Lazy MACHINISTS' JACKS

Machinists' jacks are useful everywhere and can be a great lathe project: turning, threading, knurling, etc.
Took the easy way out this time and used threaded rods and nuts. Welded and turned.
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Music: "Tracks Of My Fears" - John Deley and the 41 Players

[@RonStoppable102]

"Man, how often is Tony really going to use that turntable?" - Me, a few months ago. "Man, Tony really loves using that turntable." - Me, today.

[@outputcoupler7819]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Then I remembered hearing Adam Savage say once that once he got a laser cutter, everything started looking like a laser cutter project. Think this might be the same king of thing, where the utility isn't really apparent until you have one and can design projects around it.

[@TheJttv]

Output Coupler the saying goes "to a man with a hammer everything looks like a nail to a man with a _____ everything looks like a _____."

[@s1ocky]

The first time I saw him welding a circular bead on a part where the turning was done with the table, I understood.

[@ThisOldTony]

I'm definitely using it more than I expected to! Then again its just there, sitting on my bench, beckoning. :)

[@aries_9130]

Honestly, the welding table is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I don't even do any welding and I would love to have one just to have one.

[@roxthedumbhyena]

I always love how you make stuff. Just mark it and snap it in half, or just tap it with a hammer on the right spot!

[@iwtommo]

Its all in the wrist. Its like tearing a phonebook in half, if you have the knack of it you can do things like snap box inch in half with 2 fingers

[@jimc3688]

Seriously, what does he use for a cut off saw ?

[@davidplatenkamp]

It's a skill that takes decades to perfect and is taught only by the sea monks of Denmark.

[@brh4015]

It is an impulse thing. You probably went to slow. It is best to practice in the winter time. In summer the steel easily gets gooey especially if you hesitate too long before snapping.

[@8700s14]

Just remember, the thumbs are for gripping, not for ripping!

[@JoelHudson]

What an uplifting video, I'd offer support, but I see you have plenty.

[@ron827]

Love your family friendly videos with GREAT content, multiple skills, efficient editing, wonderful humor and all without obnoxious music, Keep them coming.

[@ThisOldTony]

thanks Ron!

[@solcrusher]

Agreed! The one thing I dislike about this channel though is the audio quality. It's always horribly compressed and sounds even worse when the sounds are sped up machines...

[@ron827]

I do not publish KZbin videos so I have no comment on the audio quality.

[@TheEnfieldgamer]

burgerga123 - I find it pretty incredible compared to other machinists' youtube videos.

[@garytodd5605]

They are family friendly. And my wife even lafs at them when she comes into the room and I'm watching them on the big screen.

[@kattejuice]

Oh my god, Tony, you do such an amazing job with the production quality it even brings a tear to my eye. From the very beginning, the lighting, the comfy music, the camerawork! Your videos make my day every time. Keep it up! :D

[@ThisOldTony]

thanks juice!

[@pratap3369]

i wish i had that much strength in my fingers

[@customfabrications]

Anyone can do it, the secret is to score it first.

[@generalzugs6017]

pratap You obviously are not eating enough spinach.

[@blainedalby8634]

General Zugs bb

[@666Tomato666]

the trick is to score it, put a little water in and use a Water Displacer to weaken it first. TOT made a video on it.

[@barkebaat]

The strength is in the mind. There are no fingers.

[@lt_dagg]

Every machining video I see, I have instinctual urges to measure dimensions after cuts or blow chips out of the way

[@edgeeffect]

Dagg yeah... that chip blowing thing is a problem for me too. But no matter how hard I blow the critters don't move.

[@garytodd5605]

Same here, my wife asked me the other day why I was blowing on my phone. I told her I had to get the chips out of the way. She told me I better not get any on the couch. She didnt like digging them out of her shoes when she went to the shop. She sure didnt want to dig them out of the living room carpet.

[@stephenjonwolden1519]

Man, this stuff just gets sweeter all the time, thank you Tony for your approach to thoughtful craft.

[@andrebartels1690]

This is the kind of your videos that I love best. With so little talk, you perfectly concentrate on the images. But I really love the other videos, where you explain your actions.

[@taohawaii]

Wholly hell bad man... I wasn't born with the gift of seeing beyond hardware's intended purpose. This single video taught me to look at rods and nuts in a new light. I'm looking around at my same old junk and seeing new potential. Thanks man!

[@ThisOldTony]

my pleasure, thanks for watching tao!

[@Cliffrunnerboy]

I’ve been watching machining on KZbin for the past year or so, and finally found a good deal on a mill and a lathe. The first thing I made was a jack based on this video. Cheers!

[@billyc2572]

I like the use of the welding table to give the 360 view of the final part. I'm onto you Tony.

[@ls2005019227]

Just when I think it can't get any better.....you start showing crystal clear arc shots! Another great video, thanks!

[@Austin_Hart]

Tony, I really appreciate your efforts in making and supporting this channel. I enjoy this content more than anything else I could watch. This channel has positively impacted my future goals and made me pursue a dual major in mechanical and electrical engineering. I love what you do here. I knew that I couldn't achieve my goals without the mechanical side of things after I saw this channel. I'm having a hard time getting some practical experience machining. However, I have learned so much from this channel that motivates me forward. This is an amazing resource. I know you don't often think it is relevant; however, I know why people are curious about you. They want to know how you attained such a wide array of skills. Recently, I have met many machinists. Unfortunately, they leave it at work and never seem to develop their skills to anywhere near what you have. Thanks again. Seeing what you can accomplish has motivated me to continue seeing what I am capable of. If you're ever near Huntsville, AL., shoot me a message. I will take care of you guys.

[@MaxMakerChannel]

Oh yes! Thats the first project I am going to build on my lathe! I love those things. Don't even know why.

[@ThisOldTony]

can never have enough of them!

[@MaxMakerChannel]

I have zero!

[@Noble909]

Super classy call on the straight knurls 👌

[@Tesseract4D2]

i love the measure and snap gag, never gets old. please never stop doing that

[@stefantrethan]

Tony will you _please_ _stop_ _welding_ stuff? ;-) Every time you weld something I want to go out and buy a bottle of argon and a crappy TIG torch for my shitty welder, because I'm suddenly convinced I could do just as good a job with those inferior tools (and my nonexistent skills).

[@nixie2462]

stefantrethan I fell for that...and now own a tigmig 200digitalalu tig machine... xD (havent tested it yet, Imon vacation, away from home)

[@keithjurena9319]

Just do it. I splurged on a Miller Dynasty 200DX six years ago. I didn't think I would do as much welding with it. Over 70 hours of arc time so far. And welds are looking great. Everything from steel to aluminum. Copper too.

[@stefantrethan]

I almost went with a tigmig myself, only some small annoying thing during checkout made me change my mind at the last moment and go for the GYS machine instead. I wasn't really convinced the tigmig are any different from the cheapest Chinese imports. Let me know how it goes, I'm really curious about them. GYS at least said "made in France", and while I'm sure that is not the whole truth I had it open and it is a very clean design inside. Very different from the Chinese machines I have seen. Of course the GYS has much more limited functionality, scratch start TIG only and no AC or pulse or foot pedal, that would cost much more. Frankly it is really a stick machine and the TIG option is more marketing than reality. But it works fine for stick, the only problem is I am not a welder. I think I would appreciate the option to spend a little time on fixing a weld sometimes, without a whole lot of grinding and adding a bunch of electrode when all I really need is heat. It is a bit of a risk to buy a TIG torch and bottle only to find that my welder is simply unsuitable, or I am simply inept, but watching Tony move that weld pool around with ease makes me want to take that risk.

[@ThisOldTony]

if you need nudging over the edge, I always endorse new tool purchases. DISCLAIMER: if you hurt yourself, not my fault. :) just about every machine will do great in DC, even the really cheap ones. Also, I appreciate the compliment, but if you think my welds look good, you're watching the wrong channels. ;)

[@stefantrethan]

Yea but Jody and the other guys are _professionals_. You are just a guy in his garage! if you can do it, I can do it. ;-). Just joking of course, but you do make it look far too easy. I will look for a used gas bottle, and meanwhile, I'm with Doug "Grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't".

[@richardhead8264]

*_OH SNAP!!!_* Your gnarly knurling is only overshadowed by your steel-snapping prowess!!!

[@CheveeDodd]

I have no idea what those are used for, but they'd make some sweet leveling feet for the welding table I need to build. :-)

[@ThisOldTony]

Thanks Chevee! I'll use them to change tires or do brake jobs on my low riders. ;)

[@BGraves]

Chevee Dodd you can get leveling casters

[@Earl_Harbinger]

As far as i know they are used to underlay long parts when you clamp them in your vice so they won‘t bent downwards, for example for milling (as shown in the end)

[@schwig44]

I used to use even lazier ones at work when I had to support a piece on the big bickford radial drill we had. Those were just a tube with a washer placed in top and a nut and bolt pair placed in the washer.

[@jezzamarkham5285]

You just solved a problem for me! I have a 2001 Honda CB500S which i only get to ride a few times a year thanks to a spine problem (Metal rods and bolts, not bike related) As i'm disabled working on my bike keeps me sane. Since i bought the bike there has been a small dent in the exhaust down pipes (manifold) close to the cylinder head. I can now get that annoying little pain in the butt sorted using a small one of these jacks. Thanks for the videos, i for one love them and always find them entertaining (yes i'm a mechanical nerd).

[@sgtbrown4273]

This has got me all jacked up, wanting to go turn something.

[@JShel14]

If you ever had a garage sale, I would do everything in my power to attend. You probably have some of the coolest homemade tools ever.

[@TrevorDyck]

Loved it! These format videos are some of my favorites of yours and I've missed them. Glad to see a new one.

[@ShamblerDK]

Such beautiful craftsmanship and you make it look so easy.

[@LazerLord10]

TBH the way I would've made them would be the last way shown. Tube, thread it, find bolt, make pretty.

[@Gottenhimfella]

I've only recently realised that with a standard clamping kit, most situations can be met by simply putting a flanged nut at each end of the nearest length stud, with the flanges both facing outwards.

[@steveclark..]

@@Gottenhimfella Thanks for that tip, great idea.👍

[@aserta]

I make mine from just about anything that has a nut and screw on them. My first two were made from bicycle disc brakes actuators the non-hydraulic kind. They have a ball bearing type actuator that works when you pull the handle, but also, they have a thread for adjusting. Perfect for tiny work, and by definition, quite precise.

[@fryingdutchman8921]

Great video as always Tony. Can't get enough of these videos.

[@kylefutet]

I'm confused, are these machinist jacks made lazily or jack for a lazy machinist

[@ThisOldTony]

made lazily. :)

[@kylefutet]

This Old Tony not exactly the impression I got from the video but if you say so haha

[@ChristopherTate]

.....why not both? :)

[@verdatum]

no no no Lazy Machinist is another KZbinr.

[@Bobbobness]

This Old Tony obviously with the porosity you left in one of them... jk man i love your shit best channel on youtube

[@Pithead]

Always nice to see the young apprentices making their beginners kits. ;)

[@donotworried]

It's a pleasure to see the work. Thanks for sharing!

[@paulgrieve3681]

The best video of yours to date - no lame commentary!!

[@randalhuffman8827]

i wish i lived next to you......... you are an awesome machinist and engineer. always love your videos

[@WeldinMike27]

I've been a welder /fabricator for 19 years. Man I really want a lathe.

[@Braeden123698745]

Straight knurls are my new favorite thing.

[@TheScoutYard]

The things you make always amaze me!

[@glmphoto]

veey nice Tony. As always, your sharing is appreciated. Kindest Regards

[@granola661]

As an amateur machinist these are the most beautiful creations known to man

[@firecardenal]

Genius. Your vídeos are super cool as your machinist work. Thank for sharing.

[@EyebrowsMahoney]

Came for the vortex tubes... stayed for the Tony. I love your videos Tony! Highlight of my day for sure.

[@ronbianca1975]

Hey Tony! Enjoyed the video. Thanks for your help.

[@edwinnel4704]

This is sick!! I have a box full of planks and spacers, takes me 20 minutes to line something up before I can weld it and I’ve never thought of doing something like this lol Great video! 👍

[@danh7203]

Great work. I definitely have lathe envy. Saving up for a better one, but the one I have works for now. Thank you for sharing.

[@alflud]

Gorgeous little things.

[@tomherd4179]

Good easy idea, thanks. Guess I will have a few in a week or two. Thanks, Tom

[@jeffiscool1805]

Best lazy jacks I own are 3/8-16 carriage head bolts of different lengths that fit the threads on my 123 blocks. Neat project.

[@ninthm00n]

All I ever wanted was a little monkey. Love your videos Tony. Such style. Still chuckle every time I think of you smacking that lathe.

[@Alanbataar]

I like straight knurls, I cannot lie.

[@JohnDavidDunlap]

Bonus round was basically my thought. My inclination would have been hex bar but otherwise the same. Great looking work!

[@PracticalRenaissance]

I like straight knurls too.

[@TheOneAndOnlySame]

I had no idea what these are but I liked them very much . Popa Jack and his 3 kids

[@kentowakai1234]

I enjoy the heck out of your videos.

[@erichaas4525]

Man, Tony, you’ve got some big nuts (0:14). I’ve enjoyed revisiting this video. Thanks for all you do.

[@Badgermatt-nc5nr]

One day my manly man skills will be on par with Tony's, maybe I will be able to break steel bars perfectly just like him!!!

[@mikewalton5469]

Hi Tony, you have the best videos IMO. you are very gifted and your projects are admirable. i love your editing and video quality. just great stuff always- please keep them coming!

[@randyhooks1214]

Can't live without mine. One difference 8s I made mine from 1 1/2" hex stock so I can use them a jacks as well

[@BobMatthews]

Beautifully put together video Tony, very watchable.

[@davidaarons2488]

Hey Tony, love your work and style of your videos. great job on the jacks. God Bless Ya Dave

[@EngineeringVignettes]

That TIG welding... wish I could be that good. Nice Ep. +1

[@spaceminions]

I wish that was the kind of threaded rod that was "holding" the band brake of my minibike in place with at first. My friend and I had to put a lot of effort one weekend into figuring out and making a very small assemblage of steel bits and bobs just to make up for the way the linkage worked and to keep everything from bending or coming loose instantly when I actually stomped on the brake like you would if you wanted to stop. I ended up using a grade 8 bolt like a threaded pin (luckily it's good enough for shear force due to its hardness, unlike the many other things which bent) and a stick welded partial box with holes for the bolt as a hollow spacer to transmit the compressive force around and past the end of the band brake, and finally some metal tube, nuts, and washers and such to position the thing just right and tighten the living crap out of it. Now it still sucks because it's a band brake, but it does stop and it doesn't bend.

[@blair.nichols]

Great video as always. I just bought a lathe so may document this as my first project! Thanks for all the inspiration!

[@ThisOldTony]

My pleasure, have fun!

[@Martuszewski]

I look forward to your video's as if going seat down after hard day and watch Big Bang Theory. And comedy is by far exponential because I learn something as well as laughter with your educational comments and word usage. It's enjoyable and I tend to wake up my girlfriend in the middle of the night laughing and then showing her the clip only to find her take her eye mask off and say the words, "really"! Keep up funny great clips!!

[@RedDogForge]

A man not afraid to mix metric and imperial stock!

[@xoxo2008oxox]

I LOL'D really loud when he snapped those threaded rod pieces!

[@PearlinChains1]

You are a genius my friend! Love your stuff!

[@crossthreadaeroindustries8554]

Great share, and really great vid style - very creative.

[@hodsgod]

I made a set when I was an apprentice, and I still use them 32 years later.

[@markpinther9296]

I love it when he snaps round stock with his fingers. :)

[@63256325N]

Time to go into business! Very nice. Thanks for the video.

[@ChristofHarper]

so much welding. I like the bonus round, I'll have to do that. my grandfather was a machinist after ww2 and then a GM tool and die maker for 20 years. and I got all his "junk boxes" a few years ago. (if you think 1930s B&S measuring tools are junk) and I have 3 whitworth thread tools he made... maybe I should make a whitworth tap and do some oddballs.

[@mikenixon9164]

Nice job . Go cart video was fun too watch also.

[@LawrenceBrennan]

Beautiful welds.

[@00honeybadger]

1:46 Lessons I learned from welding: While not glowing red, stuff can still be pretty hot :D But nice to see that you machine things so you can machine other things

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

Zapfhahn. No one has never burn himself with red hot steel.

[@222varminter]

Amazing! These are some really artful jacks! Kind regards!

[@MilanDupal]

Excellent, love your video edit!

[@ashleyburton8605]

I sadly admit I quite enjoyed watching this video! Nice work Tony

[@pauldevey8628]

I first got into machining watching my Dads progress as he built a jack.

[@MegaChekov]

well done as always Thanks for posting all the best from John In Texas

[@OldIronLover]

Your videos are always fun (and informative) to watch. I would really like to know how you get the welding videos so clear. It's great to see the puddle management.

[@dipinsyrup]

BEAUTIFUL! i like how you snapped them threads into small pieces :D

[@shawnstrode3825]

Just found your channel, will spend weekend enjoying great videos.

[@blblblbl111]

ЛАЙК за затемнение сварки. Остальные "операторы" забывают про это.

[@ThisOldTony]

благодарю вас!

[@StrongholdArmory]

Such a short time between videos. Tony, you spoil us...

[@shonnyNOR]

Neat video, well captured!

[@GabbyMoore13]

Great video, you make it look easy.

[@ThisOldTony]

Thanks! (also really not that hard :)

[@rxlly3504]

I really like watching your videos and it makes me add insight, especially in the field of engineering, I really enjoy your video. Salam from Indonesian enginer

[@ExStaticBass]

It's funny how so many of us don't think about something so simple as this. Simple, but really useful when you need one. Nice one Tony! I'll be saving a link to this video for those friends of mine who complain about not having a machinist jack. It should grant me the pleasure of watching a few facepalms. Thanks man...

[@ThisOldTony]

Thanks ESBass! I've been in the same boat, been making due with 1 for more years than I care to count. These were a long time coming.

[@josephlenz4648]

Very nicely done video!

[@South_Texas_Fail]

🎶You like straight Knurls, and you can not lie. Those other knurls make you wry.🎶

[@Mo-ih4gr]

Nice cute looking jack stands

[@remcohamersma6436]

Man i wish i was as strong as you, breaking metal in perfect pieces with just bare hands!

[@carsonking5549]

I wish I was as good at something as you are at that, nice video.

[@SouthJerseySkids]

0:19 resonated with me on a deep level.

[@BLACK-hl4ic]

Score card = 101/100, Good video, Keep it up, Fantastic skill

[@jamiecooper7201]

I was watching this and honestly thinking "why does ToT always use straight knurls?", and he read my freaking mind. Your powers are getting to be too great.

[@jimzivny1554]

Nice project, it's like clamps or vise grips, you can't have too many!!

[@brianross7233]

Great video You have some serious skills!

[@MyYodad]

Funny how this should come up in my recommended. My machinist journeyman piece was machinists jack.

[@dennyskerb4992]

Tony likes he's straight knurling!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Nicely done.