Rebuilding a Leeboy Paver Track Frame - Construction Equipment Repair - Machining and Welding

[@Vickwick58]

HI, I'm Victor. I was watching this video and my wife walked past just in time to hear you say "the Victor replicator" and she burst into tears and called it a crime against humanity to make more Victors.

[@robertmorrison886]

Great job 👍

[@gofastwclass]

If this job comes back it won't be because you didn't do your best to fix it properly! Nice work re-engineering and rebuilding everything.

[@eaglebill3738]

Thanks Josh, this has to be one of your best videos! Straight forward and perfect details. I personally don't care for the special effects like the slow motion and quick changing views, just my preference, this one was great! Thanks for doing these especially when you are pressed for time.

[@BrucePierson]

The old Victor duplicator does a nice job for being an old outdated machine. It just goes to show how well these old machines were made, that they keep on working decades later when new machines break down every five minutes. Keep the old machines working.

[@mauricekeithjohnson2598]

As usual, your steady, no-nonsense, practical approach is appreciated and educational ! Thanks again !

[@kd5byb]

Very nice! The duplicator is one of the neatest things I've seen in a while. Very cool, very simple, and seems to work great!

[@petecuming6576]

Don't be afraid to bump the oxygen up. Drop tip size a bit. We have had ours over 50 years. I never had to reboot. Thanks for your time. Pete in South Carolina

[@missamo80]

Just when I thought I'd seen every cool machine in your shop along comes the duplicator! Had no idea something like that existed. Neat!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I have a few videos of it.

[@missamo80]

@@TopperMachineLLC I clearly haven't watched all the older videos yet :D

[@steveanderson4768]

That was the original CNC torch meat cutting device. That is definitely the KISS Keep It Simple Stupid.

[@steveanderson4768]

Very cool measure and check 57 times weld check another 10 times and weld once you know that things not moving then burn it in

[@MrPancake0825]

I love how you describe how you tackle every solution so matter-of-fact! 😂 You have a God given talent. You make it look easy. It not easy at all. It takes God's gifts like a passion for your work, talent, and patience. 👍🏻

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you. You have to love what you do, or work life will drain you. I worked a few jobs outside of my interests, and quickly went back.

[@joepeanut6827]

Apparently, those sparks missed those Gas cans, 2:28 Your still here . . And that's a good thing, I really like your show.

[@bostedtap8399]

Great in house profile job, certainly provides an unbeatable turnaround time. Previous attempt was woeful, if it breaks next time, its certainly not being used as per manufacturer's instructions 🙄. Thanks for sharing.

[@alanm3438]

Wow, that was a lot of work. I am glad that you were able to make it better than what the manufacture had. It is to bad that the company made a bad part and design. It looked like milling the 8" hole was the easy part. The alignment is critical and I am glad that you were able to get it set in position. It really is paving season and this guy needs his machine now. He is lucky that you were willing to do the job for him. The thicker steel, the heavy welds and the gussets should make the part last a long time. Good job on the video and great job on the part. It is always good to see you.

[@billjulian9496]

That was a great video, your attention to detail is admirable. I love seeing the old machines and skills still being used to get the job done!

[@ralphpavero7760]

Nice job first time iv seen that duplicator it works awesome thank you for the video

[@royreynolds108]

I agree that the drive motor shaft with sprocket needs to have supports on both sides for equal load-bearing; then there would be less stress on the frame.

[@MrPancake0825]

Josh, that finish cut you did at 10:50 was awesome straight!

[@scottfarnham2717]

I've never seen or used a Victor duplicator. What a handy machine!!

[@seansysig]

Josh that is a very solid solution and the tracing cutter is so cool to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

That pattern torch is sweet, it's my favorite tool in your shop. It turned out great Josh I'm sure the client will be more than happy with you fix. 👍👍 I still think you should make a T-shirt that has _Ask me about my big Johnson_ with a picture of the Johnson band saw underneath. 😂

[@MICHAEL-ys3pu]

Josh, I am fascinated by all experts telling you what you are doing wrong. I just watch and learn. Keep doing it your way because it works for you and your customers, if it didn’t you would not have customers and obviously you have lots of them. 🇦🇺

[@bcbloc02]

Might be possible to make a brace to go from one side to the other to strengthen things up. Might have to bolt them to the motors but loooks like they plenty beefy enough to handle it.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I looked at making a new cap for the other end with a bearing and bolt on mount similar to the ASV tracks. They didn't want to take the time to do it. I'm hopeful this will hold up for them.

[@mftmachining]

Excellent job, Josh. First class craftsmanship.

[@jamesbonnema1041]

I prefer a 6" grinder, but i use alot of cut wheels. Ill bet you would, too!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I don't use any cut off wheels unless it's the only option. Torch, plasma torch, or saw for everything.

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

Maybe another gussett on the front-facing side would also help, then it may be industructable

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I suggested that, but the customer shot that down. Hopefully this will work without it.

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

@@TopperMachineLLC It would have added a very small amout to the final bill, and well worth it, oh well.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@RolandElliottFirstG I agree. I really wanted to do it. Should have just done it and told them I didn't feel right about sending it without. I've done this before with other customers.

[@ssboot5663]

I love your content and skills! Yep, same situation here, snow is gone finally,we skipped spring it seems, we got screwed out of April fixing time this year.. and now everything is going crazy before the next winter arrives in a couple of months!

[@donanything6816]

I love the solutions you come up with on very unique pieces of heavy machinery. The gussets seemed to "finish" it off. Thanks for the video.

[@MrRadtech22]

Well done!

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Good looking repair josh, great video, keep'um coming.

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Josh nicely done ✅❤️❤️ it. Take care of yourself and family and be Blessed.

[@clutch5sp989]

Fascinated by the Victor duplicator. Can't picture how the drive motor works to follow the part. I did see a vid when you first got it. Maybe check that out again to see.

[@murph7591]

Hey Josh, I just love watching all the content you bring to you tube , it's also exciting to see your shop made circular saw mill in run. Reminds me of the old shows I've went to!!!😊

[@scottthomas5999]

Great repair. You made the most out of a difficult design flaw. Should give reliable service.👍🏻👍🏻

[@glenncpw]

A great video again.. I have had some of those magnets on the back plate of the lathe for years (some place to keep them) I have never thought to use them as you have - definitely thinking outside the box. Good onya

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Gotta be careful as they do shatter easy, but it worked great. I'd never tried that before. I just needed a solution, and gave the first thing I saw a try. Hopefully it helps out others.

[@eriklarsen7358]

I have a Carlton Stump grinder with a similar setup, final drive frames bend pretty easily. Especially running the drive end up curbs. That track frame probably was made by Chermack as well by the looks of it.

[@samelloit602]

And I thought metal shop in high school was riveting, no pun intended

[@anthonyrivers8395]

Mr. topper does it need to be said that your channel is awesome. Question? Do you video all of your work or just odds and ends that come in?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks. I only film select jobs. Some customers have restrictions on what they want shown, and others are totally proprietary and I can't film that. Some jobs are just boring repeats of stuff I've done or the same jobs others have done.

[@TradeWorks_Construction]

For your first torch cuts I was watching the sparks and noticed that they were flying pretty far … and getting kinda close to your Fork Lifts LP Tank. It takes quite a lot of torch slag to affect an LP Hose line when it’s at a distance but I hope you don’t let the added pressure of releasing videos get to you. A lot of us enjoy your videos and would be disheartened if an accident put a stop to your filming. Keep up the great work, you’re like the USA version of Curtis from CEE in Australia.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I noticed that also, almost right as it happened. If you watch, I was very careful after that. I also shut off the bottle after every use, just for safety. Thank you for your concern.

[@olavmsonge5221]

Much nicer to see now when filming and adio are so good😀

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Major upgrades in camera and audio equipment. No more GoPro

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Thanks for the video keep on keeping on.

[@charlesrobertson3997]

In regard to cutting the plate out, when doing an outside cut it's easier/cleaner to start at the plate edge with only the edge of the flame hitting the plate. Once it begins to cut you can enter the plate. This method reduces blowback, keeping the tip from fouling. I learned this method when stripping 2-3/8" plate on a 13 torch pantograph. Also, when I looked at the cut on your plate it appears the tip you are using may be too small or it could be oxy pres. too low. I couldn't help but comment as I really appreciate you videos an presentation.

[@briceman7377]

I was wondering why you didn't leave an assembly step to help hold it in place while you aligned it. A quick assembly jig based on the original would have also been a good idea. I know, 20/20 hindsight.😁 Keep up the good work.👍

[@kenwood8665]

another excellent and enjoyable video

[@e.scottdaugherty8291]

Man, you get to play with all the cool 😎 stuff. Jealous.

[@petegraham1458]

Nice !

[@DavidHerscher]

That duplicator is the Bees Knees.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Great video, thanks. This looked like a very interesting project

[@TopperMachineLLC]

It was a challenge, but was also fun. I like these jobs. Even more so now with all he right tools to do it.

[@kimber1958]

great job thanks for the video we appreciate your time

[@araofmadisoncasey4247]

suggest personal air ventilation while welding

[@THEIRONWORKER]

I would like to have a cutting torch like yours . But they are very hard to find . I have used them before but it was not mine Thanks for the video

[@nickking8317]

Hey josh is your shop on your property where you live or in a different area? I love your work man keep ‘‘em coming

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Yes sir.

[@topduk]

No cutting lenses?

[@davidholder3207]

Tropper Job

[@jameslewry2950]

Topper machine video dominated by advertising

[@wmweekendwarrior1166]

Good stuff

[@randomstranger9674]

Have you left out the inner gusset that the original had? THat was bracing against something solid, whereas the ones you added on the outside aren't connected to anything rigid.

[@2xKTfc]

Ha! The too small 12 inch mega square made me giggle. Only drawback about a 36" one is that they get awfully heavy at that size. haha

[@MyLilMule]

Did you consider dual shield instead of ER70?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I hate the stuff. Dirty, nasty fumes and doesn't weld as clean. It also makes some porous welds, in my experience. The only dual shield I will use is my hard facing wire, and that's only because there isn't a solid wire option.

[@RambozoClown]

Pave over the snow.

[@stephensharma4994]

i see you never wear cutting goggles ( a dark glasses ) that bright flame light ,, it can effect your eyes after prolong exposure !!

[@wendell454]

Maybe use your hand torch for your starter holes than you want get trash in your tip and also id go up a size on my tip for 1 1/4 than you want have to bet it out of there

[@akfarmboy49]

Machine uses Fairfield torque hub?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

They are a planetary hub of some kind. No idea on brane.

[@onebadsavage26]

Another entertaining video. Just curious, why didn't you tack both pieces together for the machining and drilling? Would have been two less set ups.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I considered it. It definitely would have helped speed up the process, but as it was, I did this faster than anyone else would have.

[@onebadsavage26]

@@TopperMachineLLC As long as the customer was happy.

[@jasongreene303]

Your pretty ballsy calling out someone and telling them they're inadequate! On the bright side, the Johnson performed well.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

If I did shitty work, I would expect nothing less. At least that shop is no longer in business

[@BrucePierson]

@@TopperMachineLLC I wonder why .... it comes down to the quality of work that a shop puts out that keeps it in business. No doubt your shop will be going until you retire and hopefully you have someone to take over from you.

[@kokodin5895]

i am itreiged by the copying machine the profile you were copying seemed to have considerable wear on top surface, from the start of the video there was a lot of shiny steel and it looked thinner from the center to the edge on that side how much of that shape was the design and how much of it your method acounted in machining margins because it certanly looks faster to do than reverse engeneer and plasma cut stuff on cnc but i am interested if that was another repair down the life of the machine how do you know that is the shape it suposed to be

[@TopperMachineLLC]

The top wear was minimal really. It just looked bad in the video. It didn't affect the final part. This is significantly faster than CNC, I get many jobs like this due to my speed and cutting capacity. It was ripped off and repaired once before, I showed the terrible repair done by another shop.

[@kokodin5895]

@@TopperMachineLLC i must have missed the part it was ripped off, but those braces were kind of wonky , but the machine is pretty similar to panto router used in furniture and mass produced luthiery, and they also copy a template onto a new piece, with or without magnification. i simply never seen that done with a plasma cutter, but i guess you can follow a templare with any cuttingtool and material, i really enjoyed the video and nice job at the end

[@johnplump3760]

when drilling a hole, why don't you drill a pilot hole first?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Unnecessary.

[@glennmoreland6457]

You'd have been better off laying em flat on a table and tacking a leg of box to em the right distance apart then bring the lot over drop it on that frame they easier to handle and as long as box is straight them bearers will go on straight use packers to establish height good video ☹🇬🇧

[@Rocket39Smoke14]

Less talk and more work is always better.

[@riliwi]

Mr Topper you realy should wear cutting lens goggles or at least flash glasses if you value your eyesight , your eyes will appreciate them!!!!!

[@mrracing1961]

Not sure what is going on with the volume on your vids but, all your vids are really low volume when I try to watch. The commercials blow out my speakers if I make it so I can hear your video.