Return Air 90 Degree Fitting- Integral Filter Rack

This is a long video that includes a reasonably detailed verbal description of the steps required for fabricating a custom return air 90 degree elbow for attaching to the inlet of a gas furnace or to the return air plenum on an electric air handler. Also high lighted is a simple and safe way to include a filter slot within fitting that will house a standard size filter.
At one point it is shown how easy it is to alter the layout during the process of fabrication if a better way is decided upon. Return air duct sizing is as important as the supply air sizing simply because too small of a duct will increase the velocity of the air flow to possibly decrease the efficiency of the filter. In other words, the dust particulate can be forced through instead of being caught in the filter media due to the increased suction pressure....which obviously is negative. Dust passing through a filter causes impregnation of the indoor coil surface which will also effect the systems operation....freezing the coil in the summer and if its a heat pump, possibly causing a high pressure fault.
As always, the nearly continual chatter contains tips and tricks in accomplishing the task at hand and though they work in this case, they can be used in thousands of applications.
I hope as well that the viewer finds something within that makes 28 minutes of video worth their while !!
Music by: www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music/acoustic-folk

[@tomwalker9184]

Watching Tractor man 44 bend sheet metal is Like watching Bob Ross painting a Master piece .

[@tractorman4461]

Methinks once again Tom, that you impart waaaaaay too much credit to my ability. But I wholeheartedly thank you voicing the continual kind thoughts sir. Stay warm and enjoy your day.

[@hurst2385]

It sure is.

[@pitaeata8493]

hmmm. You make that look fun Tractorman. Like watching someone having a good time painting a fence.

[@tractorman4461]

Now if I could just perfect the Tom Sawyer fence painting routine, I could get other guys to do it for me !! LOL. Thanks for the entertaining look at the process. In actuality, it really IS a lot of fun taking nice pretty flat metal then cut it, bend it and beat it into something it wasn't just a few minutes before.

[@Balticblue93]

A true art by an artist. It takes incredible knowledge, skill and equipment to do that quality of work. I would love to come take a week or two worth of training and pay handsomely for it. I wish I could build something out of nothing. I buy all my filter boxes, and plenums because time alone plus no metal skills keeps me out of the game. I need a real set of metal hand tools. Could have used them today. I want to run 5" filter boxes on all my installs and nice big plenums and long runs to specific sizes instead of ordering them as I need odd equipment at times. But you sir are a true Guru and master of an art that is long lost on the HVAC industry. They make kits now and that is cheating, that is legos, not true art.

[@tractorman4461]

Well now, that's an awfully kind comment to make. I appreciate the good vibes Kevin. Are you concerned about approaching the limit on total system static with the 5'' pleated filters ? I'm thinking you'd have to have a pretty comprehensive return air duct network to get enough air through the system with that additional drop across the 5 incher. I used to use two 1'' pleated filters stacked against each other in a 2" slot then suggest to the owner to throw away the dirty one, then move the second one to the front of the entering air stream and put the clean new one in as the second. That doubles the life of the filter but also gives 2'' filtration. I found that the newer higher efficiency gas furnaces did not like that added r/a pressure drop and wanted to cycle on limit too frequently. If you like this one, check out the latest video I uploaded this week if you get the chance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2Oud3-QfMeNras Or if you want to see a real cool install check this playlist out when you have the chance: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd Oh, and thank you once again for the superbly kind comment.

[@GPOutdoors]

Geez that brings back memories. Had a furnace put in a while back and the installer left screw heads and folded tabs improperly completed and man, trying to pull out or put in new filter was really aggravating. They would catch on those screw heads and tabs every time. LOl. Great job as always T! Enjoy the rest of the weekend. loved watching the build. :))

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for stopping by GP...I gotta tell you...I don't know HOW you keep up with all your comments !! I am having a terrible time with just 10% of the subs you have. You are the man ! Thanks again... You notice, I'm way behind on your videos again....)-:

[@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869]

@@tractorman4461 Hello Gord, funny seeing you here!

[@orionmec]

Ha ha, you look like you done this a time or two! I'm learning a lot! My God you are sooooo much stronger than me... I have a great deal of trouble getting through 26ga with my 'turtle snappers'. Love your work as always.

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha...maybe at least ONCE before.. I just can't remember Mark. LOL I am glad that you enjoyed the effort today. Have you by chance seen this playlist? Its a good one : kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd

[@Theferg1]

Great work sir!!

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for watching as well as for the kind words. Hey, if you enjoy sheet metal and want to see more I have plenty in the playlists above, like this one here: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx The good ones start out around 6 or 7 down from the top.

[@MartinMMeiss-mj6li]

Great video. Very informative, both from the images and the running explanation. Thank you.

[@tractorman4461]

Well Martin, I am glad you found it helpful. I've got a ton of sheet metal videos up in the playlists if you like those. Here's a good one from start to finish you may like: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd If you watch some, feel free to comment or ask questions. I'll answer them if I can. Thank you for today's visit.

[@Rockinrobbyboy]

Great video!!!!!!! Exactly what I needed😊

[@tractorman4461]

Excellent !! I''m glad it helped you a bit. I DO have tons of sheet metal videos in the playlists up above like this one if you are interested : kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd

[@gatorsworld]

You make it look so easy..... Dull edge for the filter....that's a good idea....Pop rivets is a good one 2....CHEERS

[@tractorman4461]

There ain't nothing worse than a filter slot that has screws catching the filters or the back of your knuckle !! If that little piece doesn't have a rivit in it and you run a screw into it, it might just slip right out of the tiny short Pittsburgh lock. Thanks for the comment Gator but its GOTTA be easy or I wouldn't be able to do it !! LOL.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good evening Sir, you built a pure Art Steel Duct Sir 👍😊 You have a great three dimensional memory to built these marvels Sir 👍😊 Have a great week Cheers !!!

[@tractorman4461]

Aw heck Dave, I just make it all up as I go along. It's really just a work of fiction....if you have a flat sheet, just write the story you want to have people read, but just write it with shapes and folds by using the metal. That way anyone of any language can 'read' your story because its made in a universal language !!! LOL. Take Care mon ami !!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@tractorman4461 Good morning Sir, that is the best well written text that I never read before Sir, I'm very much touch by it Sir, Very well written Sir. THAT IS WHY I'M CONVICED THAT YOU SHOULD WRITE YOUR BIOGRAPHY SIR !!! That Universal language is the language of any tradesman by heart ! Outstanding written statement Sir and you too take care Monsieur !! Cheers !!!

[@tractorman4461]

@@RCAFpolarexpress Dave, I swear you must truly be the most gracious Canadian in your whole country !! You've never made a comment that failed to draw a smile. Thank you sincerely for being so candid.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@tractorman4461 Thank you kindly Sir but I will persiste of convincing you to write your great stories !!! Keep warm Sir Cheers !!!

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

This arm chair tin bending is getting to be an enjoyable tradition 44 Friend! That hammer of yours is moving so fast that I wondered if you don't have to dip it in a bucket of water so it won't catch something on fire or get soft from the heat. I have a fresh cuppaJO that I'm raising even as,,,,,,,,I write in your honor and the honor of all at the 44 Ranch and Headquarters and Stan! I FINE Sunday afternoon to you Wendell! I tell ya, I think it's tin Art fer ser! DaveyJO

[@tractorman4461]

Well I'm glad to see you're getting your exercise watching me work !! LOL. Unfortunately I have a couple more tin jobs to do yet this winter. One really big one, but I already have close to 80' of duct made for that one but what's left is the hard stuff. Here's hoping you enjoyed the morning coffee and I bet I was tippin' one your direction just about the same time !! No metal video tomorrow....YAYYY !!

[@mptek2020]

Your a true craftsman.

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Manual...I like being retired though. I have a few playlists up above with nothing but sheet metal fab and installation if you'd like to see more. And here is the last sheet metal upload in case you just found the channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2Oud3-QfMeNras

[@akquilter3519]

Can't help but wonder if your previous employers truly understood the talents you have demonstrated in your videos here.

[@tractorman4461]

Oh I'd imagine one of their best days was when I left for greener pastures !! But then again I didn't work that many places. Then for the last 25 years or more, I was pretty much strictly commercial hvac service, DDC controls and piping....gas, refrigerant, steam and hot water boiler piping. No sheet metal at all. That's why I'm a little rusty around the edges....... Thanks for watching and thanks also for your continual supportive comments.

[@r0gerp0dacter]

Wow great work tractorman looks better than factory bought!

[@tractorman4461]

After you commented the other day that you were nearing completion of your ducting and were going to be doing your supply and return plenums, I brought this particular one forward in the que in case you may find it interesting to possibly incorporate a variation for your own system. Thanks for the compliment Roger !!

[@r0gerp0dacter]

@@tractorman4461 much appreciated! I noticed the video title and was happy for the timing. I’ll be using this example to model my furnace return. 😀

[@tractorman4461]

@@r0gerp0dacter Good luck, it just takes a little time and thought but its well worth it for the convenience it provides for the future.

[@jakobbreazier115]

Another great video sir!! What an inspiration

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Jakob for such a kind compliment. I am totally glad you found it entertaining sir !! I appreciate you watching for sure.

[@enduman]

Just right! Love the videos; keep them coming!

[@tractorman4461]

Awesome Enduman.... by chance are you involved in HVAC ... or possibly the sheet metal trade ? Thanks fir the comment and btw... I have set up a couple playlists above with a number of layout vids all in one place.

[@enduman]

I am not in the trade, but have ordered/installed a bit of duct work over the years. I just picked up a box/pan brake and am excited to get into some DIY metal bending. I am redoing a good bit of my supply side in my basement because It looks like 30 years of handyman hacks down there lol. ...Also installing some electronic dampers/zoning while I am at it.

[@tractorman4461]

@@enduman cool. One of my subs has totally renovated his duct system in a multi level house with all hand made Pittsburgh locks. (On his brake). He did an impressive job and put up a video of the project. If you’d like just type in Roger Podactor and see if you find it. I’ll check the spelling and update this comment if it’s too far wrong. Good luck with your renovation project.

[@tractorman4461]

Roger’s spelling is correct. His video title starts out HVAC design fabricate and install.

[@richardjacques6530]

great work you make it look easy

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Richard...I am glad to see you enjoyed it... Have a nice long weekend and thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@jpmccue7]

You are very talented

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for the supportive comment and I thank you for watching as well. Hey, when you have the time, check out this playlist :kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4DFmI1rnL6Kf6c

[@matthewedwardsnyder]

Tractor man I love your sheet-metal videos they are amazing you are so damn slick. I know that using a sharpie is which fatter than you would want on your measurements however it would be great if you were to video using a marker so that we can see your lines on the piece of metal just to get a better visual aid if what you’re doing you’re u r so good that you talk faster than I can keep up thanks a lot!

[@tractorman4461]

Glad to hear that you like the videos Matthew. Unfortunately I don't do a lot of metal work being retired, but from time to time I can't get away from one. I did do one a while back where I went over the scribe line with a sharpie, but I don't remember which one it was. Sorry. I may try that again in the future though because I realize it is hard to see what's going on. Thank you for watching and commenting !!

[@matthewedwardsnyder]

@@tractorman4461 Oh thanks for letting me know I’ll search for that video I’m sure I’ll find it

[@peterkober6758]

44 wish the sheet metal for our heating and cooling look that good thank for the info God Bless All PaK

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha....Thanks Peter for the comment. This shiney looking stuff will dim down in a few years too and turn real gray.

[@HN-gj2iq]

Guys like him are unicorns now. Hopefully retired comfortably and having a Margarita. Too bad for us homeowners.

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha...now that's a new one. I'm still out here kickin' it from day to day. Just not too much sheet metal though. Mostly old tractors and wood cutting now. You know...the good life !! Thanks you for the well wishes and nice comment H N.

[@HN-gj2iq]

@@tractorman4461 Wow, is there a way i can show you my situation and get some advice from you. That was the reason i found your channel.

[@tractorman4461]

@@HN-gj2iq do you mean a sheet metal fabrication issue ?? Or a problem with an installation maybe ??

[@HN-gj2iq]

@@tractorman4461 sheet metal fabrication advice.

[@tractorman4461]

@@HN-gj2iq email a few pictures with good description of what you want to accomplish to [e-mail]. I don’t guarantee I can help but I’ll see if I can make a suggestion.

[@raymondcorreira847]

Nice f_cking job!! SERIOUSLY

[@tractorman4461]

Cool man. Glad you liked it. If you have time, check out this attic job. LOTS of fittings !! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY

[@garcianicholas88]

Thank you!

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Nicolas for taking the time to watch. And also for the comment. There's a string of layout and install videos up in my playlists:kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx

[@misaelmorenoluna7299]

That is near perfect sheet metal work! Any idea where I can find a fold hammer like the one you have, but more modern, and cordless if possible!?🙃🤔

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for the awesome comment my friend. There might be a cordless one, but the pneumatic ones are real convenient. Hang them above the workbench on a retractable reel.www.amazon.com/PROFAB-Pittsburgh-Lock-Air-Hammer/dp/B00A802A46. The new electric ones are scary expensive: www.ebay.com/i/191917639232?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=191917639232&targetid=934800885536&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9022818&poi=&campaignid=10897343935&mkgroupid=109964864089&rlsatarget=pla-934800885536&abcId=9300403&merchantid=6296724&gclid=CjwKCAiAtej9BRAvEiwA0UAWXsA3qQq8rIHZoJGalSbunyeioDtFPShA9MGyLNSsrMINJcDzbeR5HhoCnjYQAvD_BwE. You may check Milwaukee tools website too. Almost identical to my 50 year old one though.

[@Balticblue93]

Would love a video of a lower duct with a 6" filter slot for a 20x25x5 and 20x25x4 (on occasions). Do you have to run air vanes at the bottom?

[@tractorman4461]

No, I typically only install turning vanes in the supply air fittings. I HAVE put 'em in a few r/a, but very few. I'm under the impression that suction air currents act a bit differently than pressurized air currents. Now if the velocity is unexpectedly high in the r/a I will internally insulate the drop for noise suppression. The process for laying out a 6'' slot would be the same as for the 1'' slot. The difference would be adjusting the r/a drop by an offset to allow the installation of 5 additional inches. Everything else remains basically the same. I hope you look up some of the other videos....you can search my username and add sheet metal to the search, but I do have a couple sheet metal playlists up above. Whichever is easier for you if you are interested. If you do pop in and watch one or two...drop a simple comment. I'd like to know what you think of some of them.

[@libertus8924]

Does anyone know if it matters where you install the return air filter - whether at the back of the return air duct close to the furnace or at the front of it about 18 inches from the furnace?

[@tractorman4461]

No, the distance from the actual blower assembly will not matter but you have to make sure its in a position to ensure 100% of the systems return air flow passes through the filter.

[@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869]

With all these tools, I’m surprised that you can move around your shop! And I wouldn’t be amazed if buried in there was another splitter from way back when, you know one that would run off the external belt drum of a tractor or a hit/miss engine, you know the driven wedges from a centrical force wheel. I know you have plenty of steam, but no steam equipment, so keep up the good work teaching other through KZbin!

[@tractorman4461]

You're right, I don't have any steam equipment but I do have some turn of the century flywheelers. Soon one will be put on a cart with a buzz saw just for the heck of it !! It's a 5 hp Galloway, 1909. There's a Fairbanks Morse and a few Internationals but they are newer, like in the 20's maybe 30's. Those big wheel splitters might be a little more wild for my liking. But I have a 1937 International hay baler whose flywheels and plunger would make a killer kinetic splitter !! Thanks Pat for the interesting comment. I don't know how much 'teaching' it is...but I don't mind showing the ways I've learned to do stuff so maybe they can just improve what I do for themselves.

[@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869]

@@tractorman4461 Hello Wendel, the way I see it, when you work and show the practical application of something, along with your explanation of how to do it, your teaching, and KZbin is your classroom! Whether your sharpening a saw blade, or knocking tin, you are showing how things get , or got done.

[@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869]

By the way, those big fly wheel splitters couldn’t be any worse then my homemade 455cid. Saw mill made from a Buick, and a 5’ ripping blade sandwiched between 2 brake drums, with a slider table for the Kant!

[@tractorman4461]

@@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869 Dang... I never really looked at it quite like that because the things I do is just a variation of the many ways other do them too. Cool comment Pat. Thank you.

[@tractorman4461]

@@gettintheresafelywithpatf2869 Now THAT sounds like a machine I would like to see....do you have any videos of it in action...?? Awesome.

[@By_Rant_Or_Ruin]

To buy those tools today would cost more than my house loan.

[@tractorman4461]

Yes, a fully furnished shop would be quite expensive with new equipment for sure. I've had the good fortune of assembling it a little over a long period and still find odds and end bargains in the hand operated tools yet today.

[@bryanfrauens1208]

Where can i get the tool used to finish the Pittsburgh locks!?

[@tractorman4461]

They are available on Amazon or at any major sheet metal supplier. Try this link and if it doesn't work, type in: Morlin Model 5400 Electric Pittsburgh Lock Hammer.www.ebay.com/i/191917639232?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=191917639232&targetid=934800885536&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9022818&poi&campaignid=10897343935&mkgroupid=109964864089&rlsatarget=pla-934800885536&abcId=9300403&merchantid=6296724&gclid=CjwKCAiAtej9BRAvEiwA0UAWXsA3qQq8rIHZoJGalSbunyeioDtFPShA9MGyLNSsrMINJcDzbeR5HhoCnjYQAvD_BwE There is also a pneumatic tool that is much lighter. Milwaukee still makes this identical tool as well. The only difference is the handle is red. This one has got to be 50 years old or older. I've had it for probably 30 years myself.

[@bryanfrauensjr1393]

Thankyou!!

[@1212blaze]

That's the exact piece I need. Pay ya to make me one?

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha....I'm getting pretty lazy in my old age ya know. LOL. It sure makes it a lot easier for a fella to change the filter !! Thanks for watching and commenting...

[@skiprope536]

A true craftsman ty brudda.

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Skip Rope, I appreciate the kind words. Have you by chance seen the sheet metal playlists up on of the home page? Here's one for example: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd Its pretty much a job from start to finish. Even a lot of theory thrown in at times.

[@skiprope536]

I am a contractor about your age. Remodeling our house not a clients. Going to forced@@tractorman4461 air…duct HVAC. Trying to figure the CFM game out. Pain inthe ass. I will get it.

[@tractorman4461]

@@skiprope536 I’m in town now but later I’ll be on the computer. Maybe I can help you with some rule of thumb suggestions.

[@skiprope536]

I@@tractorman4461 I would love that. Will be back later this evening. Let me know how to get in touch. I will give you my number or we can FaceTime. Ty

[@tractorman4461]

@@skiprope536 I don't know what Face Time is but I have heard of it. Send me an email at [e-mail] and when I spot it, I'll send you my number. How's that sound...?