Steel for the Fortress Turbines & Press-brake Overload!

[@RIGeek.]

One idea on the bend is to use the plasma cutter to cut slots where you want to bend it, then bend it and run a bead of weld down the inside of the bend when complete.

[@sammiller5509]

second this, anglegrinder works also great to score it and thinn it out enough to bend👍🏻

[@RIGeek.]

@@sammiller5509 He has access to a CNC plasma cutter. Cutting perfect slots would be the cleanest method he has with the tools at his disposal. Without that, I'd be all in with you on this idea.

[@philip4193]

@@sammiller5509 Yep, I've used the grinder method myself; it can be dirty and messy if you don't use a jig, but it's relatively quick and it works!

[@bobbazoid909]

Watching Allen for a year now I just realized that don't wanna be the guy that gets him mad. Ur da man Allen.

[@sarahbowman7566]

Alan, when you own a mountain and are hand building a fortress atop it whilst over 100k humans follow your progress, it is safe to assume that none of us think 'oh, this is a tad uninteresting'... and as a sidenote, how is your little fortress tree doing?

[@bryson5628]

Agreed

[@lorditsprobingtime6668]

Oh yeah, I forgot about that poor sizzled tree. I was betting it would survive but it would be nice to know for sure. Winter is (I think) only just ending so it might take till mid or even late spring before any new shoots appear so it may still be a bit early to tell but, I have seen some go through worse.

[@scotthoglund9628]

@@lorditsprobingtime6668 Also the ptatoes he planted a while back.

[@allanblackesq]

Potential answer to the bending problem, use the plasma cutting tool along the line where you want to bend, make a pattern like highway lane markings. By removing along the line it should reduce the amount of metal to be bent and the bending machine will be happy with that. Then once you've bent it, weld the gaps back up.

[@jimkhana007]

Love all the comments, feedback and helpful hints people post to help you with your problems or tips to help you be more efficient, Such a great lot of people with so much knowledge and experience 👍

[@paulott5390]

The haters and trolls 🧌 usually stay away from this content because they’re simple-minded plebeians.

[@Riddler9290]

Man Alan is that friend you just want to hang out with because he's so positive and always has something to do. 🤙

[@chewdoobautomotivedetailtm2883]

thats what car detailing does for me relaxing enjoyment

[@harry-kw6bh]

I’m 24 old from Australia been subscribed since you first made you channel can’t wait to see more progress

[@fisch69]

Just a thought , it may be worth while to give Manufacturer of the Brake a quick call to see what they may have to offer in way of advice..🤔 on the bend and the hole size.. it’s free! 👍

[@bradley3549]

Those charts read in Tons-per-foot. So if your 1/4" plate requires 16 tons per foot at a 2" die opening, and the press is say 20 ton, you can bend a length of about 14 inches or so. If you open the die to say 4" radius, that pressure per foot would go down significantly. So you either need to bend a larger radius or skip cut slots on the CNC to reduce the bending load down to within the capabilities of the machine (or both.) Then you will still have to weld up the gaps, but at least it will be less welding and fixturing over all.

[@jimkhana007]

It’s always a beautiful sunny day when Alan drops an update, 🙏

[@Kiki-Kauai]

Yay! A fortress update!!! Looked forward to it warming up there knowing we’d get to see what’s happening up there. It’s always warm here, so going by seasons and patiently waiting for Mainland spring. 😊🌺

[@MrBodyguard380]

Always good to see your progress. Keep up the great work.

[@jysubs6336]

A fresh Alan video? Made my morning. Thanks and keep on truckin'.

[@AC-tq3ri]

Alan. . . Everything you do is Interesting! Keep up all the great work and stay safe.

[@jamieshand7953]

Always keen to see your videos Alan. Don't under sell them they are always very interesting.

[@robinlouis7]

100%

[@wesman7837]

I love Allen's content!

[@knoester7714]

I see that you are making progress on your mountain fortress

[@gavin9523]

Always look forward to watching your videos Alan 😊

[@mackdickson1209]

When cutting the sheets down to 4ft sections, try setting up a straight edge with the appropriate amount of offset for the plasma nozzle. It makes for a clean cut and a lot quicker. With the holes being too big, check that the cnc is set to cut inside/outside the line. If for example you want a 10mm hole and the plasma cut width is 2mm, you will end up with a 14mm hole if set wrong. In regard to folding the steel, try adding a slotted line with the plasma along the fold, this will cut down on the amount of metal being folded and therefor the force required. The slots can then be welded once the part is bent to desired angle.

[@lorditsprobingtime6668]

Good thinking, and advice there. I had 2 possible ideas in mind, one was to do it in 3 step phases with the press where he sets one end lower, crunches that down as far as he can then same on the other end then even it and do the middle. That 'might' have worked but tedious if at all and would probably require repeating numerous times. The other was a bit like making that Sisu Nasi spring where they had 2 heating torches going and working them back and forth along the fold line but, your idea sounds like a much better idea and a pretty much guaranteed result with minimum warping. You get my vote anyway.

[@davestevens4263]

Dam I should of read the comments before I put mine in , butt I never do . I don’t want othered to influence how I think. We’re all on the same page tho !

[@Ted_E_Bear]

I enjoy watching The Wizard doing amazing stuff !

[@antonyjharper31]

This build project is fking awesome!

[@Buckshothill]

Great job Alan look forward to watching your videos keep up the great work.

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

You have a beautiful office you work in. I love those views.

[@tlgx884]

To bend that sheet, you can either cut slots along the folding line, and then fill them in with a bit of weld, or you can grind a groove all along the line

[@lanejohnson1245]

Good idea. The chart shows how many tons of force it takes to bend one foot of length. right now it is too long. Cut slots where the bend is, leaving the uncut length what the brake ton capacity of the machine is. Then weld it up.

[@1tactundra140]

Bruh…..you are about to become a millionaire, for real. You work hard as hell, you deserve to be rewarded.

[@huntermccornack5162]

Dave has cool toys for you to use

[@jonnoblitt6537]

You are a busy man and you should enjoy your time there I would think it would be tranquil to be up doing about anything with that view keep rocking till the cops start knocking 🤘🙏👍

[@olivierrun8364]

Always a pleasure to see an episode, you're fresh air, Alan ! Take care !

[@ronnydowdy7432]

You'll get it figured out. I have looked at the comments and the information is already in there so I think I will just say it's good to see another episode

[@JonFromAustralia]

HI Alan, I like your channel and your projects. Your outlook on life is also great. Looking foward to seeing your progress on the mountain!

[@MrGixxer1300r]

As always Alan great content. As far as bending goes RIGeek already posted what I thought was the easy way to make those bends with the break press you have on hand. Good Luck Alan!!!

[@andisatya4098]

Good job alan..i am Indonesia peaple..like u job

[@kevinwright1551]

Keep up the great work. Al. Doing a awesome job at it. Okay.

[@Kathy98363]

Great Video.💯👍 Keep Smiling. Stay Safe. God Bless You! ❤🙏

[@edwardwilliams9874]

Good beautiful morning brother

[@dragonslayer19695]

Slot the plate on the bend line , bend it then weld up the slots.

[@timsmith3886]

Wizard is my favourite watch now😊

[@Admirer_of_Beautiful_Things]

That little bit of metal was $2,000 😱 unbelieveable! I thought you were going to say $200 🤯 and to think I thought wood was expensive.

[@noolimits3344]

Hi Alan, like your stuff… keep going. Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@wesman7837]

I have a buddy who lives in Freiburg, and his dad lives in Zurich, I went there about 15 years ago, and It was so much fun! It is really a nice place!

[@l.n.2424]

Great video! Love watching it come to life! The Wizard will always figure it out✌️

[@danielsojourner267]

Alan, great video!!

[@fatblokes_ferguson]

I must say I thought you were going to cut through the yellow cord on the large plate, also you don’t have the wizard look with the protective shield, 👍

[@diggerd9267]

Well done 👍. Keep the videos coming 😃

[@stilesevans1]

cut reliefs along the bend, weld them back up when done

[@billsrq1788]

We call those Nats Noseems down here in Florida. Hello from Siesta Key Florida

[@mikemathis3936]

Is it true that the Florida State bird is the mosquito?

[@lordkermit4657]

oh ive been waiting for a new video, thank you alan

[@mausball]

I can't quite see the numbers on the chart on the press, but usually they do actually tell you the tonnage required to make a bend. The tons/foot are the angled waterfall of numbers. If you know thickness, and the b and v measurements, you can run down to the waterfall and find the tons of pressure per foot of length. I'm betting you'd need north of 60T to bend 64" in one go.

[@stevemuller82muller65]

Keep up the great work bro 😎🤙

[@bellofbelmont]

With the 1/4" plate you could always groove bend and reweld. Just a thought. 🙂 Thanks for the vid. Jim Bell (Australia)

[@joshuanicholsjr5327]

cool beans Allen can't wait to see what happens next god bless

[@markbacker7862]

This message goes with a video you did where you had showed that you had to walk up to the Mtn. Fortress in deep enough snow that would take a considerable amount of time & would also be very tiring. You can do or not do whatever you want with my suggestion. My idea is to buy a pair of snow shoes because they would make it easier to walk in the snow so it wouldn't be so tiring & probably not take nearly as long to do it. The reason snow shoes work so well is because they allow the wearer to walk on top of the snow or at least not sink into the snow so much. You could probably keep them in whatever vehicle would be your most used 1. I don't think you've mentioned what the length is of your driveway/road/trail but, I wouldn't be surprised if it's over a half mile long.

[@jessealvarado6939]

Great update and I'm sure y'all will figure out what to do I was gonna say do a small incision so it will fold easy but that may be what he told ya👊🇺🇸🙏😎

[@Studzilla-is-here]

Nice to see ya wizard!

[@18fisher1]

If your press brake isn’t big enough plasma score along the brake line to relieve some metal. After bending you can weld back in the cuts

[@Oldtimered]

Whew! Was wondering where your new videos were at. Worried the Mountain Lion you have around the Fortress might find shelter inside your Mountain top or chasing rodents around your equipment. I hope you carry for a life protection plan. If not? Look at all entrances with cameras and be careful! As for the fan blades, got a little headstrong in your actions or you wouldn't have made a mistake. I know the answer will come to you on how you can remedy the situation. You could make fan art with this metal, and sell all made to look like your fans, but they are really wall art. I'm sure there can be another use for the metal, but we will see what you do with it in time. 100,000 viewers, you must be doing something right. Good Health and safer days ahead Allen.

[@markavargosr36]

fantastic job, 8th wonder of the world. you build it and they will come. you know after but it is all good.

[@bigcountry5045]

USE THE PLASMA TO CUT A " DOTTED " LINE ( A SERIES OF CUTS ABOUT 8 INCHES LONG ) ACROSS WHERE YOU WANT IT BENT .... BEND IT AND THE WELD UP THE CUTS ... IV DONE THAT MANY TIMES AND IT WORKS OUT JUST FINE !!!!

[@samuelvera9449]

Nice work

[@rodneyprimm5984]

Loved the video, thank you for sharing 🙏❤️

[@J.Images.Photography]

What an Amazing view Alan. Wow.Looks as if the lake is starting to make come back?

[@bryanford1139]

Use the plasma table to cut "Bend slots" where you want them, then bend it, then weld 'em in!

[@kerrylewis2581]

We have biting bugs here in northern New Hampshire in the spring called No-see-ums, also known as biting midges or biting gnats. They leave itchy one-inch welts on the back of your neck, forearms, and back of your legs. You never feel the little buggers biting, but you know it the next day or after. The bites take days to go away and more if you itch them. I have yet to find a spray that prevents bites and the wind is truly your only protection of uncovered skin.

[@wesman7837]

Use Aloe Vera gel to rub on your skin for relief!

[@kerrylewis2581]

@@wesman7837 We have tried almost everything but the most important thing is to shower when returning home. Hot water and soap are the best ways of reducing issues before they happen. The welts do not show for almost two days then take a week or more to go away. The biggest thing is not to scratch the itch. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@ajaxracing]

The price of steel is crazy have to save and reuse all you can

[@CaptainBlackHeart113]

cut slots along the fold to make it less force to bend

[@saltydawg6817]

When you’re cutting the 1/4” material into pieces you should use a straight edge with the plasma torch so your cut is straight and done much quicker. Clamp at 2 x 4 or a piece of angle iron has short straight edge. 👍 and the 1/4” material that you cannot break up can you cut that material off with the plasma cutter so you have a nice clean edge and attach it by welding it at whatever angle you desire ?

[@garyhopkinssr8561]

Right on Allen

[@brucemcguire5794]

Allen, here’s you a home Nat spray that’s simple and effective. Get you a spay bottle mix 1/2 vanilla extract 1/3 water, top off with isopropyl alcohol spay on your hands to wipe your face and spray directly on expose skin work’s surprisingly wonderful and smells good too

[@buddysays6726]

💔Buddy Says Good morning good video 😎 keep up the good work

[@timatwell3728]

They didn't give you AR plate by mistake did they Alan? As others have said maybe cut some slots in it bend it weld the slots up or cut all the way.and weld them a lot more work but you got to do what ever it takes to make it work. As far as the nats I use to haul produce and hated loading watermelons out in the fields it was unreal how bad they were you was covered in them in about 5 mins no matter what kind of spray or anything you used you just had to cover your self up and temps in the triple digets didn't help matters . ol the good ol day's wish in a way still was hauling them but again don't miss the nats but stay safe and keep the video's coming

[@LeeBuilt]

Try, using the plasma cutter to cut some reliefs into the bend seam and weld after.

[@m23hf]

Building time!!!!

[@benschlack5814]

Keep it going 👍

[@TheTwistedStone]

Drill holes spaced out along the line and bend it. Or use plasma cutter to make a few cuts along the line and bend it. Or cut it and weld it.... :)

[@lisawilson4551]

Lookin good, you got this can’t wIt fir more 😀👍❤️❤️

[@wesman7837]

Allen you should clamp a piece of angle iron across the sheet to keep your cut straight with the plasma!

[@wesman7837]

Allen, you can cut the window frames in half and bend the pieces, and then weld them back together.

[@vernlemasters6504]

I was going to suggest cutting a relief trench on the opposite side of the bend. Bending it and then welding along the trench if needed

[@iiiemc1674]

We Love U channel!

[@davestevens4263]

Only a crazy guy & me would build a bad ass castle on the top of a mtn in paradise & I love it . A tip for freehand cut straight lines with plasma cutter , clamp a straight edge or a piece on metal on what your cutting & drag cut a perfect straight line . For bending 1/4 “ on the press break cut relief cuts periodically & bend it then weld up where you cut . Not exactly sure how or what your building. I hope that helps . I know your a bad ass wizard but we can’t know it all . & I’m sure I could learn some wizardly stuff form you . Been waiting all winter for the fortress building . Congratulations on your silver play button & im glade you crossed paths with sparks , he’s a great dude even with his arrogance. Peace out brotha ,

[@shanehunter9166]

Alan when you make a long bend cut some 6 inch slots along the bend and the brake will bend it

[@goride450]

What's the tonnage on that press? You might just need a bigger bottom V die = less tonnage to bend. That chart should give you tons/ft based on the V die and material thickeness

[@bigunone]

Sand fleas in FL would wait for you to come around the corner where there was no wind

[@darrelllitherland8880]

i would love to know how you converted the alternators to make your generators for the wind turbines .. i saw the video where you were looking at one to see how you did it and has been stuck in my mind ever since.

[@vickiepeek2279]

cost of steel was mind boggling !!

[@wesman7837]

Right? It's unbelievable how much it's gone up in the last few years! Well, I guess it's not the price that's gone up. It's that the value of our money has taken a dive, and it's about to get WAY WORSE!

[@mikemathis3936]

Bessemer has much to answer for

[@EileenSchultz-s1d]

always interesting

[@terabyte1695]

Another good video Alan , love to come over from UK and pop by the fortress, can we have longer video please, show us round the complex, look at the trucks, go over what the fortress will look like when complete, that metal was sure expensive so i can see if you find scrap you keep it, pls like and sub Alan.

[@lamarzimmermanmennonitefar5269]

Did you know there's old castles in the us?

[@wesman7837]

@@lamarzimmermanmennonitefar5269 No, where?

[@david-ul3ch]

have you tried heating the plate up then bending it if you get it to around 800 C it should be possible.

[@clarencewiles963]

I don’t think the press could handle the situation and be able to get the material in an out would be an issue.

[@markwalsh262]

Alan try clamping a piece of angle iron or square tube beside your long lines when you cut and then then you can use it as a guide to run the plasma cutter down and have nice straight lines

[@uberdang830]

You can score or cut slots along your brake line. Then it will bend. It you need it solid you just stitch in some welds.

[@jamesrogers6376]

Grind a line where u want the bend.

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

Alan there are a couple of tonnage calculator for press breaks on line that I use.

[@bendershome4discountorphan859]

The wizard has a moat of nats surrounding the fortress hahaha

[@MrMarkaverett]

Great video Alan. I'm wondering if you guys can heat the metal while bending it?

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

I'm guessing he suggested cutting relief cuts along your bend like a 2"cut every 4" or what ever works for your length of material then weld the cuts .

[@allenpeachy3987]

It seems that relief cuts along the bend line could be a solution.

[@mikemathis3936]

Maybe you could grind partway through the 1/4 inch plate where the bends will be and then bend it and weld it. Or even cut cut six inch long slots here and there where the bend ill be and weld the slots after bending

[@allanblackburn175]

Alan, what's the maximum tonnage of the press break also did you put into your prog the thickness you was bending

[@profhortsunlover1536]

2 things small fying insects dn't like 1) winds, their wings r too weak 2) oil, coat exposed skin in thin layer of coconut oil, winged insects can sense it and avoid because oil on their wings means they can't fly = certain death

[@Acestrex]

Put some small slices every inch in that sheet of metal where you are trying to bend it then when you’re done you can weld it if you want to.

[@edradtke287]

the press brakes capacity is dependent on what pinch and die you use

[@highdesertworkshop]

cut slots along the bend line