Exploding Massive Aluminum Anthill Casting #23

[@wyattmann8157]

Somewhat surprisingly, fire ants don't like fire...

[@quarkplasma]

It is nice to hear your explanations during the video. It would be great if you could also add a time stamp at the corner, so we get an idea of the timing (how much time it takes for the metal to melt, to cool down, etc.)

[@stevestruthers6180]

One ant to another: "Is it just me, or is it hot in here?"

[@BigSirZebras]

Well, I guess this is the beginning of a new hobby for me... watching videos of people casting anthills.

[@galadriel4101]

This casting is interesting. It's nice to hear you talk and explain what you're doing. Very happy to see you wear safety protection.

[@rr8960]

These ant sculptures look like they were made for a Tim Burton movie!

[@kimlindsey5178]

Thank you for putting out an interesting video with a major focus on safety. My pet peeve is seeing the other ant casting videos where they don’t have any face or body protection, using make shift tools to work the aluminum, putting cold ingots into the kiln with molten aluminum, and having kids so close that the danger of burns is ridiculous. I refuse to watch those.

[@RecMan2010]

I like it when you talk in your videos! Next time you should tell us about the safety equipment and tools you use and how the furnace works. It would also be interesting to hear about how you got started and where you learned to do this. 👍🏻

[@TroyeWelch]

Good job! You’ve honed your technique (great idea on physically manipulating the base while still molten- much easier than doing it after it’s frozen) and have a good handle on the process, including moisture awareness and PPE. Don’t worry about the haters. Haters gonna hate. Most likely they are people with no experience with fire ants.

[@noahjohns7954]

I know! People have to get bitten by them to really understand why we hate them.

[@Ironysandwich]

@@noahjohns7954 Even beyond that, they don't belong here. They're killing native ant species and other animals. Getting rid of them is a net positive all around.

[@mommy2libras]

You need to get yourself a pair of pruning shears. They are for pruning but I use mine all the time to cut through roots when digging to make garden beds and such or digging out stumps. You can easily clip through a root as big as an index finger with them. I actually have a few different pair because they do get dull and I'm not great at sharpening them. The Fiskar ones are decent but I've had off brand that work just as well. I just put my shears through a lot of work (in the past 3 months had to dig out 6 holly stumps and still not done) but they still work fine. Easier than trying to get a saw down there for sure, unless you're using a sawzall.

[@shadowgolem9158]

One of the best looking ones yet! I love the off centered feel and different textures!

[@Gazby]

Very cool video, but dude, please get some proper molten aluminium safety gear and cover up all skin and wear a full face shielded helmet and correct shoes. I work in the aluminium industry and not much moisture would be needed in that ant nest to make the liquid Al pop and possibly spray you. Scarred for life of course but maybe worse if molten Al is flying onto your neck, face and arms! I've seen some nasty safety videos so just my concerned and heartfelt 2 cents! (I should say pence, I'm British, but please don't hold it against me).

[@Mike-mf3ed]

I’m British,but the amount of American shows that appear on European TV mix with the English that I learned at school. Now I speak Englerican and it insults me everytime I speak. At least I’m starting to learn the differences in the languages (apart from football/rugby)

[@whosaidthat84]

@@Mike-mf3ed do you still call it the telly or just TV now?

[@Mike-mf3ed]

@@whosaidthat84 TV…

[@am5p8]

@@Mike-mf3ed Getting the same here in Australia.

[@vids2002]

First, I agree on the needing proper gear and second, it is the other way for me. I've started saying things the way it would be said in the UK and Aus in my daily life to the point I don't even know I'm doing it sometimes

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

The more I watch this, I can see Ant Casting Parties. Beer, dogs, burgers etc.

[@bigcheese6069]

This was a great casting despite said explosion... The contrast in textures makes the piece really cool! Great Job!

[@TheRisskee]

Me watching this channel for the first time: This dude is probably in his 40s and does all kinds of cool stuff outdoors I bet. Camera pans up: Baby faced dude?!😱

[@sourcererseven3858]

🤣 Yeah I had the same moment, going by the voice I expected someone much older.

[@austinbanttari]

BABY FACE BABY FACE AGHAHAHA DABABY??!???!?!?!

[@NolansAnthillCastings]

I grew a beard to combat this

[@carlschneider689]

Love the detailed explanations. Mix that with the smooth flow and general pleasantness of the production and you are the George Lucas of aluminum.

[@descargaelbano]

That's some beautiful hair at 8:50!

[@MyLooneyBin]

very cool man, that explosion left a unique texture for sure.

[@TheJECNova]

Not unlike the guy gets fragged in the "Hot Shots: Part Deux" movie, with the grenade launcher. "That's a helluva gun!"

[@pacificjr]

I think it might be time to get an extra furnace. That way you don't have to wait and the aluminum won't be cooling down while you heat more

[@rebeccagunther4030]

Helping control an invasive species while making amazing art? Win win!

[@MrChrisBarker]

Beautiful lady, nice comment.. 👍 Win, Win.. 👍

[@jennifertimberlake6522]

I would love to do some of the hills we have

[@mv6041]

And poison the ground water

[@johnhansen6739]

What do you mean they’re invasive you wayest of lyfe, they’re minding their own business, ur the invasive one here and disturbing their quiet life, how dare you think killing all those innocent creatures in their home was a good thing, but its ok you’ll burn for it in the afterlife

[@MikeT-TheRetiredColonel]

@@johnhansen6739actually, do some research, fire ants are NOT native to the US. Oh, as for burning in the afterlife, you're going to as well for that awful grammar

[@captscooter2913]

This is the first chat session video I have seen with this channel but I will be on the look out for more!!!

[@NolansAnthillCastings]

First time I’ve tried it out. I’ll probably keep doing them it was fun.

[@descargaelbano]

Great vid. When you showed the ant pile i recognized it as south florida. I think im going to give this a try.

[@NolansAnthillCastings]

Thank you, just be careful and wear ppe. I know molten aluminum doesn’t feel great on my arm, can’t imagine how it’d feel on my face.

[@jayh1947]

Having been bitten by fire ants I think this is a fitting punishment for them................Jay

[@louchat333]

Totally agree!!!! Kill them all!!!

[@MsReignSeattle]

We don’t have them in Seattle. Got bit on my pinky toe on vacation in Louisiana. Omg! The pain lasted for two days until friend elder mother said “oh baby put some vinegar on your toe !” Absolutely got rid of the pain. I’d never had a need to know. Now I know. 😃

[@louchat333]

@@MsReignSeattle I live in Louisiana. It is a battle every year. And they are an invasive species. No mercy.

[@robertt9342]

Fighting fire with fire.. Well molten aluminum.

[@louchat333]

@@robertt9342 that turns into art. They are good for something at least.

[@Jalyra420]

Its crazy how different colonies make such different shaped hives even tho they're all ants

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

The steam bubbling changed the appearance to a mash up with a bonzai tree and the Elephant Man. Awesome to get both textures in on one piece!

[@fredrickvanriler7986]

Nice to hear and see you talking during your session👍🏼🤩❕I’ use to feel like I had to “fill in the silent moments “ with anything, but then realized there’s no rule, just if I had something to share I would.....Awesome video Bro 😎 🔥⚠️

[@peterk7428]

For those persistent tree roots I'd get a set of ratcheting pipe-cutters. $20 and they're very smooth.

[@actechformallyyomama746]

So true. I left a pare at a friend’s house. The next time I saw them he was cutting limbs off a tree. He said those exact words. “Man these are smooth”. Lol

[@miksal26]

It would make a great fountain centrepiece . It just needs a bit of careful plumbing🤔🤗👍🇦🇺😷😷😷 Cheers from Downunder

[@tawnihaynie1065]

Cool. Tell EWaste Ben hello from Northern Nevada. ☺☺☺😇😇😇

[@miksal26]

@@tawnihaynie1065 🇦🇺👍🇺🇸😷😷😷

[@jtrevrb1]

Nice vid buddy. It looks like it popped when it hit that juicy root! Ended with cool effect. Be safe and keep it up.

[@EazyMichael]

Survivor: Was my home, now my throne.

[@NewbingWithRebs]

The look/shaping of this one reminds me of a pirate ship! Really cool

[@KrisHall7997]

I have to say after watching several of your newer videos one of your older ones popped up in my watch this next thing and I enjoy the commentary over not having any kudos to you and your ant destroying art!

[@huntera123]

Thanks for the tips about controlling moisture risks.

[@stephenhoward6829]

The castings are very pretty, but I am quite happy to be in a part of the country where these creatures don't live.

[@NorokVokun]

Man, I hope you make some more videos at some point. I love watching these videos...

[@ScottLarson]

I want you to come do a casting in my yard lol.

[@NolansAnthillCastings]

Maybe, I've still got plenty to take care of in mine though!

[@thescarletandgrey2505]

Nothin like whackin’ a couple thousand killer ants…. “Say hello to my aluminum friend!!!”

[@johndoe-ek1qs]

Okay, this one is definitely not my favorite but through no fault of yours, I think for your part you did everything right!

[@that1guy82]

They always look like something you'd paint and put in an aquarium

[@scottindestin]

This is one of my favorites.

[@stephaniebelley6523]

I think it looks super unique, I love it!!!! Thanks for an other great video

[@blackstonii2032]

this is the first of your videos I've seen. I think what your doing is incredible!!! What an awesome idea!! Keep up the great work bud!!!! 💪

[@nated851]

Wow, that's probably one of the best & most interesting casting I've seen! (I've been watching your vids whenever they pop up, they're great!) The explosion had an interesting effect on it. And thank you for your narrative, especially about the explosion! I'm sure this piece sold right away? Keep doing what your doing! 👍

[@stephanielovatt2787]

The explosion certainly created an interesting effect!

[@bobgleaser7106]

Need to see more of these. Very interesting.

[@heatherreadsreddit8579]

Not sure if there is one, but adding a hashtag explaining might lessen the haters. #KillingInvasiveFireAnts I read the description before making judgement and watching the video. Thank you for killing the invasive red fire ants!

[@yb6825]

When you're taking out the bad stuff on top with the spoon why doesn't your spoon not melt, thank you for sharing I enjoy watching 🇺🇸✌

[@NolansAnthillCastings]

Good question, the spoon and tongs are made of steel. I cast using aluminum, which melts at 1200 F° while steel melts at around 3000F° and my furnace can only get up to about 2400 F°

[@yb6825]

Thank you for the information I didn't know that, very good

[@davidricci9894]

Jet fuel can’t melt steel beams

[@Aslvrfrost98csvt]

@@davidricci9894 no but it makes the steel soft enough to not be able to support any weight

[@herrakaarme]

@@davidricci9894 One of the big challenges of jet engines is in the material science. Nazi-Germany, the first country to use jet fighters in combat, was suffering from a lack of critical elements to use in steel alloys, which caused the Me-262 jet fighter engines to only last a few flights before they deteriorated too much. It's, in fact, not too hard to reach carbon steel melting tempurature inside a jet engine, which is why you need good quality steel of suitable alloys. A jet engine is running on jet fuel, so jet fuel can, indeed, melt steel beams under the right circumstances.

[@mnelson10000]

1:01 Every time you wave around your dross tool, I think of the robot dude on the You Suck At Cooking channel hahaha

[@rustyshackleford8149]

I forgot about him, I'll go see what I've missed lately

[@F3Ibane]

RIP Pimblokto.

[@paulmusgrave3387]

Paul here. Always use safety equipment and slow pour the material.

[@leslielawson201]

I bet a casting done in copper or brass would be really nice

[@christopherleveck6835]

Was thinking maybe you could cast the aluminum in solid clear epoxy resin upside down, or downside up? Anyway, you could use a clear tube and pour the resin into it. When it cures turn it over. Then you could drill through what was the base and now represents ground level. Then wire some LEDs.... maybe incorporate a revolving base. Now you have a museum piece.....

[@chegroovera]

cut to the scene, where there's a dimension of sentient Ant species, watching CubeTube videos of Exploding Massive Aluminum Genocide lmao! great videos yo

[@savage9264]

How are there still ants on your property?! 😅

[@noahjohns7954]

They never really go away. That’s why they’re invasive. They push out regular ants and then never let them back into those areas.

[@TheJECNova]

Fire Ants make an excellent definition of the word "Pest".

[@Shot_Gunner]

Man I wish you were closer. I dump about 5 or 6 contractor bags of Aluminum to the recycling facility every month. I’d just give them to you. I since moved from FL up to Tennessee now.

[@davidgleason9828]

Nice medium size casting...that was not an 'explosion" however...was just the heated air bubbling to the surface. I poured these for six years...when you have one that blows aluminum 25ft in all directions and sends you to the hospital, then we'll talk explosions. :)

[@rimacoates6532]

I can't stop watching these!

[@marywagoner8527]

What do you do with the castings after you are done?

[@chrishenniker5944]

Sell the casts, I guess.

[@davewall2184]

I'm thinking the explosion turned out awesome really liked the texture

[@siggyretburns7523]

Alien wife 1: Oh Zabsquich, What a lovely sculpture. Where did you get it? Alien wife 2: Dorktweek and his father went to Earth last night and poured a bunch molten tungsten on some human rural community. You like it?

[@dylanhigginbotham4520]

New drinking game! Take a drink every time this guy says aahhhhh.

[@toocutepuppies6535]

Super cool!

[@ljre3397]

I must say these are unique videos. Thanks.

[@davidcourreges2595]

This falls under the "just because you can, doesn't mean you should" category

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

_What? You're gonna pour molten metal into an anthill? Whatever did they do to--_ "Fire ant nest..." _... Oh. Yeah, let them burn._

[@firebrand07]

That is one very cool sculpture!

[@humanoid31]

The guy has a thing with the ants. AWESOME!

[@elysehernandez9861]

True art by nature! Beautiful ❤️

[@TENNESSEETRACKHAWK]

Bro, get some small cutting shears for small branches and get rid of that saw.

[@Laerasyn]

Just found this channel about 20 minutes ago and I'm already fascinated. I'm not familiar with fire ants in particular, but I'm all for rooting out invasive species. And it makes such cool art!

[@Scornfull]

in short they're fucking assholes

[@ShellyS2060]

I try to love and respect all life forms... spiders get the "glass- over -top- escorted- out-to- nature". I raised my son to respect but not fear bugs/arachnids. Fire ants?!? Forget it! Kill them all!

[@willstreasures7986]

Very cool man! Lots of work goes into that for sure. You got a new sub

[@edclarke9303]

If you want to flux or clean the molten aluminium, put a table spoon or so of white salt in some aly fiol. Scrunch up and drop it in. Push down and stir. It brings crap up to the top for you to skim off. Keep up the casting, looks awsome after cleanup and helps control a pest💣💥🇦🇺

[@JasonRennie]

"That was a small explosion..." so, let me pour some more!

[@foxyloon]

After living in the Tampa Bay area for all of my life, I've had my fair share of run-ins with fire ants. Seeing a colony of them fry like that is morbidly satisfying... I was on the fence about buying a Devil Forge, for other projects of course, but stumbling across your videos really inspired to try this on a few ant hills I have in my literal backyard. (I've tried everything to kill them, short of calling an exterminator.)

[@joutatheegg]

I’ve heard pouring boiling water down them also works

[@aethergames3506]

Just be careful about not pouring over important stuff underground. Fixing that is not cheap.

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

Awesome footage 👏🏾 😎 🙌

[@tonyk1406]

Through a frozen Turkey in it...Hahahaha..FLORIDAAA

[@robertwiggler4193]

no ants were harmed during the making of this video LOLOLOLOL

[@Apologies55]

They should hire you and a team to go do this to the huge Argentinean ant colony!

[@actechformallyyomama746]

There is a video where an ant colony was so large they casted it with cement. It took a backhoe to dig it out. It is massive.

[@jujucatjuca]

It gives me great joy to watch these. I enjoy thinking of how those ants died a metal death.

[@charitybrown4274]

Great Job!! That’s Awesome!!👍😁

[@elvishouck]

Now that is so Cool & Awesome!

[@JJAnimationDos]

Great piece of art. A masterpiece. Greetings!

[@johnfrancis0063]

Yes!!! Blue Rinno Propane

[@treytyer1629]

Ya boi!

[@valiantredneck]

8:52 So very of Side Show Bob to show up at 8:52 to give a hand. Nice.

[@sandygonda2269]

Best I've seen yet!

[@milfinu]

3:48 you hit the Ammo Dump

[@blastradius7193]

Patience Nolan, patience.

[@Banttari]

With rainy season just around the corner, does the chance for these explosions increase? Or is the sandy nature of our soil usually able to vent the steam into the surrounding area?

[@NolansAnthillCastings]

All last year I was doing castings with no problem during the summer. I wasn’t really thinking about ground moisture back then, I think I was only waiting a couple days after rain to pour. I think where most of my anthills have been have had a lot more clay in the soil preventing the steam from escaping. I’m going to try casting in our more sandy part of the yard during the summer and see if that helps.

[@rnptenafly]

Would putting a tarp over the intended casting site for a few days help?

[@DeltaBravoOpr8r]

Talks about explosions with SHORT SLEEVES on…

[@mariodistefano2973]

I think you could do a sandblasting job over the rough texture surfaces so it should became more shining to the view... well maybe!

[@tylervanorman492]

You know... it could melt your face off... hahahahahaha

[@gjhazard]

I find these mesmerizing! Be careful!

[@maeve615]

1:02 Talking about ground moisture exploding from molten aluminum, 3:48 we see a small example what he's talking about happen.

[@AndrewDeLong]

I know it takes a bit more heat, but you should try for a brass casting. Also, new to this channel, so if you have done that, I haven't seen it yet.

[@DonGamerGuy]

Why is this so fascinating?

[@stevegillotti5284]

What size forge are you using?

[@ernestocaamano7818]

I've seen others use an electric pressure washer..cleaner and shinier. 3:47..explosion. I like the shape on this one ❤

[@Redwingk]

Are all of these ant nests on his property or does he haul all of his equipment to the site? What about the hose? These castings are so intricate and beautiful.

[@X9Z17]

That's cool. Now do a beaver dam!

[@beartankoperator7950]

Have you ever tried putting a pot upside down over a mound I have put buckets over mounds before and the ants build up into the bucket I wonder it you put a clay pot over a mound and then allow them to fill it you could get a pour that would be much easier to dig up. You may have to break off the bottom of the pot though now that i think about it because you would want a base at the end I don't know might not work just thinking out loud. this is a cool channel!