Making A Fly Press For The Workshop | Part One

G'day everyone,
I have been working on this project in the background since late January, and I can finally show it to you. Every year I like to do a big multi part project, last year was the machinist vise and this year I will attempt to make a fly press.
A fly press is a screw operated press with a flywheel or weight to help produce momentum and a large impact force on the part you are trying to press. My design will also develop more force than a similar sized arbor press.
The reason for this project is that I don't own a press. Never needed one until I seriously picked up hobby machining, and I thought a fly press would be a fun design to make and share with you. Unlike a normal fly press which is a solid casting of steel, my one will be comprised of many welded steel plate. It will be unconventional, but that just adds to the charm.
For this project I had to make the Big fly cutter, big tap set, the big tap wrench, the helical milling set up, the 2 piece split vise and the big v jaws. Plus I had to upgrade that lathe in order to machine the new screw.
In this first video I will make the base. The plan was to make the base and the frame, but the base was a lot more complicated to build than expected. I hope you enjoy the video.
Making A Fly Press
Building A Fly Press
#machining #diy #flypress
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
3:43 - Making The Base Wider
8:24 - Making The Base Rounder
9:53 - Welding...
12:15 - Massive Fly Cutting
15:50 - Machining The Back
19:31 - T - slots

[@dougmorgan6616]

When it comes to cutting metal, you are a man of uncommon patience and determination.

[@graealex]

If he didn't have a mill, he would just hacksaw and chisel his parts to size.

[@lawriealush-jaggs1473]

Not wrong. Buy a band saw for heavens sake. I used to play around as you do but once I bit the bullet and bought a band saw I never went back.

[@skylerlehmkuhl135]

@@lawriealush-jaggs1473 Or build a bandsaw! I'm sure it would be a fascinating project and they're pretty simple machines.

[@dougmorgan6616]

@@lawriealush-jaggs1473 I have a bench top bandsaw - all I have space for, but I've never been able to find metal cutting blades for it that are good for steel. Having to resort to the hacksaw slows me down a bit.

[@flubba86]

And a man of uncommonly many grinder cutoff discs. Seriously, how many cutoff discs would it take to get through 300mm length of 50mm thick steel. At least 10 I think.

[@jrk1666]

Man does everthing to not get a bandsaw

[@CatNolara]

I know, right? It boggles the mind... There are even compact handheld bandsaws, so it doesn't even have to take up much space. I really don't regret buying one, no more blisters on the hands or grinding dust in the lungs. One of the best bandsaw setups I've seen so far is the one Stefan Gotteswinter has ben building recently.

[@joemcgarry1106]

So many tools. So little money.

[@daveash9572]

Amen

[@daveash9572]

You *can* cut down a mighty oak tree with a swiss army knife, but it isnt a good idea.

[@SiliconeSword]

I think it's just a meme at this point

[@Hyo9000]

This guy is playing Machine Shop in Hard Mode and I respect that.

[@jc13781]

At first I felt betrayed by the grinding wheel… but was relieved to see our favorite character, Mr. hack saw, get his properly allotted screen time to finish the cutting work.

[@artisanmakes]

Always shows up when you least expect it

[@cooperised]

​@@artisanmakesBloody love the hacksaw meme. Never change!

[@KrAvE4KaRnAgE]

Can't wait for the bandsaw build! 😋

[@SiliconeSword]

He'll probably try and hack inconel

[@pacman10182]

power hacksaw

[@SELG88]

😂🤣

[@dtroy15]

​@@SiliconeSword "today I'll be trying to machine ceramic bearings. All I have to make it from is this big chunk of Silicon Carbide. I'll start by using these child-sized left-handed scissors to get the stock to size."

[@jerbearx1]

I was really getting millennium falcon vibes from that baseplate

[@user-xu3ud4fl2e]

You and Michael Cthulhu are keeping the grinding disc manufacturers in business by yourselves.

[@EngineerRaisedInKingston]

I must admit, watching you grow from making small parts on a tiny lathe to doing this kind of colossal stuff has been truly satisfying, Mr. Artisan. I was a little bit skeptical when I saw the solidworks drawing, but as the video progressed the skepticism faded away. That's truly impressive work mate. I have a similar workshop set up to yourself, and I would be very apprehensive about doing this kind of thing. Can't wait for the next part.

[@SELG88]

does he ever replied to comments?

[@JETHO321]

​@@SELG88Yes

[@artisanmakes]

I was skeptical too. Its always so easy to draw stuff in CAD but then you are left with the task of figuring out realistically how to make it.

[@artisanmakes]

@@SELG88 Well yes but I can't respond to comments that are posted at 6am local time. Takes me a but of time to get around to it.

[@SELG88]

@@artisanmakes that was just a question man, sorry if i did not ask properly, english is not my mother language

[@SupremeRuleroftheWorld]

11:00 as a great canadian poet once said: "grinder and paint make me the welder i aint"

[@peterxyz3541]

This Old Tony make cutting and grinding look so easy with his whimsical jump cuts 😂😂😂

[@deckname5794]

Let's set up a Go Fund Me to get this guy a bandsaw

[@Convolutedtubules]

Good thing you documented this process, because I would hardly believe it if you told me that was made on your milling machine.

[@krissteel4074]

Its not a very big machine at all, so its genuinely impressive to see what some patience and knowing what you're doing can achieve

[@Chromevulcan]

I actually laughed out loud when you said, "I'll get this piece of 50mm bar stock and "simply" cut it in half." There's nothing simple about cutting through 50mm of steel with a grinder, but you're basically the king of getting it done one way or the other.

[@DD-DD-DD]

You need a bandsaw a lot more than a press

[@SystemX1983]

Watching a few other machinist's videos, I guess a bandsaw is not the only tool he's missing 😅 But, as long as it works, why not? 😁

[@DD-DD-DD]

Because time

[@TheWeekendWoodshop]

My arms start hurting every time I see you using that hack saw 😬 After this press I think a bandsaw would make a GREAT "big project" and addition to the shop! Great video as always!

[@fredrickgustafsson4795]

ditto, having sweated over a hacksaw when i was young and could not afford machines it brings back bad memories.

[@TheWeekendWoodshop]

All the years of being an electrician apprentice and cutting angle iron, unistrut, and conduit by hand really made me appreciate something as simple as a portaband 🤣

[@realemonful]

I would just use a saws-all myself but to each their own

[@burnzeyy__]

im currently doin a 4 year apprenticeship in fitting and machining, and watching your videos helps me get exposure to the trade because my work haven't got the resources or tradesman to provide the experience. Thank you A LOT, Keep doing what you're doing I'm definitely going to be a long term fan of your projects!

[@CoolIdeasDIY-qv1nz]

Great job, colleague👍

[@lindonwatson5402]

I was very happy to see the hacksaw come out on the SLAB

[@thedasroach7743]

We need to buy this man a band saw.

[@Tinybadger]

Love seeing how you make do with the tools that you have. I think it makes this so much more interesting to see you problem solve the metal cutting

[@bengrogan9710]

A suggestion for a tool you should consider making - A cheap Linear rail jig for you to mount your grinder to: think along the lines of track saws If you make it from 2 tube type rails you can be sure it stays square and wont sag in the middle a big screw for each end to set the height Means you can easily get perfectly straight clean cuts up to 38mm deep on each side, meaning that you can 1/2 cleave 76mm (3") material

[@michaelchristian8220]

Nope. Starting a bandsaw charity for him.

[@ferrumignis]

​@@michaelchristian8220Start a charity for a larger shop first so he has space to put this bandsaw you are weirdly desperate for him to use. I just don't get peoples obsession with this.

[@joshclark44]

Portable bandsaws are a lot smaller and still more effective than grinders for material that large

[@bengrogan9710]

@@joshclark44 only in situations there the material can fit within the throat constraints of the bandsaw's blade return Plus the consideration of the kerf closing and pinching up due to natural tension if the material hasn't been normalised

[@joshclark44]

@@bengrogan9710 that's fair

[@lltv8142]

Very impressive for the tools you are using. But it currently looks more like a mini millennium falcon. 😅

[@johnhenderson466]

Nice start to the Millennium falcon

[@MScholtz]

I dont think ive ever seen anyone that needs a bandsaw more.

[@Jnolet88]

You need a band saw homie. Hell at this point I'd chip in to a crowd fund if you started on

[@thisolesignguy2733]

You made the millennium falcon! 🤩

[@ConstantinGrudda]

For the love of the machine god give this man some kind of powered saw

[@johnvaluk1401]

Just love your videos and your ingenuity in these projects. Thank you!

[@wgenerotzky]

First time I ever seen steel masonry, very cool. And my dad said I worried stuff together. After seeing this I can see determination easily building the pyramids. 👍😀👍

[@swedishmetal96]

Very nice surface finish!

[@RJiiFin]

Finally! He's using the big boy taps! 😁

[@Reddgie512]

I live by the sentence "A grinder & paint makes me the welder I ain't", its not just you AM! love the content as always!

[@stevemetcalf9109]

Loving it! Had no idea after watching the big tap video that this is where it was heading!

[@Lone-Wolf87]

Dam!!!! The project you do are interesting to see you do them.

[@michaelclark9409]

Words I live by, "A grinder and paint make me the welder I aint!"

[@MrClickbang357]

this is a really cool plan! Looking forward to seeing the results!!!

[@kvechannel]

The first sponsor which donate a bandsaw for this channel gets the maximum advertising power

[@edgarcornette6387]

awesome... can't wait for the next installment !!!

[@bigmotter001]

WOW, a great part 1 for this project Can't wait to see the rest! Thanks for posting and take care!

[@steveflorey8663]

Well done, Artisan. I love the commentary as you go along explaining your thinking around situations. I am always looking forward to the next instalment.😊

[@Cenedd]

21:50 "And that ladies and gentleman is the" blank for our Millennium Falcon! Whilst he shows great grit and determination, if he set up some means of funding, who'd chip in to buy him a bandsaw? A portaband if space is an issue. I feel for him every time I see that hacksaw come out. Maybe I'm just lazy but the first time I had to cut a 4" round of aly was when I went and bought a portaband!

[@Sahtzor]

Cant wait to see the taps in action

[@CNTHINGS]

Very cool cant wait to see how this one comes along!

[@blainemaxwell]

Dude, you need to build a band saw.

[@Alan2E0KVRKing]

Good start, can't wait to see the next instalment!

[@lancer2204]

Great start!

[@bscoffeeandwelding7236]

That's a big chunk for a home shop cobber 👍

[@timmienorrie]

Impressive. The finished item is going to be fabulous.

[@kevinst.6420]

Next project idea: bigger hacksaw to not get a bandsaw!

[@pedeiksz]

This video perfectly showed that one thing you need more than a press is a badsaw.

[@MrAirsoftmodz]

Takes me back watching you channel. I used to make all kinds of mechanical projects in my grandparents shed. Now I'm owner of a cnc machine shop. Take it for granted 😂

[@antiussentiment]

The fly presses at our old workshop were used almost exclusively for cropping, corner rounding and hole punching light plate and bar. Really useful tools.

[@edgeeffect]

I loved all that angle grinder a cold chisel stuff. It just goes to show what you can do in a small workshop.

[@jasonpfeilsticker5692]

oh man... someone please buy this guy a horizontal band saw

[@minigpracing3068]

Smiling because I've had the same kind of troubles dealing with stock that is much larger than I'm equipped to handle!!!

[@artisanmakes]

Sketchy set ups are always the go to when I have stuff like this to machine

[@heliarcweldandmachine]

mate, you have come a long way, starting with little knowledge and tools you are doing great work. we cant wait to see where you end up, another John Saunders in the making for sure.

[@artisanmakes]

Cheers. That's book knowledge vs gained practical experience for ya

[@b0rd3n]

Great stuff brother! I now see all the previous videos/projects had legacy to fulfill; Bigger motors and overhaul of the machines was a must in order to play with such heavy, thick, lenghty piece. You are doing good friend! Hope the next video comes around soon! If you ever come to QC, Canada and want to get some welding tips and tricks 'live' in the shop, it'd be my pleasure to pass my knowledge on to you! Stick, mig, core, tig... Just a quick hint that always helped me with mig... Observe the light and shadows, never let the bubble catch your pool and take it easy

[@alexcrouse]

Your voice over audio is always PERFECT, even when you are talking with your hands in the shop. Movie Magic? I'm impressed. You are also up there with Made In Poland on the converting metal into magic, with minimal tools. You guys are an inspiration. I've got no excuse, i've got more tools than you, and still don't make as awesome stuff!

[@WayneCook306]

Great job so far, 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MyTubeSVp]

I have all the machines that you have, but I’ll never be able to make the stuff you make. Amazing skills, and above all, patience!

[@juan-pierreconradie1463]

Hey man, you will get there, he is truly a mastercraftsman and that comes with a lot of experience, heck im practicing at work as i cant afford these machines

[@ScheunenTecCNC]

a nother nice project thanks for sharing👍

[@BBP-oil]

Hahahaha!, I was dying to see how many bandsaw comments there were going to be. Didn't disappoint!. Keep rocking the hacksaw my friend. I have a bandsaw, plasma cutter etc, and I still find myself cutting stuff with a hacksaw a lot more than I thought I would..

[@allengentz7572]

Looks like a great project I will be following it with interest.

[@Neecola88]

Amazing job!

[@mikhailshults]

Dear God somebody get this maniac a band saw!

[@davidmotoman4956]

What a great Project indeed. I Like the Fact that you dont have a Full work shop of all tools required. Hack saw Files and drill bits were invented Before Mills an Lathes LOL Nah but its good to see a manual side of things, A way of getting it Done !

[@erikslagter3231]

wow, that is an amazing part after all that chopping and welding

[@Chrissrihcify]

Millennium Falcon inspired? Nice work Mate !!!

[@benkramer3194]

The Millennium Falcon!

[@TheDistur]

Gonna be a cool tool

[@Brant92M]

This man would rather cut steel with a chisel than use a bandsaw. Incredible.

[@seansysig]

Mate when you pull out the hacksaw I feel your pain! That is one good looking base plate for a fly press. Can’t wait for next episode.

[@adhawk5632]

It looks like the millennium falcon 👍👌🇦🇺

[@mike9500]

Nice work man!!!

[@h-j.k.8971]

Very admirable.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

We need to get this man a Band Saw! 😂 Looking forward to this. 👍👍

[@OmnieStar]

Come on people more subs! We need to get this guy enough youtube revenue for a big ol bandsaw, or cnc machine stuff so he can make one!!

[@DolezalPetr]

you are crazy, that looks awesome!

[@DobleWhiteAndStabley]

Dude. With your skill, you are capable of making a reciprocating hacksaw. They were designed to set and forget so you could cut straight lines through large stock like you were doing with the angle grinder. They have bandsaws for that now, but the reciprocating handsaw is a bit more classy in my opinion, and its a joy to watch the ballet of steel go to work.

[@wmweekendwarrior1166]

Good stuff

[@socketwench]

"Welds only a mother could love." From that point on, that angle grinder will be named "Mother".

[@leflavius_nl5370]

Awesome

[@billsmith5166]

Very well done. It's nice to see the reason for machining those mammoth cutters and taps. One thing that strikes me as odd though, I'd think you would have had a need for something to cut stock before you make a press. Regardless, your videos are a truly amazing demonstration of what can be done on relatively small equipment. Keep up the good work!

[@artisanmakes]

Different priorities eh :) cheers

[@cooperised]

He has something to cut stock. A hacksaw. Appears to work a treat!

[@hersch_tool]

Very cool and ambitious project!

[@artisanmakes]

Cheers

[@debo4947]

If ever there was a youtuber that needed a rich subscriber to send him a bandsaw its my main man here another masterpiece bro thx

[@homemadetools]

Beautiful work, and this is a rare tool build. We shared this video on our homemade tool forum this week 😎

[@PSY7HON]

Got to invest in some 36 grit 3m cubitron flat fibre discs, the best for taking out heaps of material and gives a nicer finish as well.

[@artisanmakes]

Ill keep that in mind next time i buy some disks

[@intellectualiconoclasm3264]

To quote AvE: "Grinder and Paint makes me the Welder I ain't!"

[@transmitterguy478]

A gas grill works great for heating metal that big. Good work!

[@KSMechanicalEngineering]

Nice work

[@steveodart6293]

Dear God!!!! Somebody get this guy a bandsaw!!!!! Every time I watch my arms ache in sympathy!

[@T1nCh0]

Looks like the millennium falcon.

[@RogerSchoeni]

This looks already really great man. Amazing project! Is it just me or does it look a bit like the millennium falcon 😊

[@Convolutedtubules]

A similar style of way covers but with metal shields would look great and work great on your mill. They are not very expensive but can be made for almost nothing, for example using strips of aluminium cans, arranged so they slide nicely and leave little to no gaps.

[@KBLIZZ333]

Wondering if there's a way to search the comment section to see how many times the word "Bandsaw" is used 🤣🤣🤣

[@anthonystrunk5360]

I had a pretty good guess about the fly press.. Goodluck! I hope it turns out great!.

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

Here in the U.K. large fly presses go for scrap value. But they are big and heavy and take up a lot of space in the workshop. I bought a hydraulic press but sorry to say it’s not seen a lot of use. How many cutting disks. My wife loves your videos, she said you may have a small tool but you know how to use it.

[@ianday38]

Loving the cold chisel action shots. Couldn't help thinking that the soft face mallet probably wasn't the best "adjustable impact tool" for the job. The ball pein was an improvement but really it's go big or go home, make a lump hammer from the scrap 😂 Great result!

[@artisanmakes]

I think my vig hammers have grown legs and run away. Looked everywhere for them

[@U.P_SCUBA]

Less of a fly cutter and more of a lawn mower!

[@jimwright3236]

I see how a press, in a machine shop, is important but I can't wait to see what you accomplish when you have more time to machine when your not standing behind a hacksaw.