How to Make an Epic Control Box! Vintage Machine gets even more Awesome?

[@PaskMakes]

My Pask Makes Hammer: paskmakes.com/the-pask-makes-... Many of you requested a video of a vintage style control box for my drill press, so here it is. it was a lot of work in both designing and making it. Probably a bit over the top but it was fun to make with a few cool elements to it. I'd love to know if you thought it was worth the effort or should I have made something more simple and moved on to another project? I also meant to say that it took 30 minutes to form the front panel, to give you a bit of an idea. Even though I worked out the rpm's for all four belt positions I doubt it will ever move off the second pulley as it gives me a wide range of 200-2100 rpm. :)

[@Stunthangar]

I build wooden model airplanes but the amount of talent you have amazes me. Good job!

[@mikepetersen2927]

Glad you made the effort; the payoff is huge. Your patience and diligence are inspiring. Most folks would've 3D-printed the knobs, or repurposed something off an old stereo, but no -- you set up the dividing head! 😁 That dial turned out

[@alskjflaksjdflakjdf]

It was totally worth the effort. Often when you do something that seems like too much work, you also learn new skills along the way. It feels like I am unlocking a new superpower when I do this. Even if I think to myself that I am never doing that again. :)

[@alaskankare]

awesome content as always. did you realize the flypress can be used in blacksmithing too?

[@Yackhammer75]

I think you hit the nail on the head with this one Neil. The attention to detail with the recessed dial and side door, the dial indicator and power switch. The over all look and seamless on top of it. Anyone who didn't know would never guess it wasn't a vintage box that was repurposed but rather a brand new construction. That screams success in what you were going for. Very, very well done mate.

[@klerulo]

Continually amazed at how far your skills have progressed in the last few years. This project used mill and lathe, fly press, hammer forming, brass etching, tig welding, silver soldering... and every step showed a lot of talent and diligence. Fantastic final result.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Richard - glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@islaywombats]

Completely agree. I've been watching this channel for years and years and I am continuously staggered by what Neil accomplishes! Normally this level of expertise and skill would make me feel insecure or not want to try new things, but Neil's humility and explanations of his thought processes and learnings does the exact opposite. He makes me want to build more stuff!

[@plainnpretty]

I agree

[@Lenny65]

Spot on and the attention to the smallest details in every project this man makes . He should and will test his skills for many more years too brush up on tight welding 😅

[@tungsten_carbide]

@@islaywombats Well said!

[@paulbutchart5450]

You asked at the top of the video to tell you if this was over the top. My answer oh hell yes! Is it awesome oh hell yes! People don't build things with style very often. Those who do should be celebrated.

[@corinkayaker]

The footage of you forming the corners in high speed is totally unreal. What a fantastic addition to this machine! It truly looks like it came out of the factory that way! I mean yes for a normal human it’s totally overkill, but somewhat understated for a guy that has a drive train of massive wooden cogs driving a full scale propeller on the wall. So pleased to see this project done.

[@PaskMakes]

I thought that shot was pretty interesting too, you can really see the steel getting pushed around. Glad you liked it and thanks for your help! :)

[@davidduffy9806]

Ive generously offered to provide some tuition so Neil doesn't make so many mistakes. It's OK there's no need to thank me

[@JaredAF]

Wow, that's awesome. It really does look like an original part. Great job nailing that vintage design/look.

[@IanSmithKSP]

This is truly old world stuff here. The quality is phenomenal. You’re becoming the ultimate craftsperson as all the mediums and tricks of the trades are conforming onto objects that no one has ever seen before. Amazing as always

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Ian - just having fun and trying to keep learning! :)

[@DanteYewToob]

What I love most about your channel is your “what the hell, why not?” attitude towards trying new things. Almost every project/video includes some skill that you say you’ve either never tried, or barely ever done and yet you just go for it. You’re not afraid to share failures and flaws, and you share the fact that those failures taught you something along the way. I find that very inspirational because I sometimes have a fear of trying a new technique or skill on a project because I’m afraid of wasting money, time, effort.. etc. part of me knows I can just try again, or fix the mistake but it definitely holds me back more than I’d like. I’ve been learning basic crappy welding recently and I’ve been afraid to actually make something… but I think I’m going to go for it. I’ll start small and just accept the flaws, let the project and process be my teacher.

[@dannyberg4294]

As someone who is a tig welder, I can say you really didn’t do too bad of a job! Thinner material is no easy task and sheet metal especially is tricky at the best of times. Great job, love the project as usual!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Danny - I was pretty happy with the welding. I understand it could be better but certainly better than I expected it to turn out. :)

[@liamobrien9451]

@@PaskMakes for the welds that are not too cramped, you can clamp a block of aluminium to the back side to prevent blowout and warping

[@dogsarebest7107]

@@PaskMakes A thing that helps for this Pask, is laywire. Don't try to dab the filler in, on real thin stuff, the rod can just push the molten steel through the sheet, making a blow-hole. Lay the wire flat along the joint, and run the bead on top of the wire. The wire will have the same if not more thermal mass than the sheet, making it easier to control the heat input and not blow through. Then just run the arc over that! Also, mild steel really doesn't like being autogeneously welded, it needs filler :) Only grades of stainless steel are fine to be autogeneously welded

[@p__jay]

just use a laser welder and ever kid can get perfect welds!

[@guyverderosa]

Silicon bronze rod. Tig brazing. You don’t have to melt the base metal. Easier to not blow trough.

[@notfeedynotlazy]

4:39: "I reckon it's pretty crazy what you can do with metal with just a few basic tools. I love it and the possibilities are endless" Armourer here: Can confirm. It's basically what my craft is all about. One of the better things ever is showing the stuff to a bunch of little kids and watch the amazement in their eyes when they say aloud, "look! the steel _does_ move like clay".

[@alanmuddypaws3865]

Very impressive! I'm beginning to think that you could make just about anything if you put your mind to it. Having the patience of a saint is a big help too!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Alan! I reckon that goes for all of us! :)

[@ChuckThree]

That top down time lapse (at 3:51 ) of the metal deforming while shaping the corner was great!!!!

[@boryscholewinski4370]

Lost for words. Been shaking my head in disbelief throughout the whole video. You are a gem Neil, thank you.

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you enjoyed it Boris! :)

[@davidduffy9806]

I've gracefully offer Neil some free tuition, you'll see some real improvement in his work asap

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

I am beyond impressed. In fact I’m speechless 😮

[@paulforster4133]

The box forming is so informative and shows techniques useful in many applications plus the brass dial is gorgeous. The whole control box fits perfectly with the drill

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Paul - glad you like it! I'm very keen to do some more hammer forming. :)

[@21bCreations]

I’m lazy so I would have 3d printed the knobs and indicator. Apart from that I have to say your patience is amazing and the end product beautiful.

[@mouritsen2]

I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed watching this video. The combination of skills required to make this project is just incredible and you do each one with great ability. I love the design as well. This project really speaks to me. Well done!

[@EldeNova]

Yep well said!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much - glad you enjoyed the video! :)

[@Mike-vn7ys]

Try using a 1/8”-1/4” thick backer bar of copper or brass clamped behind your weld. Your weld will not stick to the copper/brass and will leave a smooth seam. Works fantastic especially on thin metals. Also if you blow through it will make easier to fill and sand hole. I am a metal fabricator and this has saved me many times. You can also fill plug or drill holes with ease. PS: I like the box, well done. Write back if you need more tips.

[@charlesxix]

As a retired engineer, all I can say is that it's absolutely brilliant.

[@davidgagnon2849]

Okay. Now I believe you can make ANYTHING, Neil. This is just awesome. I am so glad I was introduced to your channel by Jay Bates' "Interesting sites from around the web".

[@jimmoore4838]

What a fantastic upgrade! You did an outstanding job!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Jim - glad you like it! :)

[@SimonHollandfilms]

i watch makers and think, I could do that....in this case.. i couldn't . brilliant stylish build

[@brandonlotz8275]

Ive been watching for years, and to have done something with less effort, would not make this the amazing video we have come to expect from Pask Makes. Its amazing to see your dedication to every project. Keep them coming. Love it

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Brandon and thanks for keep coming back! :)

[@rantruett]

Filler and paint makes the welder what he ain't. Beautiful result

[@JamieBainbridge]

Dude, wow! The box was good but the etching and dials are next level. This looks like a professional commercial product, from back when things were made to a quality and not to a cost. Totally awesome and very inspiring.

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

A tip for the future. Some little rivets would have popped in & held the door hinges just fine for you! Great job on the box!👍

[@RobActiveShooterEngh]

By far my favorite video/project of yours. It has everything, electrical, lathe, mill, hammering, ALL OF IT! I though the dials were just going to be props, not actual functioning dials, so even more impressed. Also, you need to do a collab with either Clickspring or Cutting Edge Engineering, I think you and Kurtis could make magic, and with Chris too!

[@bobermai]

Wow, that really look as it was there forever! And that old hammer-forming tecnique is simple, but gave a great result!

[@mtozzy11]

Every video your skill set increases and across a range of disciplines. WOW . Turned out awesome and it does look like it original equipment.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Michael! :)

[@MrButton27]

I never comment on any video but this was the best thing I have seen on the internet in a long while! Great work!

[@douglidz2944]

Great video Neil the drill press looks fantastic and the speed control box looks like part of the original kit. I learned a lot watching this one, thanks.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Doug! I'm pleased you say that, as that's what I was aiming for. Glad the video was helpful! :)

[@hughschwartz6438]

Truly fantastic workmanship. The only suggestion is to use nut drivers or sockets versus the pliers. Pliers can slip and scratch the paint. Chassis punches make cleaner holes than hole saws.

[@BarryGordon58]

It's a BOBBY DAZZLER! Every PASK MAKES video is worth everyone's time. You are the BEST mate! ❤️

[@HazItMade]

Sir, I have three things to address: 1) OUTSTANDING work! I love your attention to detail in everything you do. 2) In the US, we have a saying: A little putty and a little paint'll make ya the carpenter that ya ain't! The modified version is, "A little putty, a little pain will turn you into the Maker you ain't! 3) One of the channels I follow, I hear frequently, "It's not stupid if it works!" Again, well done, good sir!

[@scooteroo]

Dude can do anything! He's frigging Superman!

[@Max_Marz]

Trick I picked up over the years as a quick-turn machinist: Next time you need to turn the OD of a disk on the lathe, just use your tail stock to hold the disk against the face of your chuck jaws or a turned face. If you don’t want a center hole, or the plate is thin like later in the video, use a second disk as a clamping plate, the disk you’re turning can “float” in-between. The screw in your tailstock is much bigger than the screw you used to hold it in this video, if you’re worried about clamping pressure :) This has been my go-to technique my entire career, I’ve never thrown a part doing it. Woo superglue technique! Nice! And the little mini pallet too!

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Do I think the work you did is worth it? To achieve the look you wanted, yes. I also love it when you say you're gonna give something a go. 1 It will be entertaining, 2 It will be educational, 3 I will be in awe of your skills and abilities once again. I love it when you post because I know I'm going to see something good. Thanks, Neil for this build. This was fun.

[@pauldehaan3574]

Absolutely fantastic addition. I really like the round corners on the box. Your talents are amazing. Great video.

[@rickeymh]

Painstaking details resulting in a project I would never have the patience to undertake. Kudos to you!

[@maierhof]

You used the word Epic in your description and you did not miss. Nicely Done. Thank you for all that you have done these years. You have taken me to school almost every time I watch a video.

[@BaconbuttywithCheese]

When things were made to a certain quality and a reasonable profit was made, your result reflects that time exactly.

[@sureshot311]

This was amazing to watch. You should be immensely proud of this. It looks incredible and matches perfect. I enjoy in most if not all of your projects you do something to challenge yourself. I'll watch it every time. Thank you for making this.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! I'm usually proud of what I make and I think that goes for all makers but I am especially pleased with this one. :)

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

I didn't even need to watch the whole video to know it's great content. I made it seven minutes in before tapping out

[@TheHuizenre]

You totally amazed me again. It's almost impossible to believe this isn't a factory assembly. Good job Master Pask

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

Just remember the saying “a grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain’t”. Your work is always amazing even with the imperfections in the process.

[@johncolgan4687]

Absolutely love the amount of time and care you invested in this. A work of art.

[@angrylittlespider4593]

You ask if that was worth it?? OMG, Neil, that was absolutely worth it! This checks all boxes of "vintage" design elements. Actually this reminds me of (ok, I'm a nerd) a Star Trek DSN episode where a character was impressed by the "vintage" design elements of an (then) old tricorder. You've made something that harmonizes well with the machine it matches. The formed sheet steel box is spot on. Now if anyone wants to discuss Star Trek canon....

[@CraigsWorkshop]

You consistently exceed any and all expectations I might have. Amazing job Neil, I love it! (And to think... You weren't sure if we wanted to see this? 😆)

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Craig - glad you like it! I'm always very unsure what anyone would like to see. :)

[@FinlandApollo]

God, the build is so nice. But man, the making of those knobs were just godly. When you got the dial knob, it was like "That looks so good, it only needs some knurling" and then you made them. Just... *chefkiss*

[@android01978]

Another fantastic addition. I love how you’ve matched the style with the drill press so well

[@PaskMakes]

That's great to hear as that was my number one goal! :)

[@wagneralencar]

Nowadays everyone uses cnc and 3D printers, their work is excellent, there are no words for such quality. Congratulations

[@garyhodder2784]

Pask your skills and patience on these projects are amazing and makes for very interesting video's!

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you're enjoying them Gary! :)

[@spencerthompson1]

Personally I think you put just the right amount of time and work into this controller. It looks like it came straight out of the factory accessories catalog. Damn that looks good!

[@fluffycritter]

I love how the work you do is the exact opposite of minimum effort. Using premade plastic almost felt like a cheat compared to the rest of it - I was half expecting you to make those knobs out of homemade Bakelite!

[@MaxGiganteum]

-- Allow me to encourage folks to experiment around with making their own plastic rod by recycling the plastic caps from various odd bottles such as 2 litre soda bottles. You can experiment around with using the bottles themselves but the clear soda bottle plastic ends up quite brittle compared to the caps so keep that in mind. My advice is to stay away from the clear plastic at first and use the non-clear varieties. Yes, the various odd plastic bottles you use are of different grades of plastic so your results can vary. I encourage folks to keep their plastics separated based on the recycling number that is cast into the plastic itself or just stick with one variety of plastic from the same source. That's why I mentioned the caps from soda bottles - the caps are all made of the same plastic as far as I know and that plastic is useful for its durability and ductility. No, the different colors of the caps doesn't make any difference structure-wise if you mix them up though mixing different colors does effect what you end up with for a color! Anyway, you'll need a mould and a ram which you can easily make out of a threaded steel pipe, a cap for one end of the pipe plus the ram which you can make out of wood. Get your mold together, some safety gear including safety glasses and thick/heavy leather gloves, a good supply of plastic that fits easily into your mold, an oven that the mold fits into which will maintain a temperature of around 350° F plus a way to force the ram down inside the mold to compress the plastic. An arbor press or a hydraulic press is very useful here but some folks will use clamps such as a bar clamp or a very large C-clamp to do the job of compressing the plastic inside your mould. If you have to, you can even use your own strength to push the wooden ram into the pipe for plastic compression - just be very careful so that you don't burn yourself. For a release agent you can use Pam cooking spray... though there are a few other things that you can use to prevent the plastic from sticking to the pipe. The trick here is to make sure that whatever you use doesn't contaminate the plastic and make it unusable. Even if you don't use a release agent, don't worry too much because if need be, you can remove the cap from the end of your mould and push the plastic rod out if it gets stuck. This is often not a problem due to shrinkage when the mould cools to room temperature. As far as it goes, a lot of folks around the world have found a recycling plastic into other forms is a very easy thing to do. You can also start out on a very small scale - it isn't unusual for folks to use nothing more than a 1-in diameter x 6-in length piece of water pipe with a cap on the end for their first mold. Here in the states, you can find items like those off the shelf at your normal home improvement center such as Home Depot, Ace Hardware or Lowe's. One final thing... never forget that molten plastic is sticky and hot and it will burn you badly so take precautions! It will also burn inside your mould or inside the oven if it gets too hot so have patience as it melts into a molten mass. Remember that I mentioned 350° F? In my experience that's a good temperature to max out at but if you're a beginner, you might choose to start out at 300° F. Adjust your temp in small increments upwards based on your success over time when you go to cast a new plastic shapes out of the recycled plastic of your choosing. Also be forewarned about the off-gassing - melting plastics may give off fumes even if they're not burning so remember that as well. Do it in a well-ventilated spot. At the end of the day, getting the hang of it isn't difficult but your success will depend entirely on your ability to control the heat as well as compress the molten plastic fully into your mould. Voids and defects will ruin your efforts. Be safe and happy plastic casting! - Max Giganteum

[@JirForce]

I could never tell that box isn't factory made :O Excellent job! The most valuable tool in your shop is you patience

[@jasonatkin6787]

Your level of, and attention to detail are a thing to behold. I aspire to better mine, and will keep watching for inspiration. It's also worth mentioning, that not only do you do amazing work, but you spend multiples more of your time recording it, editing and assembling it beautifully for our viewing pleasure and education. Well done!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Jason! Glad you enjoy the videos and that you appreciate everything that goes into it! :)

[@audioglass]

The footage of picking the vinyl was outstanding.

[@nickm8494]

Fantastic piece of work - you've outdone yourself there, mate. Total respect for the awesome workshop and machinery you've built up over the years. I'm a carpenter in the UK but, coming from a family of engineers and smiths, I can turn my hand to most things like yourself. Must be a Midlands thing! Best wishes to you and the family bud👍

[@chasdave-c1t]

It's so rewarding when you see those corners take shape!

[@rickfazzini22]

Great video Pask!! Another option for the hinge attachment would have been solder bernzomatic makes a great solder simply called metal solder look into it when you get time

[@CompactFlesh]

14:48 if you are no sheet metal worker, you must be an artist 👏

[@samanthadean1083]

Fantastic job, Neil!!! This is incredible!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@EldeNova]

I'm sorry to say Neil, but this is the coolest part of the whole build! Something about this part just works so perfectly.

[@tcurdt]

Wow - fantastic project. Did they go through all those lengths back in the days? Or did they use different techniques to build boxes like that?

[@petermichaelgreen]

You certainly wouldn't do what he did in mass production. I'm pretty sure they used dies and presses, whether they were able to form something like that in a single step or whether they had to use a series of dies to gradually form the shape I do not know.

[@TheDarkPreacher65]

the surface on that plastic after that fly cutter made a pass over it, just perfection to look at.

[@mechminded2207]

"There's a lot of work in this, and it's probably over the top" - this is your channel in a sentence buddy, but that's why we are all here.

[@roncooper6302]

At 82 yoa I think I can boast about my father. Archie Cooper was a metal worker, a legend in his own lifetime in the Woolwich and Crayford Kent areas of England. He would have been proud of the work you do and amazed, as am I, at the diversity of your skills. Regards.

[@kamalkhadra8838]

You made great efforts 👍👏 and got a very nice and unique product.. good and hard working man.. greetings from Syria 👋🍊🇸🇾

[@bigpete4227]

No one could accuse you of taking the easy route, that’s for sure. Epic mate, just epic.

[@joshuadelisle]

That's it. Well done 👍. Cheers J

[@AW-pz3qc]

You said it yourself...awesome!...and who am I to argue? The control box certainly looks like it is an original part of the drill press.

[@mathewmolk2089]

Looks like something that was designed and built 60+ years ago. True work of art without an LED in sight, Love it.

[@Eagleheardt]

that brass etching hit me hard man, it was SO good. Then the red background made it pop. looks amazing

[@peterhaskew]

Imagine the world we'd live in if everyone had Neil's patience. The end result is fantastic, and absolutely worth it as a personal project. Obviously it wouldn't be a viable commercial endeavour, but the most interesting projects rarely are!

[@diras2010]

Jesus... that looks like it was made at the same time as the drill press were made, absolutely fitting the aesthetics, superb job, amazing skills, c'est magnifiqué

[@robdonaldson4837]

Great job, well done. I’m actually contemplating making a similar box myself now that you’ve shown how it can be done with basic workshop tools. Thanks.

[@michaelrichter1855]

Ihre Handarbeit,Material Kenntnisse, Maschineneinsatz,bringen diese präzisen Werkstücke hervor,Respekt Meister. Liebe Grüße ins Königreich,aus Berlin-Wedding, Deutschland

[@virusO1OOOOO1]

The small unspoken detail things is why I watch you Pask like that board with a V cut into it subtly genius! 😂

[@johnmay3266]

Thanks Neal. As a lifetime woodworker, I get great pleasure from watching you work with metal. Greetings from Baltimore, Maryland, USA

[@leo150125]

Project Challenge! Can you make a spot welder out of a car battery? So you can use it to weld these very thin materials, like the small hinges? Great work!!

[@mistalobsta]

Absolutely brilliant workmanship. Can you imagine if everything on the planet was built by folks like this lad..? :D :)

[@eric-eklund]

You Sir is amazingly good at making things look good! Please find the time, and make more things, we all want to watch this!

[@SloppyMechanics]

i love how it looks like it came with that, incredible job

[@bicivelo]

This is not only a functional tool with a new lease on life but also a piece of art!! ❤

[@georgecunningham9175]

I am continually amazed at all of the design and construction, not to mention the time expended, of the templates, jigs, etc. you create. They seem to take almost as much time, planning and materials as the created piece itself. I am fascinated by your processes and results..................

[@donaldfrederick6814]

I love watching your videos. The level of patience, is that the right word, that you display during some of your projects is legendary. I would never be able to do what you've done here because I would rush and have a good enough mentally

[@mikegleaden5096]

Outrageous! "I've never tried this before but it looks like fun, so I'll give it a go". Then absolutely nails it. Yet again. Brilliant. I don't know how many hours went into this project - loads, I'm sure - but not a minute of it was wasted.

[@tungsten_carbide]

One thumbsup just doesn't seem adequate for a project that covers so much territory and took so much effort! Super super job 👍👍👍👍👍👍 Oh and congrats on passing 1 million subscribers!!!!

[@stoojinator]

The dial on that thing is next level! Holy crap! Nice work!

[@BruceAUlrich]

I'm sure you're going to love having the adjustability right there. It looks fantastic!

[@kllisk]

You sir are truly an artist with a vision

[@andreassiegler2238]

This box is absolutely gorgeous! The old style dial face fits the machine perfectly. I almost never like vfd mods to older machines, as they always just look out of place, but not in this case. Well done!

[@allannielsen4752]

Quite amazing, subbed many many moons ago for the woodwork, not a fan of the metal, but credit where credit is due, that looks like it was part of the unit.

[@foxwhiskey]

Absolutely great job and nice to view vid. Congrats to this craftsmanship. Best regards ans greetings from Germany !! 👍👍👍

[@robertobecerrasanchis]

Wow, fantastic job. Every day I like your channel more, congratulations. Greetings from Barcelona, Spain.

[@Ferruccio001]

You're a wizard! I'm absolutely amazed.

[@_zhawkeye_9808]

...over the top???...of course it is!...but so is everything else I've watched you create...and everything has turned out amazing!!! That is the reason I, and for probably most others, keep coming back for more...👍 Matt

[@johnnym1320]

Your finished products are always outstanding Neil! If you had a foot pedal it would be easier to weld the thin sheet and being it's only sheet metal you could weld it with silicon bronze which uses less heat.

[@branislavmitter7520]

Slow clap Sir! I have been watching your channel for 3 years or so and i can see that you have become a true master craftsman. Thank you for sharing this one with us Neil.

[@andrewzanto8591]

What incredible dedication and craftsmanship. Truly a new level Neil.

[@alecsgarden3901]

This is amazing, it's crazy to think that parts of this video probably were people's jobs in factories 60 or so years ago