Every Machine in my Shop (PART 2): Would I buy them again?

[@peterlefley6339]

Hi James - you may not use some of your tools as much as you thought you would, but remember: The one with the most tools wins and you're at the front of the queue. Keep buying and sharing with us.

[@tommyshaw2420]

Yes, keep buying so I can learn from your mistakes! I love spending your money!

[@sylphid8]

I'd really love to see more of your electronics tool kit. You do a wonderful job of marrying the two hobbies together and I would love to see more of the electronics side of the house.

[@kirkswater]

Thanks James for all you do - Happy New Year!

[@billdoodson4232]

A 3D printer update would be great. Many thanks for the varied projects over the last 12 months James. Have a very merry Christmas and a very, very happy New Year, from a very damp UK.

[@routercnc9517]

In I’m considering a 3D printer so an overview would be useful

[@thomasherbig]

Had the same problem with the manifold and regulator on the California Air Tools compressor. In the end, I ripped out the entire manifold and face plate, and built a bigger and better manifold with real regulators and gauges. A real pain, but it came out good in the end

[@OmnieStar]

My little 5gal one doesn't want to stop compressing even after it hits the redline part. Is there a youtube comment answer that could help me? Or should I call cali air and ask them how I should fix it?

[@tjh44961]

James, I installed a heat pump in my 20x24 shop about 15 months ago, after doing with out for nearly 30 years. I was constantly cleaning rust off my stationary tools, and I think I kept Evaporust in business single-handedly for the smaller stuff. I couldn't agree more, I think it is the single most important tool in my shop.

[@moofie74]

I enjoyed these videos, but I sure want to hear more about that sweet Paramount MTB back there! That’s a blast from the past. Cool ride!

[@dondotson4604]

I am amazed. I have much more room than you but do less because I think I am too small. I have a 3 phase convertor and a Bridgeport mill and some other 3 phase machines. Yet I am jealous of what you do in your hobby shop. Quinn turned me on to your channel. I am glad she did, You have inspired me.

[@chevyfahrer]

1:45 some years ago i had to spraypaint my fathers triumph spitfire in our garage.Annoyed by the noise of the compressor i placed it outside the garage while working.Few hours later somebody scared the shit out of me hammering on the garage door.I opened the door and it was my neighbour telling me its 3 am.Took me a few beers to bring him down.

[@queazocotal]

On heatpumps and new shops - insulation is a really good thing to consider at the start of a new shop. It can reduce to a tenth in some cases your need to heat or cool, dramatically reducing the size of your heatpump and energy bill. It's damn near impossible to retrofit once you start moving stuff into the space.

[@bpdp379]

The lower heat load also means less tonnage and less cost.

[@lbgstzockt8493]

Plus it means better acoustics for KZbinrs.

[@mikebroom1866]

100% first thing you need in your shop is a mini split. The summer before I got mine it was so hot in the garage I missed out on a month and a half. Now, bearable year round.

[@drhender6943]

The biggest thing standing in the way of cutting steel with the CNC is the spindle speed-- most gantry CNC machines are equipped with spindles that just spin too fast for steel. If you put the same spindle on it that you put on the mill conversion project, I think that thing will do fine.

[@nclanreimer]

I've welded a lot with a miller 211 and love it, I have done both steel and Aluminum, the aluminum is hard to get pretty welds on thinner material. Having said that it is probably the wrong tool for thin material but it was what I have available... maybe one day I will get a TIG machine and learn to TIG.

[@diepurpledino]

"Nested dependencies" - story of my life!

[@v8Mercury]

Woot woot. Let's see em. All hail the algorithm.

[@Disneymkvii]

I'd love to see a similar video covering all of your 3D printers featuring pros and cons, and which ones you'd buy again at current pricing.

[@PatFarrellKTM]

I agree about the mini-split. I have a garden shed that is my motorcycle hobby shop (nicest shed in the county :-) and I have a mini-split. At first, I though it was mostly about human comfort. But it really makes a huge difference on rust and other corrosion on my tools. And I have a lot of hand tools collected over 50+ years. I keep mine set at 90° in the summer and only 50° in the winter as the default. Which controls the humidity. And then when I am going to work, I can crank it to a more human friendly setting. I can stick and oxy-ac weld, and wish I could tig weld aluminum, but I think you are spot on, there is more than a little art in doing it and I don't have the time to commit to it.

[@chucksmalfus9623]

I’m not a professional welder by any stretch of the imagination but have found TIG welding steels to be very similar to oxi/acetylene welding. Also the must in aluminum tig is the prep clean with acetone ss wire brush , argon gas , pure tungsten, ac , high frequency start , foot pedal control. I haven’t welded aluminum in many years but that’s what I remember worked for me.

[@AdamsLab]

Fellow small shop person here... If you want to free up some floor space and you have enough room, I suggest moving your compressor to the attic. You already have the plumbing, just have to put a regulator in a central location. You'd also want to automate the tank drain, I have mine on a valve that automatically purges a little air every hour. I basically leave my compressor on 24/7 so U have air whenever I'm in the shop.

[@JohannSwart_JWS]

I'm not one of your amazing Patreons, just an old sub. Since you are really expert on 3D printers, because of early adoption, and just being you, may I respectfully request a deep dive into your fleet of printers. Especially your customizations, and getting the most from them. I avoided 3D printing for many years, but recently started with an amazing printer, and even though I know CNC very well from way back, 3D printing has so many rabbit holes, it can be daunting. Its been very interesting, in the Chinese proverbial way, to say the least 🙂. Thanks for your content James, and ATB for the Festive season!

[@Chris-Brown-]

Sounds like where I live, weather could be anything from too hot to too cold

[@AlexMusayev]

Thank you for the video, James! I guess a lot of people are intrigued now about that hypothetical metal-bending project of yours 🤔

[@rwa7856]

Could you do a video on how to design a sheet metal part , get the bend allowance correct and tell send cut send how you want it bent ?

[@Clough42]

This has been on my to-do list for a while.

[@nicholasmcneely245]

Awesome! Came here to ask for the same thing.

[@g.tucker8682]

Great idea!

[@johnmessenger7292]

I love your comments about Tig welding, I, like you have greatly varied interests, I have CNC mills, 4x8 home built Plasma table, Lathe, manual mill, 4x4 home built CNC router, Co2 laser, Fiber laser, 3d printers, embroidery machines, dye sublimation printers etc. etc., And like you I had this desire to tig weld, and like you quickly came to realize that I also was not going to be able to focus long enough to really learn the skill, and maintain it. I love your candor. Keep it up

[@mainejason]

I had to chuckle when you were talking about TIG v MIG. I think i had that exact same internal conversation. I really want to be a TIG guy, but i don't have the time to practice, and MIG gets the job done. Great video!

[@garygarland9366]

Hi James, I stumbled over your site last week when a friend recommended. Holy cow - you’ve got it all! Fusion 360? Check. Cool big boy toys and a killer workshop? Check. Mathey stuff like gearing for the lathe? Electronics? LASERS! WELDERS? Check, check check. Your channel is my new favorite addiction. THANK YOU!

[@yowie0889]

Cheers for your comments on welding and welders. Very useful in addressing my current head-scratchers.

[@hu5116]

Great vid. Along The lines that you suggested, maybe some back to basics videos would be of interest, both for newbies, and the oldies that have forgotten :-). So yeah, clamps vises, fixtures, welding rods, cutters, plasma tips, etc.

[@francescochristianmusso5067]

Thank you so much for this awesome must-see video! Please keep doing more of these!!

[@bobuk5722]

Hi James, you are not alone - I'm another who suffers from seeing far too many dependencies. Really slows me down! Fascinating insights into your thinking and planning about setting up your shop and very useful as well. Sizing air compressors being one example of many. Cheers.

[@GENcELL2014]

I know the vibe of being on a 100A service that powers your home and a small 12'x12'(small external add on for air compressor and dust collector) home shop. I have a ShopSabre 23, pneumatic tapping arm, 2.5hp dust collector, 7.5hp 80gal air compressor, refrigerated air dryer, electronic equipment, and some other power using equipment or machines. Being one person only use so many at once, only way it honestly works or circuit could be overloaded.

[@cletusberkeley9441]

Season's Greetings all! I use those Cal Air Tools air compressors in all my Medical Autoovclave installations they are quiet and great. My shop compressor is a noisy 5hp, 60gal Campbell Hausfeld. My Crossfire CNC plasma with PrimeWeld CUT60 is used weekly and paid for itself on the first job. Just love my PM-935TS mill. The Clough42 Electronic Leadscrew is a great asset on my Grizzly G4000 lathe. Latest machines in the shop (this month) are a Vevor 2x82 Belt Grinder, Comgrow Z1 10W Laser Engraver and a Hercules Porta Band Saw with the Hercules horizontal/vertical stand, all of which very modified and tricked ou in true Cletus fashion. Have a great Christmas all.😂

[@mcorrade]

James your right,, tig welding is hard. I mig welded for years and could never get the hang of tig. That's not say I would never try again but it is hard!!

[@CompassCustomCreations]

I just watched parts 1 AND 2 back to back. Well done! I very much appreciate your description of the tools, your use case, and finally your "Would I buy it again."

[@Techplex]

Would love to know more about the avid build. 1. Why servos instead of steppers? 2. Why clearpath over import servos? 3. Why acorn over Linux CNC, Mach4, etc?

[@irritantno9]

Tig welding is easy if you learned to gas weld. It reminds me of college intro to C with unix I signed up for . The professor stated that C would be easy if you knew Fortran. I dropped the class, so I can relate. I learned to gas weld so tig welding was mostly learning machine setup. If you’re lucky, your miller synchrowave will not die from sitting.

[@v8Mercury]

I agree with your take on welding in the home shop. I'd also add be cautious of the aluminum spoolgun. I've earned a living running one... but for home use I would recommend aluminum TIG. If your just welding steel at home I agree with your MIG recommendation. I think 45 minute fabrication shows have mislead a lot of people.

[@clarh]

Fact

[@tpatch750il]

I would like to see how you plan a video, timing, pre-shoot schedule, etc. Feel better. You are rocking it.

[@hansnoeldner1861]

Very informative & relevant to my shop situation. Especially appreciate your perspectives on welders.

[@platin2148]

Marco Reps has found a really nice higher wattage laser „source“ which was one of these handheld laser things.

[@JulieanGalak]

More videos like this would be great. And yes, I'd love to see one on your video gear.

[@samuelfox8126]

TIG welding aluminum is hard. On steel you can practice just on puddle control within using rod and then add in rod. Plus aluminum needs way more heat so more amps.

[@jhbonarius]

I'm now trying to cut titanium with a moving bridge style CNC. Well, even at a 0.025mm cutting depth the parts of the machine just bend and twist under the force. I wish you luck trying it out, but I think everybody warning you is correct. It will probably work ok for aluminium (though limited cutting depth), but nothing stronger.

[@user-jn6cp8fn8b]

I found TIG to be a lot like electronics soldering I had done for decades before I started welding. Forget aluminum for a while and TIG mild steel, much easier since you can go much slower. Once you get steel down reasonably well then try aluminum where you need high current to get it welded and done before the total heat input turns your part into a big puddle.

[@motorcoach123]

Part 3 , tool boxes , storage

[@clarh]

I love my millermatic 211

[@ahbushnell1]

Nice video! On learning TIG. You want to start with mild steel. Then you want to lay a bunch of beads on flat plates. Then go to doing lap joints and then T joints. Aluminum is a little more tricky. It's important to clean aluminum. (and steel but less so). I like TIG. MIG and stick make a mess.

[@reddcube]

Have you looked into getting 200A service? My house was 100A, but the buried conductors were already rated for 200A. The power company just need to swap over to a new meter.

[@keithgoenner1124]

Tig welding you kinda need to do a little bit everyday to get good at it but you have the desire to learn and that is half way there . ❤ your channel

[@biglouie69]

Merry Christmas James! I can really relate to your comment about feeling like you are starting from scratch every time!

[@paulshermet535]

Merry Christmas. My ELS is working, thanks for the help.

[@hgbugalou]

I have the 80 gallon ca airtools and have been happy with it.

[@johnwatrous3058]

Really like your shop! Big $$$ though.

[@Zappyguy111]

If I can cut steel on my PCB etching CNC router, you can do it on that beast of a CNC machine. Although I had to really turn down my feed rate and max out the spindle speed, it was slow, but it worked. I'm certain I have a video on my channel of it working.

[@shanetfraser6747]

I love your videos James. If you ever decide to sell your baileigh brake, I would be very interested in talking to you about it. Thanks again for the great videos, keep them coming!

[@bheckel1]

I have that compressor. I added a 20 gal pony tank. central air set up. blow guns every where.

[@PeregrineBF]

Took a welding class at a community college. That's a good option for learning as an adult. Not that expensive, and got pretty decent at it. TIG is easier than stick in many ways. Definitely harder than MIG, but MIG is very easy. TIG doesn't tend to produce as much spatter or need as much cleanup time as MIG does (and way less than stick), and it can weld more materials. MIG can weld in more situations (though fewer than stick), and is much faster for the actual welding. Lots of projects are better done with MIG, some are better with TIG.

[@VanguardSys]

same problem we have - outsourcing is lower cost, faster and less aggravation - we hardly use any of our machines - lathe and mill a little - all else is dust colelcting

[@toddtempco5454]

Learning to weld and starting with TIG on Alu probably not the best idea. LOL I'm lucky in high school I was in a two year welding program. We learned everything gas, stick, MIG, TIG. And on all kinds of metals even so Ti. That was 40+ years ago. I always had a welder but over the last 10 years am doing more hobby welding and metal work. I think you would have been better off with a Miller 215, this way you could have done DC TIG welding along with stick, MIG, and Spool gun MIG. only thing missing is AC. I tend to do more TIG welding just to keep the skills up. Even though MIG would be easier and faster.

[@J-Eagan]

I’d love to see one on your 3D printers especially now that there’s so many new players in the market!

[@624Dudley]

Thanks, James, and enjoy your holidays! 👍

[@martinbeaumier7172]

You need to make a large pan under the Avid cnc

[@barryomahony4983]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@routercnc9517]

Nice overview. Maybe I should do a run through video on my shop.

[@gregfeneis609]

Regarding TIG, you keep getting back to how other projects interfere with your taking the time to invest in learning TIG so you can make use of it. Perhaps you could have a learning TIG project and a TIG video series? I haven't done it in a while, but did take a few classes and made some projects a few years ago. It's particularly satisfying. No doubt, it needs to be practiced to stay good Regarding no room for a CO2 laser, it'd be cool if you could adapt your CNC router project to easily quick change to CNC CO2 laser router. I imagine the additional space required would just be for the laser operation.

[@JFirn86Q]

Really appreciate your videos. I was one of the ones who was saying things about safety with lasers. Don't get me wrong, I'm so glad they are becoming attainable, but just one stray reflection that you never thought could happen or makes no sense how it could even happen is the one that will destroy your eyes. Must have eye protection always (or an enclosure). It's just the safety should not be passed over (not that you did here).

[@SuperJaXXas]

Have the older Model of the 211 Auto set. great piece of kit. Maybe treat those voltage divisions (1/8,3/16,...) as suggestions. Blurr the lines a bit depending on the weldment heat? Esp, if you are welding different thickness materials. For a walk on the wild side turn off Auto set! TIG is easy just like anything else you've done a lot of! ;) I think it helps coming from an oxy/acetylene back ground and even ARC welding requires a depth component.

[@kevinberta8741]

Would love a video on the 3D printing. Considering buying a QIDI and would really like to know your thoughts on their latest vs the first one you have.

[@vstolpner]

Great video!! Love to see your thoughts about the tools you use. Please do more of this

[@josephjones4293]

I have a printnc with an 800hz 2.2kw spindle and nema 24 servos and it cuts steel just fine. Granted it’s 2x3 steel frame with a 2x4 steel gantry… but it works.. All that and I use a plywood spoil board lol.

[@prototype3a]

I really want to see a "shop hard" mini-split that has filter(s) and such to deal with and/or protect it from airborne dust. I have yet to see any manufacturer make one that uses 20x20 filters or similar "commonly available" and "inexpensive" products. I sort of suspect that this is something where if I want it enough, I'm just going to have to design and build it myself.

[@biglouie69]

Tooling would be great as a subject for future content

[@blazemaster83]

Man after watching a bunch of your vids, I would think tig would be first. If you are near washington, I would be happy to teach you tig.

[@Arick_Lee]

In some of your past videos I heard you remark about how much of a pain it is to cut openings of various shapes and sizes in electrical boxes. I think most would agree it is one of the worst parts of designing machines for many reasons. I propose a small, ¿Magnet? mounted, simple control cutting, grinding machine that you could pick the shape of a hole and the size. Set it on the cabinet where you want the hole, pick an XY speed and a Z speed and depth and hit go. ...or SOME sort of solution that sucks less than the tools usually availible to cut holes in boxes..especially when they are square..or otherwise don't have a knockout punch for the size and shape. I think that would be a fantastic design project for you

[@Clough42]

I made an adapter for my CNC plasma table that makes it super easy--barely an inconvenience. :)

[@stephenjohnson6841]

Another great video James! Merry Christmas and thank you once again!

[@melgross]

Interesting. I have the same compressors. The 1 horse I use only for my powder coating guns. The 2 horse is enough also is enough for my plasma cutter. No problems with either after 3 years. Lista! Woo hoo. That’s really expensive for a “home” type shop.

[@johnyoung3103]

James: I love your videos and never miss an adventure. You have mastered machining and photography. Your video on the Bambu Lab A1 mini has cost me a bundle because I just bought one for my grandson for Christmas. I watched you drop a bundle on the Espresso maker and was wondering how that has been working out for you. I have been chasing the ultimate cup for a few years now and have reached a level of perfection I can live with. I had a few grinders like yours and have moved on. Merry Christmas and thanks for everything.

[@Clough42]

It's meeting my needs. The grinder is the greatest source of frustration, just because I'm between marks 3 and 4 and have to control the pour time by changing the amount of coffee. I was looking again at the Niche Zero. It's not the newest, hottest grinder any more, but it has a good reputation, and the price has come down a lot from where it was. I haven't made any decisions yet.

[@rorylong314]

James Hoffman just uploaded a video on espresso grinders below £500. That might be worth checking out

[@johnyoung3103]

I maintain a fleet of about 6 espresso makers for family and friends from Nevada to Puget Sound. We had the same problems with that grinder. The economical upgrade was The Breville Smart Grinder Pro. was simple, fast, reliable, and at $200 cheap. I being never satisfied, have upgraded To the early version of the DF64 which required weighing each charge and installing a 3D printed kit to prevent grounds from choking in chut. The newer versions don't need this. J.H. didn't like this one and said it was messy. It is but the grind quality and control are superb. Am I happy? Thinking about the $200 upgraded burr set and if It can even get better. @@Clough42

[@Clough42]

@@rorylong314 Yeah, I saw it. He also seems to feel that the Niche Zero is still a solid machine in that class. That grinder is kind of like the Bambu Lab X1C. It came out, and now it's the one that everyone compares against.

[@RambozoClown]

What I've found from both ends of the equation, is TIG pretty much requires a teacher. I've taught a bunch of people to TIG. Some with zero welding experience. Actually, self-taught welders are the hardest to teach as they have to unlearn bad habits.

[@Cybernetic_Systems]

Great video! Honestly, MiG welding is the best option for most things. It’s why it’s used in industry as the default. Unless you want to weld stainless steel or aluminum, I wouldn’t bother learning TiG.

[@terryallemann2654]

MiG welder are great for fabricating but TiG welder are standard for machine and tool shops. For precision welds and repair work TiG or Laser welding are the way to go.

[@Basement_CNC]

mig is great and easy, but the wrong choice for some precision applications , also it produces more fumes thon tig thats why most hobby machine shop guys use it (thisoldtony and all the other ones

[@LikeATreeOnAMountain]

At 20:01 you mentioned building a supercap based spot welder and that your friend Andre built one. I'd appreciate knowing more.

[@JimN_AustinTx]

You need to have a garage sale!

[@mathewritchie]

I watch pretty much video from CEE and this is definitely a pro shop almost all his welds are done with mig welded.

[@notsonominal]

43:40 .. i also live in a place where there are four seasons in the summer:P

[@HolzMichel]

on the topic of your welders: don't sweat the TIG. if you can weld oxy-acetylene, you should be able to pick up TIG relatively quickly. TIG aluminium was really easy for me, however aluminium MIG was an absolute disaster. some people pick up stainless really easy and others don't. everyone has different abilities when it comes to welding and so it really comes down practicing at what you're not very good at and bring your skill level up

[@bobuk5722]

Hi James, can you give some guidance on when the ELS project might continue? You have shown shots of various enhancements relating to the display/controller. I have a working set up but it is still in breadboard and I would like to get it properly packaged with the latest enhancements included. For anyone who has not built one of these it really is an excellent lathe upgrade. Speeds thread cutting up no end and much, much nicer than faffing about with oily change gears. Also exceeds the capabilities of most gearbox driven leadscrews. Very strongly recommended.

[@LabRatJason]

I'd like to request a video: Can you please address the pull request on the ELS project from kwackers! I've been using it for a few weeks now and I LOVE it! I'd love to see it become a part of the main branch!

[@ebayselle]

Put aircompressor outside in a enclosure

[@ronaldmorrison2765]

You may find as you grow older it becomes more difficult to maintain all the different skills and as you found with the sheet metal, sending jobs out to others who are doing that job as a profession may be better than having the tools and trying to develop and then retain those skills that you don't use all the time. Tig welding aluminum might be a skill you can develop but....what do you have to give up to gain and retain that skill?

[@stefantrnacek1394]

It would be really interesting to see the 3D printers. I am thinking of buying one so any information would be great.

[@johnversluis3084]

I see that the plasma table the co has been acquired by ShopSabre so the cheapest table now is $6500 and its 90 inch long

[@Clough42]

Not sure what you're reading. The Crossfire still starts at $1495. www.langmuirsystems.com/crossfire

[@tysleight]

AC and plumbing best things to have in a shop.

[@Stuart_MM7SHX]

Would you consider doing a video on your gym?

[@garyreisdorf1363]

James, What about the "D" Bit grinder?

[@ml50486965]

Very interesting! But did I miss a point where you explained why you would not evaluate any 3D-printers?

[@Thelemorf]

MIG welding in alu is so underrrated compaired to tig, sure tig is "better" and you will get much more beautiful welds but for speed MIG is unbeatable. A simple mig sucks in alu though... Im a self taught TIG welder (some education in mig and stick) and its really not that hard, even in alu.

[@jimsvideos7201]

20:06 Sounds a bit like a studio flash, doesn't it? 😀

[@shaneferrell7852]

you should paint the walls of your shop!

[@AdamsLab]

Just a note on power requirements for the shop... You probably know this but since you didn't mention it. I thought I'd point it out since it is a common misconception. You're house may only have 100 amp service (the overall limit) but that does not mean you couldn't put a 50 amp circuit in your shop. It is perfectly fine (per code, etc.) to "overload" your panel, that is to put more circuits (breakers) in your panel than your service is actually capable of handling. Said another way, the total amps of all the breakers in a panel can exceed the amp rating of the panel. For example, I have 200 amp service (my overall limit) to my house but probably have 300-500+ amps worth of breakers in my panel. My shop is feed of off a 70 amp breaker in the main panel, the shop has a sub panel. The shop can only ever use 70 amps (35% of my 200 amp service) but I have well over 200 amps worth of breakers in the shop panel. So between the main panel and the shop panel (never mind a third sub panel) I'm exceeding my overall limit at least 2.5x. The reason you can do this is that at any given time you are not pulling anywhere near your overall limit, if you were you'd have problems. So, running a 50 amp circuit to a machine that is only going to be run infrequently/intermittently is not an issue since your likely not also pulling another 50+ amps elsewhere at the same time.

[@kvlasblom]

Awesome, thank you for sharing! I have a milling machine and lathe in my workshop, and work with balsa wood. Moisture and bad temperatures are enemies of mine. I want to invest in heating like yours, is it just air conditioning, or actually with a heat pump, with a unit outside that uses the air temperature outdoors to heat inside?

[@stevesloan6775]

You should run classes in that wild Shop. And I’m not talking about KZbin channellers 🎄🎅🏻🇦🇺🍀🤜🏼🤛🏼🍀😂

[@2010troyboy]

Clough with a few tweaks, I believe your thread programmer could also work as an X-Axis dro.Thoughts?

[@cygnet1963]

James I run a laser engraving shop. That little g2 has the same size field as I have on our commercial machines. I have developed simple automated fixtures for some of our larger quantity jobs. Are there any IO options on that machine? It might be more capable than you think. I have done laser engraving for the tool and die industry for over 20 years. I have been a machinist my whole life. I’m not sure how to contact you privately but I would be glad to offer some insight if you want it. It’s also fun watching you figure it out. 🙂