THIS WAS BAD - HAD TO PULL THE RAM

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We ran into a problem with the Chambersberg Powerhammer... Matt was forging and all of a sudden the hammer jammed up and the ram wouldn't move. So here is fixing the Chambersberg...Again!
If you want to learn more about how self-contained hammers like this work - the Hammer Whisperer, Mark Krause is the man to learn from - this is his book: bit.ly/NazelOperatingPrincipals - he travels all over the US fixing machines for folks that aren't silly enough to try doing it themselves (like me). Book him here, he's taught me a lot: bit.ly/hammerwhisperer
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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!
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Alec Steele Blacksmith 2020

[@williamirwin4154]

Best thing about being a KZbin Blacksmith: if something in the shop breaks, you get to make another video about fixing it.

[@Handmade7230]

Same

[@RadDadisRad]

It definitely takes the sting off the price.

[@Drew_lininger]

lol it’s true. I’ve done it...

[@jackenderle4588]

*makes money off of a several thousand dollar machine breaking*

[@treavormiller9552]

Leland Holton ya almost makes you make money

[@colin8971]

One of my favorite jokes is “did you follow your dreams or are you forklift certified?”

[@blackoak4978]

Ouch

[@dumbdog2924]

I tried, did both and now I've had a hip surgery 😂

[@norwegiannightmare8843]

Why not both

[@isoceles50]

@@norwegiannightmare8843 hip surgery

[@stu-j]

As a UK mechanical fitter with over 30 years of experience fixing old machines you actually went about this repair absolutely spot on! It's great to see a younger generation of engineers working on tools that built country's! Love it

[@Hacksaw37]

After 50ish years I can still picture the look on mum's face when she came home and dad had made a new head gasket using the linoleum from the kitchen floor. Not really sure if she was made about the lino or half the engine on the kitchen table.

[@tylerkrug7719]

How long did the gasket hold up? What was it installed in?

[@kurtisb100]

most under-rated short story on the internet

[@garethbaus5471]

That is quite the story.

[@douglaspealing5608]

We need details bro

[@JimRichardHartmann]

Well seems you were raised by a MAN!

[@Epicdude200]

Alec: My most hated thing in the world! Me: Red Dykem? Alec: Spring Washers! Me: Oh

[@fudgerounds91]

The Chambersburg sounds like a big mechanical dog. A crush puppy if you will.

[@theprojectproject01]

Nice, nice

[@wadesmith8895]

Bro, just the name “Crush Puppy” is beautiful

[@WeldinMike27]

That's what I thought when I first heard the other hammers back in Alec's old English shop. An excited dog ready to work for its master

[@alex0589]

Fenris. The giant wolf in nordic mythology!

[@HandToolRescue]

Well done.

[@Brandon-so9fp]

Pretty sure they're gonna redo Will s little giant so they have your videos for comparison.

[@davesmith5656]

Maybe just my personal opinion thing, but that was one of the most interesting videos they've done. Probably not many people who can fix their own tools. I'd like more description of how a power hammer works - apparently you can vary the speed, but I don't get how.

[@knaveofknaves1709]

I'm not surprised in the least to find out you watch Alex's videos. Also it's high praise coming from you.

[@PetesShopMakes]

@@davesmith5656 Works like any pneumatic piston really just on a larger scale. Think of how a nail gun/brad nailer works. It's essentially the same concept. you pull the trigger, air comes in to drive the piston and the hammer smacks your iron or the head of a nail and the piston slides past a certain point in the cylinder with an opening to exhaust the air then drawn back up top with more air from the return valve and basically rinse and repeat. That's pretty much it in a nutshell. Super simple but extremely clever design that they figured out so long ago and that we still use today.

[@shanesmith4639]

@@davesmith5656 when Alec first got the Chambersburg he did a few videos on the internals, pretty interesting series

[@kimberlya7564]

I love how when they first turned on the power hammer without the ram, Will was hesitant to put his hand under it but Alec immediately put his head under it 😂😂

[@jakesaunders946]

I’ve got a sudden urge to get a fork lift certification

[@ThatBassistKendall]

Honestly, as someone who has operated lifts, loaders and tractors from a very young age, certs are meaningless. I am now, though, in case OSHA calls...

[@claouslive]

@@ThatBassistKendall Exactly I'm certified as well and we use the elevator to get all those 3rd and 4th tier storage rack items off all the time. But if OSHA is reading this, we use the fork lift in all the proper ways and in no way form use it as an elevator.

[@blackoak4978]

Dunno 'bout the US, but a man cage(appropriately secured) is(barely) an acceptable lift device. I don't like doing it, mainly cause you really shouldn't leave the seat while you got a guy in the air, but I've had to do it plenty

[@grombear6120]

All of those little holes are there to push the seal outward, when the ramp goes down. As the air rushes trough those holes it pushes on the back of that sealing material, which again pushes on the ram, sealing it off so no air can leak past. That same idea applies in combustion engines. The expansion of the hot exhaust gasses can slip behind the piston rings, pushing is outward towards the cilinder lining creating an even better deal.

[@AlecSteele]

Oh amazing! Thank you for the comment! That makes a ton of sense!!!

[@craigmandall9420]

I thought the exact thing when i saw it

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Alec Steele what was the name of the gasket material you used to make that seal

[@lukdragon]

who else read alec's reply in his accent and voice

[@Trank00007]

I was about the post this same comment! Same idea as the vanes in an air motor. Thank you AvE.

[@rosscoep1450]

Alec, those holes most likely are intended to allow pressure behind the seal, helping it conform to the ram so air doesn't leak out.

[@djd1162]

This was my presumption, as the cylinder travels up the air pushes its way up and into the top holes and down against the seal. Similar to special combustion engine positions with holes around the piston face that go down to the piston rings so the combustion and compression push the rings outward, providing better sealing.

[@darkma1ice]

Alec Steele’s nightmare: spring washers. Coated in red Dykem

[@taftr]

The Chambersburg was built during a time that Craftsmanship, Reliability, Serviceability, and Pride were the watchwords in manufacturing. A very simple and reliable design. Using a Nut and Bolt to secure the guides ensured that the bolts could be removed easily in the event they broke & they could be staked in place without things like Loctite. Other then having to get it apart with the forklift, it was a simple repair... Ready for another 70 years of service... Really enjoyed watching...

[@turkishgetup3924]

It was probably a fatigue failure. Clean off the grease and look at he broken end of the bolt under 30x magnification. If you see concentric arcs it's fatigue.

[@Veritas-invenitur]

Boxer Climber Learn something new every day

[@georgejessup7938]

Would actually be a really cool clip if you could film that

[@joeldykman7591]

I can't imagine it being anything other than fatigue failure. I would wager that any other type of flaw in the bolt would have happened well before this.

[@gavinayles8891]

Somebody watches AvE 🙄lol just kidding. Although he does have a great video about metal fatigue. You guys should go check it out. I’m pretty sure it’s in his most recent Crane failure video

[@armastat]

Since the bottom bolt had also been replaced at some point in the past - I suspect that at one time the PLATE itself was lose and vibrated up and down damaging the bottom bolt, that's probably why it was replaced. But they did not replace the top bolt at the same time, since it did not break, but it was likely cracked internally and eventually broke under lighter loads. The best practice would have been to replace BOTH bolts then AND now.

[@adamtheninjasmith2985]

Here is an Interesting gasket tip! I broke the water pump gasket on my very first car which I had to do a lot of repairs on in order to drive. The last thing I needed was that water pump put on and I pinched it. Young me wanted to drive sooooo bad and I was pretty upset but my grandpa kinda laughed at me for a second, leaves and comes back with an empty lucky charms box. He had me tape it to the water pump and tap around all the edges to imprint the pattern then cut it out with a razor blade. Not even kidding you I put 100k miles on that lucky charms gasket and then sold the car to someone that drove it for at least a few more years and as far as I know it never failed! Long story short lucky charms for the win! Lol

[@kurtspotts1628]

As a Navy machinist mate, seeing gasket material and Alec cutting a gasket was oddly satisfying. Love your channel!

[@saxman-pm4oq]

PhD in Structural Engineering here: that looks like a fatigue crack. Makes sense with all the vibrations. Possible it was over-torqued at installation as well, which may have accelerated the process. I used to see similar failures when I did lab testing, applying thousands of load cycles to bridge components.

[@TmdXD]

How long is the bolt supposed to last? (civil eng here, hire me senpai)

[@dochaze1]

Mech e here. Yeah, fatigue. I would have used a shouldered bolt rather than a full thread bolt though...

[@SnorrioK]

70 to 80 years of pounding vibrations will do that to a bolt. Bolts in cars are prone to fail within a few years to a decade so this isn't abnormal at all.

[@custos3249]

@@TmdXD For its location (and if torqued correctly), lifetime of the machine. Makes me wonder if a grade 8 bolt was the right call for a replacement rather than a spec'ed stud though. For the vibrations it may see, it might not have enough spring to it, causing it to snap prematurely again.

[@Hellsong89]

@HVAC Quality Assurance Lego engineer here, since everyone in this tread seem to be one :D *insert i'm engineer song. Thats why i use shitty impact driver that mainly does take away annoying and wrist destroying wrenching and then use torque wrench for tightening, since going with common "half turns back from snapping the treads or bolt" tends to cause more issues than it solves.

[@dalekidd420]

In most people's worlds, shop maintenance... ESPECIALLY breakdowns... would be not only a pain in the butt, but about as interesting as watching paint dry. When you're dealing with a functional hunk of history like that Chambersburg (or your beloved old Pilkington) though, it's fodder for another fascinating video. Well done!

[@colbywood8113]

That’s cause everything is by process in most people’s world. Worked in a machine shop once and the maintenance leader broke a finger trying to remove a collet nut from a lathe when he missed swinging a dead blow at the wrench. The thing had been siezed all day, but I went over took one look, braced the spanner off the casting and used a set of channel locks to hold the wrench I was hitting so I could hit it much harder without fear of hitting myself. 4 shifts of maintenance techs and supervisors and dozens of operators, but it took one sleep deprived, over caffeinated, possibly stoned machinist who thinks outside the box to find the solution.

[@citadelgrad87]

Amazing watching you work with old machinery instead of junking it for a newer machine. I am proud for you. Well done, Mr. Steele. My favorite channel. Theres something relaxing about watching a talented craftsman.

[@BecksArmory]

I designed Aerospace seals for a while and I can tell you that leather was common back in the day. You can buy PTFE wear strips to replace that leather. Just search for "PTFE wear strips"

[@evil_me]

On a lot of seals those holes are used to provide pressure to the back of the seal to force it outward and help it seal better.

[@wingracer1614]

Exactly. You even see the same thing on pistons for some race engines. Little holes in the top of the piston leading to the back of the groove behind the compression ring. Combustion pressure pushes the ring out ensuring a good seal.

[@Hellsong89]

@@wingracer1614 Interesting, i didnt know this was a thing, but i was wondering if that was a case when i saw those holes. Obviously it also does let lubrication behind the seal, keeping it soaked as mentioned.

[@blackoak4978]

Reminds me of Scott Manley's recent video on solid rocket boaters and the seals used between segments. Worth checking it out.

[@nunyabizness6734]

Guess I should have read the comments before my post. Beat me by 3 hrs.

[@MrRadioAct]

Yes that is the purpose

[@phyrtrol]

The nice thing about the tools breaking, you get to better learn how they are put together and work. Leading to a better maintained tool and just better general usage too. It's awesome to see you guys taking the initiative to fix that old beauty back up.

[@limbermonkey]

Alex: "Do you even forklift bro?"

[@rhysperry111]

*Alec:* Puts hand near air hole *Delta P:* When its gotcha, its gotcha

[@zacharybigger4144]

There really is something immensely satisfying about figuring out what the problem is, figuring out how to fix it,, actually fixing it, and then seeing that HOLY CRAP IT WORKS AND I DIDN'T SCREW IT UP!!

[@princecuddle]

The "HOLY CRAP IT WORK AND AI DIDNT SCREW IT UP" is definitely the most satisfying part.

[@MichaelSteeves]

@@princecuddle Even better: Not only did we fix it, we improved it! (added missing gasket)

[@ThatBassistKendall]

Chambersburg: breaks again. My Mechanics: I make a new one!

[@molasses4masses]

One of my favorite things about your channel is seeing your joy of learning.

[@mrkookalabanza]

A piece a machinery is never really yours until you've had it in pieces all over the workshop.

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

These analog Machinery is so grateful, when it comes to fixing them. Imagine a highly specialized digital CNC Machine, where you have to disassemble the whole thing to realize that a small ceramic resistor burnt out.

[@georgemarshall6657]

If it's a DIY machine it's usually pretty easy tbf

[@KuraIthys]

If you have to take the whole thing apart to find the logic circuitry, it's terribly designed. But of course, you might be taking all kinds of things apart without needing to because you didn't diagnose the cause properly. Nothing wrong with digital and electronic stuff, it's just an entirely different skillset to mechanical repairs. Although if you've got a ton of obscure integrated circuits in your device, good luck getting replacements.

[@blackoak4978]

From what I've seen, by the time those kind of electronics go, it's probably a good idea to replace it anyway. Better programming, smaller computer, faster processing, and probably cheaper than a repair

[@19Earl52]

Worked on deep water off shore platforms. The deck operator finds something not working. He calls a mechanic. The mechanic checks the problem and calls an electrician. The electrician checks the problem and calls the electronic technician. The ET checks the machine and fixes the mechanical problem. It happened many times!

[@monabale8263]

and started when a small bug pooped in juuuust the right spot...?

[@tiddiesprinkles]

I'm forklift and overhead crane certified;)

[@ypop417]

Same Here

[@supernautistaken]

the positivity in that shop is inspiring. I don't usually feel this warm and fuzzy before breakfast

[@I_am_Spartacus]

Alec, every video I watch I always learn something... and I don't even blacksmith! Love your videos and energy... I hope my boys grow up with as much passion and energy about whatever excites them... you deserve the success you have!

[@iCrayan]

"Are you forklift certified?" Yes, I am actually.

[@classlessbard9762]

Biggest flex

[@OldF1000]

Have been for over 40 years ; )

[@Zeknix]

I literally moved a pallet from one location to another and then back again for mine. Granted it is just a "company" cert but whatever. I then used my civilian job experience to convince a motorpool SGT to borrow his forklift when our unit had to move all of our equipment from one building to a storage unit on the second floor of a warehouse. What was his safety brief for me? Don't hit anything. Cut the job time in half at the very least. You have to understand that in the US Army, they make us get a license for everything, but motorpool SGT was cool with me and accepted my civilian work experience as good enough. Also got a crane cert for up to a 100 ton hydraulic crane, but that's mostly for offshore work. Now I'm trying to figure out how to get my company to allow me to play with their mini excavator. Using hydraulics is fun. Working on hydraulics is pure evil.

[@darkstar2480]

@@Zeknix Used to putz around in an Atlas 10k in Iraq. Delivered water to water points, unload class A and whatever other class we needed unloaded. Loaded and unloaded AAFARS systems. Good way to kill time and better than doing busy work.

[@stevetaylor9265]

Isn't everyone?

[@1969Kakashi]

I noticed that you used a hardened bolt. I hate to be one of those guys, but I must warn you...hardened bolts will snap with excessive vibration. I used hardened bolts for my motor mounts in my old '48 pickup truck and they both snapped after a year or so. The fastener guy told me that you should never use a hardened bolt in a high vibration application. I gots my fingers crossed for you.

[@corex72]

Young blokes like you guys give me hope for humanity. Good job.

[@perryrush6563]

"Well and truly... Stuck." I thought of a different word that rhymed. And then he said stuck. Oh yeah.. Stuck, that works. Yes stuck. Oops.

[@awesomecreationschannel]

I am forklift certified! Also lorry mounted crane, Ro Ro, Tanker, ADR, Blue Light Emergency Driver certified, and I can drive two types of train on the London Underground 😂💪💪💪 Glad you got the beast repaired 😊👍

[@cardiffpicker1]

I'm a certified arsehole

[@DaKillerChipmunk]

@@cardiffpicker1 I don't know what I expected when I clicked "show reply". I was not disappointed.

[@chrisallen9154]

@@cardiffpicker1 I thought I was alone.

[@awesomecreationschannel]

@@cardiffpicker1 at least you are certified in something 😊👍

[@tahoemike5828]

I've been waiting for you guys to get to that antique power hammer that used to sit by the door for ages now. At last, perhaps its time has come!!

[@zcr4tim]

At 16:50 looks like Will is leaning on just that. Foreshadowing a restoration series.

[@theredstonebros4882]

I just like the idea of Alec going home to his wife and just wiping out his forklift certification card in a nonchalant way and trying to get her to ask what it is

[@euanmcgill918]

Is that what the kids are calling it these days? ;)

[@chiefof]

Alec, Will and their teammates are very talented in doing a large number of 'things' well. It's very satisfying to see them applying their skills to create beautiful and useful things. And, they are still young men. Gives me hope that things will get better in our Nation.

[@danielwood2432]

“Are you forklift certified?” Sounds like your next t-shirt design.

[@nathanl6401]

Also "Big Flex" would be a great shirt

[@allgona]

I would buy one.

[@twitchycygnus]

Totally would buy one. Gotta let the world know

[@makingitwithnick]

William Osman just came out with a great forklift certified tee. It's on catwarehouse com

[@peterkeller7357]

Id buy one

[@wtechboy18]

hey so, disclaimer, I am *NOT* a machinist. However. I don't think you should have made that gasket for the guide box. My logic is as follows: The ram head is intended to move straight up and down, hence the finely made guide plates. The ram needs to be carefully held parallel to the stroke of the bore. By introducing an additional soft surface between the two mating faces, you've actually introduced a new point where the guide plate assembly can physically move relative to the bore of the hammer. I'm sure the actual amount of movement is probably negligible, but I figured it's probably worth mentioning.

[@matthewkulak3916]

Your ability to see a terrible problem and just smile at it is such a great trait. Cheers.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Alec, I fixed a hammer about 20 years ago. Which was machining the ram and sleeve parts. I remember that as if it was yesterday. I can tell you the fit and finish was so good that the owner came to my job and congratulated me and took me out to a Saturday night that I would rather not talk about. I do not need to say that it but it was adult rated. Nice to see you repairing the machine. The old machines were totally serviceable. That is something new stuff does not follow suit. Good day and stay virus free. VF

[@chronokoks]

you're from texas? or perhaps was it in CA?

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@chronokoks Pa.

[@chronokoks]

@@victoryfirst2878 dang nevermind.. heard a similar story :D

[@lightspeedvictory]

If u were amazed about how they figured out those “oil lubrication tubes,” consider this: that whole machine was designed with paper, pencils, and slide rulers.

[@KuraIthys]

I mean, it's ultimately a pretty simple machine, so that's not THAT impressive. You want to be impressed by stuff like that, consider that the entirety of the Boeing 747 and Concorde were also designed that way...

[@Panicagq2]

@@KuraIthys NASA: Hold my Tang...

[@lightspeedvictory]

KuraIthys or better yet, the complexity of a battleship or first generation missiles and drones. Should I include the U-2 and SR-71 spyplanes?

[@nunyabizness6734]

So was the SR-71 Blackbird.

[@wchhomegrown6755]

Love the videos ! I’m 15 and this channel got me into knife making 4 years ago!

[@notAyoke]

Thank you for not cutting the repair process in parts, seeing this from start to end in one go is really cool

[@jasoneidson4708]

Oh how I have missed this channel. For some reason I haven't watched any of you content in a couple months. Glad to see the hard work and smile bud.

[@ronfowler6873]

The power hammer reminds me of an angler fish now with the gantry on it...lol

[@awolfalone2006]

Oh, they need to hang a lantern off the hook when not using it now.

[@brentkeller3826]

Hamglerfish. It hammers prey in the dark depths.

[@Panicagq2]

@@brentkeller3826 Gawdammit, take your like... hehehe "Hamglerfish"

[@kingquesadilla7713]

I can never I see this sir

[@thompascoe8463]

Bangler fish haha

[@jordyzvirbulis42]

you should've called this video: The spring washers strike back!!!!!! lol

[@555_Kochi_STi]

Machine repair/maintenance is great to watch. Glad you put those missing gaskets on.

[@scottking5555]

This is actually one of the most satisfying videos I've seen in a long time...a problem presented... a problem fixed.... love your channel over all, thanks for the content!!!!

[@rogerbarrett2237]

Personally I would have replaced all the bolts since you already had the part out and accessable. A little time would go a long way for some preventative maintenance.

[@vadimblin]

That's something I do as a toolmaker.

[@timbrownblacksmithandknife5648]

I would have also replaced them all. It looked like a fatigue failure and you don't know the health of the other bolts.

[@tylerkrug7719]

Agreed

[@mjf69]

Alec: *Uses Calipers as a pointing tool * Every Machinist ever: *Has heart attack *

[@coolspacemarine9154]

I have done worse with my guesstimaters.

[@mjf69]

@@coolspacemarine9154 Lol when I worked in a machine shop we used tight tolerances so we had 100dollar or even 1000dollar ones, and you used them, then put them back in their case. You didn't faff about.

[@blackhawk15897]

I think it was shown in an earlier video that he keeps cheap and/or worn pairs of calipers around for things like scribing lines and getting rough measurements from red hot metal.

[@brianfrommilwaukee]

Wonderful content. As a Machine Build and Repair Journeyman, I can absolutely agree that big projects like this that require multiple people and a forklift are very fun and rewarding. And yes...I am forklift certified.

[@dumbdog2924]

This is probably the greatest segway I have ever seen into a new video series ;) can't wait for it to pop up!

[@NoobNoobNews]

The bolt broke because the removable guide bit was dragging up and down over and over again. Millions of times. It wasn't moving much. Perhaps one thousand of a thousand of a freedom. But after a bajillion ups and downs from such a short distance, a hairline fracture appeared and then POP! The bolt broke. Standard story of wear and tear. Shear stress fracture. The best thing to do would be to make yourself a smooth-surface bolt to go through and only thread the nut section and have a spring washer (almost exactly like how it was originally built. The people who made it knew what they were doing!) The absence of threads means that there will be no fracture points. Think sword breaker when Will was bending it. Same concept. For a bolt to survive the stresses for nearly a century is amazing. But yeah! It is so awesome learning so many new things.

[@DavidCaddock]

Thank you for providing such great insight into the video as well as the development choices of the designers. I think your note about having a bolt with only threads on the nut section is something Will and Alec hopefully heed.

[@farmerboy916]

Ooh, you have a good point. On the other hand, what about that cycle would that have caused both top bolts to shear in succession? Maybe it's stopped by interaction at the top, before it can get to the point where the bottom bolt would be stressed on the up cycle?

[@NoobNoobNews]

@@farmerboy916 Could be anything. One bolt fails before the other because it is under more strain for some reason. After millions of cycles, the smallest of differences will lead to unforeseen failures in whatever order they happen. The design itself is a good design, but it is unlikely the manufacturer ever expected these machines to be used for over 100 years. This machine will outlive us all, assuming basic maintenance and no one outright scraps it. I just happened to know what caused this one bolt to fail.

[@jameslmorehead]

I was thinking something similar, but something moer along the lines of a shoulder bolt. The threads don't need much clamping force. You just need to keep the plate from shifting. Also, if the hole is worn, a custom bolt and a reaming of the hole would be a fix that would work much longer.

[@Clean97gti]

@@farmerboy916 Could just be that millions of cycles work hardened the bolts and caused the brittle bolt to finally fail after decades of service. If they wanted to tear into it some more, they could weld a couple beefy 5/8" rods onto the back of the guide plates and drill matching bores in the sleeve for those rods and use them as locating pins. That would take the force of movement off the bolts and you could use some rubber or plastic washers on the bolts themselves to cushion against the shock of use. The bolts at that point are only there to hold the plate on vs. resisting any significant vertical motion which would be taken up by the much beefier dowel pins. It's a lot of extra work in manufacturing for a part that was obviously fine for decades, but like Uncle Bumblefork says there ain't no killin like over-killin.

[@marugg78]

Shows Mrs. Steele his forklift certification every evening. What does a wife/girlfriend and a forklift have in common? If you don't have one, you have to unload by hand.

[@wadecrowe3370]

I have one and still have to unload by hand 🖐

[@Rhea_is_gay]

Wade Crowe ouch

[@schwig44]

@@wadecrowe3370 when was the last time it was maintenenced?

[@Clean97gti]

Mrs. Steele probably has a leather strap of her own...

[@colterb]

The things that have come out of that shop have been nothing short of breath taking. But as an auto mechanic, I do really enjoy watching shop equipment being taken apart and fixed.

[@pmichael73]

Great vid. All respect for then engineers who designed and built [and repair!] machines like this. Unsung heroes.

[@brandinm1394]

Y’all can’t catch a break with having to fix that guy

[@Temp0raryName]

Alec makes his own breaks. Any other business it is a two day production interruption. But Alec turns it into a video making opportunity!

[@SolidroK22]

Don’t hate me... but I actually like the repair videos better than the blacksmithing :-?

[@nfnworldpeace1992]

i think it has to do with not many people get to see repairs with backstory but we are used to seeing stuff being constructed. i make stuff myself yet my brain still forgot you can make screws at home on the lathe :P intestesting vid also loved the part where the previous repair showed a simpeler way!

[@simicmagic4806]

This morning I didn't hate you.... but now? Repairs/blacksmithing; it's all good IMO. Oh and I hate you.

[@shoeurenda]

Any video that involves the Chambersburg is my favorite.

[@SparkyX7719]

Old Machinery is so cool to see how they made things inside and out. So cool!!!!!

[@etiennesc.x7]

13:22 Sounds like somebody is blasting Russian hard bass😂😂

[@Isteak80]

"The Techno Union is at your disposal, Count"

[@ThatBassistKendall]

Sounds like my neighbors...

[@The.Talent]

The video editor missed a golden opportunity there

[@magnusadams8724]

It's always a good sign when things are broken in the workshop

[@GaisaSanktejo]

Yes; Proof they're seeing a lot of use ;)

[@morphman86]

I love taking apart old machinery. You get a full history of all the neat things that have been done to it in the past, but you have to figure out what it is they did and why.

[@shawnhansen55]

I work in maintenance at a much larger scale forge, it’s always exciting to me to see the inside of these smaller hammers

[@kinohokage]

I'm the guy who certifies forklift drivers, that's my huge flex

[@SBG420]

Nobody: Alec Steele: I got a storage container woo hoo!

[@Mirrorlurker]

thats so cool that it was used to make stuff in WW2. I love how history randomly comes into things we use daily.

[@BWDuty605]

Hats off to you man! You appear so young, but you're easily one of the most mature and intelligent people I've seen on KZbin. I really enjoy your content. Thanks for everything you do!

[@fiveoneecho]

Damn... I thought being a pilot was cool, but I’m not forklift certified. So that sucks....

[@alex0589]

"I feel the need The need for -speed- safely lifting heavy objects"

[@laserborn8876]

Every dislike is someone who isn’t forklift certified.

[@PhilG999]

I have (had) TWO certs! Regular and all-terrain (needed because we worked on a-t machines). I'll have to dig mine out and see when/if it expired. Those current: How often do you have to be "re-certified". Not important because I'm not in the business anymore but you never know when you might have to grab a forklift for, well lifting something...

[@glennmoore5880]

So I assume that for you guys forklifts are a big deal? Where I am you do a simple course and you're done.

[@waveformdistortion]

@@PhilG999 IIRC it's every 3 years here, but it probably varies by jurisdiction.

[@PhilG999]

@@waveformdistortion Thanks for that! In a job years ago we had a HUGE Hyster Hydrostat. Got it cheap with a blown engine and "upgraded it". We had engines. Deutz. Put a turbocharged 6 in it instead of the NA 4 cyl that was in it. That thing was a BEAST! I was one of two people that would even get near it! Damn thing would smoke all four tires and with the right touch could spot a load perfectly!

[@docsmodels5470]

@@PhilG999 I have both forklift and rough terrain. Every 2 years here

[@danielmoss2394]

Very, very cool episode. Love that you machined your own bolts. Top notch.

[@jameswebb8162]

Amazing video! Really enjoyed hearing a little history on the ram. I am throughly impressed on you and your teams machine shop knowledge!!! You got some skills man!!

[@JackboMack]

When I was in the US Army, they sent me to a two week course for forklift certification. They didn’t even let us drive them. Only got the class.. 😭

[@dascripta]

I drove some and promptly got stuck in a ditch. Then they sent us to the commissary for a week. Dream project.

[@JBirdBobbyJ]

Operated a scamp moving connex's on deployment and never got any cert...

[@spudpud-T67]

My forklift cert was one day. Mind you I didn't have time to kill like the army does.

[@JackboMack]

@@spudpud-T67 wow, huge pp

[@josephrector8735]

my first certification was...hey move that 8500 lb $800000 tank engine and transmission....um......then a 30 second class on how to operate control on a 10k Rough Terrain Veritable Reach atlas forlift....went on to become one our units best operators...

[@GentlemenG]

Hey Alec!! what's the next build. Let's see a battle ax

[@colemcclure9164]

YESSSS do the Ryu axe from forged in 🔥🗡️🔪

[@sparkysushi7259]

a realistic one? or a fantasy one?

[@Handmade7230]

Amazing

[@Pouroneoutfor50Cent]

Norm Mcdonald's wife?

[@Thaccus]

Will appears to be doctoring another power hammer in the background a 16:43. I think that may be next project.

[@davidsmith3828]

Hats off to you guys! Not only fixed your problem…but also educated me on a lot of things! 👍

[@wit6665]

This was such a great video imo, loved seeing you guys not only take apart and study the inner details of the power hammer satiating my and many others curiosity as well as your own of what it looks like inside, the history of it's repairs and it's design. Then you modify the bolt needed to repair it in shop nice and quick; awesome stuff. I hope it didn't delay the shop too much but it made great content.

[@lucasmurphy5407]

Alec really calling me out for not being fork lift certified

[@philjafo2]

Would’ve been smart to replace all those bolts with new grade 8 bolts while it was apart

[@Typhoidpol]

The true caliber of any engineer, is not how good you are when everything is going well, but how good you are when everything goes wrong, well done that was a interesting vid.

[@jordangalli8986]

12:39 to 12:49 : Jamie shows us the proud English fan of Guy Ritchie he is, and I loved it !!

[@davidwilliams5749]

Alex: "Every night, I show Mrs. Steele my Forklift Certificaion Card." Me: "Huh, never heard it called that before... Newlyweds!"

[@nickdejager8873]

When you were looking up the broken hammer, I just about had a heart attack.

[@mprador09]

My favorite video thus far. I’ve only been around for about 4 weeks. But I live this kind of behind the scenes. “Struggle content”. Very real and you guys have an awesome way of communicating how you go about these kinds of things. Thank you. PS. I have no experience with shops or rams or any of this type thing. And I’m still fully immersed. Thank you :).

[@seraph8672]

Can confirm, I used to work for a fastener distributor. Started out as an order puller, and by the time I left I was doing CAD designs for custom fasteners for certain large customers...but nothing gave me more joy than driving the forklifts.

[@ThatBassistKendall]

15:12-15:16 Every crane operator ever: GUIDE WITH YOUR EYES NOT YOUR FLESH SAUSAGES!! 🤣🤣

[@custos3249]

Sounds dangerous getting your face that close though.

[@Flibster]

To quote AvE... Don't stick your fingie where you don't stick your dinkie.

[@PM-ij2dx]

Sometimes these catastrophes can be like a Christmas present of knowledge.

[@TonyNeedsHobbies]

What I really love is everytime when you take a tool apart because it broke, you make it a little bit better (this time: adding the gasket). In a couple of years use this Chambersburg will be like brand new! Great job!

[@johnlloyd2390]

Few things are more satisfying than fixing something yourself and having it work, first time.

[@PublicAtLarge]

“Are you forklift certified?” No, I’m wheelchair certified.

[@guy4822]

Without the cylinder in it sounds like a panting dog 😂 fits in with the paint work 😂

[@gypsyjr1371]

Like watching these kinds of videos. There is always some way to fix something. Well, almost always. I drove a large outdoor diesel forklift loading 53' flatbed trailers to within a hair of max weight and height. I also used a gas forklift indoor to load and unload 52' van trailers. Things like ladders, lawn mowers, whatever they didn't want on flatbeds. Yes, I had to be certified to do that. And I saw some pretty horrendous accidents including a forklift lifting more than it should and tilting forward, burying the fork tips in the asphalt. LOL

[@stevenpdxedu]

Nothing better than being capable. Doing things you're never done before gives you the confidence to know that you can handle almost anything life will throw at you. Well done, all of you. 😊👌

[@Merennulli]

I've been told I'm certifiable, but not for a forklift.

[@timm1139]

Same here....🙃

[@dadillen5902]

But do you have a certification certificate? 😉

[@skoitch]

2nd, we want you to use Damascus to make a snow shovel! It’s been the top comment on dozens of your videos.

[@vandy3427]

Nope

[@cenariusbg]

I am forklift certified! OMG years, years on this channel and for the 1st time I have something in common with you mate! I feel so proud. "The flex!" :)

[@carlodanese9120]

Finally making some big heavy machine restoration, LOVE IT!