Making My Own Steam Power Hammer! Part 3

[@Dolcerae]

If it takes 47 videos to finish this little build…….i will watch 47 videos. These are oddly satisfying seeing how much detail goes into something so small. So keep making videos and we will keep watching!!!!

[@RedRingOfDead]

69th like. I'll take it. But yeah exactly. Just imagine this being even smaller 😂 would easily tick the 80-100 episodes. And I'll watch them all 😂

[@stevie3126]

Absolutely will watch @alexsteele struggle through 47 episodes making this tiny steam power hammer and another 47 episodes using it to forge hobbit tools 😂

[@kasumach4828]

Fr they could each be an hour long and I’d still watch it

[@fifty-plus]

I gave up years ago when it was taking 10 episodes to make a sword, though I'd circle back and it's still the same. Good luck.

[@idkcba]

Here here!!

[@colemorgan8567]

An idea for another project, making a leatherman/multitool. Would love to see how you tackle that project

[@santerisuuri5139]

Great idea.

[@simplybananas]

Damascus leatherman!

[@seangerst6561]

A Damascus butterfly knife multi tool Leatherman

[@MartyMart5]

Would love this

[@AlphaMachina]

Fantastic idea.

[@pjamestx]

I'm enjoying these episodes from your "This Old Alec" phase

[@jeffmcdonald101]

Agreed, I like the change up and, in the end, seeing Alec have fun is as good as anything. That being said I love how scared you are that we're all going to leave. I've been here for 5 years, I will never leave, thank you for all the entertainment and education!

[@piccalillipit9211]

I 100% agree - I stopped watching the American phase cos it was more like mass production. I was expecting him to by a 3D metal printer and just cad everything. THIS is the content I like, terror and mistakes

[@davidedwards4125]

@@piccalillipit9211I quite like the US stuff as it was fun in a “Big Epic” kinda way and there was some great to and fro between Alex and Will, that said it’s moved on to an equally great place and Alec continues to be inspiring in his own crazy way.

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@davidedwards4125 I dont say others should dislike it. But I didnt - Will was great though.

[@khayyam741]

I came here for forging videos a few years ago but now I love watching machining videos too which means we progress together. PS I stayed here for your energy Alec so keep that up.

[@davesmith5656]

With the mini power hammer he's committed to forging a mini long sword.

[@rorywhite7204]

get another collab with the pocketblacksmith or whatever he was called@@davesmith5656

[@jmiknuk]

I’m really digging this project. Seeing Alec struggle and grow as a craftsman is awesome.

[@AlexDuWaldt]

11:49 Shoutout to Jamie! The music at this part really helps set the ambiance.

[@smagliaro]

This is exactly the kind of meaty, skill-building project I'm here for. I'll be smashing that Like button on every episode.

[@120DEA]

lol I actually heard Alec’s voice while I was reading this one. Well done!

[@billchesser1475]

Nice to see a multiple part long series. Also the detailed self reflection on what could be better.

[@Ktsusna37]

Honestly there were a few builds you did before the lamp that didn’t really interest me but this power hammer and the lamp y’all made are super cool. They feel less forced. What you personally enjoy doing will always be more entertaining than trying to force your excitement for something you think will get more views. You have great ideas. Keep them coming!!

[@bytesizedengineering]

I'm loving this series. I will watch all 47 episodes!

[@dariolinder4508]

13:31 the top of the hole is bigger in diameter because you have a very long thin tool. At first, the forces on it aren't that strong, but the further you move down, the bigger the strain gets, bending your tool, making your diameter smaller. I recommend cutting the same diameter 2-3 times. That way you'll get a consistent diameter from top to bottom.

[@janbernad4729]

but the tool is always making contact on its very end, no matter if you bore the top or the bottom of the hole. The only difference is that the spindle is being extended, however i would say that its possible bend is negligible when compared to the bend of the tool.

[@janbernad4729]

the only thing i can think of is that throughout the cut, the settings on the boring head are being changed - something is not tight enough as it needs to be to not get pushed back by the resistance of the material

[@virusjohn8310]

Keep at it Alec, I'll be watching til I see you forge the worlds smallest sword with it! as a machinist myself its always nice to see people give it a go, outside of their comfort zone, and seeing the happiness on your face as you progress is great to watch. Keep the faith!

[@erikjansen3839]

this hammer is a very good Apprentices piece you can learn all important machining basics, some assembly, and in the end you can craft Micro knifes with it

[@VanDamArtisan]

You should make your own boring bar thingy. This old Tony and artisan makes have good videos from when they made their own. Pretty tricky challenge I think you'd enjoy creating. DO IT ALEC!!! I've been watching you since 10k subs, by the way. Love you videos!

[@DaveBennettMusic]

Wojld love to see some knive builds again. Maybe a 6inch outdoor survival knive

[@aronbraswell1589]

you're going through some of the same issues as the makers of the big hammers. My grand father worked in a foundry and machine shop that made power hammers as well a natural gas engines. the stories he'd tell. at least you have more modern equipment. your doing great keep up the great work

[@mcseforsale]

This reminds me of the "projects" that were left for you on your desk in my first metal working class in high school. Our first "project" kit was a section of piano hinge, a lunchbox handle, 2 metal latches, a handful of rivets and a sheet of steel. For our second project, I walked into class and on my desk was a 6" piece of 1.5" aluminum bar stock (that's aluminium to you), and 10" of 1/4" drill rod. The first project taught us the layout and marking of sheet steel, the metal brake an arranging bend sequences, snips, riveting and spot welding. The second project taught us caliper and micrometer measuring, lathe skills (like facing, knurling and center drilling), and hammer forging and quenching. I'm 53 now and the two items made in that first semester of 11 grade are still in my workshop and see regular use. LOL. I'd love to attend a machining course where you walk in the first day and this mini powerhammer kit is just staring up at you from your desk.

[@1320crusier]

Gotta love a good day in the shop. Sometimes, you just can't beat it. :) I do hope we get to a point where you forge pieces like these yourself then you machine them to spec. I want to see a damascus steel steam engine.

[@Voicesofjake]

Damn, the editing with the music and drilling to the beat was 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

I love long series like these. So glad you are taking this project on. Impressive!

[@warrenbaker4181]

I really enjoy watching a craftsman who enjoys his craft.

[@RobSheriff-y6l]

I so enjoy watching you make things. I am working on a 1/16 fine scale SE5A WW1 plane at the moment. Probably 1000 parts or so. Wood/pewter/bronze . 5 sheets of plans..

[@thomasnewton9818]

I enjoy watching you try your hand at precision machining. You can compensate on the Piston to match the cylinder bore. Half of prototype work is knowing where to adjust for things that happen and still have a working model.

[@LReBe7]

Alec, you should immediately find something clean to cover that granite surface plate with. It's probably not a bad idea to dedicate a corner of your office for metrology. The grinding room as a very dirty jobs area is an amazing idea. When you get into granite surface plate metrology, you need a very clean room in your shop as well. It's going to make your precision measurement tools last a lot longer.

[@PontifexPrimus]

That is so cool! I really appreciate showing the effort a translation from the technical drawings into reality requires. It all _seems_ so easy at first - there's the drawings, the pieces are roughly shaped already, just make this straight, drill here, done. What an amount of information needs to be read out of the plans and then made into actual steps is something I would never have considered.

[@RotarySMP]

I am enjoying the switch to machining content. Thanks for sharing it.

[@eatman6511]

From one craftsman to another, I’m watching you perform some kind of black magic and witchcraft. This is amazing to watch. Your work is amazing. Thank you my friend. I’ve watched your work and you grow for about eight years. Incredible. On a side note, if you ever forge another sword, make the Orchrest from LOTR. Also, I will buy it from you, even if I have to come to you.

[@guitarMcLovin]

Really loving this series where you make something that is truly difficult for you and your current skillset. It seems like I'm watching your personal growth in the craft with each video. And I can tell that you're feeling accomplished after every step

[@jonathanmoore467]

I’m a hobbiest woodworker with zero intention to ever work with metal or forging and I absolutely love this channel and this series! Been watching for years now and I’m still enjoying. Alec’s enthusiasm is always so entertaining!

[@OmnieStar]

Probably one of my fave series you have done in a while tbh! I mean I always like a good damascus forging. But my true love is machine work and this is very fun to watch.

[@NicoIsntHere]

The struggle and problem solving is part of why I watch! Seeing ways of tackling an issue I’d have absolutely no clue how to approach is really cool! Feels like in a pinch I may have learned some cool tip here that would help me in some way in the future. A lot like watching Adam Savage make things, I feel like I’ve learned something in the process.

[@br4d101]

You see this is why I watch you! You can forge anything you like but to be a true master of metal you have to be able to do anything with it and your very much proving you can! I find it very interesting but moving/making metal things is what I do :) keep up the content, it’s great!

[@Charlie-dx6bv]

My suggestion is to show as many similar parts on the full size machine as you can. And that outro was great lol

[@masonmontalvo7201]

13:52 I find it helpful when boring in a mill to run each cut twice or even three times. Those boring bars are pretty long for their diameter and tend to flex. I.e. a .025 cut may only cut .020 and running the cut again will usually pick up that extra .005. Hope this helps. I’m a long time fan and have always been inspired by your willingness to take on new and difficult challenges.

[@JohnLunde]

I love these type of project. A bit slower tempo, really enjoy it.

[@sdtyner]

I like it. I think this video series shows more real world applications of machining in a way. I know it is a mini power hammer but the precision, knowledge, and creativity you have to have for that applies to many fields where we need good talent.

[@cleverusername9369]

I love that Alec always gives shoutouts to people in the comments that leave him good advice, and that he follows that advice. I would argue that the best thing Alec has ever made is this community of friendly and respectful enthusiasts with varying degrees of knowledge and experience but who all share an appreciation for great craftsmanship by Alec, great cinematography by Jamie, and excellent doggos.

[@nocturnhabeo]

At 12:25 you can see the rubbing on that top part that was larger. The shank of the boring bar also shows some black cast iron dust at 12:16. You were having a problem with the size because the tip was deflecting more than the base. You probably needed a longer boring bar or to grind the shank back on that side a bit.

[@lukasgropl2166]

I always love thinking about making things the most ancient way, and the most modern way possible. And with the amount of modern tooling you own it would make quite an interesting project, of making one and the same thing, but with about a thousand years difference in technology. And I LOVE the Jamie-Alec banter. Feels like working with the boys.

[@seththompson6744]

I’m digging the build Mr Alec! It’s giving me some nostalgia of your older, multi part videos. It also feels slightly more personable than the last several before the lamp build. And, I love that nostalgic feeling because you were the main driving force in my early knifemaking days, and more recently with my starting a KZbin channel. Again, I dig it!!

[@joshfick4107]

A coaxial indicator would be a great addition to your toolbox

[@ofox716]

I absolutely love that his passion for this has grown this much

[@bilijoful]

Hey Alec! You are the reason I started forging after it being a dream of mine for a long time. I now have made 2 bearded axes and a couple of knives. And also, I absolutely love this mini power hammer project, can't wait to see it working! I'm always eager to see the next video, keep up the good work man!

[@twitchynik]

Probably my favourite project you’ve worked on. And I’m going back to the old, old days with a young whipper snapper smacking a hammer around in a small leaky shed! Keep it up Alec!

[@fancyultrafresh3264]

I am happy as heck to see you begin precision machining.

[@Whytho2000]

I love this stuff, give me metal doing cool things. Pushing cutting bending twisting forging fluting reaming drilling shearing slicing tearing expanding contracting stretching and all the other neat things you can do to metal.

[@flashforum939]

Love the project. From mega lamp to tiny powerhammer ❤

[@eliaslopez7289]

I'm really liking this series, please continue it. I would love to see it finished and working, even forge something tiny with it. Cheers!

[@sgsax]

I find machining super satisfying to watch. And I always think of Jamie, with his most excellent edits. More tiny power hammer building, please!

[@adityachoudhary6147]

I loveee this project… I just saw this after 4-5 days of getting uploaded because I wanted to learn how much it goes into machining and I can say it is quite complex…

[@dimitrysvistun8948]

Hey Alec, love these videos, and look forward to watching the whole series. As an Engineer I enjoy watching you tackle issues Bridgeport, measurements, and so on. So first I know how I can improve my own drawings, but also how to troubleshoot my own work.

[@nicholaseedy3244]

How Alex got his groove back! Looking forward to some long series of learning new things!

[@JeffSearust]

We're along for the ride!!

[@SirHubertFiddleston]

Please keep going with this series! Definitely enjoying it right along with you!

[@williamcook9936]

loving the machining. watching you learn and working through mistakes is one of the major reasons ive watched you for years now.

[@MackenzieForge]

It's been a little while since I've watched your videos but I just saw you are making a new series and machining is something I'm interested in learning so I'm going to commit to watching this project all the way to the end. Keep up the good work and good luck on your project, I'm excited to see how it turns out.

[@steelefarmllc142]

What I've always liked about your video's over the years has been watching you figure out how to do things. Even though this isn't blacksmithing or forging, it is fun watching you learn how to make a precision tool.

[@DrCook45]

When using the boring head, try taking spring cuts, to compensate for flexing of the boring bar. Spring cuts are just extra cuts taken, with no cut applied.

[@LtHawk77]

Truly enjoy watching you learn the principles of Machining, takes me back to my machinist schooling and early days of doing it. Truly awesome and look forward to more.

[@dylnbxtr]

Inheritance machining is also fantastic for learning from 👌🏼

[@Gsrsesgs]

I usually wait until the whole project is done and binge the whole thing, but this mini hammer has me hooked.

[@lucassmolinski53]

love that project !!!

[@shlaag234]

These are fascinating. More 47 part projects would be welcome.

[@stuart6973]

It’s like watching my self 20 years ago when I was learning. Edge finders -use in a collet not a chuck. Even though them albrecht chucks are good there still more runout that you want. Keep going, this is good practice.

[@marleboe]

I am really enjoying this series. i do CAD drawings for a living, so it is really interesting to me to see how these are read by the people that makes the part. (though i am really glad to be working in milimeters and not having fractions all over the place). Can't wait for the next episode

[@BMLEATHER]

This project is exactly what i want! Give me more. Whatever you want to make. I want to watch you make. And seeing how this steam hammer turns out is going to be exciting. I love the 22+ part videos. And I love the videos where you really enjoy yourself. So keep it up!

[@nicochecko]

These are great! I want 47 more please. But honestly, I'm on the edge of my seat. With the number of times you've made catastrophic mistakes and had to re-do pieces, this feels like you have no room to mess up. It's riveting! I very much want this to succeed!

[@ryangross5446]

it has been far too long since ive watched a 40 part alec steel series, and I am all for doing it again. I will be here watching all the rest of the mini power hammer videos! I love machining and i love watching alec learn and perfect his machining skills as well! Please keep making these videos

[@Pubwie]

Loving this series. Please finish it

[@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695]

You should build one of kozo hiroka's steam locomotives especially since they are meant to be very beginner friendly i have the blueprints of the new shay and the climax locomotive

[@tomatosoup44]

I'm really liking this series. It really compliments the forging-heavy series well.

[@rich7934]

Keep up the great work. Becoming a good machinist takes a lot of practice. Your tapered bore issue from the boring head is because the tooling/bar flexes as it goes down the bore. Just like on the lathe when you need .001 inch tolerances or better, you need to do 2 or 3 spring passes (running down the part without changing the settings) to allow the cutter to relax in the bore.

[@opesam]

I love this series! It gives me the same vibe as old video series like the viking sword, which remains my all-time favourite!

[@fna-wrightengineering]

Awesome project, Alec! Machining is all about what you can do, from where you currently are. Adapting to, and overcoming, challenges you're presented (and challenges you cause for yourself), is a valuable skill. You've always shown a fantastic ability to do just that, and it's one of the things that makes your videos so enjoyable to watch. I think the reason you were seeing taper in the bore, is deflection. That boring bar had a lot of stickout, and it'll flex a little bit, regardless of how light a cut you take. It started cutting close to size, then flexed inward until the cutting forces and bending resistance of the bar found equilibrium. Another note about the boring head... You don't have to loosen/tighten up the grub screws every time you make an adjustment. I have the same boring head, and I keep the "gib" screws ever-so-slightly on the tight side of snug. The adjusting screw has enough drag to hold its position once set, but not so much that it takes more than a couple of fingers to rotate it.

[@ninjmaster5609]

This project is so cool with so many different angles and weird shapes to think about it

[@Nyitemare]

I am loving this series in all seriousness

[@OverlordMaggie]

My fave thing when watching videos is a creator saying "I just *want* to do this video." Keep going, at least for me don't worry about the series length - I enjoy watching you learn, and I binge on information happily!

[@ryancomfy]

I'm enjoying this series, change is good, it means we are learning different stuff and that is a good thing

[@michaelhill1176]

You could never be boring I have been with you from the first workshop and you so amazing

[@lamborn3D]

This is pretty cool. I'd love to see you make something using this when it's done.

[@astonmoore6126]

I shall be watching each and every installment of this series!!! Love this

[@agitatedgeoduck4836]

I like the long builds and seeing your progress one piece at a time. Been watching your videos for years and never bored once!

[@johanvandenheever892]

Sooo much exited for the next videos🤩 I admire the fact that you have come this far in life in general and only now discovered “PCD” and the convention for threaded holes. Love the honesty, makes everything so much relatable😂

[@quinn860]

I'm loving the machining videos, loved the ones where you cleaned the bridgebort and set it up

[@theLeviDuff]

Super looking forward to this whole series

[@stanalbatross8615]

What a cool series so far. I like it a lot so far. Stuff like that is kind of what I'm here for and it reminds me of the times you didn't know how to forge blades yet in your old workshop.

[@TheRealMcCutie]

Alec, i love these videos. When i started watching for the blacksmith content it got my interest in metal work started. Since then i have gotten to see you get inspired with machining just like i have. Thank you alec!

[@Kafouille]

I would love to have a workshop like yours… J’aime beaucoup vos vidéos

[@pintossss1238]

i love watching you learn machining, soo etertaining

[@goransolheim8772]

Love the machining video few tips were you using the locking screws on the boring bar? when using a reamer it’s best practice to stop the spindle as soon as it breaks through and raise it up out of the hole without the spindle turning

[@Delorkay]

This is a really cool contrast from the big lamp, that had all the problem solving and testing theories, to this with detailed precision work, lots of machines and their idiosyncrasies. Loving the range mate!

[@michaeltalaganis6518]

I love the long project videos! Keep up the multiple parts videos! We love you Alec and Jaime. Continue making great content and we’ll be happy to watch you two go back and forth

[@indus_9269]

This project is awesome! It's a far cry from where you were when I found your channel, but I really like how you're exploring the diverse disciplines of metallurgy and metalwork!

[@maxsinclair787]

this is my favourite project of yours so far.

[@leftseatmcgee5002]

Absolutely loving this series! Would love to watch a 40 episode series of videos like this, no worries of burnout there. You could always add to it by forging or even casting some of your own parts before machining. Given your comment about the casting texture on that one part, you could even bring in your inlay, engraving, and stone setting work. Can you imagine not just making your powerhammer, but having it made of parts that have gold inlay, sapphires, damascus patterns. And I'm so damn stoned, sorry.

[@Cthulu520]

Can't wait to watch the rest of the series. Please keep them going.

[@neondreams2337]

Fyi, I'm loving this series. This is like adult Legos for Engineers. I would love to do this myself, but don't have any of the tools to get it done, so I'm experiencing vicariously through you.

[@joooe5957]

not boring at all mate, i love this series!!

[@JonasSchwanbeck]

i really like this series i would love to see every 43 steps and how you solve the upcoming problems

[@kizzmiaz]

My current favourite project on KZbin.