Sheet Metal Plenum, 3 Way Transition

WARNING !! This is a long video with an almost continual verbal description of all the steps of the layout. Some viewers just want to see the steps performed with no talking, but there are also a great number of viewers that like and request a verbal description of how its accomplished. Bear in mind, there are as many variations of technique as there are people doing the work, so this in no way is the only way nor is it necessarily the best way to accomplish the task. It is only my way and the next one may even follow different guidelines as well. The job dictates the technique of the fabrication most times.
Because I lay out sheet metal with a scribe it is very difficult to see the lines on the metal with the lighting glare (this isn't Hollywood and I'm not a super model) so this time the decision was made to go over my scribe lines with a fine tipped black marking pen to make it a bit easier to actually see the work performed. Another variation to this video is that only the mundane steps or repetitive steps are fast forwarded. All the steps from start to finish are shown in real time to satisfy those viewers that have the desire to physically see those steps and hear the reasoning behind them. All others please note the right arrow key will fast forward in ten second increments to allow you to bypass the mono-tonal and boring non-mellifluous narration of the guy talking during the operation....yeah, that's me.
Considering the slight possibility that this channel may be considered somewhat of a vlog instead of an informative and substantive channel, I feel compelled to add why this video is just thrown in the middle of a real cool series on a minor trailer repair. Here goes. I have an old retired buddy that called me for a favor with the dropping temperatures. He was asked by this older lady he knows to replace her furnace and he, not being well versed in sheet metal asked if I'd drop in and give him a hand. Well you know me, I've a soft spot for old women in the country because you never know what kind of cookies, cake or pie may be awaiting a fellow for doing a good deed.....especially if the good deed is saving them a bit of cash when they can't afford it. So I gave in to the cravings of a starving belly and said yes, no problem.
Seeing that this was going to be a small but interesting piece of metal, I thought it may hold interest for some, be boring to others but satisfying to me. And satisfying it was...nice hot coffee all day, chocolate chip cookies to munch on and a double decker chocolate cake with vanilla icing hot out of the oven for the shop. So that's the basic outline for an occasional a day in my retired life....as evidenced by the ever increasing dimensions of the overhang at my belt line. So yes, today we will go back to the trailer repair, it only suffering a days delay as a result of this job.
DISCLAIMER: Remember, don't do as I say or do as I do because if you do you won't be your own man. However, if there is a little bit of helpful information that can be gleaned by the discerning viewer, feel free to take that info and build upon and improve it and tag it as your own....because after all we are all here for the privilege of sharing fun stuff with others.
SAFETY: I don't use gloves. You should. I don't use earplugs. You should. I don't wear safety glasses. You should. I do wear safety toed shoes. You should too. I don't wear a respirator. Well, I should have today because we had chili last evening.....
For those brave of heart and blessed with the tenacity to read all the way through....a hearty Thank You !! Because I know is was a difficult task to complete.....and if you are in the neighborhood, stop in for a nice piece of chocolate cake before its all gone.

[@nightone9720]

If someone doesn't want to listen to commentary then they can turn the volume down. You shouldn't apologize for sharing your knowledge. It's an absolute blessing to have listened to you teach us how to do this. Thank you!

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for the cool comment. I have a tendency to like videos that combine a verbal description along with the work being performed. But you'd be surprised how many people appear to not understand how much can be conveyed by the words describing sometimes the thoughts behind the technique being shown. I appreciate your candor. FYI, if you enjoy sheet metal vids, you may find something interesting in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd

[@nightone9720]

@@tractorman4461 Absolutely! I was actually looking for more videos to learn more and I will check them out. Thanks 44! You rule man!

[@ricsona3194]

I'm 22 years old HVAC sheet metal apprentice. Your videos are so helpful in passing down old school knowledge to us younger guys. They really DONT make em like they used to :) old school guys know every facet of making a fitting as opposed to the newer generation who only know how to input fittings through a CNC Machine. We really appreciate these videos. PLEASE MAKE MORE 🙏

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Ricson, for a very nice comment. In many ways you of the new generation of the trades are miles ahead of us guys that learned it the hard way. I've not used a CNC plasma, but I AM toying with the idea of making the purchase of one for my heavier steel projects. So depending on how difficult the software is for me to learn, I may actually get to make a little sheet metal project eventually with the new technology. Remember that the things you watch me do is not the ONLY way to do stuff. The trick to surviving well over 40 years in the trades was learn from others and add your own improvements to the observed techniques as you can. You'll soon develop your own way of getting it done. There are many variations to achieving the same goal. Keep yourself diversifying. I was first and foremost a commercial service tech and have had no 'official' sheet metal training at all. Never turn down an opportunity to learn something new in this ever changing HVAC industry !! Thank you again for the superb comment !!

[@seymourwrasse3321]

your responsibility to us old timers that help with a few tricks of the trade is, to pass it on to an apprentice when you become an old timer

[@tractorman4461]

@@seymourwrasse3321 Those are good words to live by my friend. Knowledge is not our to keep but only ours to pass on. It does no one any good to take it to the grave !!

[@kingmixx]

“ I don’t really do How-To videos, just how I do it videos.” Brilliantly spoken!

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha....The reason behind not doing 'How- to" videos is so many times those that do seem to insist or at least infer that theirs is the only way to do a particular exercise. I realize that not only is there more than one way to 'skin' the proverbial cat, there are just about as many ways to accomplish a task as there are people performing that task. So if a fellow really thinks about it, the way you layout or fab a piece of metal is really your 'opinion' of what it should look like upon completion. Of course that too, is only the opinion of one older gray haired and balding guy !! I sincerely appreciate you watching, Blanton, and thinking enough of the presentation to make such a pleasant comment sir.

[@valentinlishkov9540]

free online tools www.onlinecadtools.com/bulgaria/html/sheet_metal/index.HTM

[@johnanthony2545]

Good job old timer. 41 yrs in the trade and retired. I still like seeing a craftsmen work. I have most of the tools and some equipment so when I do things for family or a neighbor they are blown away that I made it. Ya gotta love that. Just finished my small welding bench upgrade and always looking forward to new small projects.

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you John for the kind thoughts on the tinwork. I get a kick out of the comments that show appreciation for the layouts too. I really like seeing how many young people there are that are interested in the videos. These days of computers are killing the old school layout techniques. I recently picked up a couple huge pieces of 3/4 road plate. One of then near 4' x 8'. I hope for that to become my new welding table.

[@jamesbarker9159]

Loved your video. You’re absolutely spot on about the talking to explain what you’re doing while you’re demonstrating it, it really helps to bring it all together.

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks James for the comment. Personally I like the verbal descriptions along with a process being performed. There is so much subtlety that cannot be conveyed without words. Glad to see you enjoyed it.

[@steveulrey4895]

It was a pleasure watching this, I'd love to spend a few days watching you work!

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Steve for the awesome comment. But if you stop by make sure you have either your time snips or your chain saw or BOTH !! That way we could get something done !!

[@hvacmangoodman4]

Very well done!! Can really tell you made a living at this for quite some time. Way to go! Get her done!!

[@tractorman4461]

Hvac Man Goodman Hahahaha.... yessir all I can add is that retirement is GOOD !! Thanks for the complimentary comment sir.

[@jph4770]

I sincerely appreciate you and videos like this. I officially started in HVAC in 1997 but had been around it all of my life. My dad and grandpa were tin knockers. I was fortunate to learn how to make fittings from some salty ol guys early in the trade. Unfortunately as time has passed i have forgotten so much. This video started to bring it all back. Thank you!

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Joshua for a really cool comment. Hopefully you were able to maintain possession of some of their old tools if they were fortunate enough to have had a complement. The old hand crank beaders, crimpers and seamers are getting hard to find and you sure don't want to pay the prices they ask for new ones. I hope you are enjoying the trades half as much as I did for 40 plus years. The industry treated me well.

[@ccssk8er123]

I enjoyed the commentary. I agree it helps with understanding what you’re doing. Nice work!

[@tractorman4461]

Sometimes I have a tendency to ramble a bit, but I too like it when presenters describe what they are presenting. Thank you for taking the time to watch and thank you for the compliment.

[@valentinlishkov9540]

free online tools www.onlinecadtools.com/bulgaria/html/sheet_metal/index.HTM

[@manuallabor7193]

I am a visual learner but I do love to hear you speak. Keep the videos coming.

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you sir for the kind response. The videos are sometimes a bit erratic, but there's a ton in the editing line. Not all however on hvac only.

[@jimbrownza]

Not sure how or why I ended up here, I have absolutely no reason to watch videos on sheet metal fab, but that was one of the best instructional videos I've ever watched, totally fascinating. Can't beat the old school way to get things done. Brilliantly done Sir.

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Jim for the response sir. You get the Gold Star for the comment of the day !! LOL. I am glad you enjoyed it. Take a look around my video list if you'd like. I try to take a logical approach to everything but not always end up successful. But I have fun doing it anyway. Encouraging comments like yours make it fun to upload videos. Hope to see you around some more.

[@OldSneelock]

Always good to listen to comments. As you know I go for the conversational approach. I think that it helps viewers who don't have a background in the subject matter to understand better. Scribers are a standard tool in the machine tool business too. Iron cutting is more of a soap stone line and cut it close deal. 😆

[@tractorman4461]

Iron and steel becomes a bit forgiving with the use of a welder to fill the gaps...right ?? LOL. That's the way I figure it anyway. I enjoy your videos as well with the verbal descriptions/discussions that accompany them. Your are so prolific that I just cannot keep up with all yours. I seem to have a number of viewers that are new to the trades that express a desire to see more of the sheet metal videos. That's why there was so much detail in this one but details equate time to produce.

[@Mtbeaver9]

I just want to say what a joy to watch a sheet metal craftsman with real life practical experience. I really enjoyed your teaching skills. God Bless and keep the great videos coming.

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Charles for the awesome comment. I'm glad to see so many people like these types of videos. If you want to see more, I've got a ton of layout vids in the playlists above like this one here: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd There's a lot of stuff going on in this one. Measuring, fabricating and installation as well.

[@gmandejour191]

Keep on talkin, enjoyed the video.I haven’t used a scribe or inside read wood rule in years. Those factory transitions are a lot prettier than my field ones. Thank God for mastic and tape.

[@tractorman4461]

We all do what we gotta do... I’ve got way more of the hand formed field fabs under my belt than I care to admit. But those are now years behind me. Thanks for the comment as well as the compliment !!

[@nelsonr1001]

Please continue to explain what your doing. I'm huge visual learner but like you said there is somethings that just have to be explained and you do a really good job of doing just that. Don't pay attention to the negative comments , they are most likely coming from people that are always looking for short cuts.

[@tractorman4461]

nelsonr1001 thanks for the very supportive comment !! It is appreciated for sure. I will continue to talk through videos because I can’t seem to disengage my mouth. Lol. Thanks again for watching and commenting !!

[@lupe6786]

Just found your videos. You are a Master at what you do. Don't change a thing

[@tractorman4461]

Albert Nussey good evening sir. Thank you for the awesome compliment !! It’s greatly appreciated.

[@Knowles2013]

I just finished my second week at my new job operating a cnc plasma cutter for assembling duct for new construction homes. (I have cnc and laser experience but none in HVAC) Your hand layout videos do a great job explaining why I am adding different joints to different pieces in the software. In the shop I don't see fittings put together, I only assemble them to then go out to the field. When you explain how your fittings are going to connect to the next one it makes more sense to me. Thank you for putting the time in top make this! It helped out this "green guy" a lot!

[@tractorman4461]

Great !! I'm glad they help in some little way. I don't really do 'how to' videos but if people can benefit from them its ok with me. Here's a playlist that takes a little thought on the layout table too : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY Thanks for the supportive words and I do appreciate the comments from you guys....especially guys just getting started in the field.

[@orangepeel796]

Very nicely done. Poetry in motion. Direct, knowledgeable and certainly efficient. I get the idea that you have done this several times before making the video. I love to learn from people who know what they are doing. Thank You, Larry

[@tractorman4461]

Now that's a surprisingly awesome comment to make Larry...Thank you for the kudos. Yes, I'm kinda rusty but I have bent literally tons of metal way back when. I got away from it in the early 90's concentrating on commercial service work, piping and DDC controls. But retirement is allowing me to occasionally help out a few people that need it. Plus its getting all the barn dust off my old tools !! Win-win huh !! I've got two playlists up above that are most all sheet metal and I think an install video is going to be uploaded tonight.

[@orangepeel796]

@@tractorman4461 Experience sure counts. So many forget about that. I noticed you are a tractor person. My wife and I have a L4701 - that is my FAVORITE power tool. I love that thing. Two years ago I had them put a oil heater in it for those cold days. But any more, I am the one who needs the oil heater. I bail out on those real cold days. Haven't used that heater - not even one time. Ha! Thanks , Larry

[@tractorman4461]

@@orangepeel796 Oh yeah...I have a ton of them....red, green, orange, yellow, blue and most of them rusty !! I'm thinking of going after another Kubota maybe somewhere in the mid 40 hp range. Something your L4701. I haven't gotten too serious yet though. Most all my tractors are '30's, '40's and '50's. There's a few in the '60's and a couple in the '70's even. Then there's the 3 Kubotas too...'82, '99 and '05. LOL...that's why I go by 'Tractorman44'. My all time favorite is the Massey Harris model 44.

[@orangepeel796]

@@tractorman4461 The 30s thru 70s. I see you have most of the really good ones then. Keep um cranking. Larry

[@joemikhaiel3710]

Very Impressive Work thanks for sharing your experience and all the hard work for all the years anybody that watches this video and does not appreciate it probably never worked hard for a living and doesn’t understand how much work you had to do to get to the knowledge you have now and thank you for sharing that with us I’ve been in a trade for 20 years and I’m not near good as you thank you

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Joe... coming from a guy in the trades it carries a lot more weight. I am a bit rusty though because most of the last 25 + years has been commercial HVAC service and digital controls, BAS as related to HVAC and refrigerant, chilled and hot water piping. Thanks very much for the supportive comment !!

[@exiledazazel1844]

i do enjoy the explaining and talking ! thank you for taking the time to do this video. The overall small project looked great !

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for the kind remark. Most furnace change outs, as you are probably aware, don't require a LOT of metal work....usually a small plenum adaption like this one here and some adaptions to the return air drop and connection. If you want to see a project that took a little more metal and thought, take the time to check out this playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY I am glad to hear you enjoyed the video. There are quite a few more where this one came from.

[@exiledazazel1844]

@@tractorman4461 thank you for taking the time to reply, I will check them videos out. As a service technician/ pipe filter I touch base on just about anything.

[@tractorman4461]

@@exiledazazel1844 Well ain't that something !! I am a retired pipefitter service tech as well. I had barely touched sheet metal for 25 years or more before I retired. Now, I just help out a few friends and family and the occasional older person that otherwise couldn't afford the job. All I do is the metal. I don't touch the electrical or piping. I've had my time in the field doing all that stuff commercially. LOL. I was just intrigued with metal fabrication from the time I got into the field in the mid- 70's in the residential end. I have no formal sheet metal training...its all self taught. So over the course of my early career I would buy this piece of equipment or that piece when I found them cheap enough. My last 25 years or so I got heavily into DDC controls and building automation and large system startups. By 'large' mean multiple systems linked and controlled by building automation systems. Schools and hospitals with water hot and chilled water systems all DDC controlled. Wall mount heat/cool/vent units, FTU's and VAV's, boilers and chillers etc. We did dozens of large capacity air houses with VFD controlled supply, return and exhaust air fans, enthalpy wheels, direct injection steam generators....the whole deal !! But I still like playing with metal. Go figure huh. LOL

[@greggutierrez7760]

I'm smiling as I rewind the video so I can listen to what you just said (for the third time) and by doing so I picked up many gems of information that are only learned by, "listening to the teacher". So many tidbits necessary to fabricate the metal came from what you were speaking as you worked. This and the companion videos on the removal and installation are priceless. When craftsmen like you are gone and the only sources of knowledge are computers then they will understand the value of "human communication". Keep up the great work. You helped me greatly. BTW, I'm a degreed Mechanical Engineer but I'm with you; forget the trig and the CAD and simply learn how to "lay it out". Use your brain to visualize the finished work as you make it in real time, it's the best computer there is!

[@tractorman4461]

Well Greg, my main response to your comment is thank you for a heartfelt and sincere message. I never understood the viewers that say to just 'shut up and make the metal' or some variation thereof. I've always felt that a verbal description sometimes conveys the thoughts behind the action. So many subtleties can be picked up much easier if you are told what you are looking at. Thank you for the refreshing comment and I am glad to know there are those in your profession that recognize there's a different type of 'education' can get the same desired result.

[@jaidillon1790]

Thank you so much for the excellent video Tractorman44. The commentary is welcomed and much needed... at least for my part. Thanks again!

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Jai for a very nice comment. I am glad to see that you benefitted from it.

[@jaidillon1790]

As a follow up,, I built my first plenum!... with your help of course🙂 I had to improvise on a couple of tools, but it turned out great. Again, thank you for sharing your knowledge on this subject!

[@tractorman4461]

@@jaidillon1790 I can't begin to count the times improvision saved the day in my career !! Congratulations on your first plenum. Now remember to keep an eye on what during the build you can change to give you yet an even better job that's easier for you to make. It may be a different way to notch or a better way to fold a sequence of bends....any number of things. Thank you for continuing your learning about this tremendously rewarding career choice Jai.

[@lorainedaniels398]

He speaks well, and clear for this lesson. You can turn the volume down or mute the sound if necessary.

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate those kind words. Thank you also for watching !!

[@valentinlishkov9540]

free online tools www.onlinecadtools.com/bulgaria/html/sheet_metal/index.HTM

[@rickyngo7838]

Very good and I appreciate your work! Not a lot of people knows how to make duct work these days. Definitely got to appreciate the older generation like you men. I've been in HVAC for 3.5 years and enjoy fabricating and installing duct work thanks to my boss whose been in the industry about 40 years. I'm very humbled about this trade. There's definitely a difference between a craftsman and a tradesman!

[@tractorman4461]

There's still a lot of small shops that have not added the CNC plasma tables and do all manual layout especially out in the rural areas. The big problem businesses face is performing quality work, satisfying the customer and still remaining profitable. My opinion is if you don't compromise your work performed OR you work ethic you will be able to satisfy the bosses demands no matter what. The more frequently you perform what is perceived as a hard or difficult fitting, the easier and faster you will be able to make it. Thank you Ricky for an awesome comment and good luck to you where ever you end up. If you've not seen a lot of my sheet metal videos, I do have a couple metal only playlists up above like this one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY

[@sbitschy]

Great videos. Also, the main reason I watch them is for the commentary 👍keep up the good work

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Steve for the compliment sir. I mostly try to keep commentary 'on task' but sometimes it does have a tendency to wander off a bit. Thanks again for your time.

[@sman5877]

Great detail video . Easy to see why it’s important to get a professional to build it.

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks S man for the compliment. Sometimes things don't show up too good on a video. I have a couple sheet metal playlists up above if you are interested...: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY

[@kenbourt1020]

You are a Good tin knocker that knows what you are doing Thanks for sharing how to do it the right way

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Ken for the kind words. I've got a ton of sheet metal videos you may like up in the playlists. Like this one here: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx Btw, thanks for the visit today.

[@leojnoslen]

Fantastic instructional video! Thank you very much for your knowledge and willingness to pass it on to future HVAC professionals.

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Joel. I don't mind at all making the videos. But the things I show are not really the way the actual 'tinners' apprentice training facilities give instruction. Its more a culmination of a self-taught techniques and processes. But if you enjoyed this video and have the time, here is a playlist of the whole thing start to finish of a pretty tough job: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY

[@leojnoslen]

@@tractorman4461 Thanks for the recommended playlist. I'll be watching the whole thing, I assure you. I'm a journeyman plumber in northern Canada and am just interested in learning different processes within the shared trades.

[@tractorman4461]

@@leojnoslen Awesome !! I also have a lot of welding videos on some major repairs and tons of sheet metal videos in the playlists. If you enjoy welding, this one might be of interest to you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKOQn2x4osmdmrs Or maybe even this one is better: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1uV4lrmUIfmZEjGluUdftz- Thank you for the continued interest Joel !!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Ha, this was good, T-man. I read the full description and sure do like the invite to come on by for a piece of chocolate cake (ha). Yep, I prefer the audio in the video. This was very informational and I followed but would have to do it a few times to get the hang of it. I'd definitely say you've done this once or twice before (smile). Nicely done, Wendell. S/F

[@tractorman4461]

Good Morning Don...Thanks for the input on the discussions during the work. The big holdback is having or finding the proper equipment to make the finished product. I've put together my shop over a period of almost 40 years. I am seriously glad you found a bit of enjoyment in the effort protrayed and I thank you for the supportive comment. S/F my friend.

[@shockingguy]

This is my second video of yours and these are two master classes in a row thank you

[@tractorman4461]

Well now, that was an unexpectedly awesome comment from a first time viewer. LOL Thank you and I hope you find some of the others a bit entertaining as well.

[@gilleschercuitte4255]

I don’t know why anybody would complain about your talking. Compared to other youtubers , your not over talking at all. Very good video. Quality production. Good instruction. I would rate this as one of the top instructional videos. Keep going.

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Gilles for the complimentary comment !! I do have some sheet metal project coming up soon, so there will be a couple really cool items in store for those that are interested.

[@jmmiller0383]

Vey helpful! I would love to see the process from out at the job site and the actual space it needs to fit so I could better visualize the piece as your making it, and also see the final install process. Thanks for the content!

[@tractorman4461]

I will keep that in mind the next time I need to field measure an adaption. That would be a good idea to show the measurements and the thoughts behind how they are made, then the finished project after installed. Thanks Joshua for the suggestion.

[@FNAFEDITS171]

Great video....the commentary was great and very helpful!

[@tractorman4461]

Awesome !! I'm glad to hear you found it beneficial. Thanks for watching and especially for the comment sir.

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Great Video Tractorman44! I'm like you in learning something, visual and as you say, some words of explanation help. So those who don't like words along the way, I'd say that they are more experienced. I've learned so much along the way just watching. Like woodworking, with all my experiences visuals do fine. I learned to play guitar just watching and now after years, I can watch and learn well. But a few words along the way help as well. I'd also say that you must have bent a few projects, may be 4 or 5, eh? So on this Sunday morning, raising my cuppaJO your way, well what a better way to pour that nectar of the gods down me gullet? JO and a Tractorman44 video, a FINE start to me day. So my Dear Sir Wendell, Many Thanks to you and blessings to all at 44 Headquarters! Now for another cuppaJO held your way! May the mechanical Faries bless your JO pot and all that is poured from its spout! DaveyJO in Pa. working on a way to float our states closer. This is why I need a tractor!

[@tractorman4461]

I agree, because I too have learned a lot by observation during fabrication or just studying the completed project as well. But its always best, IMO, with an accompanying word or three. I can't imagine learning how to play a guitar or a piano....but my dad always tried to get me to learn the Swine-nett. But I couldn't get the hang of holding the instrument. Its where you hold a piano string across a pigs butt and pick the tune with your teeth !! Nope, I'm not musical at all. Your comments always crack me up man. You are a hoot !! Keep up the good work sir and keep dumping the hot stuff down your throat, and as soon as I find a tractor big enough I'll ship it your way. Have a glorious day my Pennsylvanian friend !!

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Tractorman44 The Swine-nett! Plenty of swine around here too. Don't know if it will catch on with the Amish but I do know people that should play it. For me? Well it took long enough to learn guitar and now I'm not sure if I want to build a pig pen. I've never seen this instrument on HeeHaw or The Grand Ole Opre. I'll bet those heavy metal bands would love it. What size string do you stretch across? I'll need to know to tell those who need to play it. I guess it's strictly a barn yard instrument, eh? May be Ill take a mess of old guitar strings just up the road to the Mennonite pig farmer. With all his kids I'll bet they could put on a concert. Oh yea, what sized swine? Do large ones make lower notes and smaller ones high notes. I guess the little piglets with their squealing don't need strings but only add that highest octave. This is the best thing I've heard about since road apple battles. They lay on the roads from the Amish horses. Backin the old day we'd throw the dry ones a eachother. It was a way to pass the time and good for plants where they landed. Wish we'd have known about the swine nett back them. We guys may have become more famous than the Beatles. Well at least in the farm community, may be, probably not. Now a days you'd be arrested for not being politically correct. But what is correct about politics anyway? Now there is a fine place for the swine-nett and there are plenty around there, I mean swine, well actually more pig like. Okay, enough of that. All I'll say is that a lot of those folks down there in DC are out to lunch without a sandwich. Perhaps one day a week they could take swine-nett lessons so those youngins could stay in tune. I can see it now, BREAKING NEWS: THE HOUSE AND SENATE PERFORM ELVIS SONGS ON THEIR SWINE-NETTS! Working together on their music would be good, as they say, Music calms the savage beast. And one more thing Tractorman44, as I raise me cuppaJO your way, do you stretch the string from back leg to back leg or from a back leg to the tail? Have a Lovely Fine Week with lots of vitamin "J"! My Best to all at 44 Headquarters! DaveyJO toasting with JO to my Westerly Friends!

[@tractorman4461]

@@daveyjoweaver5183 Hahahahahahha.... All I can do is laugh, and laugh and laugh...... many that's some funny stuff...hahahahahahahaha....

[@Musiconwheels77]

Well done 👍, like the simple math and accuracy, talking is important to explain what’s coming and why doing what you do , thanks for the explanations , been doing HVAC for 12 years now , little sheet metal though

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for the compliment. I do appreciate it. I'm now retired after 40+ years in HVAC, the last 25 pretty much all commercial service, piping and digital controls. I haven't done a lot of metal at all within that time period, but sure did a pile of it before then. Still a little rusty, but its coming back a bit. I'm just glad I picked up these tools whenever one came along at the right price over the years. Thanks for the comment sir.

[@joelsadowsky3436]

Wow! I assume many HVAC guys watch your videos, because if they don’t their really losing out on someone who is professional, passionate and prideful....you seem like the kind of guy I would love to sit with and just talk about HVAC, tools and life. Thanks!!!

[@tractorman4461]

Good Morning Joel !! Sorry I missed notification of your comment. Thank you for the kind words, now that I'm retired I don't mind talking over coffee here and there and would welcome the conversation. HVAC has changed dramatically over the years, myself coming in at the end of the coal stokers and upshot style conversions to gas all the way to digital controls, variable frequency drives, condensing furnaces and variable refrigerant volume systems. Gotta stay sharp now, or it'll pass you by in a heartbeat !! Thanks again for the awesome comment, it is appreciated sir.

[@dankunz1999]

Appreciate your skill and your training!

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Dan for the kind words. I appreciate YOU guys taking the time to watch. And hey, if you are interested, there's a couple sheet metal playlists up above. Nothing but layout, fab and install. A lot of descriptive talking as well as some have very descriptive descriptions that go in to various depths of the subjects. Here's one for instance: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd Enter at your own risk and enjoy at will !! Thanks for watching today.

[@hurst2385]

He said now if we're lucky. Well done sir.

[@tractorman4461]

Yes, I did say that. And yes it fit like a glove on site. The trick with the weird ones is to hedge your bet and not assemble them in the shop. Assemble them one piece at a time to make life easier. Thank you for the compliment !!

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

And a fine Wednesday to ya TM44 as I raise me cup your way! A visual learner we both are indeed. I've always had a far easier time watching than all that book learnin stuff, well you know what I mean. And then with instruction with the visuals all the better. Foe me if a sketch is necessary, it's simple and I go about my business. Why make things so complex? Books are fine of course but when people became apprentices I think you had better craftsman. Our local vo-tech school years back anyway, hired skilled experienced craftsmen to teach, guys who knew heir stuff. Like those folks with a list of PhDs who have trouble pumping gas, who think a screw driver is something from the pharmacy or you have to do a series of blue prints to fry an egg. Oh my! Me cup is running low! All the Best on this Wednesday! Can't believe it's Wednesday already! Like my Grandpap said when I asked what it was like being 90? He said, the weeks seem like days and the months seem like weeks! Ain't so? Better clean out my stoves, falls just around the corner, eh? DaveyJO ps hope Stan is okay! Give him my best

[@tractorman4461]

I talked to Stan a week or two ago and I gotta go visit him this week or next. He's doing quite fine, but is having a tough time taking himself off the road. He's got a couple dead riding mowers and an old welder he wants me to haul off so I've been instructed to bring the trailer. LOL. Yeah, I make simple drawings, but make sure the actual dimensions are where they need to be on my crude picture. I only make these fanciful ones for the KZbin audience. Of course they ain't fancy at all compared to all the scale stuff those PhD fellows would have to add to it. Heck, my scratching would give even a half-fast PhD'er a heart attack !! Time marches on my friend, time marches on..... I'll pass your wishes to ol Stan too !!

[@grnsmoke3307]

I'm a sheet metal worker by trade its nice to see people still doing hand layout from time to time it's fast becoming a dying "art form" my friend. Good simple and easy to follow keep talking and videoing there is always the mute button for the other people we need to pass on our skills. God Bless

[@tractorman4461]

I agree...all the mid to big size shops have been into CNC plasma for a couple decades. A lot of the shop guys only do the cnc, or the folding or the insulation and pin spotting or the assembling. By comparison there's not too many left that go from start to finish. I don't think I can even turn on a cnc plasma table. LOL, but then I've done my time. I'm done. Thank you for the kind words and though I don't know much, what I do know is freely offered to those that truly want it. Take care and enjoy life....its all we really have.

[@MrAC1978]

Great video, I learned several things. I also enjoyed the commentary

[@tractorman4461]

Great !! Glad to hear that sir. Sometimes I ramble a bit though...(-: Thanks for the comment, it is appreciated !!

[@LZurita77]

Great work my man!

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Luis. I like a piece of metal to look good as well as function well. Hopefully you enjoyed the project sir.

[@aastratton1984]

Enjoyed the video. Very helpful info. I have an opportunity to try this in the next couple of days. Changing out a heat pump/ air handler @ work, & haven’t tried the sheet metal side of things. Wish me luck! : ) Have to try to make the Pittsburgh lock with the brake.

[@tractorman4461]

Great!! I'm glad you found it entertaining. One of these days I'll do a short video on a brake-formed pittsburgh lock. Its not that difficult, but it is a bit tough to make long ones...like on a full length 8' sheet. Good Luck with the install and thank you for watching and commenting.

[@lmt7816]

Thanks for another great video!

[@tractorman4461]

No problem, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@raybarsolutions5330]

Great video, thanks! Love your commentary.

[@tractorman4461]

Well, thank you. I do like to explain the steps when possible. Have you had the chance to see the playlists I have up above ? Like this one here: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx Towards the bottom there are quite a few fittings. This one here is a complete project in a tight attic: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd

[@toemblem]

I'm not sure who's complaining about the talking but I have to disagree with them. Your commentary adds charm and interest to your videos. P.S. Nice transition. I love the old school craftsmanship.

[@tractorman4461]

toemblem hahaha ... thank you for the vote of confidence, very much a compliment. But you know how it is ... no matter what you do there’s always those that complain or hit the thumbs down. Thanks again for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@AJ-ox8xy]

I want to work for you. For a year. This is everything i need to learn still. I've been in this trade for 7 years and we always had a sheet metal worker that did all our metal. I would love to learn this side of the trade.

[@tractorman4461]

I've been a service tech since starting in the field in '76. Prior to that I was an electrician in the Marine Corps. Yes, we have electricians..... As far as sheet metal goes, it's been learned primarily by observation and practice. Watch what other guys did on the job and learn it on on my own. In the early days, while on service calls I'd try to decide what I'd do to make what metal was on the job look or work better. Little by little, it grows on you. Have you found all the playlists above on sheet metal? If not, here is a very good one with a lot of fittings and plenums starting around the 7th one down: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx There's a little about air flow and duct sizing in this one: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd Also a lot of fittings in this one.

[@Nonsense62365]

Great video and thanks for the great explanation!

[@tractorman4461]

Well, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the nice comment. Btw, if you have time check out one of my sheet metal playlists like this one: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx Lots of basic duct plus nearer to the bottom there's a lot of different fittings.

[@chrismoody1342]

👍 from a 40 year fabricator. Can’t count the number of guys I’ve mentored in fabrication. Now days it all computer driven and plasma cut. And the operator couldn’t begin to explain the how and whys.

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha...I think you are right about that. I've broken in one or two young fellows myself. LOL. I don't think I can even start one of the plasma machines. Where I retired from, they had a computer driven insulation cutting machine too. Those shop guys had it made ! I've been away from sheet metal since about '95 until I started helping out a few people around town after retiring. Its taking a while to get the dust off the machines too... I changed companies in '95 and went almost strictly commercial and industrial specializing in mostly system startup and DDC controls. Thanks for the thumbs up Chris as well as for the comment.

[@warenmann1042]

Good combination of audio and video, learned alot. Thank You...

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Waren for the comment. I'm glad you liked it. I have several playlists of almost nothing but fabrication and installations. Here's one you might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY

[@bobfronsdahl634]

LOVE ALL THE TIPS!!!!

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Bob, I missed your comment for a few days....so thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Have you found the sheet metal playlists at the top of the page ? Try this total install, from start to finish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Nice video Wendel!!! You explain the steps and I was able to follow along and understand why you were doing what you were doing. It is still a skill that not everyone can master. You certainly have though. You understand what you are doing and therefore you can plan your bends and cuts more efficiently!!! Nice job and the result really looks good!!! Take care!!!

[@tractorman4461]

Good golly MissMolly...just where do I send the cash for such a glowing comment sir !! Thank you sir for that awesome input. But I still say if it was hard, I wouldn't be able to do it...lol.Take care sir and have a fortuitous week.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

@@tractorman4461 Wendel you can forward the money to a charity of your choice!!! LOL See I'm a pretty good fella too eh!!! ;-)

[@tractorman4461]

@@GrampiesWorkshop Hahahahaha Heck yeah you are !! I pegged you as one of the good guys from the start.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

@@tractorman4461 You can fool some of the people some of the time ... Thanks buddy!!!

[@davidstansbury3204]

Don’t apologize for explaining, I’m trying to learn. Some of these guys go so fast and don’t tell you anything. I get it that they know what they’re doing but if you’re making a how to video then say what you’re doing and why. Thank you for your time and knowledge.

[@tractorman4461]

It's always puzzling for me when a viewer wants silent videos. There is so much stuff that can so easily be conveyed with verbage that's impossible to see AND understand what's being done. I appreciate you watching. Here's a sample of my sheet metal playlists if you want to see more: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd This one has a lot of air flow theory included.

[@shanegreen268]

Love your videos Sir. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@tractorman4461]

Well Shane thank you for enjoying them and letting me know. I only do videos that I like to do, so if I don't like the thing I'm doing, I don't record it. But it is nice to know there are those that appreciate those that I upload. Have you spotted the sheet metal playlists up top? If not, here's one to take a look at if you'd like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4DFmI1rnL6Kf6c

[@shanegreen268]

@@tractorman4461 I'll check out your sheet metal play list. Thanks again for your uploads

[@tractorman4461]

@@shanegreen268 Heck yeah, no problem. Thanks for watching them. Here's a real good one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY

[@shanegreen268]

@@tractorman4461 Thanks

[@tractorman4461]

@@shanegreen268 👍 Enjoy...

[@kennyw7453]

Great job and great video

[@tractorman4461]

Kenny W good evening sir and thank you for watching and making such a favorable comment.

[@jasoncorr7193]

Your a Master 👍🏽👌🏽🙌🏽Excellent videos...

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you sir for the compliment. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelyolch79]

Excellent build! Great video! :)

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you sir for the compliment. I don't do a lot of sheet metal any more being retired, but I do have a few good projects coming up this winter. Thanks for watching and for the compliment.

[@michaelyolch79]

​@@tractorman4461 Guys like you are a GREAT help for people like me. I'm a professional technical illustrator for numerous industries. I'm currently illustrating all of the technical manuals for a brand-new HVAC technology that works just like PEX plumbing (rheiacomfort.com). I often meet with engineers and other subject matter experts to acquire all the source I need to accomplish these types of manuals. But I also have to do a lot of research on my own a lot of the time...and that's where guys like you make my life A LOT easier! Thank you again!

[@tractorman4461]

@@michaelyolch79 Well may I say your choice in occupations sounds quite amazing. I am glad to have been a bit of help to you sir. But you do have to remember that I have a tendency to use a bit of slang. Good luck to you Michael.

[@michaelyolch79]

@@tractorman4461 None of the slang matters. It's just helpful to see the formation of the sheet metal. Good day.

[@ericsanders4922]

If they don't like the commentary they've got a mute button. By the way I loved the safety section in the description haha! Great video I learned a lot as a service guy that hasn't done many installs and zero sheet metal work.

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahahaha... I told those particular viewers in the description to hit the right arrow....I didn't think of the mute button. Good one, I like that. I admit that I am a tad cavalier when it comes to safety and sport the scars to prove it but I thought it appropriate to note a few for the discerning viewer. LOL. Glad you liked it. I did residential/commercial service/install for 42+ years. Res/light commercial back in the mid 70's to mid through large commercial/service/controls/piping/etc through retirement. With a heavy emphasis on digital controls during that period I did little to no sheet metal for the last 25 except for family and friends so there's a little rust on the tools....and the brain, so to speak. Retirement affords me the occasional opportunity to help out a few people that just need a bit of help out here in the country. Thank you James for the awesome comment and if you are anything like me you go to work with a smile every day !!

[@gatorsworld]

I followed all the way through but you lost me a few time but then....tin is not my trade....nice going and a master of a furnace plenum....good explanation....CHEERS

[@tractorman4461]

Aw heck Gator, like I always say: It can't be too hard or I couldn't do it !! LOL. Thanks to you and your little partridge buddy for hanging in there and watching. I'm hoping he escapes the hunters this winter.

[@gatorsworld]

@@tractorman4461 Big thank TractorMan for pulling for my little buddy...we see next Spring.....CHEERS

[@whitesheatingairappliancer7101]

Great video. Thank you.

[@tractorman4461]

No problem. Without a CNC plasma table, a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do.....LOL. I'm lucky to have been able to assemble the compliment of mostly old machinery over the last 30- 40 years. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@sheetmetalwork]

Well done and explained.👍

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Duane. Glad to see you liked it. There's a couple playlists above with mostly sheet metal layout if you'd like to look at more.

[@sheetmetalwork]

I will most certainly check em out. FYI, I’m also making layout videos for students, but it’s nice to see others using some of the same techniques and lingo.

[@epd807]

Excellent!!!!

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for the compliment !! There certainly are better and more precise ways of doing it, but this gets me by adequately. Or so it seems...

[@bigotis1776]

That's exactly how we make our fittings at our shop Except we bend our drives on site just in In case you have to S cleat it all the way around Great video good explanation

[@tractorman4461]

Cool Jeffery...there IS a method to the madness, right..?? LOL. Glad to see you liked the presentation.

[@peterkober6758]

44 anothwr great time watching hope are enjoying the fall God Bless PaK

[@tractorman4461]

I enjoy the fall season with a degree of trepidation because I am NOT a fan of winter....and its coming !! Thanks Peter for your comment and I am glad you enjoy them.

[@FromSteelToWood]

You bet we look through the description. So you should have worn the respirator? Glad we can only have image and sound on KZbin... for now! Now I don't know if I can make a 3-way transition, but I've learned a new word: mellifluous! Thanks Wendell!

[@tractorman4461]

Good Morning Sir !! Hahahahaha... Great comment Joe. Thank you for your sense of humor. I however disagree with you on the three way transition.....just think in terms of steel or wood and it will come together perfectly ! LOL.

[@luisalvarezjr.5820]

Don't apologize for people that don't like alot of talking, you're teaching and explaining how to do and why is the reason. Without explanation, there would be alot of really dumb, ignorant, don't know how, people out there. To put it simple, THERE WOULDN'T BE ANY SCHOOLS OR TEACHERS!.

[@tractorman4461]

I like the way you think. But you'd be surprised at the comments that say just quit talking and show the work. I just like to pre-emptively 'troll' the trolls a little with the comment... No biggie, the vast majority of viewers, like you, want to hear descriptive terminology. Good comment Luis, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@snwsk8]

Great video.

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for watching and commenting favorably Shawn.

[@martinwoods6716]

Awesome Video, talk as much as you want, some of us are listening... Thank You for your Time....

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Martin for the very supportive comment sir. Hopefully your interest took you to the sheet metal videos I put in the playlist above. I do have several interesting projects coming up later in the year as well so there will be more added as time allows. Thanks also for taking the time to watch.

[@Brymoe]

Wow this guy is good

[@tractorman4461]

Nice comment man..... Maybe you need to take a look at a few more of mine. LOL. Seriously, thanks for watching and commenting !! It is appreciated.

[@Brymoe]

@@tractorman4461 np my father and uncles run a Hvac business i just started working there a year ago been trying to learn as much as i can

[@tractorman4461]

Bryant Moore well I can tell you it is a rewarding career. There is so much diversification in this industry for a person wanting to work. It isn’t a cakewalk. The potential is darn near endless. Learn all you can about the newer VRV systems and DDC controls. As well as residential smart systems wiring off wifi. Learn boilers, steam and hot water. Learn sheet metal layout. Learn customer relations and be able to talk to anyone on any level concerning HVAC. You do the above and you will never miss a day of work. I worked commercial HVAC service and DDC controls most of the last 25 years in the field. I had to just about beg for time off.

[@reddogconst]

Great vdeo...U r amazing!

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahahaha Clifford, I wouldn't go quite that far but I do appreciate your enthusiasm towards the odd fitting. If you like sheet metal, there are sheet metal playlists up above and when you have the time this one would be a good one to start: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx Thank you for the cool compliment, by the way !!

[@Friend_of_the_One-Eyed_Ladies]

If you do the marker line first, then the scribe line, the scribe line would show up clearly. Machinist's trick. You're really spooking me with that long awl. They make little 3" ones that work great for layout. Nice to watch somebody who knows what they're doing.

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha...I started using ice picks back in the '70's because they were cheap but also because without one, I'd have to stretch waaaaaay out to reach the other side of a 4' sheet of metal. LOL. Seriously that is the two reasons. Now you can't hardly find one, so I've got to protect this one like a dad does his virtuous daughter.... I do have a few short ones stuck in holes in the bottom shelf where they are easy to reach when working up close. Thanks for the comment. Take care and stay safe !!

[@nycityzen]

Thanks for this.

[@tractorman4461]

Yessir Neil, no problem. It was a fun little piece to make. Thanks for watching sir.

[@hangngoaigiare]

Thx sir very kind of you with marker so we can see. Would you do some videos about how you measure and develop patterns with true lengths and so on

[@tractorman4461]

I will keep that in mind on the next job and if I can work it in I will. All I can say is visualization is a great mental tool while measuring because you have to constantly be aware of the location of components that are not even there yet. There are so many subtleties and tricks to that portion of the field work though, a simple answer is just about impossible to give. Thank you for the very kind comment sir and I apologize for taking so long to reply.

[@wvhoopie4999]

fine job my friend i was lost at 3:40 lol could use your help this weekend in West Virginia

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha... that's was a good comment... Too bad WV is so far away or I coulda swung by. I have bolted the Lockformer and 4' box and pan break to the deck on the trailer and mounted the cleat bender on the side board and did jobs pretty far away, but methinks you're a bit too far. LOL. Thanks for the comment and for watching as well. Btw, one really good dude I worked with recently is a WV transplant. Super good man and a good technician as well...his dad named him Stormy because he was born during one of the big hurricanes that hit the coast in the early 80's.

[@markwilliams3148]

I sure wish I had a friend like you because I took it in the a when I need one of those built for me

[@tractorman4461]

Hahaha... well if you’d have needed it I would’ve done it for you too Mark. Probably fir a cup of coffee too !! Take care and Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@valentinlishkov9540]

free online tools www.onlinecadtools.com/bulgaria/html/sheet_metal/index.HTM

[@RagingFig]

Thank you sir.

[@tractorman4461]

You are quite welcome. If you've got the time and interest in sheet metal, consider trying this playlist:kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd Thanks for watching and comment sir.

[@lorenitaperez808]

Piece of cake the transition I'm Gould like to fabricate a square to round

[@tractorman4461]

Square to rounds are a little more challenging. I haven't made one in 35 years so I'd have to think a little bit first. Now a days, with the CNC tables, they are a snap though. But then again, I have never used a CNC table before either, so I'd have to think a bit on that too !! Thanks for watching and commenting Lorenita.

[@harrygilbert4593]

Those scribes are so visible if you’re paying attention. Get Saturday afternoon ❤

[@tractorman4461]

Yes sir you are correct. Most times you can catch it reflecting the light. I spent several hours today sawing 4 pine logs for a buddy of my son in law. We made some beautiful boards....1x6's, 8's and 10's eight and ten feet long.

[@dspeurope4388]

Nice video I really enjoyed your beautiful video. I'm also a duct fabricator in India Love from india

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you for the kind words Dilip. I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you like this one, when you have time maybe take a quick look at this playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqenkpVraJyoopY

[@forcozy]

잘 봤습니다~♡

[@tractorman4461]

I looked at your channel and I can say that I cannot come close to fabricating those designs. Pretty cool forcosy !

[@forcozy]

@@tractorman4461 thank you~♡

[@SocolIonut]

very useful video! can you post a closer photo with your tool from minute 2.21 - the homemade scribea thank you in advance

[@tractorman4461]

Next time I do a layout I'll try to remember to do a several second close up of the scribe. Thanks for watching.

[@homarkbeer]

I love it keep teaching fo not stop

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you for the supportive comment, it is appreciated. As jobs come along and time allows, I plan on uploading the interesting projects.

[@homarkbeer]

If I want to get in the sheet metal business how can I start? Also how much I need to invest?

[@tractorman4461]

@@homarkbeer If you have no basic hvac training, I would suggest trying to get a job for a residential shop as a parts runner or delivery driver. Once you get started for the company you will be able to easily pick up tips on how and where to gain training and may even qualify for an OJT (on the job training) apprenticeship. If that doesn't work out, try the same for the local HVAC supply houses where you will meet dozens of service techs that can give you suggestions for your locale. If you have already completed training and are looking to self employ, the key is start small with a 24 ga lockformer and 4' brake. You can do most of what you'll see in my videos with that equipment. I just saw a 6 year old lockformer on facebook in my hometown for $1700. About $3500 to $4000 new. Also I bought and sold a used 4 foot brake a couple years ago for $175. So you could feasibly get a start for around 3 grand. It not easy getting started, but it is a rewarding career. I never needed to beg for work because there is plenty out there for the guy that can do it. I usually had to beg for time off. Good Luck with your endeavor !! I wish I could do more.

[@homarkbeer]

Tractorman44 thank you for your valuable advice I have been a technician for the last 20 years but never thought of doing sheet metal till I started watching you and started to vision the measurements your making and I can picture the end product even before you finish it but seeing you doing the bends and the seams finishings add to my desire to go in this business thanks a lot for your inputs .

[@tractorman4461]

@@homarkbeer One thing I've always thought about was how bad a job looks with duct tape covering the joints. I have always strove to make sure the sheet metal was formed in such a manner as to not need tape to cover leakages. Have you seen this series yet? This whole 8 part project has a lot of fittings and odd layouts.kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5XdhXyMfLhsl8k

[@dexjester]

Keep talking. Best video, thank you.

[@tractorman4461]

Cool man...glad you enjoyed the video. If you like sheet metal videos, you might check the playlists up above like this one here: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd Its an interesting one. Thanks for commenting !!

[@6revfa6smoka6]

OG knows his stuff!!! SUB

[@tractorman4461]

Awesome !! Thank you Alex for the compliment. Btw I put together a couple sheet metal video playlists up above. The attic heat pump install was an interesting one. Thanks fir watching and please comment anytime !! Oh hey... I assume OG means Old Guy ..?? Thanks for the compliment because it took a long time to get there !! LOL.

[@6revfa6smoka6]

@@tractorman4461 it means original gangsta haha means you're the tech. The accuracy n your work is very satisfying b/c I try to do the same myself

[@tractorman4461]

Hahaha... now I gotta admit that’s a new one on me !! Thank you and I will register that as a compliment Alex.

[@raycontreras16]

Lost trade. Great job

[@tractorman4461]

Thank you Ray for the compliment. I kinda enjoy popping these things out every now and then. Take care and stay safe sir !!

[@samzeletzki8339]

Just a question I thought you only need to Cross break when it's over 19 inches

[@tractorman4461]

Sam Zeletzki I don’t know what the actual recommendation is but I go by the feel of the fitting depending on the gauge of the metal. But mostly I consider the potential for oil canning when the blower turns on or off. And then to a certain degree I consider the looks of the fitting. Cross breaks add a nice look to a transition or plenum adaption especially if you are tying in to another cross broke piece of duct. At least that’s my thought. Thanks for the question. Sorry I don’t have a specific answer for you Sam.

[@r6f09]

Thank you for the great lesson, your talking was fine.

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Try this on for size when you have some time to spare: kzbin.info/aero/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd You might find some cool stuff in here.

[@edithnavarro2212]

All I have to say is, ' there's wisdom in them there words '.

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha...if that was aimed at me, well....thank you for the compliment. Thank you for watching and commenting !!

[@richcooper6989]

Great video so im English no idea what some of the terms mean lol so I think I made a double fold the revered it is that right? If so why? Was that to lock them together?

[@tractorman4461]

Good Morning Rich. The language barrier shouldn't be too awful bad....LOL. Of course you guys may speak the 'Queen's English over there...our's being a bit more.... ahhhhh....gutteral. LOL. The problem is there are so many slang terms that are regional even within the same trade. The 180* fold over at the duct outlet is for the connection of the plenum to another piece of duct with the "C" shaped sheet metal 'drive cleat', and that fold is just referred to as the 'drive'. The bottom, or inlet, of the duct is a double hemmed flange designed to give a solid attachment to the outlet of the furnace as well as a reinforcement to minimize buckling or shifting while running in a self tapping screw with a battery drill. Hopefully that answered your questions adequately. Thank you sir for watching and taking the time to comment !!

[@paulshuppert4975]

Was taught to always layout pieces on inside and I always marked inside...helps when your making more than one fitting

[@tractorman4461]

Yep...and number the fittings too. Much easier to assemble after multiple layouts. Pick up all the 1's, 2's, 3's etc. No thinking required at the assembly table. Especially if they are all transitions or other fittings of some kind.

[@deejohnson5163]

GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tractorman4461]

Thanks Dee for the upbeat and hearty comment !! LOL. It is appreciated....take care and enjoy the coming spring weather !!

[@deejohnson5163]

@@tractorman4461 THANKS

[@kenbourt]

Nice job

[@tractorman4461]

Glad to see you enjoyed it. I always liked making things that actually work out. Back at the jobsite, it fit like a glove and that's what we wanted. Have a great day Ken.

[@sillyguy9828]

Man i didn't know these videos were out there. I would be willing to put my sheetmetal skills against anyone or any machine in the world.

[@tractorman4461]

I've used 'hack' in the title of one or two.... Being a retired service tech after 40+ years in the trades I feel no need to compare what little ability I have developed to anyone. My goal in virtually every endeavor on site was to satisfy the customer first, make money for the contractor second, but third and most importantly I wanted to walk away from every job satisfied with myself. I still do that today, but without the constraint of making money for the bossman. 90% of the stuff I do in retirement is for people that need it and can't afford to pay much. So IF I get material paid for I am happy. If not, no biggie either....they usually need it more than I anyway.

[@sillyguy9828]

@@tractorman4461 im just really passionate about this trade. I didn't mean to down your work in any way. Being off of work for days and days for the holidays sucks. Plus i go my first case of hemroids and it the worst thing I've had to go through.

[@regsparkes6507]

I too need the audio-visual approach to something new ( to me ) I can follow along more easily. Oh by the way, how many times have I told my friends to NOT use a felt tip pens when marking out stuff like this especially on wood,..try how you may, those marks will always show through the paint too. A good sharp scribe works best on metals.

[@tractorman4461]

Good Morning Sir !! Very good comment Reg. An old carpenter friend told me to sharpen my pencil and leave half the mark on the wood if I wanted to build accurate projects. Man that is hard to do. LOL. That's why my house looks like the leaning tower of Piza !! Majic Markers...UGGGGHHHH !!

[@regsparkes6507]

@@tractorman4461 Mow there's my early morning laugh!

[@bigfran09]

My question is, how do you bang it all together on top of the furnace assuming the back left and right side and extremely tight (too tight to get your hands in?)

[@tractorman4461]

After a tear out of course the new furnace will be set in place. At that point careful consideration must be given to HOW the plenum is to be installed while you are measuring for the adaption. On a changeout I never assemble the plenum in the shop due to situations such as described in your question. The WAY it has to go in determines which corners you want to have the Pittsburgh on....you have to be able to bang it with the hammer and an inch off the wall or against the r/a duct with a wall against the back is VERY much a frequent occurrence. In your case with only front access I would field assemble the rear and two sides with the pittsburghs on the front edge of the two sides. The front piece would have the 1/4'' bends. To install, I would tilt the "U" shaped three sided assembled piece forward and to the sides and slip it over the top of the flanges of the furnace (if it has them) to allow it to slide under the squarely trimmed bonnet and into the rear 'S' lock. S's would be used on the front and back, then the trick is the drives on the side. Normally you bend over an inch of the drive to finish the joint, but you cannot get to the rear with your hammer as you described. In that case, use drives 5'' or 6'' longer than needed.... turn your drive over exposing the backside and trim notches into the backsides of the drives 1'' from the end. Bend the 1'' slightly 'out' and attach the drives of the plenum sides to the hand formed drives on the bonnet with the now exposed notches you made in the back side of the drive cleat. Tap it all the way to align the 1'' tab with the rear of the plenum. Assemble the front panel, bang over the pittsburghs to lock it in place. Install screws across the front flange and with the use of a long bit extension, install screws as far back the sides and you can to secure the plenum tightly as possible. No screws on the back due to lack of access, but that is why you form a 90 degree double hem flange on the plenum adaption. To make it hold securely and not buckle. If there is concern, you may run a thin bead of Vulkem across the back to totally seal the plenum rear. Unless you are careful, that can become messy though. Now, remember the hand notched drives that are sticking out back ? The notches now will allow you to reach back and bend them over with a long screwdriver or bar. But to secure them tightly...remember the rear wall....and the drives that you cut 5'' longer than needed.....go ahead and tap the drive back all the way into the wall to bend the partially bent 90 into a full and tight 90 degree bend. Then use your tongs (hand seamers) and pull the drives back to the front of the plenum, trim to 1'' in length and bend them over to complete the plenum install. There are many variations and tricks to assemble virtually any style or type of plenum, so the tricks listed above won't work in every case. And in more extreme cases, it eases the job a lot to just knock the drives off the r/a drop, remove it then re-hang it after the plenum in completed. Done that many many times as it will ensure screws on the rear as well as better access to the side drive cleat. I sure hope this answers your question and please feel free to ask more on any of the sheet metal videos I've uploaded. Thank you for watching and commenting. It is appreciated !!

[@bigfran09]

Tractorman44 thank you! This video was awesome. I do nothing but change outs (many in very tight spaces) and am accustomed to making my 4 piece transitions and slipping/s lock them together. It’s easy for me and I can make a great looking transition as such pretty quickly. My new job provides me with the machine as seen in your video and prefers their metal done as such so I plan on trying to do my transitions this way going forward. This video was extremely helpful and I greatly appreciate it

[@tractorman4461]

@@bigfran09 What an awesome reply. There will be a bit of a learning curve to get the notching just right to minimize leakage. My opinion is that duct tape is for anything but ducts. So accurate notching is the key to tightly fitting S and Drive joints. Plus the pittsburgh locks are unmatched for securely assembled ducts. Snap locks are ok on straight ducts, but transitions, offsets and plenums such as this the PB lock is a must. Thanks again...land hang in there, you'll be putting me to shame in no time !!

[@jceletroeletronica]

Muito legal👏👏👏🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@tractorman4461]

Obrigado senhor. Eu acho legal que você esteja interessado no vídeo. Tenha um dia maravilhoso, meu amigo.

[@jimmyjackass1805]

Measure it with a micrometer. Mark it with a paint brush. Then cut it with a chainsaw. Sheet Metal 101. LOL

[@tractorman4461]

Hahahaha...I got nothin'....LOL

[@coreycarter1695]

Will you show how you open up a Pittsburg. Before you knock it together ? I'm curious as to what you use? Or do you use your hammer ?

[@tractorman4461]

Good Morning Sir...yes, I turn my hammer sideways at an angle, reinforce the Pittsburgh with one hand and rapidly tap it open up and down the length. The trick in not damaging it is to use an old worn hammer whose edges are not crisp and sharp. The crisp edges of a new hammer have the potential to mar the metal and it shows in the finished product. I've got another video ready to upload, so I can't show it in this one, but I will try to remember to include it in a future video. Thanks for the comment Corey and thanks for watching sir.

[@coreycarter1695]

@@tractorman4461 thank you. I've just recently entered a sheet metal trade job. The troubles I'm having is everybody disagrees with how things should be done. And they all do different things in different ways, I was just curious as to how you would do it, because it looks like you actually know what you're doing.

[@tractorman4461]

@@coreycarter1695 I broke in years ago with some real 'pieces of work'. Some of those guys wouldn't give you the time of day and I swore if I ever learned enough about the trade to make a living I would pass any information I could to others that wanted to learn. So what I did was observe what the old farts did and try it myself until I slipped into my own rhythm of doing it. So the things I do today are combinations of many different things put together over the years. You'll find your own way of doing things as well but just remember that information you posess is really just yours to pass on to the next guy. Also remember that there is no ONE correct or right way of doing anything. Techniques are developed over time and they are just like opinions....everybody has one !! They also vary from job to job as situations physically change.

[@coreycarter1695]

@@tractorman4461 I'll keep that in mind. I've had a few jobs the same problem. It seems I'm always learning the hard way, and it sounds like you did too. Lol, I THINK we have a pretty similar mindset, as far as knowledge goes, I learn things the hard way, and then turn around and actually teach what I learn, simply because I don't want others to have to jump through the same hoops. Then again though, I guess it's better to learn some things the hard way. Anyhow, I'll leave you alone now. I do appreciate your time.

[@keithsac2542]

Good video for the beginners. You should show the beginners how you got the length of the last side.

[@tractorman4461]

You know, that is a very good point. I had to go back and watch because I was SURE it would be in there. I think what happened is I edited that part out for some reason, probably thinking they would know to follow the way the measurement was made for the front. I've got no other explanation for leaving it out but it sometimes becomes quite a challenge taking a recording that an hour or more long and editing it down for a balance between content and speed and sometimes things just fall through the cracks. Hopefully you've found some of my other layout videos more complete. I tell you too just the act of recording a little project almost doubles the time to actually build it. Then comes the hours of editing. I used to average 3 to 4 hours editing time per video but am getting a bit better at it now. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. What you pointed out actually surprised me..

[@keithsac2542]

@@tractorman4461 I might start doing some metal fab. videos. Been at it for 43 years and just about ready to retire. I'm thinking i might do some triangulation videos along with others.

[@tractorman4461]

@@keithsac2542 Retirement is a good thing. I wish I'd have gone out sooner even though I did go out at 61. I think there is a place for well made layout videos. So many of the young tradesmen are looking for input on layout and fabrication and according to a lot of comments guys that may have 10 or 15 years in the trade as a service tech want to expand their abilities a bit. So I would say have at it and take the mistakes you see in my videos about the process of recording and correct those in the ones that you produce. Some of the guys want videos on actual hand forming with seamers and snips without machinery...but I spent 30 + years piecing together the tools I have and don't really want to go backwards. When you put up a few, comment on one of mine and I'll go take a look. Thanks again for watching Keith.

[@Matthew-jr1xr]

Quick question! Say the two side pieces did not flare equal directions left and right...for example maybe one side the offset was 5 inches and the other side was 3 inches.. now you have 2 different heights on your left and right sides. That much is still clear... but now when it comes to your last piece which side do you measure off of to get your height for the final piece? 🤔

[@tractorman4461]

That, Matthew is the main reason for accuracy in the layout. If you are doing them without geometry, you have to rely on the accuracy of the previous pieces formed that comprise the fitting. In the situation you describe, I usually measure the shortest of the two because there is less of a chance of an exaggerated measurement. Let the opposite side run wild and it should fit the way it's supposed to. Once you lay it out, you should be able to determine how close the 'wild side' is by comparing the lines on the layout to the measurement on the actual metal its got to fit to. That's somewhat of an awkward description but its the best I could come up with.

[@Matthew-jr1xr]

@@tractorman4461 that's what I was thinking to go off of the shorter piece. Thanks for the explanation. Awesome video!