Learning CNC Plasma, Why Did Dirt Every Day Get Cancelled, Build a YJ

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for your support Ian!

[@BigTireGarage]

Always!

[@max7143]

Ian, I’ve been watching since the beginning, and thank you for staying genuine for all these decades. I’m 38 now, and I remember watching back on Spike and thinking, man, at some point Ian will be gone. You’ve stuck around for all these years, yet continue to stay true to the core. Your shows have inspired me to make some amazing vehicles over the years. Good stuff, awesome job, and you got a fan for life.

[@bepbep7418]

Spike... you mean TNN 😏 😁

[@jasonjacoby8420]

Sorry, had to drop MTOD subscription when they dropped DED. I wish you the best though and wish your episodes were longer! Not enough off road content or fabrication left to justify the cost anymore. I’ve been with them from the beginning and now was a good time to leave. Not enough left.

[@MrMrsregor]

I agree completely! MTOD is now mostly street car show&tell stuff now. Definitely not worth paying for a subscription just because they USED to have good content or MIGHT have some good content in the future. I was only there for the fabrication and off-road stuff :(

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

@@MrMrsregor IMO motor trend seems to have jumped in with both feet on the ev craze. Which I think is a knee-jerk reaction to the price of gas. People need to remember that Something has to make electricity. You just can't park in your driveway and hope that a bolt of lighting strikes your car/truck so you can go to work the next day.

[@MrMrsregor]

@@lilorbielilorbie2496 haha, well said lighting charge would be cool :) people do have a tendency to think that the magic power outlets charge cars without coal burning, natural gas burning, nuclear power plants.. i think electric cars, super cars, and big horse power hot rods are cool. but i have very little to no interest in owning one or watching shows about them, because they are so far out of my price range, the police expect me to obey the speed limit, and driving on road is a bit boring

[@MechanicalAdventures]

Same.

[@jimmyvalhalla1939]

I left mtod for the same reason. Dirt Every Day was the only show I watched.

[@shopratmetalworks]

Ian ain’t lying. TV isn’t always what people think it is or isn’t. Granted I haven’t been around as long as him or have his experience but he’s spot on for sure.

[@lesheath6216]

I've been a big fan since the first time I saw you and Jessie on your first build together. I hope you find another partner like her to work with and have the same great continuity as Dave and Fred do

[@EvanMoon]

Thank you so much for your honest opinions. Being honest is what makes your contact great

[@MrJamesLuz]

I’ve been a fan of Dirt Every Day for so long I remember when it was a Pewe / Freiberger excuse to buy an old Jeep and road trip it across the country. DED was the only reason I had MotorTrend plus. Even back a few years ago I got to talk to Fred and the crew when they brought the Jeep with two front ends to a 4x4 event. Fred was such a cool guy to chat with. He was tired, hot, had driven 1000 miles in just a few days but gladly talked to me and my kid about the Jeep. Then he crawled under it to work on some issue it had developed. I think most of us are upset because Fred and Dave EARNED their fans. The level of respect for them is huge. Ian I am a big fan of yours as well, and I look forward to seeing more content from Fred, Dave, and of course Ian.

[@jdw8995]

Great Q&A. I was very disappointed about DED cancelation and was very seriously looking at canceling. But you have a great point. I was stoked to see you come to motortrend with fourwheeler. Your builds on the pyror show inspired me to build a ford ranger with my son. I will keep the subscription to watch fourwheeler. I really hope to see Fred and Dave on a new show ASAP!!!

[@jerome4995]

It stings that DED is dead. DED was the reason I subscribed, even though I get it free through my Amazon sub. but I wanted to support the MT platform. I had sent a letter to the tippy top stating why I am willing to pay twice for the content. Sure my few bucks may not be worth the time it took to even write this however a cup of coffee a month is worth it to me for what I get out of it. Was thrilled to see Ian content again as well, been following him on all media platforms since he first started out. along with DED, and Ian, Frieburger and Engine Masters content is always gold. there are a few others that I will play while wrenching in my shop. I will keep seeking out Fred and Dave and follow them whatever path they take. Like Ian, Freiburger, Brule, Dulcich and a handful of others they speak in a way that is relatable and down to earth.

[@xlthumper]

CRAWL was an amazing magazine! Thanks for all you do. Great watching a fellow Canadian.

[@davechretien9301]

Great responses to the Q&A. Thank you for your honesty. Keep the content coming.

[@coolonpaper6381]

I enjoy the original motor trend shows and will continue watching them. Super bummed DED got cancelled but glad fourwheeler is back and look forward to what ever Dave and Fred do. Also really enjoying your KZbin content.

[@petebaker8864]

Fred and Dave have both been very active with their YT channels over the past couple of weeks. You should check out their projects. Dirt Head Shed and 4xFredWilliams

[@Vik_ter]

just kep watching is right. i support all you guys with jeep and offroad content. thank you Ian for what you do, keep up the great work.

[@adrianlanciano4454]

i bought a crossfire pro table for my workshop and new build, was a complete game changer🤘🤘. will never go back to hand cutting brackets.

[@bigblack74k5chev8]

Been a fan since the beginning man! Awesome content. Sucks that DED was canceled, but so glad Fred and Dave are finding their footing on KZbin.

[@randyjohnson3712]

I totally agree with you on the CNC plazma cutter is better I picked up a little 2x2 tourchmate table and its great and easy to draw stuff up. it just takes practice.

[@S.S.H.OCT.18-08]

4:10 am here in Elberta Alabama. Headed to work and listening to this as I drive in. Really enjoy your new channel boss man.

[@marktadlock5428]

Plus you can set up a memory file so you can call up files you use regularly

[@HickSquatch]

Dig the perspective on the CNC plasma machine. I’m an old woodworker and one shop had a CNC router table. Was great for repeatability and the intricate one-off stuff that would take hours of layout, bandsaw work, building a one-use router jig or freehanding on the shaper table…and seemingly years of sanding and fitting…and wood is a lot softer than steel. Still enjoy watching your work!! Lockjaw is right up there with Stacy’s Sgt Rock, Matt’s OffRoad Recovery MORRvair and the YJ swapped Willys wagon Fred and Dave built in my enjoyment level!! I love seeing it come back from the wrecking yard and it was a fire apparatus…I’m a retired firefighter too. Keep on rocking it up!! Was fun watching Hollie and Walter visit your shop too!!🙏♥️💪 Keep it up eh!! ♥️🇨🇦

[@amberandrandystuffle77]

Thank you for answering my questions. I have watched you builds from day one. Can't wait to see the yj shop truck.

[@hugieflhr03]

Very Diplomatic answer Ian, nice job! I also appreciate you giving all of us a little insight on how the game is played in the world of TV. We depend on you guys to show us the new tech and tech us some low tech tricks along the way! Thanks 👍🏻

[@patschneider5318]

Loving the videos! Fusion 360 has a really good sheet metal program. You create want you want then click flat pattern so you can cut it.

[@danielharrah9984]

Caught me at bedtime again! I look forward to watching this one in the morning.

[@FastCutCNC]

You nailed it Ian on the CNC side, anyone thinking about dipping their toes in the CNC pool for the first time really needs to watch the first 10 min of this. It's some short term pain for long term gain, just spending a bit of time in CAD getting mad at the computer can really pay off. The bend tech is great software and the MSP parts library is user friendly tool as well. Love the content buddy, see ya in November!

[@4x4_mark]

Thanks for the content have a great time on UA

[@lawmaxtrailer]

💯 true, spend time becoming proficient with the software, the table/cutter will have some intricacies of its own to learn later. After talking management into getting a decent size multi process table into the shop, I was in a rush to put it to work. I crashed it a few times, burnt through tips, wasted material because I was getting frustrated trying to learn on the fly and making mistakes. After letting the machine sit for about 2 two weeks I realized I just had to invest the time and properly learn the machine. A month later i now enjoy using it, it’s as easy as sketching on paper and hitting the go button and the shop is seeing a return on investment.

[@jerome4995]

Thank you Ian for sharing your talents and insights with us all these years. I look forward to many more. my question, what is the worst and/or most regretful modification you have made to a rig. Also understanding you are constantly juggling projects and shows... hope to see the hauler/camper again some day.

[@jimt9661]

Thanks for mentioning my comment! Keep on keepin on! Like the discussion on Plasma tables, I've been really considering one, but seriously can't justify it for the low volume of work I do, just personal use. Maybe one day!

[@AdventureWheelingGrilling]

I like this Q&A you did this time buddy. I definitely liked how you showed your support towards Motor Trend and how they are still great for the off-road industry as well as the automotive industry as a whole!

[@4wheeling]

Nice shout out to Andrew and Letzroll offroad. They do great work.

[@leftlanedrivers]

Have followed you for many years, love you man!

[@Burke_Motorsports]

I heard Letzroll and Alex Taylor. Letzroll did my regear and suspension and Alex Taylor is a hell of a driver and the daughter of an awesome fabricator. I geeked out a little.

[@moeandco.]

A lot of really well thought out answers here ian good job keep up the Q&A it’s very worthwhile

[@DownNDirty_OffRoad]

Love how you are getting into dealing about everything. I'm still cutting by hand and keep thinking about getting a table. Thans again for all of you great insight!! Would love to know more about axel builds from scratch. New tubes a alignment of it all!!

[@markcocco3130]

Great info on the cad and cnc questions. I've been doing cad since high school, almost 30 years later I still enjoy it. The last 10 or so years I've been doing 3d stuff, mostly Creo and solidworks... It is a bit of a learning curve but go fund a class at a local tech school or community college... Id love to be able to afford a plasma table or cnc brake for my garage ..

[@albertramirez797]

Watched all the shows I just wonder what happens to the vehicles but my favorite one was when you guys built the samurai that was some sick stuff right there

[@lawndart188s]

Been watching since you were with Jessie(RIP). Love how an idiot like me can get what you’re teaching. Keep ‘em rolling

[@robradican1121]

You and Jessie also built a YJ back in the Xtreme 4X4 days. Dana 44 and spring over if I recall!

[@BigTireGarage]

That was a sprung over CJ

[@robradican1121]

@ ahhh my memory was a bit off. It was still cool!

[@gregorycejka4504]

I love that you were a teacher, as a middle school shop teacher what advice would you give for me to pass on to students about getting into the automotive career or even as a hobby?

[@JamesTLangford]

My Question. Leaf Springs VS Coil Springs Advantage / Disadvantages

[@vintagetintrader1062]

The more channels that leave MTOD the better, more for KZbin content. Since MTOD left the overseas market 15 months ago or so I have been seeing more ex MTOD channels appearing on KZbin. Good :)

[@greasemonkey4god]

Couldn’t agree more on the MT thing. I’m bummed to see Fred and Dave off of ded but enjoying their KZbin content. I kinda wish they would have an online store so I could support them in other ways except watching KZbin but I’m sure that’s another aspect of their lives that’s new and in process.

[@BigTireGarage]

I am sure it will come

[@jeepspeednate]

I love shop truck! I can't wait to see more of it

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

Excited to see the YJ shop truck again!! 🤟

[@PaulKaiser42]

Thanks Ian!! Always awesome stuff👊🏻

[@greenevegiebeast]

First. I have always enjoyed the shows you were on. I have 2 questions. Do you ever sell your old projects. I know a few years back there was a controversy that when the DIY type care shows were done with a vehicle. They CRUSHED the vehicles and sold it for scrap. I cannot see you doing that. 2. What ever happened to the extended 6x6 suburban you were working on?

[@wbball15]

Thanks, Ian. Been watching you wherever available since you arrived in Tennessee. Can we get more welder tips for beginners?

[@jaredc5789]

Hi Ian I grew up watching extreme 4x4 and trucks with Stacey David. I was just wondering what was your favorite build from extreme 4x4 and if you have a favorite build of Stacey David's? Also whatever happened to the Duramax curvy buggy that was my favorite 👍

[@BigTireGarage]

Gonna answer this question next time

[@BigBluePile]

Great question! Hopefully, suburban gorilla!!! 🤣🤣🤣 j/k!

[@ericlarkin6563]

Well said bout DED, super bummed it was canceled, I still have not made up my mind bout motor trend.

[@daledubose3032]

The YJ shop truck was cool

[@stationarynomad1225]

Solidworks is a very robust program that is easy to learn. I would be interested in hearing your experiences if you choose to pursue learning the software.

[@randomnonsense_1]

Do you ever open up your shop/studio for visits from fans? If so, how would someone set that up?

[@duvalpirate904]

I have been watching you for years, do you happen to still have the old samurai you built on extreme, definitely one of my favorites.

[@NotAMartian-1]

I’ve been watching you since the days of xtreme4x4 but once mtod cancelled dirt every day I had to unsubscribe. I will still support you through here and other social medias but I don’t feel your content alone is worth the subscription especially when I can see you for free here!

[@dogpotter]

Thanks for sharing I really enjoy watching the question and answer series and I really enjoy watching all of your content across the different venues. I like other hate to see DED canceled but like you said those guys have a following they be around wish you and the rest not but sucess.

[@4wdtennessee459]

I canceled my sub to motortrend because of that it was the only show I watched on there so there was no need for me to keep it.

[@patricke5662]

Have you considered building a Nissan Frontier or Xterra. I know they don't have the largest following (as far as off roading) but they can be built up and are very reliable. There's also no Jeep or Toyota "tax."

[@moeandco.]

Considering how many projects you have going on at once, what changes would you have made when designing and laying out your shop? Any tips for those about to take the big shop plunge?

[@williamlugo1905]

So I have a 2015 JKU Rubicon. I had Opportunity to buy a Ultimate Dana 44 front axle. The problem is the new axle only has a plug for the locker. The second plug is for a axle locker sensor. Is their a workaround for the second plug.

[@woof3598]

always curious on how much the table cost and the suppliesd, have you ever cut some thing and found out how much a brackets costs compared to some thing you could ordered thru the Net ?

[@nickmiller7829]

What ever happened to the old truck builds from back in the day like the big 90s vortex Toyota or S10 truggy? Would you ever consider doing some builds like that again on your show???

[@jesseleister1525]

Ian l have been a huge fan of your shows since the first fourwheeler show with Jesse combs. I love your content. Hey when are you going to do an early bronco build? You had one started if my memory serves me right but I don't believe it was ever finished. Anywho, love your content. Keep it up!

[@luddtechnologies8795]

I think your going to love the 3D CAD world. McMaster-Carr has most if not all their part 3D modeled. Most other companies have them also. Which means you insert downloaded parts and build around them. No trying to measure parts and getting it slightly off and not fitting. I use Fusion 360, it’s cheaper than SolidWorks. It has a sheet metal function that takes a 3D model and unfolds it flat . I haven’t tried it yet so I’m not familiar with it so I can’t comment much more than check it out on their website. Fusion 360 also has manufacturing functions to generate G code for CNC machines and 3D printers. .

[@thilde659]

At least with Dirt Every Day we got to see a project get finished and used in one episode. Some 4X4 projects are started and then disappear, or weeks until the next episode airs.

[@itsreallytom4310]

Ian Fred and Dave need a show with the legendary Stacy David. That would make for the greatest show on earth. Top 4 best mechanic show hosts

[@itsreallytom4310]

And Jessi Combs would round my top 5

[@niclucca7104]

I dropped my motor trend when they cancelled Fred and dave. DED was most of the reason i paid for the app. It sends a message to them. And that’s the best way for them to notice.

[@scotmayall3067]

What’s whiff da dew ( hair) is it flammable 🤩 have you done a jeepster

[@donnietorrey1703]

Ian, we all know you like Moab and go to Easter Jeep every year. Can you comment and make aware of how BLM is trying to close the Gemini Bridges area? Over 300,000 acres total! Thanks look forward to your content.

[@lanesherman9075]

So... Please build a budget Yj... Pleeeeze!

[@hotshtsr20]

What do you prefer: gearing, torque or (yeah yeah) both?

[@ShaneEstabrooks]

That was awesome to listen to while eating my steak out in this beautiful summer day. I haven't gotten through all your videos yet but was wondering if you have a how to on rock rails. I recently saw some videos of dudes cutting out rockers and welding in rectangular tube stock. Sooo..I was thinking since my rockers are bent up this might be an idea but still have it attach to frame. What is your opinion and have you seen this done?

[@BigTireGarage]

Yes.. it is a good idea to still tie them into the frame if possible. But cutting out the rocker for rock rails will give you more ground clearance

[@georgemain889]

Speaking of your past shows, whatever happened to the "Crawler Hauler"? I have always wanted to build a Dakar-inspired truck myself with an Iveco or whatever cad over cab on a Chevy 1 ton frame. I don't think I ever got to see that thing finished.

[@greasemonkey4god]

So I’ll throw a Q at you. I’m building a 62 scout with my son. We’ve done a ton of work so far and it was drivable first a bit until clutch problems… anyhow, the goal is to keep it close to stock for the next 3-4 years and enjoy it as is. Next phase would be a light build including axles. However I don’t prefer the wider axles. What’s a good budget friendly recommendation on narrow axles that can handle 35’s and maybe up to 250hp someday.

[@grahamsmith3066]

Ian! Love your content and have been watching since the days of Xtreme 4x4. I have been doing a lot of research on anti squat, anti dive, and roll axis. I know that sometimes the specific chasses you have holds you to certain parameters. But what numbers have you found with your experience work well for a rock crawler that sees some desert time in Johnson Valley? Also, have you heard any rumors about Top Truck Challenge coming back? I am going to Hollister OHV tomorrow and it made me think of it.

[@scorpionsting47]

Out and about in Canada. Don't you mean oot and aboot?

[@kriskris8450]

Love the videos Ian!! Been a fan since the days of "the other show" Why do you seem to shy away from saying the name of it? And why were you asked to leave? Cheers from Alberta, Canada!

[@BigTireGarage]

Wish I could say...but they have threatened to sue me many times

[@MrJamesLuz]

@@BigTireGarage that’s a good reason not to say anything lol

[@kriskris8450]

Enough said. Haha.

[@agentcrm]

@@BigTireGarage That's really dissapointing to here. Says a lot about that network and why they don't have any good hosts left.

[@HustlerOffroad]

Long time fan. Question...Would you consider a shop helper/apprentice/intern? I always wonder why there's no helper. I'd love to come down to hang out to help and learn.

[@johngrant1337]

Great show Have you ever build a water cooled 2 WD VW ( 2 liter any body engine) buggy ?

[@barryking9002]

At least I don't have to worry about dropping motor trend because as I live in New Zealand motor trend decided that us Kiwi's where not good enough to watch there shows. Hell the only reason I even know of motor trend is because of dirt every Day and as far as watching their other shows it's a no form me as the laws on modding vehicles is so hard and expensive here in NZ that it not worth my time one of the reasons I got into off-road in the first place was to build something I can use

[@brenthencka764]

How about a shop tour? Your shop looks a lot different now?

[@Immachevyboy]

Hey Ian, are you ever gonna build a Hummer H1? Not the suburban gorilla, but an actual H1. Like either the military surplus vehicle or the civilian one.

[@phillyb4588]

I was wondering should you line_x the bottom of an lj

[@reecewatson773]

On your YJ road trip, will you be coming through Arkansas, to the old SL ORV Park Hot Springs? I was there when you came through while on your other show. I'm building a YJ, would like to bring my boys to see it. We watch your show on Saturday mornings...

[@BigTireGarage]

I will actually be there Oct 6 and 7

[@reecewatson773]

@@BigTireGarage Thank you, I will bring my boys they will enjoy it.

[@reecewatson773]

@@BigTireGarage I guess, they will get to miss, a day of School...

[@kingjaren1]

I’m going to be doing a dodge Dakota build myself any tips you can give me this my first build

[@rediron44]

I don't know if canceling MT is the answer. But we can make our displeasure with DED getting canceled known.

[@BigTireGarage]

True

[@greasemonkey4god]

Yippie. This is gonna be good!

[@427Bronco]

Any thoughts of using Fords new 7.3 crate motor in a future project? Seems like the perfect motor for an off road vehicle with lots of low end torque and reliability.

[@BigTireGarage]

Wanted one for a new Bronco build...but couldn't get the Bronco donor I wanted

[@AddictedCreationz]

Ian, glad to see you're still making kool rigs. What's the finale to the TDI rig and the upgrades you did?

[@BigTireGarage]

Oh it is going to be a pretty cool ending for that rig....wait till you see it

[@yep-that-happened]

Why did all the hosts on Powerblock talk with the high pitch/low pitch cadence?

[@johngriffin6083]

Are you headed to Fabtech in ATL this year? Are you teaching any classes again there?

[@bryanpalmer1826]

I’m wanting to build a 9” front for my Scrambler to match the rear. What options would you recommend outside a Spidertrax, assuming some even exist, that won’t break the bank and cost close to $9k when it’s done.

[@Tylerdoeshisownstunt]

So do you not have a show on motor-trend any more? My question is how did you get your start?

[@BigTireGarage]

Yep, FourWheeler is on Motortrend

[@HighDesertRob]

Question. New body on frame vehicles are getting fewer and farther between, and more and more expensive. What are your thoughts on the "soft-roaders" that are hitting the market? IE the Bronco Sport Badlands. Are we going to see more aftermarket support that would make them suitable for moderate trails?

[@3.0colorado21]

What is the most reliable gas motor and transmission combo for off roading? Looking for around 300hp to the wheels and around the $12k range

[@paruggeri]

Do you wear a silicone wedding ring in your shop , looking to find one , got my wedding ring caught on a job , wasn't pleasant . If you could recomend one that I could get .

[@logandiviak1416]

Have you done any builds using portal axles? If so which ones do you like?

[@off-roadtimes8930]

What was your favorite rig that you built while working with Jessie?

[@makcheesy8660]

Im loving the question and answer format you are doing now!! Heres my question to throw in the hat. I am having a hard time with getting holes ive drilled to line up when im making sleeves to put bolts through a boxed frame. Every time I try i end up just far enough off to throw everything off. Do you have any tricks of the trade for this? Thanks and keep up the good work!!

[@ventureoffroading]

I have a question for you, if you could make any TV broadcast or streaming based show you wanted, assume a nice fat budget, what would it be? This was another informative episode,thanks.

[@mikepoint4717]

Eh Ian , I have one question what is the MUST have tool for any do it yourself wrencher ? Be it if he/she is working on 4x4 rigs or 2W.D pavement pounders ? 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@BillMulholland1]

What happened to extreme 4X4? That was the last thing I remember about you until now… thanks 🍻👍

[@BigTireGarage]

Got canceled by the network when I left FourWheeler on Motortrend is where I am now