MAKING $1000 IN 12 HOURS - CHALLENGE

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Instagrams:
Alec: @alecsteele
Will: @will_stelter
Jamie (editor): @jamie.popple
Isaiah (Videographer): @isaiaharnoldfilm
My name is Alec Steele and I am a 22 year old blacksmith from England, now living in Montana in the USA! With a great team of hardworking folks, we upload videos showcasing the projects we get up to here at the workshop. Lots of sparks, lots of making, lots of fantastic-ness. Great to have you here following along!
/ alecsteele
INSTAGRAM @alecsteele
FACEBOOK PAGE / alecsteeleblacksmith
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Alec Steele Blacksmith 2020

[@biggametracker1]

We need Will’s version of this challenge to see what he decides to build one item or multiple and his set up vs yours!

[@schwig44]

I'm thinking it's the Will Stelter DIY metal snapping kit, just some super hard bars, [vice sold separately] maybe a beginner's one with scores cut in

[@mrkiky]

I think this would be a great idea. I'd love to watch that video as well.

[@HeadQuarters_yt]

That is a great idea, Alec bro will you please set this up!!!!!

[@samfletcher93]

@@schwig44 Awh leave him alone! 🤣

[@samfletcher93]

But yes we need to see Will make a single product.

[@Hollowex]

You missed a perfect marketing opportunity to post "Get them while they're hot" and post a picture of a low red hook.

[@donaldbirkner4870]

I'm glad you said that, when I make my page, I'm gonna do that.

[@Dk8250]

@@donaldbirkner4870 haha nice

[@martinpanev6651]

@@donaldbirkner4870 Have yo made the page yet :D I want to see it :D

[@henryhildebrand4236]

yessssss lmao

[@ryanstreuli8667]

I mean can we agree those wouldn’t sell as fast if he wasnt Mr Alec Steele

[@dragonwing4ever]

no ones arguing that fact mate hell of alot easier if you have a large following already

[@faktantarkistaja1347]

Not as fast, if at all...

[@nine_bone_nick]

I felt like advertising it on his insta story was kinda cheating since he knew people would buy them.

[@bummer6]

He could have sold literally anything and it would have sold out in seconds. He could have taken some flat stock, cut it to pieces, put his touchmark on the pieces and signed them, then sold them for 60 bucks a piece and it would have been a success.

[@faktantarkistaja1347]

@@bummer6 Isn't that literally what he did? Except it was round and not flat.

[@pattkinder612]

Square Space got more than their money's worth on this one.

[@justinmckee2256]

So did he, made a thousand bucks before expenses

[@thechronicgeneralist]

Advertisers: Give this man all the money. Best ad ever.

[@Monuments_to_Good_Intentions]

Ben L-P o kidding we basically watched a 20 minute ad.

[@brianpierce5786]

I hope Square space paid for his next vacation for this video lol

[@krs48]

Huge square space points for this one

[@jonponton]

I agree, what a spectacular advertisement for squarespace!

[@SuperNetSpyder]

But also, while an advertisement, I still loved to watch his video. It was Alec, being Alec, solving Alec problems, with Alec solutions, and I love the video all the same. If I actually made anything to sell, I would use this site no matter what.

[@InfernoPhilM]

These would look extra good if you had a big media tumbler, like a cement mixer, to give them a pebble finish.

[@DH-xw6jp]

I though that was what he was doing at 18:00 with the spinning bucket?

[@andyaitken4243]

Concrete 🤦‍♂️

[@carstenwjensen]

Andy Aitken a cement mixer and a concrete mixer is the same thing. Concrete is just cement with extra bits

[@erikcourtney1834]

A rock tumbler is what I believe your referring to 😉. Can be made or bought pretty cheap

[@MrMonkeyworld9]

@@andyaitken4243 its called concrete after its been mixed and cast

[@CaseyA.]

You just provided Squarespace their best Ad in the entire world. You are awesome

[@howizee]

I don't think I've seen you this tired since you accidentally invented the throwing anvil.

[@scottnterry]

Which video was that?

[@howizee]

@@scottnterry 12 hour sculpture challenge, back in good old Blighty.

[@nonegiven2830]

"germaphobe like myself" Shows shot of getting drinking water from a questionable tap

[@sam15482]

Best ad video. It really speaks to your fanbase/customers who can see squarespace as a tool for making money with their craft, which will hopefully help them to do more creating.

[@VenganceStudio]

this is the first time ive watched a 20minute ad for Squarespace

[@corkydryden6022]

But not the last

[@VenganceStudio]

@@corkydryden6022 im just praying he dosnt get sponsored by ManScaped

[@richardmarkinco1475]

How is that hook gonna work on a round door handle or push door with turn handle?

[@SAVAGE-qs2yb]

He forgot a big step that the rest of us would need to do. Build customer base lol

[@lukasbryant9881]

He mentions that in his comment

[@pane2125]

It sucks because I watched 15mins of this video before realizing that’s basically the main reason he reached the goal 🤦‍♂️

[@tianasmith3836]

He sold 30 items he theorized, designed, tested, adapted, overcame, redesigned, manufactured all while showing us how easy it was to accomplish the part that most people are apprehensive about the part that keeps us from moving forward: the tech that allows us to sell. What more do you guys want? I can sell 30 raincoats to goldfish, but if I can’t show thirty goldfish my raincoats (you get the drift). Truth be told he probably sold those in 30 seconds if he used his fan base. I’m nothing short of inspired and whole heartedly impressed. . Haters gonna Hate, Taters gonna Tate

[@CookieShepsky]

I study (industrial) product design and it was really fun and inspiring to me to see Alec actually go through the process of designing a product pretty much the exact way i would for a project at school!

[@kevinwatson5833]

He forgot one calculation in his list hes alec steele that already is followed and known by millions

[@Mabaz]

that's not the purpose of the video, the purpose is to show how easy it is to make a website using square space

[@eastoforion]

@@Mabaz and the value of some quality hustle :)

[@mrkiky]

To put it short, people won't buy your stuff if they don't know about it.

[@ruolbu]

@@mrkiky To put it slightly longer, people won't buy your stuff like that if you don't have an avid fanbase that comes with your website.

[@mrkiky]

@@ruolbu I guess that's also true. So it's a combination of free advertising and brand name.

[@Limpan0500]

Everyone: How did you come up with the idea?? Alec: DOG Everyone: What? you going mental? Alec: CARDBOARD AND DOG!

[@isakoveugeneful]

And now all of the doors and door knobs will have scratch marks. 😲

[@moisesojeda5647]

@@davidswoboda5587 we no longer live in medieval times. My doors open by voice command 🤖

[@bummer6]

I thought he would just show himself signing a contract with Raid: Shadow Legends.

[@trevor5379]

He said only $1000 dollars lol

[@bummer6]

@@trevor5379 Good point.

[@Franc822]

If only raid used there money on devolpment and not continuese sponsorships

[@farmerboy916]

@@Franc822 That'd make a better game, but we wouldn't have as many great youtubers anymore.

[@johnanderson1254]

Dammit, Steele you never cease to disappoint! I have been inspired! (he announces with a puffed chest while slamming his wooden beer mug onto the rugged table)

[@nickdejager8873]

I'm not sure if you are planning to make more of these (but I can hope). But if you are, two suggestions. 1)Make some with a two-finger slot. I broke my left pointer when I was younger, and it hurts like hell to use the cheap door pull I have. Usually I just use my right hand, but depending on the door and what I am carrying, that isn't always viable. I think a two finger version to split the load would help. 2) Make damascus? I'm not sure how viable this is (only being an armchair smith myself), but I'm thinking a one each of 15N20 and 1080, and then twist them both for pattern and to draw and round into the rod shape. Just a nice simple spiral damascus on these would pop. I'm not sure what that would do to the time and thus price, but I'd easily pay 3 or 4 times as much for that.

[@benheinrich4306]

Gone within 2 hours!? I’m not on instagram, I feel like I missed out! Absolutely fantastic, Sir!

[@QazzaAU]

Alec Steele: Makes 1000 Dollars Government: We make 200 dollars, nice!

[@i.i.iiii.i.i]

that's how society works

[@Flyhighcg]

Its more like The people: endless possibilities Government: i need more money i spent it on crack

[@i.i.iiii.i.i]

@@Flyhighcg well, to some degree it's the government that enables those possibilities in the first place. What would the people do without infrastructure, education or applied laws? There wouldn't be endless possibilities either ;)

[@astormofwrenches5555]

Thats absurd. What was there before all that was built? Thats right, "endless possibilities". So can the "you didnt build that" garbage.

[@izices]

I showed up at the tail end of the live stream for these, came out great. So glad Yogo was around the shop.

[@timm1139]

Yogo deserves a commission check!

[@R3sp3ct801]

Alec is the most entertaining person on KZbin hands down

[@fakjbf3129]

13:54 I like how you can see the table lower down, probably a combination of the weight of the metal hooks along with the heat letting the surface relax slightly.

[@alexzoin]

Seriously this is the best possible sales pitch for square space. No matter how much they paid for this is wasn't enough.

[@damascuseverything]

Well...in the same time at this video I completed my morning ablutions....so...I think we've all achieved something today.

[@Fetecheney]

The exhausted slump at the end is so relatable. "...wait, how long have I been here? What was I just thinking about?"

[@Derrick_Crenshaw]

That was astounding! From concept to completed product and all the steps in between that would allow you to market and sell these in only 12 hours flat. Remarkable! And highly entertaining to watch, thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@sigmaforge5088]

My cnc plasma table would cut one of those out in about 20 to 25 seconds.

[@dud9895]

How much did it cost you?

[@rinflame44]

Just needs a leaf-shaped bottle opener on the other end and it's perfect :) Great project, great info for beginning entrepreneurs, great show-case of the purpose behind services like Squarespace.

[@IIBLANKII]

Challenge suggestion. Cave troll challenge. 1. Design something without inspiration or any outside sources aside from your brain No devices other than paper and pen, or whatever you do to draw like a cad. Bonus points Empty room Low light Or if you're crazy and know someone with a sensory deprivation chamber that's 1,000 points. This is pure imagination, and I think it would be difficult because it would be similar to writers block if you're stuck.

[@flamedphoenix84]

What has been your hardest piece to make and what has been the easiest piece to make by forging? Also, what was the first item you made with a forge?

[@stevofoz]

This is a fantastic video, such an original idea regardless of whether it's sponsored or not. Quite possibly one of my favourite of your vids and truly inspirational, Thanks Alec!

[@kevinroberts5140]

Could you imagine having the amount of followers he has to be able to turn out $1,000 worth of products and have them sold out in the same day. Wow.

[@frankierzucekjr]

Very cool bro. You're one smart outgoing guy. Thats why you're so successful. Keep doing your thing. Im sad Will is leaving but I understand everyone has to do their own thing. Congrats on all of the great things you have coming your way. You all deserve it buddy. Maybe you and Will can still do competitions and do big projects together. Congratulations to you both. You two do fantastic work.

[@landerson620]

Finally a video were Alec looks a grungy as Will!

[@MrAidanfleming]

More of this sort of small projects to sell needs to happen!

[@RussellMakes]

GREAT video! Love the concept and excellent execution! Way to crank it out. Cheers.

[@miru4991]

I've always enjoyed watching Alec's videos, but it's more like pure money making. He should make beautiful knives and swords again.

[@jockstewart8793]

I rate this with your "Make 100 of these" video, proper inspiring stuff there.

[@brianthaxton229]

I wish I could have ordered one....Very nice Alec! You are Squarespace royalty!

[@stumpy990]

This is the best Squarespace ad I have seen

[@allenjackson5892]

Alec steele with this challenge it reminds me that I'm going to need to do this soon bc you are one of the people that gave me the idea of metal work. I personally wanna make rings and my bro wants to make swords and knifes and other things

[@flyingby3703]

We all know you made more than 1000$ in 12 hours ;) Greetings from Germany

[@koloth5139]

Multiple revenue streams the goal of every good businessman. It is one thing to make $1000 of product. It is another thing to find a way to make money off the process itself.

[@flyingby3703]

Koloth Very true. The thing is, that the roles are probably even reversed here. I believe the process itself likely made more money than the product.

[@MaineSnowman5509]

I cannot tell you how often in my life that something my dogs do or chew on has inspired something in my art.

[@ssu7653]

5:43 never OVERestimate how good a photo you can take with your phone, people these days think a phone is just as good if not better than a "real" high end camera... For this use it should be more than enough with even an old phone :)

[@drakegreen6939]

Door hook, meet round door knob. Let the struggle begin!

[@austinsellers3415]

Square space owes Alec more money for this one!!!

[@sambarney5100]

Some dude on Etsy is selling this exact design. Tough to say who did it first, but they are literally the exact same design....

[@benjamincvcvcv7]

its a pretty common way to make hooks. there's bound to be similar designs as these are quite basic in their nature its just a loop of stock with a flat end on the hook bit

[@900bz]

Water jet channel also makes these

[@jordonbailey9894]

You ask me... square space owe you BIG TIME!

[@If-ish]

Would be cool for the next Steele vs Stelter to be something in a similar style to this.

[@williamgoeres138]

Step one: get a sponsor Step two: monetize a video of you trying a difficult challenge

[@Coldasjones]

Gotta love the 2 mentions of a sponsor on an already monetized video

[@giulianodebortoli4272]

@@Coldasjones im curious how you think he eats, pays employees, rent, etc?

[@williamgoeres138]

@@Coldasjones meh, I don't mind it. He deserves the revenue

[@christopheruncapher1863]

Care to try Timascus again? Surface grinder would've helped tho. Have Jason? From Fireball tools Tig it up and use that new temp reader. Then Master Sword with purple temper. Im making a bokken once the walnut dries.

[@tristanstrawbridge4432]

Can you please make a forge welding tutorial Alec?

[@seanbullard3931]

17:40 blurry Mrs. Steele cameo.... HIIII y'all have a blessed day

[@MawoDuffer]

I don’t need to see what she looks like if she doesn’t want to be on camera

[@seanbullard3931]

@@MawoDuffer me neither I just thought it was cool, you can't even see her clear enough anywho

[@N3bulaInsomniac]

How to make 1000$ in 12 hours. Sell basically anything to your 2 million followers. Love the vids as always.

[@philochristos]

I would've made the product first, THEN the web page. It takes confidence to set up a web page before you've even made the product. Also, if I were a customer, I think I'd rather have the hook unpolished with the mill scale still on.

[@Jaysnakey]

"Warp Speed". Spectacular!

[@Bri-tg6xr]

Breaking news, Alec is officially tuckered out, $1000 richer but at what cost, single-handedly showing the people you can do whatever you want in 12 hours as long as you put your mind to it. Now get up off that computer chair and strike while the iron is hot!

[@predaclaudiu6016]

Hi Alec, I really appreciate the work you put in to satisfy us. Your subscribers have been following you for about 5 years and we have learned a lot from you. I want to challenge you, you can make a set of chisels for sculpting with different profiles Success in what you do a lot of respect Claudiu Preda my name is I am from Romania maximum respect

[@andrewhiteberg3247]

Alec: I'm I germaphobe. Also Alec: So this is a piece of cardboard that Yoda was chewing on earlier...

[@ShopTherapy623]

So now you just carry all the germs around with you? perfect!

[@vthors2826]

Alec please do a big project again, like the viking sword. Maybe a new Katana or a Tachi. Steele style

[@Sammonoske]

The only downside is that germs will survive on the surface of steel longer than copper.

[@adampanziera445]

I’m a sucker for the hammering to the beat. I’m always head bobbing with it

[@Jackshaft]

7:46 the use/prescription for stimulants.

[@sherizaahd]

Next up, a Damascus Steele hook! Also, I'd never pay $25 for a hook like that... Maybe for the first one... maybe.

[@josephdestaubin7426]

Dam, that really was the best Square Space add I have ever seen. Seriously, whose idea was that, yours or theirs. ,

[@coltenwinch7839]

The waterjet channel has already made a very similar product. I believe the name of it is the “copper finger”

[@garethzero]

i would of bought forged Photo frames or Candle Holder or even a forged Pumpkin because your awesome dude.

[@jasonstricklin2602]

Dumb question but what about door knobs that need to be turned with your hands? How well does your hook work for those

[@anthonyy6353]

Alec, you learning to read sheet music or play an instrument? On your white board at end of video! Has D-Major and Major-Minor! Great video brother!

[@markrico1917]

You're absolutely at your best in videos like this!

[@jessealvarez1566]

I didn't get to buy a hook but this was an awesome video. Thank ya lads!

[@thedemonslayer51]

This is great, until you have a knobbed push door. Or a round knob period. But I guess that's fair considering the huge variety of round doorknobs.

[@DCDLaserCNC]

Great video! Getting all those sales is probably easier for someone like Alec who already has a massive subscriber base but you have to start somewhere, right?

[@sevenlances]

I think the look at the end is where he realized there wasn't one left for personal use

[@Greedsmith]

The whole video was an ad. Not that I’m complaining, it was a good video.

[@carlblaser3320]

This is the best ad I’ve ever seen

[@kenlyle5255]

Put a little rubber bit on the end and then it would work really well for car doors

[@James-cr5mc]

You should put a second hook on it so you can pull and push door handles.

[@brandonralph3344]

I never comment but that was an awesome video!!! Extremely inspiring! Thank you for shearing how easy it is to start a company!

[@germancastillo9626]

This video is an icon for the essence of creation. Simply beautiful.

[@Corphish_]

it was the vise grips on the brita filter for me!

[@R-Mc-3]

Well deserved exhaustion! Excellent video!

[@davidduker4441]

Great challenge video it was awesome to watch! If your drive was just simply production and sales alone then you'd be a millionaire easily by now. I'm glad you've chosen to spend the extra time to still bring us along. Love your videos!

[@MrLoocato]

Make more! I need one!!

[@sauderl2010]

Great video!! Inspiring to say the least! To the nay sayers crying about not being possible without having the following you do... this strategy is revisable . Specifically in the marketing area 👌

[@The_Elite_Emerald]

I was sitting here thinking “for gods sake take a thin bit of steel rod heat and twist simple” and then he did it.

[@Fricker112]

A Blacksmith does not seem like the type of person to mind germs and dirt and whatnot

[@lonelycosmonaut9360]

this is what sponsorships should be

[@TheZunster]

Sweet! A 20 minutes squarespace add. This money hungry train has derailed.

[@Luke..luke..luke..]

$25 for a lump of twisted metal? Wtf???

[@TimothyHall13]

Oh Yeah!!! Thanks Alec!!!

[@tomzborovsky8378]

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this, although I think I big part of discouragement for people starting out a small business (for me at least) is figuring out how to market the product and get people to buy it. You're Alec freaking Steele, so of course people will want to buy it just because you made it. As a "nobody", it's pretty hard to get people even see it. Obviously it's not simple and it takes hard work and all that good stuff... But it is discouraging to not be noticed

[@experienceprecision5406]

I see so your Instagram sent the traffic to your square space. I like it.

[@jakepinkerton9765]

Now I just need to build a fan base as big as Alex’s and I can sell anything

[@neuronsforhire5495]

Awesome. This video should be studied at Harvard and taught at Junior Achievement!

[@Machinist-wf1iw]

It’s hilarious that he has all that badass equipment but has a Dewalt bench grinder