garage. It might finally go in Alec’s favor.

[@Expendible1971]

6:46 That's a nice shiny new anvil you have there.

[@Nemozoli]

Also, I feel like using this power hammer in comparison with the others to you is maybe like when I switched from my little Makita belt sander (used upside down, attached to the table) to my own-built professional belt sander... yes, you CAN almost do all the things with the little one, only slower and with a greater margin of error.

[@ashketchup247]

Ottoto Tallinum's look really good on you too. The accents of gold and the red on the sides seems more like your style of work. 13:30 This pair of glasses is like a knife with a rosewood handle, brass guard and a blackened blade. Where as your normal pair are more like a plastic handled folding Gerber, utilitarian but not quite to the Alec Steele level of quality.

[@ploJaisin]

A true inspiration! Good to see you still haven't given up the hammer and creating videos like this. Great job!

[@julianpeters6153]

This video reminds me of the video's Alec made a couple of years ago when he was in Barker street forge. Just Alec making tools and also sharing something private or at least an other side of him such as in this video cycling, swimming or hiking. Loved those video's

[@TommyJobson]

I enjoyed watching Jamie's live stream of the editing process for this video. I have been looking forward to seeing the finished product. Great stuff guys.

[@TroggyPK]

god its amazing to see how far you have come... the amount of horizontal spaces i see in the background that are clean and well kept is just... well.... incredible...

[@dannydoc8404]

Alec....Will....that thing turned out amazing. Truly well done. Loved watching this series.

[@craig8694]

Good to see you taking up the grand sport of cycling! One of if not the BEST thing you can do for your health! RIDE ON!

[@danryan92]

Montana looks absolutely stunning. Would love to see a bit more of your home away from home!

[@jeremymaag4475]

The power hammer looks awesome Alec, you and the wife did a great job!

[@bradleynealdaley]

My old school technician always puts in a grub screw and a backup grub that works sort of like a locking but fwiw. Has served us well.

[@petergoestohollywood382]

Brilliant. Just brilliant seeing you turn this enormous tool to shape! That’s exactly the content I subscribed you for years ago!

[@BIGWojo68]

That bike ride seemed really fun. I can't believe that view!! Beautiful!!

[@Madshadowgolem]

Go for a pair of bent Oakley's for riding, saves your eyes from the wind sheer around the edges. Also, Western's are the win for the daily wear pair.

[@benlebeh]

Fascinating how you are always trying to improve the workshop and your tools. Hyped for the next big project.

[@redrevolver4272]

The paint job on the power-hammer is awesome!

[@jonathanpinkston124]

Great Video! this is my favorite style of bolt tongs. I have forged several pair and also use a pair made by Steve.

[@scottperezfox]

Gotta say, that bike ride looks so nice! Great scenery for a long ride.

[@thaddeusyoung3627]

I really liked the way you showed the making of these tongs. It would be nice to see you make a lot more tools this way....

[@Squall409]

Have you thought about getting into armor making with your skill? I love all the knives and swords you make. I would love to see what you can make when it comes to armor. Maybe even armor made for IMCF/HMB/ACW?

[@twoflower8264]

Armour making is a completely different skill. Hence you have Blacksmith , Armoursmith and Weaponsmith.

[@homebodyhero4602]

@@twoflower8264 yeah it's like asking him to make a gun. He might be able to make chainmail though.

[@twoflower8264]

@@homebodyhero4602 chainmail is easy you can do that with a lenght of wire and 2 pairs of pliers ( done it myself) I know people who make armour and they dont use a forge.

[@garybower1824]

Maybe automotive paint and body work? Gardening? Candle making? Oh wait. There are other KZbin channels that do that.

[@homebodyhero4602]

@@garybower1824 I would be really entertained watching alec make scented soap with his dramatic b-roll.

[@GarysBBQSupplies]

Really great pair of Tongs. It helped me to understand better how the angles worked so I feel more confident in making my own (much smaller of course)

[@2cold76]

These quarantine videos have been top notch Alec, well done you and Jamie!!

[@patrickretsel7048]

Add an addition grub screw and bind the first one and bind them together, it seams to work best on those set screws from working loose .....

[@ratatacks]

0:50 riding that machine

[@shmalan9698]

dude alec that nose art on the new power hammer looks amazing. i dont think i actually finished that video so i never seen it finished until now and it looks amazing and almost professional lol. good work!

[@RC-1290]

11:13 cool effect! I wonder what it looks like if you select frames depending on the position of the hammer, I imagine that might make it look as if he's just pushing the material away.

[@pabrowncoatbrewer7154]

“He gave me these... I believe.” In a week Alec gets a bill in the mail that’s a late notice invoice for the tongs.

[@captare]

I find very interesting videos, which show how to make the tools that are used in the forge.

[@VolatileBullfrog]

I don't know if this get said enough, but the music choices for all your montages are fantastic. That grindy guitar sound pairs really well with the camera shake of a power hammer strike.

[@Geckomayhem]

Definitely one of the more interesting sponsor shout-outs. Digging the riding top with the obligatory touchmark! :) Oh, and tongs too. :p

[@gregtheredneck1715]

That glorious paint job on the Beasthammer!

[@Razzreal_plays]

Alec, that nose art on the powerhammer is absolutely brilliant.....unfortunately you REALLY should do it to the rest of the shop equipment...its pure youtube cinema gold, the pops of color in the background are so exciting.

[@afterthemouse]

You know the shape of the table is almost a surfboard shape - Just saying...

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

Tim Jennings YOOO PAINT IT TO LOOK LIKE A SURFBOARD WITH A BITE OUT OF IT! That would be hype

[@billparco8072]

Literally was like if you have to do this please make it look like a piece of a ship or a surfboard to keep the theme. Personally I think its too much for the hammer, but each their own.

[@Kolajer]

Ooooh, dope!

[@graithtools8215]

So.. you're daring Alec to forge a surfboard? Is that just an excuse to see him in trunks?

[@nathanlitz4634]

Or an iron board

[@ThatPNWGuy2024]

Pro tip: when working with belts and the possibility of dropping them a few feet of fishing line to tie them to something so if they drop you can retrieve easily

[@HickLif3]

Honestly he could have just used a coat hanger to fish it out, but it turns out he needed to get back in there

[@bartweir1789]

Yay! Actual forging and not another pointy stabby thing!

[@PaalRyd]

These episodes are _so_ enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing this Alec!

[@A2discgolfdude]

I went to Ray-Bans website and ordered a custom pair of the Justin's and I absolutely love them! The only thing I really don't like about Ray Bans anymore is they were bought out by luxottica which is a sunglass conglomerate based out of Italy... Little by little they have been taking over the market over the last 20 years and pretty much putting a choke hold on the sunglass market. If you don't believe me ask Oakley lol. Most of my sunglasses are Maui Jim's or Costa Del Mar's anymore... I still wear my Ray-Ban Justin's every once in awhile when I'm driving.

[@AlexSullivan]

love the power hammer forging out edit, to music. lovely!

[@douglasfathers4848]

I would like a set of tongs that big as a wall ornament , have to try make a pair ,thanks for the idea Alec.cheers.

[@parkerazz4385]

Definitely like the clear there like safty glasses but there also seeing classes

[@firearmsstudent]

Props to Alex for doing a coherent advertisement while working out!

[@mortensolbergjr2876]

I like this video it reminds me of the first time I saw you make stuff in the UK at the old small shop. I miss those.

[@AaronCreativeCo]

Hey Alec - just a note as someone who works on industrial equipment as his day job - It might not be such a big thing currently while everything is on lockdown and the total number of folks in the shop is down, but check into putting a Lock-Out-Tag-Out protocol into place for the rare times the "do not run" sign blows away. The locks are cheap insurance against some pretty gnarly machine tool injuries. (I only mention this because I didn't see one already on your disconnect. Also chances are you're way ahead of me on this one but I felt had to mention it)

[@jeannitapearce9316]

An idea for a multi part build; take the saying "forged from the blood of your enemies" literally. Try to extract iron from blood (not human, maybe pig?) and add it to your metal mix to create a sword or axe. Could be good for Halloween :)

[@saginawdan]

Alec, it appears that you are enjoying life in Big Sky country! You made a wise choice moving there. Stay healthy!

[@DIYwithUncleCy]

That new Anvil looks SOOOOOO bad ass when your working on it. Love it dude.

[@Nick_Slavik]

Damn, Alec!!! The nose art is both awesome and funny at the same time! Mrs. Steele really did a great job designing it!! Nice to see more forging videos with you again :)

[@joeltham1979]

Revel style and the Ray Ban really suit you. xxx

[@jessiebullock]

Great job! Your videos are awesome. Thank you for making these!

[@tomzborovsky8378]

Alec, if I was building a power hammer table, I would make it in like a half pill shape. So the sides and towards the back of the hammer would be flat, and then around the entire front would be a semi circle, 6" or however wide offset from the dies.

[@PrometheusEpimetheus]

Repost of my comment in a previous video: You guys weld all your Damascus billets, and that's great. But what I would love to see in one of your videos though is an in depth demonstration on steel-wire tying billets, and forge welding them by hand. I've seen explained it in forum posts but I think making the technique a little bit more public would be great as it cuts down costs DRASTICALLY. You don't need to buy a welder and you don't have to pay someone by the bead. All you need is a spool of steel wire and some pliers and you can do your own billets independently for however much wire you buy. It's also incredibly accessible. Please, pretty please, bless us poor smiths with this wisdom

[@sudo_nym]

We saw Jamie edit this one! 👍🇬🇧✌️🇺🇸

[@obiwankenobi4859]

Hey Alec ... i'm not commenting much ... but i thought that i'd leave one just to thank you and your crew for the amazing content ... keep it up ... btw i can't wait for the Zweihänder project to be finished ... Greetings from Germany, stay healthy ( apologies for my English )

[@bjarnw.9240]

Freu mich auch mega auf die Fertigstellung von dem Schwert, meiner Meinung nach eines seiner coolsten Projekte...

[@jhbryaniv]

Mmm I can't wait to see the Braunschweiger again.

[@obiwankenobi4859]

Wunderbar wie die Kommentarsektion direkt eingedeutscht wird wenn man nur Germany schreibt ... danke für die Likes

[@owensparks5013]

Your English is good. 👍

[@CrayFishHandMade]

Shout out to Jamie loving the soundtrack selection all the way from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@huuua2]

Glad Mrs. Steele is available to help work the camera for ya during this hard time 🥳🥳😍

[@brycesfishin9852]

Love the power hammer painting

[@jandastroy]

I think your shop layout is getting pretty badass Alec

[@IronHammerMetalWorks]

Dude I’m loving these Carona videos. Just you and the camera. Like the good old days!

[@gixolox]

We don't talk about it enough, but the editor's work with the music is impeccable every time!

[@BRONZE_ROCK]

Alec Thank you for the awesome online glasses store always looking for a good pair

[@michaelkurschat1864]

Alec I just would like to say thanks for getting me off the games and m sending me into my garage to create things. Keep doing what you do it makes me and a whole lot of other people happy

[@FACTBOT_5000]

I love it when people improve their lives! 👍🏻

[@C4TTON]

Alec I love watching your videos You should really try out a magnet on your phone I use it in the shop and it is super convenient thanks for the great education keep it up

[@GeorgiaSlayrz]

Awesome paint job on the power hammer!

[@TreeCutterDoug]

The power hammer is looking absolutely awesome!!!

[@bjunglin]

I would use lock out/tag out procedures when you have equipment that shouldn’t be used. Much much safer

[@DylanMeek7]

bjunglin hooyah

[@alexisross9343]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it just him and Will in the shop? I'm not up to date but I'm guessing Will is 't around because quarantine; sounds odd to tag out a tool that only you use.

[@bjunglin]

Alexis Ross I’m pretty sure that others are in the shop at different times but I could be wrong. It is certainly a good habit/program to get into as he moves toward being a production based shop

[@Muireachgaming8957]

2:50 Local antique store???? the one in Bozeman??? next to the library? i love that place

[@gabrielitos7740]

2:07 Oh, i didn't know you've came to brazil, that's awesome!! I love your videos! Keep going! 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 Ps: sorry, my english is a work in progress

[@granty245]

Just a tip for cycling, always put the arms of your glasses outside the straps of your helmet, if you come off, the glasses can break away and not gouge up your face.

[@Slikx666]

Alec. You could put a second grub screw in after the first for more security.

[@UtopiaLtd]

I like the tool making videos best. Nothing I enjoy more, making tools is the most fun. Watching people make tools is second best.

[@Nemozoli]

Alec, the tongs are quite fine and dandy, but I really liked your bike ride! Nice scenery, not a lot of traffic...

[@Storyideas81]

The second from the last. Looks the best.

[@AlphaNerd132]

Love the vid my man. Its good to see some classical forging for a bit.

[@tatdexter2334]

Love watching that power hammer work...that's what my 25# Little Giant wants to be when it grows up.

[@alexhamon9261]

Make the power hammer steel sizing jig thing Rigoni ironworks uses. Would probably be really excellent for drawing out damascus into consistent bars

[@wolfmanwilliam5801]

Love that paint job

[@GilWertheim]

Alex if you want something better for cycling I got a pair of oakley ballistic m frame 3.0 and you can get an insert called the ESS U-rx which clips onto the frame so you can swap to whatever lens you want and keep your prescription glasses

[@davyaldy76]

The last two pairs were the best, the black ones for everyday wear and the black & gold for being dressy.

[@thomasjudd7845]

A solid metal table will hold everything, yes. And catch all the slag, too. What if you had a mott of expanded metal around the die to allow the slag to fall through. Like 4 to 6 inches and the rest solid.