Build an Injection Molding Machine From a Cheap Pneumatic Press

Look I'm using the ubiquitous "person with white outline" thumbnail!
I got a cheap imported 500kg pneumatic punch press and converted it to do injection molding. The heating chamber came from @BusterBeagle3D's V2 Injection Molding machine. The press provides a ridged frame, the pneumatic cylinder, an electronic controller, solenoid valve, regulator, plumbing, etc.
All I had to do was add a heating chamber and a clamping system for the dies.
Final shot size is 13grams (1 cubic inch) and it's delivered at up to 2500 psi.
A similar AB-100 Injection molding machine has a 6g shot size at 6333 psi.
Here's a detailed cost breakdown and source links for various parts (including tax and shipping!)
Press: $377.34
www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...
(Seen as low as $310)
Heating Chamber: $190.41
busterbeagle3d.square.site/pr...
Heater Bands: $20.39
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
2 Adjustable Exhaust Mufflers $4
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Thermostat: $28.79
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
C-Clamp: $85.20
www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...
Metal: $50
Maybe another $40 in springs and fasteners.
Total price: $798
3D Printed parts are available at:
www.thingiverse.com/thing:526...
Here's the entire design including all the history:
Fusion File is at a360.co/36Ne7F1
I had to put washers at the top of the spacer rods, you might want to go with the next size up rod instead. Just so the contact with the bottom of the piston casting is larger.
I also have designs for a push button pellet feeder here:
www.thingiverse.com/thing:533...

[@markpitts5194]

Beware damp plastic. Nylon and ABS are buggers for it. You can find as the ram comes out of the barrel, the granules come out like a shot gun with steam behind them. Dry your plastic in the oven on the highest temp that doesn't melt it for several HOURS! Happened to my dad, glasses protected him, but he grew a beard like father Christmas while all the cuts healed up. It was a Manumold machine. Have fun everyone. And stay safe.

[@retrotechjournal]

THIS. 💯 I try to keep everything sealed with descant in it, but this is a big deal. I've since added some more protective shielding and a pellet feeder, but making sure everything is dry is super important!

[@markpitts5194]

@@retrotechjournal Can i contact you directly such that you can give some safety pointers to you viewers? Injection moulding is safe, but some combinations of plastics are bad, make gas etc. mitigating things. Having had mum burnt, and dad face blasted (one accident each over 20 years), i feel I have something to add to the soup.

[@retrotechjournal]

@@markpitts5194 If you'd like to write something up as a thoughtful comment here I'd be happy to pin it. That might be the most effective way to get the word out. Although I have added some safety features I haven't been working on a video about them, so a pinned comment is going to be more timely than "Some points that may appear in some not-for-sure-happening future video" If I do make such a video I'd be sure to include your tips, but I have no idea when that might happen. Maybe I should do a short video about the pellet feeder/safety shield but it would have to wait until I finish my current video.

[@markpitts5194]

@@retrotechjournal Dear Mr Retro (my name is Mark). I will write some safety tips over the weekend. My father is no longer with us, but mum is next door (and she did most of the moulding, dad was the tool maker). I will have lunch with mum and come up with some safety points. The Manumolds are not much bigger than your home made one (if you google you will see) , so I think most points will apply . By the way, I do love your design. I was looking as mum is now 84, but i want an injection moulder back in my life. I can see that your mould is blowing open on injection. The Manumold machine had twice the diameter ram to hold the mould shut (the vice) , as to inject the plastic. I believe you must have had a lot of 'flash' , clamping pressure will fix it.

[@retrotechjournal]

@@markpitts5194 Thank you so much for doing this! What a great resource. The mold doesn't actually open that much under normal usage. I had done a long shot of that operation and I didn't want to bump the camera/move things around by tightening up the clamp very much, so on that one shot the mold opens a lot, but under normal use with the big hand wheel to close it up tight it stays shut fine/no flash. I probably should have re-shot that but I didn't really notice until much later and it seemed silly to re-shoot it.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

I clicked on this just out of curiosity. I had low expectations, since I had worked in injection molding for over a decade. I planned on bailing after a few minutes, but was immediately mesmerized by your MAGNIFICENT BEARD. Not only did I not bail, but had to pick my jaw up off the floor after viewing your editing. I had to stop the vid half way through to check on ... how many MILLIONS or at least HUNDREDS of K's of subscribers, this channel that I had never heard of, had. Dude my jaw dropped a second time when I saw your sub count. After watching this fully I am AWED at the QUALITY of this vid. It was interesting, humorous, educational and pure entertainment, sir you are the equal of This Old Tony. I don't think I've ever subbed to a channel before based on one video so congratulations from your NEWEST subscriber.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the positive feedback. Welcome aboard! I don't know why my channel is suddenly getting some traction. I think I've gotten more subs in the last 2 days than I have in the last 6 months. It takes forever to make the videos so my posting rate is very very low, so I assumed I'd never get much traction. Which is fine. This is just something I do because it's fun. Still it's been great to see an up tick views/comments.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

@@retrotechjournal KZbin is suggesting your video to people. Without intending to, it ticked all their boxes and they bestowed the magical YT algorithm anointment on it. Please don't succumb to the YT slave trade. Keep it FUN and stay the captain of your own ship. I look forward to watching whatever you decide to put out next, WHENEVER that may be, meanwhile I've started on your previous works. Congratulations on all the recognition you're receiving.

[@retrotechjournal]

@@RPRosen-ki2fk No worries. This is just a hobby, so I make whatever videos I think are fun at the time. I do think people trying to be professional KZbinrs have to struggle with the analytics effecting content since they need views/have sponsors/etc. I don't have to worry about any of that. I figure if it was fun to make then maybe for someone it'll be fun to watch (for someone out there).

[@lewerim]

Ditto. On everything except the injection molding experience. 😉 Very well done. And you sure earned my subscription...

[@retrotechjournal]

@@lewerim Thanks! Welcome!

[@TheCrafsMan]

This is incredibly inspirational, Kurt!!!!!

[@retrotechjournal]

OMG I'm so happy you watched it. As I was working on it I thought "The Crafsman will appreciate this shot." lol You're my target audience. 😄

[@Visible.Friend]

Thanks for recommending this CrafsMan, what a wonderful film! Love it, Kurt! hUgz, Lee

[@retrotechjournal]

@@Visible.Friend I'm glad you liked it! Man, It has gotten more views in the last 4 hours than it's had since I published it! I guess that's some CrafsMan magic right there.

[@MrStudioso]

Thank you crafsman for recommending this!

[@Mr-Highball]

You've got a new subscriber. Appreciate the recommendation crafsman

[@Pr3da70rl0rd]

You not only have sufficient engineering skills, you make creative, fun to watch detailed videos. The honesty is appreciated as well!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! It's unfair that in editing one can always seem to make no mistakes, but it's also not that interesting to see all the mistakes in exhaustive detail. So I try to cut some middle road. I'm glad you liked it.

[@Sergei_WHY]

Never thought I'd see an actual wizard on KZbin. Such a cool project and man, the editing is incredible! Absolutely captivating, thank you!

[@BusterBeagle3D]

You did an amazing job! So entertaining to watch. I’m so happy to be a catalyst for people jumping down the injection molding rabbit holes. Great work.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you for sending me down this crazy road. It's been lots of fun, and a great excuse to get better at CAM. You definitely were the one that kicked this whole thing off. Thank you for the great work you've been doing in the DIY Injection Molding community!

[@EdwardKTheMechanic]

The production value on this video is stunning! I had a blast watching you modify these machines. Outstanding work!

[@markkrick8602]

Very well done. Now here's a new monkey for your wrench. Inject jewelers wax and transform your molds to bronze silver or go for gold with lost wax casting!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! Sorry for the slow reply. I don't have any power right now. I love it when folks call out the production values since I put in a bunch of time trying to make these things nice, so it's great when people notice. I think sometimes folks just take that for granted.

[@dwang085]

The production is off the charts! It’s like a professional TV series

[@retrotechjournal]

@@dwang085 Thanks! I've really learned a lot about filming/editing/video production from doing these videos. It really is amazing what one can achieve these days with fairly basic equipment.

[@To-mos]

The cuts, sound effects, POV shots, stop-motion, transitions, b-roll, it's all sublime.

[@alekxsander]

Dude, I'm Brazilian and my English sucks, but you made me come here on google translate just to say how much I appreciate your work! You are an artist with a lot of talent in many areas, I was mesmerized watching! I wish you the best of luck on your channel, congratulations and God bless you!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. The translation looks perfect to me. :]

[@linusgoblin]

The music, editing, your humor, the calm vibe and humble demeanor, the shots and sound effects, everything is so cool! Im totally captivated by your work. Also i love you beard. Mush love

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh thanks! I do think I'm basically an up beat person and I'm just trying to make "something I'd enjoy watching" with some ideas and humor. I'm glad you like it.

[@reversemyopia]

The efforts made by you on the video editing is as insane as your main project!! Total delight to watch!!!

[@retrotechjournal]

Hurray! I'm glad you liked it. Mission accomplished!

[@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser]

@@retrotechjournal I loved the Lego hero a lot! The lever and his bulldozer... GREAT! Editing must have been A LOT of work.... Huuuuh... Stop motion filming. Thanks a lot for sharing this project! Kind regards and cordially, géréon

[@retrotechjournal]

@@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser I’m glad you liked it. At one point I was thinking. “I spent multiple weekends just filming the removal of 4 cap screws. I’m never going to finish this thing!“ 😆

[@restoringbonaire]

The algo fed this to me due to researching injection molding. As a fellow YT'er, I was gobsmacked at the time you put into filming, camera positions, retakes, amazing edits, and effects. This is IN ADDITION to your amazing engineering skills. Bravo!

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh thanks! When I first started, I was a bit worried that the effort would be invisible because everyone has been soaking in a zillion hours of high production video, but that is one of the great things about YT. Lots of viewers have also made videos so they can appreciate the insane amount of time I put into these things. I just spent all weekend producing 24 seconds of my current video project. Thank you for the kind comment, and good luck with your injection molding!

[@flinkiklug6666]

What the hell, how can a guy like you bee that good with Camera and cut, I never would expect this if I see you on street, amazing, makes so much fun to look

[@retrotechjournal]

I'm glad you enjoyed the edit! I doubt there's a particular look for folks who enjoy videography, unless of course you look exactly like @petermickinnon 😄

[@oirvine]

This video is 1 part This Old Tony, 1 part The Secret Life of Machines and 10 parts great.

[@retrotechjournal]

Wow, I should frame this comment. I can't think of a higher complement. Thank you! TSLofM achievement unlocked! I'm glad you liked the video.

[@nikitanugent7165]

Seconded! I was trying to remember what other channel these videos remind me of, and The Secret Life of Machines is definitely it!

[@retrotechjournal]

@@nikitanugent7165 God Rex and @timhunkin are my heros! I still remember the first episode I ever saw. The one about a fax and I started watching it thinking "Oh no, another show about Tech that doesn't actually tell you anything." And a few seconds later Rex and Tim were BEING a fax machine and I was hooked forever. I still have the whole series on VHS (purchased from the BBC!) Under the house somewhere. His The Secret Live of Components series recently has been great! see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2WWpY1sec-of6c

[@TheCrafsMan]

Fantastic comment!

[@pedroperenne]

yeah! good template!

[@yakine13]

You're putting so much effort and quality into your videos, Keep up the good work, you'll go far!

[@salomonjedidias]

This video quality is just out of this world, I enjoyed every second.

[@retrotechjournal]

Great! I’m glad you found it!

[@baconblitz772]

there are companies that produce content for TV that are less enthralling than your videos. seriously, the editing and skill is phenomenal, keep it up!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you! I do hope I'm getting better at it as I go.

[@mpierce374]

Wow, this is incredible. Thanks for taking the time to document the process and for posting the files. That earplug trick alone was worth the watch.

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh I'm glad you liked it. It's always a bit tricky deciding how much detail to include, but I included the earplugs thing just because that was something I'd wish I'd figured out years ago.

[@pedroperenne]

@@retrotechjournal and the detail of the "use the safety eyewar"... nice and subbtle touch...

[@serpentine1983]

First time I see your channel and video. Here from Hackaday. You have some mad skills for video editing, creativity and shop skills in general!! Thank you for sharing. Subscribed!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[@oleksiimykus9188]

The best video&audio production in DIY videos I've ever seen!

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh thanks. I'm glad you liked it!

[@TheAstronomyDude]

How are you so damn good at cinematography? Like holy bearing balls man are you talented! It's not fair to the rest of us hosers.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you. You’re too kind. I’m glad you like the results. I’m just trying hard and paying attention to all the details. I tend to over focus on the shortcomings but I try to at least be getting better at it over time. I have watched a LOT of KZbin content about cinematography but I’m not sure how much that helps. A lot of it is about documentary film making/product photography etc. I hope some of the ideas are making it into my videos.

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

Love your work!! And great camera work and editing!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you so much! I is always wonderful to get a positive comment. ✨

[@isaxlaboratories]

Wonderful to watch! Appreciate all the effort that went in to editing as well. Stop motion, sound effects and cool cuts. Nice job! Subscribed!

[@retrotechjournal]

I'm glad you liked it. I approach my video projects just like my regular projects, with comedic amount of attention to detail. ;] Welcome aboard.

[@nathanbanks2354]

This was terrific! I'm so glad Buster Beagle Mk 3 came out so I could build a similar machine with way less difficulty. I'm using resin molds instead of milled molds, and a manual pneumatic switch that doesn't let me change the dwell time as easily, but I'm so happy to be able to control the pressure. Well done!

[@retrotechjournal]

Great! It's fun to hear from others having adventures with injection molding. I haven't tried resin molds.

[@nathanbanks2354]

​@@retrotechjournal If your aluminum molds are working for you, and you don't have another need for a resin printer, I would not recommend switching. The resin mold is great for prototyping a couple dozen parts. The lettering & fine details come through. But if I inject at more than 195℃, some delicate parts of the mold break. I'm using Siraya Tech Sculpt Clear, which is their cheaper 180℃ resin (not the expensive 250℃ white). It's detailed, smelly, and good enough for dozens of parts. Your aluminum mold should handle thousands of parts, so I'll probably switch after my design is finalized. Thanks for the video!

[@retrotechjournal]

⁠@@nathanbanks2354 I can definitely see the value is being able to prototype more quickly. I’ve gotten decent results with my cnc but tiny details can be difficult. Interesting to hear about your experiences. I’ve learned a lot doing the AL molds but it is a complicated enough process that I can’t just make a mold on a whim.

[@ScareAlien]

Absolutely loving your video. From the subject to the montage/script to your knowledge and your own personality. Everything is a true pleasure to watch and learn. Keep doing those incredibly high quality videos!

[@retrotechjournal]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@MakeOn]

This video is a gem. Besides the skills and ingenuity put in the build, the video production itself is amazing. A mix of Tim Burton's movies, Star Wars original trilogy and old school cartoons. Engaging storytelling, entertaining photography, great music selection and timing. If I could hit the like and Subscribe buttons faster and a dozen times to show even more appreciation, I would.

[@retrotechjournal]

Wow. That has to be one of the most generous comments I’ve ever gotten! Those are some of the most iconic movies/stop motion properties on the planet. I’m just a guy in his garage. I’m happy my weird flavor of maker content happened to be right up your alley. As a maker of these things all I can do is obsess about all the shortcomings and rough spots. Since that’s how you make things better but it’s nice to be reminded that it worked really well for some folks. Maybe I should print this comment out remind me of that. Thanks! 🥰

[@guilhermebechtinger]

Man, you are a sound and stop motion genius, very clever use on this video. thanks!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! Sound design is such a delight. Both re-recording sounds and adding other stock swooshes and things. So fun. I even pan around the audio to make it more spacial even though I know basically no one is going to watch these things with headphones on. 🎧😁 I'm glad you liked it.

[@guilhermebechtinger]

@@retrotechjournal I used a headphone, maybe thats why It get my attention. I Really liked the haunted sounds of the press box and the Lego!

[@retrotechjournal]

@@guilhermebechtinger Awesome! You're my exact target audience! Whee. I knew there was at least one of you out there.

[@alwayscensored6871]

@@retrotechjournal Put my headphones on. Great effects. Now I will make sure I watch all your vids with them

[@HakanAras]

I haven't been this excited to produce something in a long time. Inspiring narrative, great KZbin channel.

[@retrotechjournal]

Great! Inspiration is the best possible outcome for a video. Good luck with your injection molding adventures!

[@SaintAngerFTW]

This editing is hollywood level..... did not expect from a senior to edit better than genZ

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks. I’m glad you liked the editing. I put a lot of work into it. I’m not actually a senior though (yet). 😅

[@sephrosemary]

The cinematography and camera work on display here was an absolute masterclass, let alone the visual storytelling, narration and the actual work done. You posses an tremendous beard, my friend, and you did a tremendous job on this, *Chapeau bas* :)

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you, you're too kind. 🙏

[@sephrosemary]

@@retrotechjournal ^^

[@franciscorompana2985]

It takes every day 📺 garbage by storm. Very nice.

[@B0M0A0K]

Amazing engineering work. Well done ! Oh, and amazing filming and presentation.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! The filming really slows down the engineering. Make 4 rods: 2 Hours. Film making 4 rods: Entire Weekend. lol. I'm glad you liked it.

[@pedroperenne]

@@retrotechjournal and good editing, dubbing and music too... (btw: what rig does you use to shot & audio?)

[@retrotechjournal]

@@pedroperenne I shot most of it on my iPhone XS using FilmicPro. (I also use a clip on macro lens) I record the voice over using a Rode NT1-A standing in a closet. I record foley stuff with a Zoom H4n pro. In a recent crazy hardware shift I did film all the Talking To Camera stuff with a Sony A7SIII, but that is really insane over kill. I'm still learning how to get the exposure/dynamic range I want out of that rig. his was my first use of that. With the new rig I'm like a pedestrian trying to use an F1 car. For rough and tumble close-to-machine tools kind of work I'm still just going to use my phone... Really almost all of this could have just been done with a decent mic and my iPhone. For the stop motion I use an iPad as the remote for my phone. A phone is great for dangling way off on the end of some C-Stand to get some difficult shot.

[@trancenoir]

What a cool project! A lot of knowledge, abridged but clearly recognizable, on display throughout the entire process and presented in a entertaining way. Thank you for taking the time to step through this. Amazing beard!

[@retrotechjournal]

I’m glad you liked the video! It’s always nice to hear from folks we enjoyed it.

[@honestnewsnet]

Imagine having this guy as your teacher.

[@Borgedesigns]

So cool, love all the development desktop injection moulding has gotten this past year, can't imagine where it will be in a few more!

[@retrotechjournal]

I know. It's crazy. My theory is the advances and lowering of price in the CNC space/3D printing space has suddenly made it a thing people can actually make use of at home. I was originally going to release this video after the MLK long weekend (but I got sick) after that weekend both Action Box and Buster Beagle 3D posted videos about pneumatic injection molding! So Crazy. It's definitely part of the current Maker Zeitgeist.

[@martinreus8418]

This is so awesome! Please do more videos, I love your style!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! I am almost always working on a video. They just take a long time...

[@normanconnors95]

It's hard to believe that another company that sells an injection molding machine that looks almost identical to the one you build are asking $4400.00 for theirs. You did a great job and thank you for sharing you designs!!!

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh sure, my pleasure.

[@ShitlordMcDoge]

I just stumbled upon you channel, and i must say i'm amazed by the quality of your work and the the way you capture the whole process. I'm glad to live in a time where people like you can share their knowledge and passion with the world.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you for the nice comment! This kinds of videos are an insane amount of work, but it's nice that they keep giving, in terms of folks continuing to discover/enjoy them.

[@Ryan6.022]

So this is what Santa does the other 364 days of the year. Jokes aside this was awesome.

[@BrentBlueAllen]

How have I never heard of this channel before? Great content and production value!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks for the kind words. I put so much time into making the content that I don't think my channel will ever really get rolling. The algorithm isn't going to funnel a ton of people into a channel that produces only 1 or 2 videos a year. :] I am the safest notification source on KZbin though, with my "Almost no new content each month" pledge. ;]

[@axel_is_gaming]

First time watcher here. The production quality is mind blowing. Haven't watched any of your other videos to know if they are all like that, but i will now. Awesome work.

[@retrotechjournal]

I spend a stupid amount of time making the videos. Like my other projects I love getting down into the detail and trying to make everything super nice.

[@theilerfulgaming686]

Your video and project are so high quality! You deserve way more attention

[@KombiGnome]

I finally got the opportunity to watch this and I was not disappointed. Definitely a project to consider. I'd absolutely love to get into injection molding, but I think maybe I need to work on the CNC mill part first.

[@retrotechjournal]

Yes, I'm excited about the opportunities this tiny mill has opened up for me. Not just for making injection molding dies. I'm going to add some more work holding options, a Z axis probe thing, and maybe a pendant control of some sort. lol. So it'll be all fancy. I really should re-work it to provide a bit more Z axis head room. I left enough room in the enclosure for that. It would be nice to have a bigger CNC, but this one has been great for learning, and can do some interesting things even at this size. I'm already pressed for space in the shop, so a bigger one may be a long time coming... Good luck!

[@GeoffTV2]

Very impressive! not just the beard but the injection molder too. The production quality of the video was superb, I'm surprised you don't have a bigger following. I think I shall stop by your channel a bit more often.

[@markmoorhead1442]

I love the stop motion in your video not to mention the skill level of machinist, 3d printing advice. Thanks for sharing, hope you have more on the way !

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh thanks! Yup I’m working on one now.

[@foinkle]

This is really one of the most wonderful mod videos I have ever seen! If I were still teaching documentary filmmaking, this would be at the top of the list of "how to make an informative, entertaining How-To." Kudos! Keep 'em coming!

[@retrotechjournal]

Gosh thanks! Hopefully I'm getting better at this as I go. I still can only look at it and see all the problems/issues. lol. I guess that's my job though. Always being on the lookout for how to make it better. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@tijnstarr]

Videos like yours are the reason I'm premium on KZbin and happy to pay for them, deos like yours where someone shares their passions! Your videos should be going through the roof, they are super well tuned. Unfortunately KZbin rewards the people who make trivial stuff every day and then advertise some junk products, but there are also gems like your videos 😊

[@retrotechjournal]

I'm glad you liked it! I think the main problem is I don't/can't produce many videos. I think my channel is doing well for one that's only has 6 videos. ;] I'm glad you found it!

[@happninmojo]

Incredible video. Great project, fantastic humor, amazing editing and presentation. Do you think you could use 3d resin printed molds in this? Maybe adding fiberglass to the resin or using the 3d print to cast a mold out of more resilient material like epoxy resin or concrete or ceramic/coldcast porcelain?

[@retrotechjournal]

I've seen a lot of people doing short runs or test runs using 3D printed molds. I don't have a resin printer so I haven't tried it myself. A big part of this project was me wanting to learn more about CAM/CNC so going directly to metal molds was part of the fun.

[@chips9900]

I just want to say that this video is one of the highest quality, entertaining, inspiring KZbin I have seen in a long time i have never heard of your content and was glue to my screen, the little animation mixed in are brilliant and now I am starting my own injection moulding projects keep up the amazing work

[@retrotechjournal]

Great! I'm glad you liked it. Fun to hear other's are going down the injection molding rabbit hole. 🐰

[@Parysus]

The way you make your videos, your voice and very interesting ideas you work on made me gain motivation to do more dyi things I have been neglecting before. Amazing work!

[@retrotechjournal]

That is the best outcome I could hope for! 🥰

[@rescuemethod]

First time coming across this channel and saw the words "build" and "machine," so i gave it a shot. I'm so glad i did. I love the way you explain things, and you're super entertaining. Im looking forward to seeing your other videos now - thank you and keep em coming!

[@retrotechjournal]

Great! I’m glad you found my channel. Making things is who I am. Not in any particular area but all over the map.

[@johngreene3633]

Your production quantity is nothing less than outstanding. That must take a lot of time and effort. Simply incredible. Well done!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you! You are 💯 correct that it takes a crazy amount of time.

[@robertmunafo5039]

Love your inventiveness, absolute joy watching this video. Your production skills are amazing as well. You got yourself a new subscriber. Thanks for sharing!

[@retrotechjournal]

Great! Thanks for joining! And thank you for taking the time to write a nice comment. When I get nice comments like this it always reminds me to write more positive comment on videos I love. Sharing the positivity.

[@cristianpopescu78]

Great Story about mashinery. 👍Nice work of an artist.

[@HeadakusMaximus]

Your video creativity is amazing! The shots. The stop animation. The cuts. The sound effects. The music. So addictive!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you! I'm pleased you found it so. When I realized it was going to be > 20 mins long I was aghast, and was worried no one watch all of that, but I couldn't bring myself throw out anything. lol

[@leverman7517]

Impressed by the Machining skills you employ in your home shop, well done! I also enjoyed the humor you employed!

[@retrotechjournal]

Enjoyed and employed. I love the rhythm. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@Troyvidihoo]

Wow, a lengthy project made 3x as long to video (with special effects even) all of it for us. Thanks. You certainly seem blessed with lots of goodies and freedom from time consuming obligations! Your living my dream tinkering in your shop instead of off to work on other's projects!

[@retrotechjournal]

I have both a job and 2 kids so I’m not sure where you got the impression I got to spend all my time tinkering. :). Movie magic I guess. It is true I have more time now that my kids are teenagers. Now you know why I only put out one or two videos a year. I’m always tinkering even if it’s just in my head during the commute etc.

[@djfn98]

By far the the best video her on KZbin I have seen for a while! All this camera shots, this awesome project. Just a pleasure to watch.

[@retrotechjournal]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@tcroft]

This was seriously impressive, loved the editing, looking forward to more!

[@bobbybristow7879]

Man am I late to the party! I love your enthusiasm, drive, building and editing skills. I'm over here just trying not to fail 3d prints. Lol thank you very much for sharing.

[@retrotechjournal]

Welcome to the party! No worries. I've had failed 3D prints too. The worst are when you don't catch it quickly and your entire print head gets covered in plastic. I'm glad you liked the video. Thank you for the nice comment!

[@dittot]

Most underrated youtube channel

[@michaelhulsewiede4749]

You did a brilliant job with both the incection molding machine and the video. Really entertaining and well explaned. Keep on doing this.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks I'm glad you liked it!

[@ericprobinson]

Your editing and story telling is amazing. You just earned a new SUB!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks. Woot! Welcome!

[@Ulious]

Really enjoyed listening to you tell the story of your adventure.

[@AndrewNicholsSeattle]

Lowkey, discovered your channel from recommendations and I absolutely love your video style. Started with the robotic loom video and saw this one next. Really really great videos. Well shot, lit, directed. Super quality stuff. You're a maker in all the right ways.

[@retrotechjournal]

I love the term Maker. It's so general and describes so well. I'm glad you discovered my videos. Thank you for the nice comment.

[@jeffjorczak]

I respect the amount of work that went into this... including the video production. Well done!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! It does take a crazy amount of time to make these videos. It’s nice that on KZbin people seem to recognize that. 👋

[@djbassaus]

You are living my dream, I've wanted to tackle this exactly the way you have for a long time. Amazing work!

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh thanks! I am happy that this project more-or-less went to plan (although I'd hoped to avoid machining any of the castings.) I'm glad you liked it!

[@lorenbrownlee3771]

This is my favorite channel. Every video I learn something new, and the jokes are great. Thank you so much for sharing your projects and knowledge with us can wait to see what you do next.

[@retrotechjournal]

I’m glad you found my channel. Welcome aboard! I like it when folks like some of my less viewed videos then I know I’ve really found my audience. 👋

[@n3kix]

wasn't really into a Pneumatic Press but your personality and production of the video caught me

[@EricHaskins71]

What an underrated channel by subscriber count! Great transitions, music and on cam presence. Added to my subs!! Keep it up I enjoy the content

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it!

[@BrassThunder]

I came by your video completely by accident and I have subscribed. You made what I thought would be some really dry information enjoyable content. Kudos on the video editing tricks here and there. Not too hokey but just enough humor poking through now and then. I look forward to perusing through your content.

[@retrotechjournal]

Welcome aboard! I'm gad you found my channel/found it entertaining. I try hard to be both informative and entertaining. Mostly I just film whatever silly ideas pop into my head while trying to tell the story. ;]

[@alecatmew]

This was such a fun video, thank you for sharing it! I loved all your little touches with the stop motion and your talking segments. I smiled the whole way through.

[@retrotechjournal]

Your so welcome. Putting a smile on people’s faces is the best!

[@coenraadcoenie7850]

Hey dude, thanks for putting in all the effort you did, these edit and camera angles aren't something any youtuber puts in everyday.

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh thanks! Yes, I put a crazy amount of time/effort into these videos. I’m glad some folks can tell. You’re very welcome.

[@aerospaceresearchmeyerton2687]

KZbin algorithm to the rescue. Thank you for recommending this awesome channel. I love to learn. And this was an awesome learning experience. Great channel Great video editing Great host. Great content.

[@retrotechjournal]

You are entirely welcome! I'm at least trying to get better at those things. :] Thank you for the nice comment.

[@sylphe]

Wasn’t expecting much when I clicked on the video but gotta say I’m blown away by how well the video’s put together.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks!

[@Lucidus123]

Love the details in editing and everything! Amazing talent for creating entertaining stuff in such a unique way.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you!

[@talldave1000]

You tell a good story, man. Straight from the heart. Great video

[@retrotechjournal]

🙏 Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.

[@kropjesla01]

This video is fantastic, not only was it a lot of work to make the Molding machine, but what a great job making this video as entertaining as it is. A lot of planning went into it. Thank you for all your work!

[@retrotechjournal]

You’re welcome! I like making the videos. I’m happy when folks that like them find them.

[@qwertopchicken]

The production value on these videos is so insanely high. Instant subscribe.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! It's nice when people recognize that I put a ridiculous amount of effort into the videos themselves. Since folks are awash is high production value media, and just sort of expect that as a default. It's great that the KZbin audience seems to understand the effort behind it. Thank you for your nice comment.

[@mylittleparody2277]

The quality of the video is just awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh thanks! You're totally welcome. Thank you for the nice comment.

[@filippofanesi]

The soldering iron press was a genius move. Love your channel and the iconic stopmotion

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh thanks! I wrote a page up about doing that if you're interested: retrotechjournal.com/2016/06/21/soldering-iron-drill-press-adaptor/

[@crassbusinessman3122]

Fantastic. I'm incredibly new to injection molding and plastic manufacturing which inevitably led me to the buster beagle machine, and then here. Glad I ended up here XD

[@aniksamiurrahman6365]

Channels like this makes me feels that an age of homegrown industry is coming. May be the time is ripe for small home grown industrial revolution.

[@retrotechjournal]

100% agree. Flexible manufacturing of all kinds is getting cheaper/easier to access. Being able to piggy back of industrial PCB fab/laser cutting, etc. It is an amazing time to be fabricating at home.

[@kwaaaa]

You have a fantastic style of story telling. I've watched a few of your videos several times over, quite enjoy the process you go through.

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh my gosh a repeat viewer! That's a amazing. I almost can't imagine it, lol. I always feel lucky when folks manage to watch all the way though one. :] I've been struggling with the story telling my most recent project. I seem to have pushed the story stack a time too many, and that's probably trouble. I have to edit my way out of this mess! lol. So it goes. I'm glad you like the results.

[@allenstroud4236]

I really enjoyed your video. This is the best "Build an Injection Molding Machine" that I've seen by far. Thanks for sharing.

[@retrotechjournal]

Oh great! I'm glad you liked it. I do think that I ended up with a pretty useful machine for not a huge ton of work. Although making the CNC + making the video was a ton of work. It would have been a bummer if the idea had totally failed!

[@BuildSomethingAuto]

This was very cool, and I love how much fun you have with your videos (even when the projects taking longer than expected). 👍

[@retrotechjournal]

Which is good because nearly all projects take longer than expected. If I could count the number of Christmas eaves where I was up late still working on gifts it would be … most of them.

[@adambergendorff2702]

Stumbled onto the video, I can see how this would also be useful in many circumstances, Thanks also for posting the links for the parts you used!

[@retrotechjournal]

Sure. It was kind of painful to do a full cost breakdown of a project. I usually try to avoid facing that since if a project takes months to do and there are mostly small purchases along the way you can kind of Hope it wasn’t THAT much money. 😆

[@HeartOfGermany]

Please produce more videos like these. Such good videos are sooooo rare. What a bless to see those. Amazing skill. Both in designing and editing. Thanks for this enojoyable content.

[@retrotechjournal]

You're welcome! I am working on more videos. No worries.

[@daniel-pablo]

The production value deserves a chef's kiss

[@retrotechjournal]

*beam*

[@reclude2059]

Great video! I loved the concept of such extreme DIY; but then the production quality blew me away! Loved the little lego guy and the sound effects. The finished project looks really professional

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! I love extreme DIY. Often my goal with projects is to try and do things I just barely think I might be able to do. So I'm always stretching/learning stuff. Although sometimes it's just "oh that would be fun" or "Now that I've thought of it I really need to make one of those!" lol

[@schoonsix5644]

The quality of your work is amazing. Keep up the great work I hope your popularity grows and expands.

[@retrotechjournal]

I do seem to be getting an unexpected surge from the the algorithm. Since the new year I've gotten more new subs than in the entire life of the channel before that. Really unexpected.

[@Creator_Nater]

Great storytelling, timing, and videography!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you!

[@GeekMustHave]

It's nice to know that Santa is also a Maker, you have soo many skills, no add injection molding to that. Like some of the other comments I came here out curiosity but was trapped by your presentation, style and video editing, the lego man was a gut hoot. You have earning a new subscriber, keep broadcasting!!

[@retrotechjournal]

Welcome aboard! I am still making videos they’re just slow to make.

[@CMNDSAUDIO]

I apreciate all the effort put into this video

[@retrotechjournal]

[@paulmendelsohn5562]

I was glued to your video production and the project, you're an awesome creator !

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! This one ended up being a bit longer than I'd originally intended so I'm glad I manage to keep you engaged. I tend to assume no one's going to click on something that's 27 mins long, but somehow this video has been doing better than I ever expected.

[@FABBuildit]

I am happy you were in my suggestion list. Great video! Informative, entertaining, pleasing, and great editing. I may not build this but I haven't clicked on your link yet. QUALITY Work! GREAT VIDEO!

[@retrotechjournal]

Great! I’m glad you liked it.

[@callingallbears]

its been a long time since i've found a channel that I truly enjoy, very well done, you have a very This Old Tony vibe and I absolutely love it, subbed

[@retrotechjournal]

Great! I'm glad you got some enjoyment out of it. Welcome aboard!

[@RyanPaton]

All expectations are surpassed! You are creative and quirky and smart! Thank you for your delightful video. You have my subscription!

[@retrotechjournal]

Woot! Welcome!

[@utube4greenfuture]

Finally, an entertaining and educational video. You make learning enjoyable. Well done sir.

[@retrotechjournal]

Thank you! Those were my two main goals so I'm super happy I achieved them for you.

[@sakuyarules]

I was watching this in the background, but it looked neat, so I decided to pause it and wait until I could pay attention to it. I'm glad I did, this video was fun, interesting, funny, and informative!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I always have to remind myself: People might be watching this with no sound. People will be watching this on tiny screens or horrible bandwidth, etc, etc. so hard to know how people are going to consume these things. Lol

[@TheLuizfrds]

your detail to production is really great! loved the stop motion!!!!!!

[@retrotechjournal]

Thanks! It's fun to do. Often I come up with extra bits to do on-the-spot which is not very "carefully storyboarded up front" of me. ;]

[@orangemonkeykiller]

Wow, this video is incredible. Super informative and also very entertaining. I can't wait to watch more of your content