Making a hydraulic briquette press

Some of you may remember I modified my wood burner and can no longer burn the sawdust, now I can turn it into nice little briquettes instead!
Full plans with DXF's for the laser cut parts and electrical diagrams along with a full write up and explaination of all the workings will be on my patreon page- / newyorkshireworkshop

[@NewYorkshireWorkshop]

Full plans with DXF's for the laser cut parts and electrical diagrams along with a full write up and explaination of all the workings will be on my patreon page- www.patreon.com/newyorkshireworkshop

[@lourias]

That is super amazing! It is so wonderful to imagine, create, and enjoy the fruits of past labor.

[@victorkarlsson5183]

@@CrashOrganism Magnetic sensor.

[@ronwhittaker6317]

i learned a little thank you

[@w.i.s.c.-wiingotsandcastin6641]

You've got yourself a new subscriber. While I was watching I kept thinking I could do that! Then reality set in. Great video.

[@Platypus_Warrior]

Well my previous comment had some quick effect haha

[@horatiohornblower868]

Woodworking, metal working, turning, welding, hydraulics, electronics... There's no end to your skills. My deepest respect, Sir!

[@tieniecloete9573]

Absolutely

[@MarvinConman]

When a jack of all trades reaches master level.

[@_Damian_.]

It's also easy to overlook the fact that he had to set cameras, mics and lighting up to film each step of these various processes, and then edit hours and hours of footage into 40 minutes of his particular style of video on whatever computer software he's using so he can upload to KZbin!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@kooolainebulger8117]

most of it's transferrable

[@dieSpinnt]

Just a guess: He has learned the trade and clearly knows what he is doing. The whole hydraulics setup reminds me of what you normally see in commercial industry grade hydraulics installations. That's why I thought: Brave! A rollable hydraulic unit (by design and function very vibration-intensive and therefore the enemy of all weld seams and seals!) but not a double-walled tank (expensive) or at least a safety collecting tray for minor accidents or leaks? You should probably plan for this, because if it's too late, cleaning and disposing of the oil can be really expensive and unpleasant. You won't see any hydraulics tank in the industry that at least rests on a safety tray. Well, just a thought ... hehehe:) Also: We drill all holes and make any cutouts in an electrical cabinet BEFORE mounting and wiring the electronics components in it. Yeah, that can not always be done with prototypes, so: Use some plastic foil or at least cloth to cover the components from metal swarf. And no, that is just something you do. The minute time it costs is simply not comparable to hours of sadness a single piece of metal shaving can hit you with. Did I say PROTOTYPE? We close every cover and secure every single connection or loose cables before testing. Especially those of the motor terminal block. Guess when most accidents happen? Right! When testing a prototype where nothing is clear and things may change. With open and unprotected mechanical or electrical parts, a simple accident or a hiccup ... which otherwise would just be an annoyance ... may turn into your LAST Project. Which is sad and easy preventable by paying attention and not getting lazy. Have fun making, live long and prosper, guys!:)

[@NoWokeSpeak]

If someone would have told me that I would sit and watch a 40 minute video that had zero spoken words, would have me glued to the screen in amazement as a 1 part engineer and 1 part wizard made an ingenious machine from scratch and out of the depths of his own mind all the while making me realize just how truly dumb I am, I would not have believed it! Well, I doft my cap to you sir because this video not only kept me entertained and wishing I could apprentice under you, it showcased your "makers" soul and the power of the engineers mind. Great vid, you earned a new subscriber.

[@stormywilliams3697]

glad I'm not the only one that feels this way lol

[@codeblue2532]

@@stormywilliams3697 :: loved it with no monologue OR. music !

[@tedvanmatje]

Same here Ethan. First video I've watched here and +1 subscriber 🤟😎

[@G40bv]

That's why I like his videos. You don't need to listen stupid music or explanation... just sit watch and relax

[@deanrichardson134]

I second that! Great engineering

[@evellop]

The craftmanship of "my mechanic" combined with amazing amounts of creativity, planning and steady execution. Love this project, very inspiring!

[@badlarry172]

both uploaded at the same time😁 great stuff, book press, briquette press.

[@mattbarrett41]

It was in this moment that I knew my powers of workshop wizardry was so far surpassed, I wept a little. This man has understanding of both mechanical and electrical engineering that I will never have. I wonder if he’s self taught or formally educated

[@DART2WADER]

Ни какое "официальное" образование не поможет если нет интереса или желания заниматься этим.

[@jbm11235]

Yup. I hate him too. 🤣😂🤣😂😉

[@dontarguewafool955]

I assume a little of both. Some people have a natural gift of creativity and hands on skill. Dyslexic people and dreamers are like that. I'm not assuming he is though.😌

[@jeffmeyer9319]

@@DART2WADER А интересы и желания, которые дремлют, могут пробудиться, если их вдохновит такая возможность.

[@billhouse1090]

This is true engineer that had a problem for a while. It finally pissed him off so he decided to fix it once and for all. Took his time and thought through every part of the process and fixed his problem for good.

[@groundspeed3954]

Your channel is THE posterchild for inspiration, craftsmanship, and perseverance in the industrial arts. I'm humbled by your work.

[@comradealex85]

The craftsmanship, ingenuity and blatant disregard for heath and safety is what truly makes the British craftsman the best in the world! 🇬🇧

[@beakittelscherz5419]

Also they not only have the disregard for heath ,- they even invented the Heathcliff himself 😁😁

[@janalberts7073]

🇩🇪🇯🇵🇺🇸 is all crap compared with 🇬🇧is’nt it ? But this Guy is doping an amazing job 👍

[@janalberts7073]

@J Hemphill the first flag is German not Spain. But nevertheless ,this guy from Yorkshire does absolutely incredible things. I admire his craftmanship very much. Best regards from 🇳🇱

[@MikeAG333]

@J Hemphill "Yorkshire" in the title wasn't enough of a clue, then?

[@BadYossa]

@@beakittelscherz5419 You won the Internet!

[@paulbrady9454]

I was Designer/PM on the build, delivery and running of an industrial version of this producing but with 12" square Polystyrene bricks from fluff (cut up polystyrene). The silo was 20M tall 3M diameter and the compactor 10M in length. Yours is a fantastic job. Just some tips, PUT IN A TEMPERATURE CUT OFF RELAY. buy a cheap temperature clixen (click out at a certain temp, say 85C) and run it through a relay to shut everything down if your feed end reaches 85C. You will seriously regret it if you don't, machine wear, ambient temperature and material variation could easily push the exit temperature up to ignition temperature for the dust. Trust me, running a system like that with a fixed size outfeed will generate heat over time. Don't forget you installed this in winter, how hot does that loft get in summer? Also, this may be overkill but we used a hydropneumatic accumulator instead of fixed dimension on the exit end. This works like a spring, pump it up to the required pressure in the oil end and the air compressed to keep a constant pressure. In other words, we exerted constant pressure, not a constant gap size. This reduced the ram pressure and kept the temperature from climbing in the compression tube as the gap could open ever so slightly if the material started getting hot. You could try a cylinder and maybe an old mini sphere? Possibly overkill given the diameter. You don't need your agitator to sit under the whole pile of sawdust. Put a baffle plate in the hopper pointing downward towards the open inlet you only need to agitate the hopper feed not the whole weight of the silo. Instead of using compressed air you can fit a vibrator (a motor with an offset weight securely connected to the hopper) on a timer which only runs for a few seconds attached to the baffle plate which will move the material down. Good luck.

[@kenherbst9460]

Very good info and very nice of you to share your knowledge.

[@Fractus]

Some good ideas in this, thanks for sharing. I was mainly worried about the temperature increase in summer and/or doing a project that kicked a lot of heat out that gathered in the top levels of the workshop.

[@zyanidwarfare5634]

This is some hot knowledge right here

[@IsaKocoglu]

To everyone concerned about winter vs summer vs combustibility: I wonder if this will be running through summer as well? With that setup, I guess it does look like it will… but needed to ask either way.

[@zeebeezoey]

could one weld some fins onto the outfeed to help it dissipate excess heat?

[@labtrainer09]

Hi, Russ. Commenter "NoWokeSpeak" (below) literally took the words out of my mouth. I know very little about machining, welding, hydraulics, electrical systems, etc., yet I was RIVETED by every minute of this video. In addition to being astounded at your skills, knowledge, and instincts, I was truly impressed at your positioning of the camera, which captured so effectively the complex process involved in this build. Russ, watching you work was a privilege, and I'm VERY grateful. All the best, Chris (Maine, USA)

[@tsquisch]

My mom and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and the commentary was fun to read :) This is an absolutely great idea, but it’s not complete without a slide down to ground level, instead of having to lug the buckets down haha

[@carolinacontingencyllc7809]

I’ve never watched your channel before but have a sawmill and burn wood so I thought it an applicable project. I kept watching because of your extremely wide skill set. We own a plumbing company in the us and can barely done people who can competently read a tape measure. Thoroughly impressed also jealous of the wildly variably amount of tools you have at your disposal to meat your widely available skill set. Hats off too you sir!

[@glOckcOma]

I would be careful criticizing people that cant "Competently read a tape measure", because they can easily turn around and criticize your lack of grammar, spelling, and sentence structure of your comment. Not trying to be a jerk, just saying everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.

[@idontthinkso666]

@@glOckcOma Dude, glass houses and all that! (cant? can't?)

[@glOckcOma]

@@idontthinkso666 Really an apostrophe. LMAO!!!

[@Vormulac1]

That is the most extraordinary way to avoid having to empty a vacuum cleaner I've ever seen! Wow, what a project! Well done and Merry Christmas! Subscribed.

[@raymondo162]

and the most expensive........................?? by FAR

[@davidschwartz5127]

@@raymondo162 I was also thinking something, but after some, though; he is also generating a winter fuel supply for the shop plus the coolant water recirculating thru a radiator with a fan behind is also a source of heat for the shop. So, there is a payback for the materials cost and labor time.

[@jormakesanen416]

And then you still have to build Kinda forklift for taking those briketts to downstairs... (I should have thought that in a first place, damn it!)

[@genewitch]

as far as "just to avoid emptying" this also provides a way to provide for your home heating and neighbors too, assuming they have heat exchange like the one shown in the video. Secondly, for getting them "downstairs" they look pretty solid, a staggered, padded (with rubber or whatever) staircase they can fall down would work, or just run that PVC pipe down, at a slight angle, or an open top spiral (to unjam it if necessary) But then you need an overfill sensor and stuff. Best to not automate everything, i guess.

[@Jehty_]

@@jormakesanen416 or just extend the out feed pipe a little bit and let them drop down (a slide/shoot)

[@Jethro.Maloku-le.Rey.Kalsitran]

I first though "oh, yet another briquette press !" but it's not a press, it's a factory at legendary level lol you only forgot the robot that feeds the stove... nice job

[@KallePihlajasaari]

Automatic conveyor feeder in the next episode I suspect.

[@mircomuntener4643]

Just chute the press outfeed right into the stove, switchable to a hopper when the stove id not being used.

[@CorvidianSystems]

+ an IR cam w/ computer vision to tell when the stove needs to be reloaded

[@carmensolera2341]

The robot, for the nex video......😆😆

[@dorriennorth5317]

I lost you when you picked up the first piece of wood.... So professionally put toghter... You Sir are one of a kind. 🏋️‍♀️👍

[@dogbreath6974]

Stumbled onto this last night, love these type of videos, no annoying music just the sound of someone working, quite funny in parts. Great video.

[@Preso58]

What a heroic build! Your problem solving approach is truly commendable. It's nice to see the waste being turned into energy instead of going to landfill.

[@ericfraser7543]

The question is the energy used to make the bricks equivalent to the energy produced burning the the bricks?

[@Preso58]

@@ericfraser7543 I did consider that a heat pump/reverse cycle air conditioner is probably way more efficient and less polluting but the waste wood is being generated anyway. It's one of those cost/benefit things. If the waste wood has to be transported to land fill there might be a trade off if it's just processed on site?

[@ericfraser7543]

@@Preso58 agreed, if he is heating his shop with wood that he has to source elsewhere it is also a win for him. he could also power his pellet press using solar if he wants to make the process greener.

[@narmale]

at least the wood dust wouldnt have been an issue for decomposing like all the plastic -.-'

[@Scrivscribe]

This needs to become a product, every wood processing workshop with dust extractors should have one of these. Love your work mate!

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

Sure no problem, just $5000 with installation lol

[@erzbengelraziel5490]

These are a product, it's just not cheap

[@Sugarsail1]

I don't do much wood working but I make fire starter briquettes by melting paraffin in the oven with the sawdust, mix it up and just press it by hand into a pipe, the wax binds it together without needing a hydraulic press but doing this automatically would be nice.

[@fredscheerle7592]

@@Sugarsail1 I do the same, but use shredded cardboard not paraffin as binder as paraffin aren't cheap here!

[@RabbitsInBlack]

The Cheaper way, you buy a pellet extruder. Like Pasta extrusion. Because his way is more expensive to produce.

[@pebblesthecat3625]

When I saw the title I thought "Oh great.... a nice little briquette maker. I will watch this closely so I can make one and use them on my open coal fire in my lounge." After viewing the opening sequences showing you unpacking your pre cut steel and the size of the hydronic ram I rather quickly revised my ideas and decided this project was going to be just a little above my pay grade and to just simply enjoy watching the video and learning a few things for future reference.

[@danielstellmon5330]

This is the internet age, go online, learn, raise your pay grade.

[@jimberg9243]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIenoGyDl62qhrc

[@us7876]

Well you could increase thread pitch for higher speed and reduce the final pellet/rod diameter so yo wouldn't have to deal with big expensive motors and pistons

[@davemason1079]

This is excellent. You’re a talented dude: metal fab, hydraulics, electronics, wood working. Thanks for putting this together!

[@tormunch-petersen3806]

This is one of the most calming and informative videos I have ever seen! While in a near meditative state, i was filled with enlighting knowledge. Thank you very much!

[@bettyswollocks5278]

Is there no end to your talent? This is genius!

[@Furnitecture]

Absolutely brilliant. I always hated throwing out sawdust, feels so wasteful; this is a very clever solution 👏

[@dethmaul]

Put up an ad for composters in your area. Maybe it can be used for garden compost, and it definitely can be used for a composting toilet.

[@Furnitecture]

@@dethmaul great tips, will look into it!

[@guylarawayjr571]

I know an industrial arts instructor. He keeps his saw dust in 4x4x4 boxes. Buries his green turned bowls in it to slowly dry. Seems to work quite well.

[@SToNeOwNz]

i found that i could burn saw dust by wrapping it in paper like an oversized candy or Christmas cracker, the paper turns almost charcoal-like and protects the dust from flame licks and reduces the airflow so the dust bakes and compacts before it finally burning. i do suspect mileage may vary but its minimal effort for free firewood.

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

Sawdust makes good absortant for oil spills in the and might burn in a stove, compost makes a lot of sense since most of the most fertile soils in the world were under trees or tall grass

[@marcf5550]

Just watched a fellow build an engine from scrape and now this and all of it with no talking. WOW lots of talent out there. I really enjoyed it.

[@doacarnage]

I used to work at a presto-log factory in the early 80's. The sawdust was forced through a die with a screw, it created tremendous heat and pressure. You had to be careful not to stand in front as sometimes log pieces would fire out like a cannon.

[@malkeus6487]

Ah yes, the incredible insanity that leads to shredding perfectly good logs into sawdust that you then press into the shape of a log...

[@skytek7081]

In practice, it's scraps, ends, splintered boards, the top of a tree that is too thin for making boards, the sawdust from milling activity, misc wood like that, meaning the waste from creating finished lumber and other wood products is not.. well... wasted.@@malkeus6487

[@Nevir202]

@@malkeus6487 You realize that's not generally what happens yes? It's re-use of waste from milling operations.

[@jherloev]

An ingenious solution to a very common problem (turning waste in to valuable), I loved how many skills you had up your sleve and using a simple scissor jack when nothing more was needed. Liked and subscribed.

[@carlossenos980]

No dumb music or stupid narratives it's definitely something the mechanically inclined would love watching and appreciate...awesome video sir 👍

[@mortofromoz1]

After watching the whole process, I feel even more inadequate and full of admiration for you. There are many hours of development in that little project.

[@kookiethebear]

Well done! The only suggested improvement I'd make is to build a simple overhead track maze for the pellets to roll down so you aren't manually transporting from above.

[@allanlindskoog]

I expect he'll create something that feeds them one at a time into the firebox. Some robotic forceps that grab one, opens the door, pops it in, and closes the door again.

[@jayschafer1760]

I was thinking of extending the chute into a metal drum lined with a heavy duty plastic bag... Need to be able to stockpile the briquettes over the summer and keep them dry for the winter.

[@lemagreengreen]

I was thinking maybe some sort of spiral made from heated PVC pipe, not sure how it is for forming but maybe... spiral it around a cylinder and you might be able to get it to work.

[@devandestudios128]

I thought just a simple shoot, then I read your comment and realised how in error I was in my simplicity. A simple shoot is far too easy for this mans skillset, and just wouldn't fit with the briquette press.

[@markfryer9880]

@@devandestudios128 Well the briquettes are round cylinders so why not put that to good use and have them roll down to the storage box and fireplace feeder.

[@Automedon2]

When I saw the thumbnail I though "that's something I'd like to do". Thirty seconds in it was "ok, never mind". What a remarkable young man!

[@martinmcfarlane2826]

These videos are made to remind us we are mere mortals. I did however say out loud "that needs pins" when the ram collar was produced...

[@tonybrandt8850]

Yes, I feel the same. He can clearly 'download' these abilities directly to his brain as depicted in 'The Matrix'. He is likely a master of drunken boxing as well.

[@grunthos1]

I would add a mist injector that would puff a small spray of liquid paraffin over the wood chips as they fell into the compression chamber. This would help with ignition, repel moisture, and more importantly lubricate the pressed chips as they pass through the compression tube.

[@dieSpinnt]

Sure. The mineral oil component would also turn the briquettes into a whole other material class, with different safety regulations and more rigorous storage requirements. You did thought about that, yes?:) Also: Nope, wood has its own natural lubrication with lignin and contained resin. Moisture evaporates in storage without anybody even moving a finger. No need for CONTAMINATION with "additives". Man, the final product is used to BURN IT! Not as some design student art project ... (At least I think so?!:) ) Edit: Or if it is not burned(was an assumption) ... maybe recycled into filler material, or the biological way in the methane/bio-diesel path. Anyways ... think about it. You will turn that wood with the addition of paraffin into "dangerous goods" (the material class) that must be disposed of in a landfill or in a special burning facility. Oh ... and you are willing to use precious hydrocarbons for ... GARBAGE, to throw it out of the window? Are you really sure?:))) The problems we see in the video are design problems and not that of lubrication. Professional presses do not have flat punches and the compression tube is at least partially conical. Throughput must become easier for the material in the direction of ejection and not the other way around. Teflon coatings after the compressor restriction can also help. But that costs a lot. People think really to much and in the wrong ways and get too fancy(Its entertaining, educating and nothing is wrong trying some new approaches). You can clearly see here what the motivation was about: Nice BRIQUETTES! (And primarily getting rid of that annoying dust and having to change the even more annoying bag). The only goal here is to compress the dust, because for better storage of the garbage. That is easily achieved with one electric motor and two rotating rollers running against each other. This is just a press of a different design. No need for electronics or clogging of complicated mechanisms. You can even (gravitation!) feed directly into the compression element which produces sheets of compressed wood instead of briquettes. That also can easily be turned into a "dough snake" with appropriate nozzles or roller profiles, which looks the same at the end.

[@My_Op]

I had no idea you were such a versatile fabricator! It's quite mesmerizing watching you work, thanks! 🤍

[@leonardschrock4987]

Off topic comment for Lucas Schnock. I like your name. I have been collecting different spellings of my last name. Yours makes 30 on my list. Some on my list are more than a little different.

[@My_Op]

@@leonardschrock4987 Schnock means mosquito in Alsatian and fool in French. Look up D'r Hans im Schnokeloch for more info.

[@leonardschrock4987]

@@My_Op That is interesting. Thanks

[@paulone-off7286]

That's a great bit of engineering right there. Wasn't sure when I started watching how far this was going to go, but very impressed at the work involved and the end result. Even though it was well designed and planned, like the fact you showed the faults and corrected them. Fascinating viewing for 40 mins in silence 🙂

[@jakobnordin]

9,9 out of 10! If the piping would have continued down the ladder to a collector next to the stove it would have been a 10! Great work!

[@paulrosebush9137]

and automate the stove feed as well.

[@Mr2at]

And the stove automatically brewed a cup of tea.

[@paulrosebush9137]

@@Mr2at Let's not get carried away. Coffee before Tea.

[@georgeberrill4834]

@@paulrosebush9137 Not in my shed it ain't 🤣

[@paulrosebush9137]

@@georgeberrill4834 :)

[@brainkill7034]

That’s a ISO standard squint if I’ve ever seen one. Well done.

[@lonnieosullivan1331]

An honest youtube creator, not only does he show the build but all of the bugs that have to be worked out to make the idea viable.

[@TheRealWeirdoC]

This is a man who believes in his heart that if something is worth building, it's worth overbuilding.

[@spencerbrotherson9061]

My personal motto is that if something is worth doing, it's worth overdoing. I love this project way more than I should. I thought I was good at over-engineering projects, but this is almost Rube Goldberg-ish without quite getting to that level of absurdity. I absolutely approve. If I did enough in my wood shop to warrant this kind of dust collector reclamation I would probably try to build one of these, but thankfully I don't. My wife does want to redo the kitchen and put in new cabinets, though...

[@rolliekelly6783]

@@spencerbrotherson9061 I think in some way this fellow is related to Nick Blackhurst!

[@jonasstahl9826]

Where is it overbuild, that is pretty much the way to do it.

[@bobd9193]

@@jonasstahl9826 I agree totally, it wasn't overbuilt in the least as far as I'm concered, it was built right. He did what was necessary to make it work corectly without cutting corners. A very well put together piece of machinery. Kudos to you Sir.

[@jonasstahl9826]

@@bobd9193 Sure the m16 hardened threated rods look extremly beefy and he uses 4 of them. Each can hold about 16t thats alot, but when you think about that the press is able to up too 20t if the controls fail, it is just a safety factor 3.

[@williamruddell6819]

Hypnotizing - a total pleasure “watching over your shoulder” as you encountered and overcame each obstacle. Score a big win for perseverance in the face of adversity. Well done!

[@billymacmakes]

I was about 25 minutes in before I knew what you were building, but I knew I wanted to watch because I love everything you do! Your talent is diverse! Very impressive. Thanks for sharing.

[@DEMON-ts4qx]

this is absolutely insane, this is very complicated, i was shocked while watching the video, i found out about your channel from the "Making a glass ceiling" video, but now this video is on a whole other level, i can't wait to go through your channel and watch all other things you made, and i can't wait to see what's to come.

[@phillamoore157]

I can finally say that I don't want my 40min back. I just spent the better part of an hour watching a man make a machine that turns saw-dust into "briquettes".....and loved every minute of it. Unbelievable.

[@BadYossa]

That was one of the most fascinating videos I've seen in a while. Mate, that was quite an incredible wee journey! Cheers for sharing what goes on in the murky recesses of your crazy mind! 11/10

[@PHUSII]

Very nice setup! A few things that come in mind: Maybe add some kind of a seal on the side where ram goes in so no dust comes out from the air puff and make the micro switches clogged up and stop working. Also you should think of some kind of sprinkler system inside or on top of the funnel where the sawdust is as its constantly mixed and air added, making it highly flammable. So if it would combust in any case, you could easily save the shop. Just my 2 cents :)

[@nigelparker5886]

This is nothing less than truly inventive thinking, brought together by untold talent, skill and knowledge, all drawn from years of endless playing, experimenting and visualisation of what he wanted to do in his self sufficient future, which of course it what we have all watched here!? Bravo, great skill sir!

[@peterlegere380]

I wanted to do this in my woodworking shop years ago. Too late now........retired. never thought of automating it. Every woodworking shop should have one of these.

[@dazzx10r]

That's the best 40 mins I've just spent on KZbin. I salute you young fellow Yorkshireman.👏

[@Just..........33]

The most environmentally way to get rid of your sawdust. Absolutely amazing.

[@Auriflamme]

I'm not being glib or holier than thou, but technically he is releasing the carbon when he burns the briquettes. If you want the most environmentally friendly solution, that is to compress the sawdust to reuse it as a building material. Of course this is still more environmentally friendly than burning lumber or fossil fuels.

[@twocvbloke]

@@Auriflamme It's the carbon cycle; Fire releases carbon, carbon absorbed by trees, trees become wood, wood becomes sawdust, sawdust becomes briquette, briquette becomes fire, and repeat... :)

[@lamnad]

As someone who both hates waste and has taken a class in hydraulics, THis was fascinating.

[@siagstas5535]

Wow, what a combination of skills and the will to perfection and to bring things to a working status and end! I did not expect that you have so many metal working machines... Thank you for showing, what is possible!!

[@bobmcboblin]

I love how you use the unfinished machine as a hydraulic press. It is so obvious but so smart at the same time.

[@____________________________.x]

That was really impressive, there was a lot of different skills in making something like this, it was a surprisingly complex process. Well done 👍

[@thelonetwangster]

Dude, that is bloody amazing. In awe of your engineering talents.

[@felixjuanrecarteflamarique4406]

Admirable! Only one idea: I have made millions of Pharma tablets (basically, the same process) and a tiny amount of lubricant make the pressure get down. Let me sugest diesel oil or used car oil (sprayed) or some cheap soap (powdered). You can easily test with a hand spray botle. Thank you for your effort, and sorry if I've repeated other comment. Its impossible to read everything.

[@josephmiller997]

Had the same thought.

[@amdidextrous]

@@josephmiller997 Yep, chip fat or engine oil (both free) work well.

[@nweston5070]

Really enjoyed that - seeing the refinement process is what sets your work apart for me. However… Dust, compressed air, acrylic sheet to build up static… maybe you should think about how to earth any static build up away in your hopper. No problem in a damp Yorkshire winter, but a lovely dry summer day could see sparks and you don’t want your own Bosley Wood-flour Mill event.

[@NewYorkshireWorkshop]

ye I was thinking about that yesterday, ill run some tracks of that copper tape I used to earth the pipes on my cyclone attachment

[@samuelfellows6923]

And the constant noise it makes 😣 - would you put up with it? I certainly wouldn’t ☹️. I wonder what would happen if it runs out of sawdust? And how does the heat-exchange work?

[@bobbyburnette8764]

Extremely Talented individual with no talk and no BS, great video.

[@ChasingTheMissingLink]

that is quite an involved project, am surprised you had all the electronic & tool knowledge to make everything work & overcome minor problems, awesome project

[@rmc489]

About half way through this video I realised you're not over building this, this is production level at its finest :)

[@lynxg4641]

Damn Dude, that's some impressive engineering. Didn't know you were a problem solver and worker in any material, that setup is super trick. So much dust, will keep your little oven well fed over winter and maybe even start a side business and s ell them.

[@thekarmafarmer608]

For me, this is the definition of inspirational; keep solving problems until you achieve. Great video. Thanks for posting

[@IrfanSehic]

This is among the most impressive videos I've seen in a while, maybe ever. So many skills to do something extremely useful. Thanks for posting.

[@eraldomoraes7190]

great, my jaw dropped, this machine here in Brazil would blow up sales you are a genius

[@alanfeil2900]

A couple decades ago, I was reading about someone experimenting with straw for heat using the same principle. Straw burns very hot but does not last too long. He added water to make it stick together better. Might be an idea to test out there. Lots of farmers might make use of it. I can see problems loading the hopper quickly enough. I think the furnace/stove he had could take the extra heat. I have never heard any results from the original guy's ideas, but since then pellet stoves have taken off, although still not with the straw.

[@dmbrookfield]

You'd probably need some sort of grinder device for the straw to reduce it down to 1 or 2 mm pieces

[@dmbrookfield]

But the other thing to remember is what you really want is a slow burn burning very hot isn't really what you want, better it burns longer (if you want the heat for warmth that is) and a lower temp.. Of course if you're heating something a different proposition could mix the straw and the wood dust could be interesting..

[@modarkthemauler]

There is a company here in Estonia that makes briquettes out of straw/hay/reeds that is left over from growing grain or other stuff. They press the shredded straw the same way sawdust is pressed into briquette. It produces 4,7 MWh/t and they sell it 150€/t.

[@selkiemaine]

Where I live, heating with wood pellets like these is common, and there are machines available to make them yourself. One of the main reasons that it rarely pays to do so using home-generated sawdust/ships is that the moisture level in the feed material is fairly critical, an issue that is avoided here by using workshop waste, which is going to be fairly consistent and reasonably dry.

[@alanfeil2900]

@@modarkthemauler Interesting, how big are the briquettes, and is it used in an normal wood stove?

[@Amdraz]

Absolutely epic, continuous and practical engineering process... Highly effective editing, showing every step and so many "Would I think of that? Probably not" moments. Looks like you did the whole thing in about a day as well. Great work! I hope you have an apprentice...

[@FieroFats]

This is amazing! A suggestion. Do away with the spinner, and put in an auger feed with a trough. You than then eliminate the air and make it less likely to ever jam.

[@TrevorDennis100]

I was wondering about that. There was at least one point where I could see chips creating a bottle neck if you were machining damp wood. Our thicknesser planer was a terror for clogging up our big industrial dust extractor when milling damp wood. It is better now we have helical heads though.

[@claib4]

That is bloody brilliant. Hope you patent the concept because someone will see your idea and manufacture that as a heating source for the shop

[@MrProtector65]

Old man watching the young man changing the world for the better, thankyou, regards.😺

[@GreyTigre]

Loved this video. It was absolutely fantastic to see to see the whole project come together. The finished product is a long, long, way forward from the one I tried where one puts paper pulp, into a metal box and then squeeze the water out by hand, and you get a sort of a soft Briquette that you then leave to dry out like turf in summer weather only. I gave up the idea but I did wonder if I had a pressure plate to push the water out of the Briquette it would make a better quality and longer lasting product when burning. We need more people with innovation like you man. Congrats and long may you come up with brilliant ideas.

[@gangleweed]

Yes....I get tons of cardboard from boxes and other recycled paper.......if I had a wood burner I'd make something to compress them like this. I used to make wood chip from tree prunings to heat my tin shed with a home made wood burner made from a 25 litre drum back in the 80's.....it worked well but I've gone electric once the garage was built.

[@hippyhappyhippo]

This was a lot more sophisticated than I originally thought it'd be. Really interesting.

[@mikefisher9992]

That is fantastic I assume the next project is an auto feed into the stove😀😀 and it wouldn’t surprise me if it was!

[@MYEVILTWIIN]

I think that’s what you call an apprentice !

[@ajbowers44]

Hear me out here. Stove on the other end of the shop, auto loading pneumatic cannon to shoot these pellets across the shop into the stove.

[@BABALOOEY46]

This was my first video of yours.... i started off thinking why has he got such a big motor, gee he looks awkward, why is thetank so big, this guy is going to injure himself.... then after about ten minutes in i was like wow this guy hasa massive skillset across a number of fields and does very high precision work utilising all the tools he has and problem solves extremely well.... looking forward to binging the rest of the vids thanks for taking the time out of your life to document for us normies 🎉

[@00Towers]

that was mighty inpressive sir, metal/wood working, hydraulics, wiring and simple programing to recicle waste into a usable product... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🤯🤯

[@razvanbutiac7684]

Great idea, and I like how you recover / learn from initial mistakes. Nice!!!

[@andrzej3511]

I would never have thought in my life that the briquette press is such a complex problem. I imagined it was just a piece of pipe in which the chips were simply compressed - the harder the better. Meanwhile, the cylinder with the piston is the least important element of the problem. The press came out very well, and its most important distinguishing feature is that it works very effectively, without the slightest user interference. Simply: turn on - off. I like it, this is the best!!! Thus, you have solved two problems: disposal of shavings and heating the shed. I sincerely express my appreciation for both the approach to the problem and Your proprietary solution to the press. P.S. What's next? Automatic briquette dispenser from the press directly to the stove? I am writing this half jokingly - half seriously. However, if you did something like that it would be the absolut World Masterpiece!!!

[@aleksanderk359]

The only thing missing are a pipe from the "exit" and down to the wood burner. Then you can save your self walking up and down the stairs as well! Just remember to have a big enough basket to store them in. Or, since you are already on it with the electronics: Make a sensor or switch to turn of the machine when the basket is full.

[@TqSNv9R0iG5Ckxew]

I am envisioning an auger feeding a thermostatically controlled wood burning stove. It would be far too dangerous to feed raw sawdust into a wood stove but converting the dust to pellets as an intermediate step would solve this problem.

[@maccliff2115]

The pleasure of watching was all mine. This was something we did every day in the oilfield. Same parts and technical principles. Great work!

[@johnstevens1192]

I wouldn't have the first clue on how to go about making this but my inventive juices started to flow as soon as I began watching this and so I sat through the whole thing loving every bit of it. Well done. It was an engineering marvel.🇦🇺👍

[@jamisonr]

That's amazing. Just when I think I've seen all the great builders, I find another channel that ups the ante.

[@woodstoney]

This was such an amazing and satisfying video for me to view. I enjoyed watching this man's skill set in so many disciplines! Well done!

[@12heebs]

Impressive build! You are an excellent fabricator and engineer!

[@cosmoslogic9088]

When i had watched for a while not knowing what was the end product i thought this is way beyond normal thoughts for a simple device as making wood pellets your talents are way beyond normal human thinking for the most part awesome video with only spot on statements very well done Sir.

[@dcsensui]

That's a nice machine you created. Few people would take the time and effort to sort it all out, but that's the process of how things go from a simple idea to a working solution.

[@____________________________.x]

Try using inductive limit switches. Those mechanical switches are only intended for clean environments. I’d think about adding some LEDs to indicate what is going on, because it makes maintenance easier when something breaks.

[@Wyld1one]

I was even thinking about optical interruption switches. Les mechanical to wear out

[@etorepugatti9196]

@@Wyld1one Yes, but how do you manage the dust problem?

[@Xiph1980]

Next time I wouldn't weld that ram, but make a bracket to support it, use a collet clamp around the ram, or cut threads on the end to screw it in place. Piston/bore tolerances are very tight, and welding can warp the bore making it essentially a useless paper weight. It can also introduce micro-fractures that could eventually lead to a leak, with all the risks of hydraulic fluid injections. Do not google that if you're not very tolerant to gruesome pictures.

[@amdidextrous]

Yes, I worked as a welder for 45 years, I find it hard to believe that the bore of the ram cylinder was not distorted by the welding, in fact the ram stuck at the weld level whilst he was inserting it.

[@GordonFreeman69]

I've always been a bit leery of working with high pressure hydraulics. If a pin hole or small crack appeared, how far away could it seriously injury you (not including orifices ;))? I'm guessing 3 feet?

[@b.c.2281]

The sound of the finished product in action is bizarrely soothing for reasons I can't express. Super impressive build.

[@FIL357]

Fascinating. It’s as watching an illusionist drawing the audience in before the master stroke and revealing all. This the second video I have enjoyed . Thank you. Phil - Suffolk.

[@daviddauerty1353]

I enjoy seeing you work your way through problems as they arise. Your skill set is impressive by any measure. Thanks for sharing your projects.

[@bloodgain]

Good use of the precision alignment squint. Always important, though, not to confuse an ISO-5725 compliant measurement squint with an ISO-16321 compliant safety squint. The two may look similar, but are not interchangeable.

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

As many a sloppy squinter has found out to his cost.

[@lordstylesofliwitch]

I just loved this!!! 😃 Well done Sir! It was as informative as it was inspiring and entertaining. You had me mesmerized with an appreciative smile during the entire video. 😊 On several occasions I had to rewind a bit to watch some part or detail of the build. This is precisely the kind of projects that I'd love to do. I'm ok with the electronics and the woodworking, trying to improve on my machining skills, but I'm a total n00b on hydraulics. Good video and scene lengths for this kind of project. Good use of camera angles and great comments all through the video. Your ISO standard squint made me laugh out loud. 😁 I also appreciate the absent noise of irritating music. Here I much prefer the lovely sound of machines. ⚙ You have earned yourself another subscriber. 👍

[@ctiley2212]

I can see the dust around the micro-switches being a problem in the not too distant future, maybe a puff of air from the funnel blower could control that.

[@amandagardner565]

not a good idea at all, wood dust mixed with air is explosive, just like flour and air, and he has a WOOD FIRE on premises. do a search on wood or flour mill explosion, seriously bad, an initial blast knocks the dust/flour sitting on overhead pipes etc, and as that falls and mixes with air the secondary explosions are like nukes going off. a safer solution is to mount the switches upside down, so the dust does not settle on the little plungers and gum them up.

[@ctiley2212]

@@amandagardner565 I don't think the amount of dust here could be considered dangerous, it is far less than he creates with his normal tools all the time. Mounting the switches upside down would make no difference, the dust is already airborne and will still cause issues as well as much flammability as a small occasional puff of air would create in moving it away from the switches. Sealing the box better would be the ultimate solution.

[@amandagardner565]

@@ctiley2212 you may be right, but i'd prefer he err on the side of caution. i've seen how volatile just a small amount of airborne dust is with someone shoveling piles of it into a furnace, the blow back put the guy on his ass and he was very lucky he had PPE including face protection. he had some wicked bruising for a week or two, and learned not to ever do that again.

[@paulkelly1702]

@@amandagardner565 What about just a fan?

[@jamescarver6275]

Proximity switches would alleviate dust or mechanical issues.

[@live2thrive249]

I can't get enough of your videos! Your mastery and amalgamation of so many different trades is inspiring. I suck at metalwork but somehow feel like I could take on projects like this now. Thanks for sharing these projects

[@CoastGord]

I was involved in R&D in a machine shop...I really appreciate your work...I understand it. Cheers from B.C. (Canada)

[@timecowx]

This was so much more than I expected! Very impressive!

[@goldpython2263]

Outstanding! This guy's from the same family as the person who starts with a rock and gives you a perfectly symmetrical spearpoint you could shave with.

[@nialldaly7108]

Love the mix of skills, Carpentry, Metalwork, Electronic, Electrical, Pneumatic and Hydraulic. A true Engineer

[@chrispy3866]

Impressive! The heat from the friction is what activates the lignin in the saw dust, keeping it together so well. Free heat which is required for good compaction and binding!

[@fredrichardson9761]

Some really amazing engineering and adaptive design at work there - nicely done! Outstanding result! And yeah great way to transform that sawdust into something useful.

[@michaelchapman4269]

Incredible work, wish I had the patience, tools and time to do this! Did you have any help with any aspect of this or can you literally do all the work yourself.

[@xombies]

This is probably the greatest video I have ever watched on KZbin. And I watch a LOT of YT.

[@sherylstiles1205]

The amazing thing is he thinks anybody can do what he does. He is incredibly intelligent, creative, and can do anything.

[@titantitan2851]

I think I watched this 4 times already and many more views to come.. incredibly complicated build.. well done.