The Jack-of-All-Trades Shop: Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Fab, and Construction | 2025 EC Shop Tour

[@JoseMora-wc5zz]

Imagine having this guy as a father, or a mentor. The knowledge he has goes beyond, far beyond some basic handyman.

[@bcase5328]

Emotionally, I am reminder of my late Father, who was a farmer, a teacher of Agricultural Mechanics, a Jack of All Trades. His Shed-Barns looked like this shed-welding, mechanics, woodworking, old tools.

[@WatchWesWork]

I recently visited my grandfather's old shop. High on a shelf was a box labeled "Catapult Parts". Suddenly everything made sense.

[@B-leafer]

"A guy can never have enough old junk..." Made me smile. Awesome shop! As an observation, it appears to me you REALLY need a young "shop boy" to sweep polish, sort, clean etc to not only straighten up your shop (good stewardship etc), but to train up etc in whichever bent that may be. Inspiring sir. Very inspiring. Making us a bit jealous no doubt lol. Thanks so much for the memorable shop tour. God bless!

[@dbevit]

He's got grandchildren

[@tylerpyle2135]

"You can blow dust around and breathe it twice" Best quote of the video.

[@wildbill23c]

The problem is its true. Everybody wants to use a blower in their shop because its a fast way to blow dust and dirt around, but it also blows it up into the air so you can like was pointed out in the video breath it in twice, sometimes more than that because you never get all the dust out of a shop no matter how hard you try. Even those filtration systems don't get everything.

[@vanish85]

Laughed and stopped the video immediately to make a comment about it! Obviously it was the #1 ranked in likes!

[@Trooper_Ish]

My dad is still alive. He has a home shop very similar. I need to ring my dad, right now, and let him know, how much I care for him, and how much I would miss him. Everyone might have a dad with such a workshop, but how many people wait till they pass, before showing their love? I see this, and know I may inherit such amazing tools, gadgets, stock etc, but I would much rather spend a couple days working WITH my dad, than months mourning afterwards. seize the day, go in the shop and join your dad

[@-pschar4290]

I felt the same way years ago.. I missed tons of time with my friends and spent it with my dad. He passed away, best decision I’ve made. I use a lot of his tools, my favorite is his level…1 bubble works. 😂

[@Fireballsocal]

I love seeing all of the old and obscure treasures. I think it's important to note for the younger folks that this shop is the culmination of a lifetime of work. In the trades, in the garage, and even in the driveway. I also hear mention of the items given to you Scott. Those old timers see the world around them changing and the younger generation moving away from the tools and imagination jobs. You Scott with your interest and hard work were the perfect person to give those tools a home and a new purpose.

[@glencanyon9287]

Outstanding presentation. I had the privilege of working with a man who had a similar philosophy and demeanor. The experience forged my own philosophy and made me a better person. "Keep the home fires burning."

[@DH-ry2ho]

We need more essential craftsman in this world. Just like my grandfather’s and uncle’s shops! With the ability to fix, create nearly anything!

[@traveleractual]

Thanks for the great video, you definitely have far more goodies than I do, but what impresses me most here, is how humble, and thankful you are to have as much as you do. KZbin is full of makers that seem to have forgotten that most viewers aren't independently wealthy, and just assume everyone can simply write checks without a care in the world. While I'm always impressed by the projects you're working on, I'm even more impressed by your humble nature.

[@pbettselectric134]

I’m a electrical contractor but a Jack of all. Automotive mechanic with a compressor etc. various table saws drills , core drills, saws, soldering, mig etc… My sister said my yard looks like Sanford and Son. Well that’s a life well worked!

[@SteelheadTed]

I’m building a new shop and I had reservations about combining multiple hobbies into one shop. I’ve come to the conclusion that I shouldn’t be worried about that. This video helps!

[@5x535]

I passed this clip over several times because I've been in your shop many times and have watched it come together over the years, BUT this was fun. I learned several new things. The appreciation for old iron or rust, as you called it, must be a common ailment that many of us share. Keeping it all organized is a key to keeping oneself from going totally nuts. In the early 70s, I asked an old man how it came to be that he could keep his ten-acre junkyard organized and know where everything was because he was uncanny about it. Jake told me the secret was "Like Items Together." It works, is all I'll say. This method has enabled me to stuff a 48X60 pole barn and 2 acres to the gills and still be able to convince my children that I do not need to be committed. Round stock with round, square w/square, oak w/oak, fir w/fir, wire w/wire, plastic, fasteners, adhesives, paint, etc., etc., etc...

[@michael-michaelmotorcycle]

First video I remember seeing of yours was something simple like using a tape measure for laying out wall studs. You were building a small low slung shed for Nate in Az. Certain it was one of your early vids, I’ve been here lingering ever since. 👍 While I have no intention of ever getting into blacksmithing I continue to watch & learn because you are exceptional at explaining everything so it keeps me interested.

[@Jim-Wade]

Twelve years ago I was finally able to move from a 22 x 22 garage to a 30 x 50 metal building. There's never enough space for those of us who love learning new skills. No need to be apologetic for the "soft underbelly", that's reality for most of us!

[@wildbill23c]

Very true. It don't matter how large of a shop you build its never enough space....Why? Because you see all the additional space and fill it up with more stuff LOL.

[@stanleyroper5942]

Best Channel on the internet!!!! Thank You Scott

[@adamdoan8511]

I'm much like you in the way that I'm kind of a jack of all trades. I operate out of a one-car garage add all of my things are on Wheels as well. And I still park my vehicle in that garage every night so it's a little bit of an ordeal to get set up mainly on the weekends when I'm working out there. I absolutely love shop tour videos because no matter how clever you thought you were organizing your own shop you'll always see somebody else with a better idea for something. This was a great video and thank you for taking the time to do what you do and sharing your expertise with the rest of us. I'm still not sold on the suspenders but I did recently just turn 60 so that could change at any time I reckon. Thank you for your videos and for keeping up the good work.

[@paulacreman4413]

Greetings from Cornwall England, I'm a retired mechanical engineer just helping to set up a community workshop to make/repair anything metal or wood, oh to have your kit, you truly have spent a wonderful life, your enthusiasm is inspirational, keep up the good work . Cheers Paul

[@sheetmetalhead]

I think your shop is damn near heaven!

[@adamlancaster183]

Never stop doing these types of videos please

[@andrewpinson1268]

The US needs at least a million more people like you to inspire others to "WORK and learn". A good video to get people to do something.

[@wematanye533]

Plenty of people working hard, they just don't have time to film it.

[@somedudeRyan]

The thing is people work a lifetime and never have access to a space like that. A place to find the things they're good at and love to do is as important as anything. Learning requires room and junk and scraps and friends with those things too. When we have more of that more people will be able to be craftsman.

[@greg8632]

I just purchased my first mag 77 because of your videos

[@bltoth1955]

A Craftsman‘s Wonderland.

[@jefff6167]

Thanks for this shop tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved seeing the American flag display. God bless you, your family and this wonderful country 🇺🇸

[@charliekingpin8568]

I remember when you cleaned it out first time man what a lot of junk and I got to hand it to you, it now a million times better. That reminds me I must have a good clear out myself ha ha you channel keeps getting better 😊

[@crazysunshyne]

It’s funny, this amount of tools and materials and finding what you need stresses me out, and yet, this is the life I want.

[@Fireballsocal]

In a one man shop, it's generally pretty easy to find what you want as it's where you last put it. My garage shop was similarly disheveled looking but I knew where everything was. The shop at work that has 7 techs working out of it was the place where I couldn't find anything. Unless the techs are disciplined into putting everything back where it belongs (which ours aren't), I spend entirely too much time looking for the left handed metric thumb detector and can't get the desk adjusted a quarter inch for dear Mrs. Jones in a timely manner. It also helps to have multiples of things that go walking around like tape measures and your good hammer.

[@feelthepayne88]

Thanks for the tour Scott!

[@davidquirk8097]

Hi Scott. Before diving into TIG, if you can, get taught how to gas weld. The reason for this is that gas welding teaches you how to create and manage your weld pool ( it's a nice, easy pace to learn at) that, once mastered, transfers straight over to TIG welding leaving you free to pick up the other nuisances of TIG (starting and controlling your arc, not dipping the electrode into the weld poor and managing your filler rod). Keep the Argon handy for the TIG welding but use Argon CO2 blend for you MIG. If your doing heavier stuff the 20% CO2 will put more heat into the job than pure Argon (technically, once you move away from pure Argon you are MAG welding as the CO2 isn't inert, indeed some blends have a couple of percent O2 in them to improve weld wetting)

[@faridsafazadeh1137]

People like you are the very basic foundation of any nation. A nation can not have enough of like you. All dimensions of your being is a blessing for the nation. I hope you will be around and healthy at least until 100 years old!

[@KevinHalliburton]

I only have one hobby; I collect hobbies! We seem to share that trait (though you are far more invested). The diversity is one of the things I love so much about this channel. Being a Jack of all trades gives us the ability to solve problems in one trade with insights gained from another. I can't remember the last time I went to bed without learning something I didn't know when I woke up. I would love to be a true master at more things but I wouldn't trade the diversity of my interests and experiences to get there. Keep on mastering diversity! I built a 2x72 belt grinder like that with a VFD and a 3 phase motor I pulled off of an old compressor that had been upside down in a flooded basement for years. I was amazed when it fired right up after a quick dissasembly and cleaning. That grinder probably gets used more than anything else in my shop.

[@mikedee8876]

I appreciate the organization method in your shop....densely packed, and only you can find anything there. I have a micro version of that.......plus being a sucker for old, obscure tools. Thanks for all your videos.

[@vadimalexandrov3944]

Scott, great video as always! You and your channel inspired and helped me in lot during those 5 years since I discovered it. So I’m very grateful that one time you decided to take a camera and record!

[@rowgler1]

I think of you as a master of many trades, a polymath. Many skills overlap into others. The physics remain the same. Knowledge accumulates over time and the learning becomes well rounded. A circle of knowledge becomes full early on and needs more space.. Then it becomes a sphere. That works for a while, but the the experience expands the personal selves membrane and the sphere must grow in circumference. You are a communicator and your personal sphere of knowledge and self is now radiating inspiration and information .. Good Work.🌀

[@ConcreteLand]

27:57 !!! YOU CLAMP YOUR FINISHING BROOM!!! I thought I was the only person who does that. I’ve recommended it to many and have yet to see any of them do it. My 20 (+/-3) year old broom is still in fabulous shape. I knew I loved your videos/work ethics for a reason. Damn! We should’a been neighbours.

[@jeffputnam8554]

You are a blessed man. God seems to help those who have a desire to learn and share and give with resources. How we use them and the gratitude we have for them are the way we say thank you God for all my blessings.

[@kfrazier281]

Great shop!!...you are a WEALTH of knowledge about 'old school ' skills and your shop displays those skills. I am hopeful that my sons and I can develop a fraction of the knowledge you have in your brain...thanks for sharing.

[@dannydunnagan3267]

I have watched you for a long time I like the old shop that is all I have ever had. and it has served well for me.

[@Wrangler98JPTJ]

Happy New Years Scott and Nate! May 2025 be the best one yet for you all!!!!!!!!!!

[@henrysara7716]

Its being a pleasure watching you videos, in many ways you have being a virtual mentor at least to me. Thank you, my best for you and family for 2025.

[@LeonExcellence]

Someone give this man 100 more years of life!!

[@Centercreek]

What joy. Enough to make the DaVinci in all of aspire to learn and do more.

[@ZachFields]

@Essential Craftsman I live in Chambersburg Pennsylvania. The building that housed the Chambersburg Engineering Company (best known for their power hammers) is now a heavy truck driveline and suspension shop by the name of Gaumer Industries. I was just in last week getting a driveshaft shortened. It's a massive old building with a trolley track running right down the middle.

[@e1ucas]

Love it! Thanks for the tour! The way I figure it, the shop and all its accoutrements are merely a means to an end and not an end unto itself. Therefore, the means need not be anything beyond its utility.

[@craigg5051]

I love the history you speak about from who owned the tools. Stuff from your dad… so cool. I love the history of some of my tools from grandpa, my dad and father in law. Great shop history. Amateur of all trades here and definitely not a master of any. Great tour

[@stoneinthefield1]

Love the shop and all the earned tools. 24:46

[@Dennis-uc2gm]

Very Nice shop ! I wouldn't change a thing. I'm always a bit skeptical when I see these neat as a pin shops. I do all kinds of things across the trade disciplines, but a neat shop is not one I'd be accused of . 👍

[@lucky1u]

What a dream! I'm jealous

[@trevelynbrown4444]

I love the gate . Your home security is better than mine . I look forward to every video .

[@Ianhurley54]

So cool to have those tools! You’re a wonderful person with loads of talent!

[@flutter1woodcraft]

Happy New Year!

[@johnrosier1686]

If the shop was too clean it might not look like it is being used. One thing that someone reminded me of is to make sure that when you have a building like this that it is properly insured. Unfortunately things can happen and some of these old relics are irreplaceable but at least you would be covered. Thanks for the tour- I try to pick up new ideas for how to set things up and store items and this is very helpful as well as entertaining.

[@martinparmer]

Scott, good heavens. I have a 24 x 24 shop and somewhat like you, I've done carpentry, construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, rigging, sawmilling, and more and am looking to do some blacksmithing. I lose stuff in my shop. I can't imagine being able to find stuff in yours... LOL Best of luck, long life and teach us how to use as much of all those old cool tools as you can!!

[@Endorfen2011]

"... I get a lot of satisfaction out of being able to figure out a lot of different things." Well said.

[@candace3676]

Happy New Year, Essential Craftsman. Your shop has evolved well. The ladies in the neighborhood and I have a term for our men, those with iron deficiency syndrome. Whether small or large, stuff that clanks makes them happy for a while. Thanks for the wonderful content. Mr. Sweetie and I have watched since the beginning. Your barber (and Mr. Sweetie's) gave us a heads-up. Eight years have gone by fast. Best to you all. Carry on.

[@davecarroll5989]

Great tour of great stuff this is what years of work look like

[@denisoconnor6343]

I could spend all week in that shop❤

[@That_ole_Dodge]

Love the shop and its variety. Change nothing!!

[@d.thorpe2046]

2k upvotes, ZERO downvotes

[@justinwilliams4212]

I would love to see you collaborate with a knife/Damascus build with Will Stelter. You guys would have a great skill overlap - and I believe that seeing such values and skills in a young guy would make you very happy

[@ThomasLips]

An abrasive cut-off saw is mandatory if you're cutting hardened steel. But I highly recommend one of those Evolution carbide tipped saws for everything else. Happy New Year!

[@Stefan-ts4kt]

Happy New Year Scott and thanks for the shop tour!

[@miquerto]

Life goals to have a shop like that. I really like how how you have everything laid out, and your organization style fits my brain. ;-) Thanks for sharing the tour.

[@xoxo2008oxox]

Its nice to see another twin saw like Engels coach shop! I thought they were rare but nice to see another great resource with one! Thank you for the shop-barn tour! Please do the Byrd planer upgrade!

[@psidvicious]

Scott: DOT called and said they need you to move the shop 300 feet to the south for clearance on a new highway off ramp . They said by next Thursday should be fine. 😖

[@linmal2242]

Yup. Notification. LOL

[@anthonyhenderson4942]

A person can be a master of all trades

[@tonyn3123]

Please do a video on the Oliver. I have seen Dave Engel's saw for years and it is fascinating how it works. And you will love the helical head for your planer! I love mine. Thanks.

[@dirkm1964]

A Lenze frequency inverter! Nice. Worked at that company near Hameln/Germany nearly 2 decades ago. Nice shop tour. Keep up the good work and your videos about that!

[@bootsandboxers5079]

It's a dream to be an appreciate to a guy like you

[@rjtumble]

Amazing to think I've been following you since your second video. Getting one of those t-shirts during a visit is on my bucket list (if I had a bucket list).

[@robertberger8642]

Nice shop tour / update. You are an amazing man.

[@lextothepower]

60 by 64!!! Damn thats big...you are a lucky guy Scott!

[@natalieleightonhess]

The complete phrase often includes, "Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one," which slightly alters the meaning to suggest that having a diverse skillset can be beneficial even if it lacks deep specialization in any one area. 🙌🙌🙌

[@floydt2029]

Your channel is very rewarding to watch a real treasure of experiance and knowledge, Thanks very much for the video!

[@jasonthomas6072]

I still believe a jack of all trades. A master of none is still 100% better than a master of one.

[@badlandskid]

Everyone has their calling.

[@bobireland1256]

I refer to myself as a “generalist”. Which is essentially the same thing. Sure is nice to be able to do a lot of things and be able to speak with some modicum of intelligence about more than a few subjects. Pray maintain speed and course!

[@crazysunshyne]

Masters make more money, generalists would survive economic downturns better

[@badlandskid]

@ you said a mouthful right there. I saw that over and over in my career. I never turned down remodel jobs even when we were building expensive custom homes. You never know when you might have to go back to your roots.

[@kayagorzan]

I was taught to be like a “duck”, as a duck can do many things. It’s slightly strange when I think of it to be honest.

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Wow I am jealous as he'll!! Nice collection can not do the job without the correct tools !!!

[@merlinsatrom6678]

Thanks for the tour Scott! Blessed indeed!

[@MattBangsWood]

Hoping to see you at World of Concrete 2025!

[@gilbertvidana9709]

The Guy that has the most Toy's (TOOLS ) Wins !!! Great Video, right behind ya !!!👍👍👍

[@thebigweasle]

I’ve been on the hunt for an Oliver saw similar to that for a while now. I’m jealous!

[@4909ak]

Happy new year bud! Hope you and the family had a great new years and can't wait to watch the video. Love your guys work and stories and how you present yourselves. Always happy to see a new video from this channel

[@greatitbroke]

Wow that is one hell of a compressor. I bet your shop eats everything it gives too. Great tour Thanks for taking us along. That old table saw made me drool! The saw stops are nice but they can't match the beauty of that old heavy iron made with the precision that they were!

[@CaptCha-p2q]

It was a great tour, keep going please... and thank you very much!

[@scottclark4363]

All in your own time Scott 👍

[@petem6291]

Scott, the shop I work at we make small parts and we Case Harden them it's a good process for a few thou on the surface of the part and works very well on small parts. if you find down the road you need more air for your Hammer, a screw compressor is the best choice, we replaced 3 huge piston type compressors with one screw compressor and the company claims we don't need the air storage tank in the system? The Screw will just provide more than enough air ? I call it the magic box its about the size of a big commercial refrigerator. Each day we learn something new ..

[@KevinsDisobedience]

“You can blow dust around and breathe it twice.” 😂😂😂

[@richardbrobeck2384]

Keep up the good work I really enjoy your videos and wisdom!

[@yaobrao]

Please do a video on how you constructed the cubby hole wall shelf that contains various things including overalls and biscuit joiners etc

[@donaldgarmon7368]

Thank You Scott for another excellent video! Keep 'em coming! and Keep Up The Good Work!

[@JF-fx2qv]

Finally, you achieved collecting more tools than projects. Congratulations.

[@indisputablefacts8507]

wrt travelers and "this is what wheelrights used to use..." I'm thinking Dave Engels might just come down there and give you a talking to, lol. It sure looks like a fun shop!

[@ronkruchten5867]

Re: 12:45: I think Cy's wire wheel and his warning about it grabbing something is valid. Personally I'd take all the guarding off the wire wheel side of the machine, because I believe that's one of those rare situations that guards can actually make a machine MORE dangerous.

[@MrCburgon74]

Fantastic episode Boss , thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences, God bless

[@fruitbooter79]

Thanks for another amazing video, EC!

[@patrickziemke1412]

Great channel, Thank you for the tour!

[@123jones8]

Love it Scott ! We are a kindred spirit.

[@mikedumas2101]

A jack of all trades and a master of none is often better than a master of one.

[@nealesmith1873]

Amazing shop and skills!

[@macc7620]

When I die I hope go to a place like this one!

[@richardb9159]

“ Jack of all trades. master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one.”

[@scotchdrnkr]

My father in law passed away in August. He was a retired machinist. He had a small shop set up at his house. Wish he was half as organized as you. His tools were everywhere. Seemed like he just put the tools wherever ge happened to be standing at the time.

[@jcoul1sc]

millions of ideas on show here, thanks