How To TWIST Square Bar with an Acetylene Torch - The INDIAN LARRY Way!!

[@albegt98]

in this absurd social era, seeing a young man with great manual construction skills is a huge pleasure ....... good job man ;-)

[@MakeItKustom]

Thank you so much!

[@Laugh1ngboy]

Nice to see Indian Larry inspiring people even today. Thanks for carrying on the traditions.

[@MakeItKustom]

You’re welcome he’s touched many peoples lives

[@paulstanley31]

That is one of my favourite twists it's been around almost as long as blacksmiths have been around. If you check out some blacksmithing videos there are some other interesting twists, like the "dragon scale" twist. Not sure if you have tried this, but if you wire brush the scale with a brass wire brush you get a brass look to the steel. Make sure it's a real brass brush and not a cheap brass plated steel brush. Also, if you want just the high spots brass, rub with solid brass bars.

[@russmurphy612]

We miss Larry so much. Have a tattoo in his memory and met his friends that still run the new shop in Brooklyn about two years ago 😎👍

[@MakeItKustom]

Yep I definitely wish she was still around like a many!

[@avmech2126]

Indian Larry was a true artist and a hell of a bike builder, RIP Larry! Karl, you are also a true artist, love your work. In my 66 years on this planet I have always loved metal working.

[@RogueA.I.]

Of all the bike builders of that era, Indian Larry was my favorite. His designs were beautiful and functional.

[@jeffpitzer8521]

Cool effect...I'll be scratching my head trying to figure out what I'd use it for.... congrats on finding a new place...I moved my shop and 40 years accumulation of tools, machinery, car parts, and junk recently. Almost 200 miles round trip between locations. 61 days, 12,000 miles, $3,600 in gasoline, two forklifts, 5 trailers, multiple trips to the dump and scrapyard, and 1 shipping container.... I'm NEVER moving again! Hope your move is easier than mine... Always looking forward to your next video...

[@MakeItKustom]

Ouch man that must be a brutal move! Couple 5 tons to do me

[@MTonyT1978]

Congratulations Karl on the documentary! Great video. That square bar with the twist pattern would look so sick a a shift arm.

[@lazyhoundracing9621]

Thanks. What a great idea. I need to make a shifter for my TKO 600 in my 53 1/2 ton pickup. Maybe stainless and polished. A lot of my friends tease me because I polish parts on the drag truck.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot Michael! This one’s a bit heavy but it would definitely work with the Thinner bar

[@closetpicker]

You, young man, are a true artist! Stay gold!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks 🙏

[@dirtyford633]

I think it's so cool to watch the way the bar moves around in reaction to being heated. That's beautiful work, I have to give it a try some time.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah I didn’t notice it till I watch the time lapse! Pretty neat Ha

[@BBBILLY86]

Miss Indian Larry. He was one of my favorite fabricators. I can clearly see his roots in your builds.You are doing him proud taking it to the next level and generation.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot bill he’s a true legend

[@dave5833]

When i was young I worked for a Contractor who did all of this. Thanks for another great video. Have a great weekend.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks Dave you too!

[@jenkinseric2]

When you talked about the heat running, it reminded me of when I worked in thee welding shop in Duncan. One of the things we made was aluminum railing. when done, a corner post would be cooled off in a water tank before acid etching and painting. If I plunged the hot end into the tank the cold end would get too hot to hold within seconds.

[@MakeItKustom]

Oh wow that’s very interesting! I didn’t realize it worked that way as well

[@johnmcclain3887]

I learned to weld in 73, to fix the seat rail of a Ducati 250 motorcycle I'd just bought. I've welded professionally ever since, and never noticed this effect for what it really is. I find it quite curious knowing physics well, and having to question how this works. I have noticed it before, but rather incredulously, only now recognizing what I saw in the past. I've done a good bit of "toolmaking" as a machinist and welder, and noted the effect you describe, without having thought in depth. Still have serious questions!

[@dustymeng3252]

That is awesome that you keep his memory alive. He was an awesome builder as well as you are an awesome builder. Keep up the good work

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much man! I really enjoyed watching him work

[@JonesingUSAF]

I miss watching Indian Larry do steel work! It’s great to see you carrying on real craftsmanship!

[@chriskappes9170]

I once met indian larry at a show not long before he passed he was such an awesome person to speak with was in no hurry and was glad to talk to you he was an incredible craftsman

[@myretirementlife8731]

Congratulations Karl, you deserve all the recognition you get!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thank you so much! Cheers

[@noemelara2643]

@make it kustom.. Indian Larry would be proud.. one of my all time fav builders and the reason i got into bikes.. love your channel love your content keep it up

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much I appreciate it! Wish I could’ve met up

[@freeidaho-videos]

I too enjoyed the biker build-off shows. I wish they would do them again. I just binge-watched all of them on youtube a few weeks agon I have twisted a lot of square, flat and hex bar too. One extra technique I use is to find a piece of tubing that will just fit over the bar to be twisted and just short of the length of bar to be twisted. Then slip the tube over the bar except for the area to be heated. Heat the bar, slide the tubing over the heated area and twist. The tubing keeps the twist in perfect alignment. For brass I use a non-contact infrared thermometer gun. It can measure up to 700°F. I can see you were very careful, and probably don't need my idea. Thanks for sharing! I'm enjoying your channel. It is almost all building and no drama. Love it!

[@MakeItKustom]

It’s a great idea with the thermal gun and the tube works great as well! Thanks so much it’s cool to know that other people are doing brass! I love how it looks

[@aaronyoung8028]

Hey Karl, congrats on your Documentary 🥳 that's so cool 😎 Hopefully I can watch it, as I'm on the other side of the world, in New Zealand. Glad to hear you have locked in new premises. Love your trucks internal door handles, that twist is a great technique. Cheers Aaron

[@seanohutton3185]

Queenslander Here!... I'm also keen to know if we will get it too! I am so suprised how many AU/NZ people watch these kinda shows, till I remember that we basically can't build and on-road Shit when compared to these RatRod builds and what they "Street Car"

[@chrisfromnz3038]

Hey fellow kiwi!

[@brianhaw9398]

Beautiful! Would make a great gear shift .

[@Deuce1550]

Another kiwi watching right here.

[@darrencox1296]

Another Kiwi here! This is one of the best channels to watch for fabrication

[@joell439]

Every episode of this channel just blows my mind…… can’t wait for the film. 👍👍😎👍👍

[@MakeItKustom]

Right on Joel thanks a lot I can’t wait either!

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

You're a metal magician Karl. Super stoked to see your film in Oct. ✌

[@MakeItKustom]

Thank you so much! Cheers

[@carssouth9428]

Enjoy watching you display your metal skills, especially using basic tools. Awesome job!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man!

[@mozzle1250]

Great to hear so many wonderful things happening for you and yours.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@darrenbooker9123]

Great work mate, Indian Larry - RIP, would be looking down on you from above and proud as punch that his style is still happening, well done mate! Love your truck man!

[@emilyscholtes-prue9387]

Love the channel, everything you two put up here is top notch! The cheaper work arounds for when you can't afford a certain tool are a huge plus. Thank you for those. I used the welding work around for bending HSS recently and it was a huge help. The torch twisting is such a fun detail. I actually made a tall flower (somewhat similar to the one you showed) for a mother's day gift and used that detail in the stem. Not sure if it helps anyone, but for short gals like myself -- I cut a length of pipe and drilled a hole through the center large enough to fit the end of the square stock I was bending. Tacked that in place near the end of the square stock. Making a longer lever arm that was locked in seemed to help in my case, especially when it's a larger cross section piece. Seems like you manage just fine with wrenches though, one less step for clean up is always a plus.

[@MakeItKustom]

Awesome trip thank you for sharing! I bet that helps a lot

[@cuzzybears]

Hey, that's great idea for leveraging

[@stanleyfanning5316]

Bar turned out awesome Larry would be proud of you. Glad you two found a place.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot Stanley appreciate it!

[@John_D75]

Congratulations on finding a new shop location! I can’t wait to watch the documentary, I wish I were closer to be able to watch it at the drive in with everyone! Thank you for showing is that Indian Larry’s technique can be used to make some really decorative, functional door handles. Those are awesome!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man appreciate it!

[@terrysibley9636]

As an old guy if often realized that sometimes when your working raw anything it's the slight imperfections that make it perfect. Keep up the good work

[@johnmcclain3887]

As a marine, I ran across the Asian notion, "trying to be perfect is an insult to the gods", and their deliberate leaving a flaw, back in the seventies. I've built chopped bikes and cars, rods, with that as a primary idea, and the "flaw" is sort of like a touchstone of nature when we leave it be. I'm sixty five, so I guess "an old guy" too, the bones feel like it anyway!

[@coreycheatham06]

Can't believe I am just finding you. Your talent is unreal! Keep up the great work! Who in the heck dislikes these videos?

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much! Welcome to the channel!

[@wrstew1272]

When I lived in Az, a buddy told me that he had seen a Volkswagen powered twister for ornamental iron works done there. Production innovation! Clamp a piece to the rear wheel with a home made gizmo, with the car blocked off the ground, one guy heats, one guy holding end, one guy “drives “. Makes sense if you need a lot of twists

[@kevinwallis2194]

being a Mopar fan, i love the movie Christine. The worst part of loving cars is the pain of losing one, and i felt Arnie in that movie show that type of love.

[@heathenamerican8149]

Thanks for bringing back good memories, I used to watch the same series and anytime Indian Larry or Jesse James showed up I was on it. The Indian Larry twist was just awesome and you did a great job.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much. I love the old build off shows

[@MrJetlifeallday]

I’m lampworking (glassblowing with a torch) we call this tech “wig wagging” . Super fun to see this with square stock thanks for being a big motivation for craft regardless of medium!

[@MakeItKustom]

That’s something I would love to try someday! Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@thomasjones3005]

great news on the new shop. Looking forward to your new builds, They chose my perfect idea for a documentary. Looking forward to the day I can watch it. Great class as always. Cool square bar..

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks Thomas! In October it will be on metalreborn.com

[@jamesmcnamara7484]

Awesome stuff man, congrats on the speed line film!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man I’m really stoked!

[@burden669]

I personally got to watch Larry twist a bar watching a master work will never leave my memories...got lucky enough to be apart of a shop walk through

[@MakeItKustom]

Wow man that’s a great memory 👊

[@chuckeecheese162]

Congrats on your success. Cheers to the many years to come. 🍻

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot man!

[@MartinMcMartin]

When the skills carry on after the man is gone it becomes a legend.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yes he certainly is a legend

[@rossstory8529]

I would love to see the movie at the drive in. That sounds like it's going to be awesome. Indian Larry inspires all who have seen him work.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah Ross it’s gonna be really good night! You’re rightb Indian Larry lives on in who remembers his work

[@angelcatalan7376]

Just made my first “ Indian Larry Twist” (ILT) It came out great, I made some fender struts for my rat rod Harley motorcycle custom bike ….I’m throwing those out and using the ILT….I’m even going to use it for some custom running boards, you guys have a great channel keep up the great work and awesome tips….

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much man right on!

[@helderzacarias3994]

I'm happy for the good news. good luck in the new workshop.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot!

[@bergie67]

Wow that looks awesome! Will the documentary be available on line at any stage? I live down in New Zealand.

[@chrisfromnz3038]

Another kiwi!

[@chrisfromnz3038]

He said you can go to that website and buy a pass to watch it online.....unless I misunderstood him.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yes it will be available online for free in October

[@arbuscular]

I am a far older man than you but I find your videos both inspiring and educational. You are a talented man young Karl.

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

Really cool! I’ve seen all the standard twisty stuff which is decent enough, but this does look really interesting to the eye. Fantastic consistency too!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much! It just looks so organic and funky lol

[@jimromero1384]

I once bought a railroad spike knife that some artist twisted the handle out of half of it then made the blade out of the rest then polished it to a shiny finish. That's what your square bar twist reminded me of. And congrats on your film.

[@MakeItKustom]

Oh yeah that’s pretty cool must’ve been an awesome knife. Thanks so much man!

[@brew_wy1375]

Great video! Indian Larry was the one that introduced me to this technique as well. He was an awesome fabricator. I have been getting ready to attempt this to make some new door pulls for my toolbox at work, so perfect timing on the video.

[@MakeItKustom]

Right on! There’s so many cool ways you can use this! Cheers

[@BigBlock402]

This technic is so cool, thanks for sharing the complete process. Keep that metal glowing

[@josecondemarin9586]

Great video, great teaching lesson 👍. It's so good to see a young man offering so much, your potential is unlimited keep going. Congrats in your documentary !! Stay safe and healthy thanks 😊

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot Jose appreciate it! The KZbin community has been so supportive

[@samcoote9653]

dude almost 50k subs!!! i swear it was only a couple weeks ago you were at like 36k, glad its all taking off! totally deserved, completely unique content too

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much Sam! We just hit the 50 K

[@samcoote9653]

@@MakeItKustom so awesome man!!!!

[@007josiah]

I loved that bike Larry built doing this method. To date its my fav motor cycle of all time. Just tiny notch above the black widow bike. Man those were some cool days of custom manufacturing.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah that’s one of my favourites he did too

[@judsonsdiscretionarymetalw5866]

The support was the key I was missing. Thank you!

[@chevypu4]

I worked at an ornamental iron works for awhile you mentioned the twisting machine it didn't need heat it twisted 1/2 inch square for railings, Guy built the best while everyone switched to hollow tube for the posts he stayed with solid 1 inch and word of mouth kept him busy 👍

[@MakeItKustom]

Holy crap solid 1 inch!

[@alejandrorosas4532]

That's awesome you always do a great work and explain to the max. Props

[@billqqq]

I'd love to be able to give you two thumbs up on this. This is really useful to put glitz on something really special. Great to see your ingenuity. Subscribed.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man appreciate the sub! Cheers,

[@pedal_to_the_metalcolin70]

Such a cool touch, when I first saw your truck at Langley Goodtimes show they totally caught my eye, another great vid man

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man that’s awesome that you sought there!

[@avarner89]

I remember watching Indian Larry do this on a bike he made for TV in early 2000s, maybe biker build off or something? pretty sweet!

[@rogermontee8264]

That’s really interesting how you do that Karl. It’s good to hear that you are getting a new shop. Thanks for the video and sharing your skills.

[@MakeItKustom]

You’re very welcome and thank you very much Roger!

[@doubleoddbs4357]

Awesome job brother ! I’ve done railings but for some reason I never thought of that reverse twist, what an awesome idea ! 👍

[@bruceperron3796]

Indian Larry was a real old school craftsman,and a all around good guy,RIP Larry.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yep agreed!

[@atkpirate7831]

This is a great video. The world lost a legend with Larry passing on.

[@MakeItKustom]

Agreed man! He was one of a kind

[@ronlynch7744]

Very cool shapes man. That documentary on your ride should blow peoples minds. 😎👍🇨🇦

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah man hope so! Thank you

[@williamlanphar630]

I've often thought of incorporating this in a bike. When I would see one of Larry's bikes that had this detail I appreciate the varied inputs displayed. Since he used a thicker bar for downturns, I didn't see how I , alone, could accomplish this.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah it would definitely be tough to do A large bar alone but it could be done with rosebuds

[@alterexistence483]

Stoked on the documentary!! Thanks guys

[@MakeItKustom]

You’re welcome man! Thanks for watching cheers

[@rondumontier1187]

Great omagh to Indian Larry. I did an indian larry twisted bed rail shortly after his death. And still doing more like front cattle guard foot steps etc.. Thanks for showing this. I just subscribed to your channel cuz of this episode.

[@andthatsall809]

Not taking a thing from Larry, but we were doing this in the 70s. I dig how your showing these and other metal working techniques. Keep up the great work

[@MakeItKustom]

Absolutely it’s been around for a very long time! Everybody learns it from somewhere

[@jamespolucha8790]

Very nice, I’m not a metal worker but love trying different things, I made a motorcycle sissy bar with the twisted square bar and turned out pretty good, you have a way of teaching how it’s done, thanks for the video

[@marcoscamara5624]

Precioso el resultado. Gracias por compartirlo con todos nosotros. Un saludo desde España. Marco

[@Meccanico208]

Sometimes I feel like nobody remembers him, when I think he is as important as Roth and VonDutch.

[@MakeItKustom]

I agree and he was always talking about how influenced he was by Roth and Dutch.

[@NemesisRTCW]

He will always be remembered, for building bikes that look cool, but are also actually driveable. Not some outlandish contraption looking cool but unable to be driven longer then on or off a trailer.

[@donbell8187]

I am impressed by how clean you keep your shop.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks don I’m not a neat freak by any means but there’s nothing that’s wastes time quicker than looking for tools lol

[@kennyfofo]

The Indian also made down bars out of heavy chain link which I thought was really cool and unique! Biker build off showed the talent of the metal work that made one of a kind bikes! Keep pushing your art we all can use it now a days.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah the chain bike was crazy the whole frame was made of chain

[@Bigskyguy56]

Cool Technique. Thanks for teaching us how it is done. Happy to hear that you have found a place & we support you. My best to you & Christina. GREAT NEWS for the movie. Sure would like to be in B.C. to see it at the drive in. Stay Real. Rick

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot Rick! We are talking about doing a live stream for everyone who’s not local

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

Looks great, a great skill to have, thanks for the vid.

[@MakeItKustom]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching

[@paulus842000]

That was really enjoyable, you have a 4 jaw chuck in your lathe, I bet that if you geared it down to the slowest possible, and with the torque you could get some really great ideas for other patterns.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah I’ve seen it done in the lathe too!

[@theissofkaltenbrun9043]

Indian Larry is a huge Influence of mine too bro Nice to see his ideas still circulating even today!!

[@johnmcclain3887]

I watched "Indian Larry" make his debut and impact, I'm happy to see you taking it and going forward. Nice torch technique, I like the consistency of your twists.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man he was a great man

[@billnlori3149]

Awesome news that you guys found a new shop!! Very cool to see props to Indian Larry, what a legend!

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah man we are super excited!

[@king-pc8fz]

EXCELLENT TUTORIAL! you are very innovative and inventive you're truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your knowledge bro!

[@MakeItKustom]

You’re most welcome thanks for watching! Cheers

[@IronHorseGarage]

Awesome work as always!!! You're headed for the top my friend!!! Congratulations on your journey!!!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man 👊👊👊

[@Lemev]

So sweet Man... Thanks a lot for taking the time to film, and teach the technique! Lots of patience.... Congrats! 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MakeItKustom]

You’re most welcome and thanks for watching!

[@flatbeavergarage7692]

time laps was fun to see just how much the bar moves when heated all on its own....good video....

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah it was neat to see! I never knew it was happening till I saw that

[@codycheney3401]

Thats where I saw Indian Larry do this technique as well. It wasn't much after that when he had his fatal accident. That is until I saw that you had your pieces done on your truck. I l love the look of it in brass especially ! I don't think that I've ever seen it done in brass but I really like the look of it !

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man me too! Brass Kinda looks fancy

[@hanDRailer]

Dude im from england indian larry was a legend your on the way to be the same really like your channel D

[@brianparks1727]

Awesome Job, the craftsman like Indian Larry, Billy Lane bending gas tank shapes on his knee, etc. seems to be a lost Art, glad to Ed the younger guys keeping a bit of the old school.

[@biglakehotrods381]

Looks good, nice compliment to Indian Larry. Glad to see you’ve found a new shop. Looking forward to seeing more builds from you two! Christina’s upholstery too!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much man we can’t wait to bring more content cheers!

[@brianfalls5894]

Like the video sir. I'll admit that the part "The Indian Larry Way" got my attention. I used to love watching him build his fine rides and I distinctly remember him making those exact style of bends in the square bar like that. Larry was one of the greats and he is very much missed by his fans and his friends/family the most. RIP Larry! I hope that the good Lord is riding on one of your creations as I type this.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yea his style twists are distinct. The 180 degree back and forth I think is close. I was very inspired by all his work

[@brianfalls5894]

@@MakeItKustom You sure did a nice job all right. I'm just now starting up with some blacksmithing of my own and hope to start doing some twists like that soon.

[@jusike633]

enjoyed sq. turning. oh yeah remembering INDIAN LARRY.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah I wish he was still around

[@NZMOPAR]

Beautiful work brother . A friend of mine is in talks with the same film company

[@MakeItKustom]

Awesome I highly recommend them they are the greatest!

[@leobrent7926]

That came out awesome! But while watching it, I realized that you could make your life easier if instead of using a torch to heat up the bar, you used an induction coil. That way not only it would heat up to temp in seconds, but you can concentrate the heat to a very specific area and move the coil as you twist along. And also you could eliminate the need for a second person and have a foot pedal to turn the coil on when you are ready. And instead of using angle iron on the temporary rest, use half round pipe to ensure the square bar is always touching at two points. I know I’m probably taking the artistic part out of it (or the fun) hehe. In any case... your work doesn’t cease to amaze me, and I’m glad to see your channel growing fast and getting the recognition you deserve. The movie about your truck seems very cool. I’ll be checking that out as well.

[@MakeItKustom]

Yes I would love to try that someday!

[@MakeItKustom]

And thank you for the kind words! I appreciate your feedback very much

[@c7d3p]

Thanks for sharing. I had never seen that technique. Got me thinking about a new shifter arm for my 65 F100. 🤘

[@MakeItKustom]

Right on man make it happen!

[@billriley3347]

Carl this is a technique I learned as a Blacksmith a couple years ago. There are lots of other patterns you could try as well. Keep up the good work looks great.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks a lot Bill!

[@Manandmachine772]

Very great teaching video, Karl and thanks for sharing it. I think Indian Larry would like seeing it passed on to others.

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks man I appreciate that I hope so

[@dwcheshire]

Used to watch those chopper shows and Jessie James stuff too bad the chopper fad has died down but there were some great metal smiths who taught Larry glad you are passing it on.

[@MIKEH.777]

That is a great idea I never seen that done before, I think that looks amazing just the way it turned out. Keep up the great work and God Bless you guys. 🔥💯💪🏼👍👍🙏🙏🤯

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks so much Mike glad you like this one!

[@Noahlochner0]

Phenomenal video as usual! If you’re ever down in Oregon let’s meet up!

[@MakeItKustom]

Call man yeah I love Oregon!

[@UnconventionalMetal]

Man that’s beautiful, I remember seeing Indian Larry use that technique. I might have to work that into my projects. Too bad I sold my torch…

[@MakeItKustom]

Yeah man go for it you might need a new torch

[@wesmccarley9845]

Love this channel! I share it with my students in my shop all the time!

[@MakeItKustom]

No way! Thank you for showing your students

[@jimwhalen6769]

Great job! And congratulations on the news! Can’t wait to see the documentary!

[@MakeItKustom]

Thanks Jim ! We are ready!

[@karlalton3170]

I subscribed a couple of weeks ago and cant get enough of this channel watching from Thailand 😎😎🤘🤘

[@MakeItKustom]

Right on! Thanks so much for watching!

[@honeydoshandymanservices-l670]

Another cool trick to make something unique each time.

[@MakeItKustom]

🙏🙏🙏