TFS: Tools of the Trade

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Tools & Gear We Use and Recommend for your Shop! www.amazon.com/shop/thefabricationseries

[@sandgatemowing2365]

Worst camera work ever

[@rajakaleja]

hey where can I get that protractor|??

[@willhall7777]

How much was the mill??

[@willhall7777]

Nevermind...I just went back a few seconds and heard the price.

[@maldav64]

P

[@michaelsoutherland3023]

Yes, everyone should buy a $1,000 welder that rusts away in the shed ! Or buy a $100 stick welder just to TRY it out and then see if it's something that might get used more than once... If not, hell it was only $100, take it apart and play with the transformers... I got a cheap welder instead of making one out of an old microwave lol, maybe I should have went with the old microwave idea ? *Anyone looking at "cheap welders," look for 160Amp/ 60% duty cycle or something, watch out for ones that are only rated 10% duty cycle at max output (10% duty cycle is like 1 minute use for every 10 minutes), it's a marketing ploy I think. I "liked" the vid though, or "thumbs upped" it...

[@PM17E5]

"How do you do so much with so little?" That's what she said!

[@4schitzangiggles]

Did you use the same photographer that filmed the Blaire Witch Project?

[@emj5858]

Clearly they possibly had a few bevo's ; ) that's some wild recip sawing xD thought it was all gona end in tears for a fraction of a moment :P

[@01247Brandon]

Doesn't recommend anything not Lincoln or Miller yet has an army of Everlast welders right behind him, as well as an AHP AlphaTig that is in the $700-$800 price range.

[@lonewolftech]

Because everlast and htp welders are superior to Lincoln and millers. He knows this.

[@The52brandon]

My $90 Harbor Freight 10" sliding compound miter saw with $25 Concord ferrous metal cutting blade has been an absolute ROCKSTAR cutting steel for a price that is impossible to beat

[@DonHavjuan]

Cut-off wheel, no guard. lol.

[@thebrizzell]

For metal. If youve got a plasma cutter why have other cut tools

[@orangeshell8]

Never use the stone grinding wheel on aluminum they will come apart

[@robeggers5560]

Go to Big Sky tool and buy 4 reconditioned 7 amp Hitachi/Metabo grinders instead of a new dewalt grinder and keep each type of wheel loaded

[@Stephenwp]

With aviation snips, the color of the handle has nothing to do with which hand it should be used in. Red snips, waste material comes off the left. Green snips, waste material comes off the right.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

You're right, but have you tried to bend your wrist in the opposite direction to make a cut? While orientation is not specific, it is often associated with the opposite hand of the direction.

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

The r and gsnips r made to cut r or l and the yellow straight and either direction which I use the most, r and g will cut tighter in the direction they r made to cut

[@melgross]

Metal shears? They are better than any of those others you were using. They cut really cleanly. They’re also fast. Up to 16 ga SS and 14 ga steel. Cut almost anything stiff (no fabric). With a little practice you can cut a perfect straight line or curve. It doesn’t distort the metal unless you hold it at a sideways angle, and that’s just on the edge, easily tapped out. I have an Irontron from Northern Tools. It’s not expensive, and works really well. Most every other portable power tool I have is a DeWalt. Love those! Was wondering why you didn’t use the shears in the beginning. Snips for short stuff and tight angles. Shears for most everything else. But no abrasive saw. Nope. Too much dust - everywhere, and in the air, where you breath in fiberglass and abrasive from the blade. Whatever metal alloy you’re cutting. Nope! Only a carbide saw. Cleaner cut, the metal isn’t hot, and the small metal cuttings go to the floor, not in the air, and your lungs. Love your channel, but there are a few things here and there.

[@joshbaker43]

I have the $20 HF grinder and it has yet to let me down -besides the time I broke the locking mechanism and stuck a hardened Alan Key into it, instead of it unlocking the two nuts, it sheared off and wrecked the gears upon startup...

[@killsalltires156]

love it. you have motivated me to restart my own fab shop. hope to be up and running in next 3 months. Thanks!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

That's awesome! Good luck!

[@goodgog27]

5 to

[@thehonestbigot9341]

using a steel cutoff disc instead of an aluminum disc can be very dangerous as it will clog up and with prolonged use will explode. Same goes for bench grinders, clogs them up almost immediately.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

True, but I rarely use them for aluminum.

[@thehonestbigot9341]

ya, ive done it here and there too, just saying a comment for the less informed might have been warrented

[@10mmfan]

You, my man, are a good teacher and I have learned a lot from all your vids. Keep it up, you have a calling.

[@dee1089]

BFH big fken hammer. lol thought only i called it that!

[@biwawo5579]

Highly recommend the HTP Invertig 221. Has AC and Pulse features you cant get in the Miller unless you buy the 350 and you cant beat the price

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

It's a decent welder for the price. I'm going to jump back on a Dynasty when I buy again. I really miss my Dynasty. Thanks for watching!

[@darkraiden]

RIP headphone users on the grinding and cutting haha

[@rogerh9395]

What?! Sorry can’t hear you…

[@bluesman6955]

The gloves you are wearing are tools of the trade. Can you tell me what model Kinco gloves you prefer?

[@Cblairjr]

I love how much of a Miller/Lincoln fanboy you were back then LOL. Then you discovered Everlast and Fronius. Either way, Everlast is NOT a CHEAP welder lol nor is Fronius

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I just didnt have anything else to display.

[@Cblairjr]

I gotcha! Just going back over all the old stuff trying to see if theres info I may have missed!!!@@TheFabricatorSeries

[@lonewolftech]

Everlast is affordable tbh as is the titanium welders from hf. Dead serious those little titanium harbor freight welders weld!

[@adamralstein6655]

Thanks buddy,stumbled upon this and loving it.im in the beginning stages of metal fabrication, so this really up my alley.regards from Zimbabwe, Africa.

[@hondamanatc4life983]

Man I got a serious question what's the colored debating on which direction they cut how would a color blind person know which ones to use hopefully there some writing left right straight or left and right debating on which direction they cut

[@arthurhuskins910]

very nice video (perhaps now a fronius is a nice way to go / have one at work very nice but i can’t and will not at the moment be able to buy one

[@jamesacker7343]

I know they are not cheat but a lapel remote mike would help a lot..

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I use a mic now. This was shot live from a phone which is a little limited.

[@jolujo5842]

Hey Quipie Doll Head 🤣🤣🤣 Never lift that hair brush ... never

[@shawnfellows5306]

Did you mention a fabric tape? I stopped watching in the first round because of that.

[@derricksowers9074]

Thank you for your service, Joe. We had my grandfather pass away early this year and served in the Air Force, as a pallbearer I felt quite a bit of emotion, but not as much as when that flag was folded directly in front of us all. I messaged some of my active duty friends and told them, Thank You. The best response I got back was, "Thanks for being an American worth fighting for". I will never forget what a great feeling that was to remind them why they do what they do, there are still some Americans left. Can't Thank you enough.

[@timm5970]

your videos are sweet and what not LOL. If they werent id prank call that number on the Your Ad Here sticker on your helmet haha

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Well ifI ever get a prank call in the future, I'll know you didn't like the episode haha.

[@hsaneener9292]

41:52 do you sheila shine or grease or polish it? Vinegar? WD40?

[@douglasalan7786]

How often do you go past 90 ( 100 for springback) . You know what I mean. mine is a 90 and I've only spliced a couple of times (brush guards and a handicap return)

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

It depends on what I am building. I've had jobs where every bend needed to be 122 degrees. Sometimes I never go past 60 on a job.

[@Leon-Servant-of-Christ]

You need a Mic on you, your voice is way too low, while everything else is too loud

[@paulkurilecz4209]

Have you tried using flat tapes? I really like them.

[@willhall7777]

Primeweld 225x is good. Only 800 bucks.

[@lyleleavell6200]

what about using oil with an abrasive wheel on alumim?

[@jdog4534]

I bought a 4 pack of those Milwaukee markers based on your recommendation, i don't really notice much difference. Its definitely not a 6 : 1 difference. Your BFH would be called a single jack on a construction site (eventhough its technically a double jack). A BFH is a 50 lb sledge hammer..

[@johngaltman]

I love the video man, except: You completely left people lost on the piece of equipment that they have to have on them every time they weld... The hood... "Ask your local salesman." was the answer? "What's the best car to drive?"... "Ask your local salesman." Will mean 100% of the time the one that they have in stock...

[@fishhuntadventure]

I have three tape measures that I’d rather not do without- ever. 16’ Stanley Fat Max. Small, not bulky, but very stiff blade. I hate giant-case tapes Lufkin 25’ Self-centering tape measure. Not often used but priceless occasionally. A 6’ or 2-meter cloth seamstress tape. Not on a reel. Very useful doing shapes and round things. Now that I think about it I do have a couple seamstress tapes with retracting reels, but the cloth 3/4” tape is most useful. Just thoughts for a beginner to consider

[@FreakinFreedom]

$10,000 dust pan...

[@break-a-way7685]

Can you make me a dustpan with my wife's name on it I would like to give it to her for Christmas, LOL

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

chad holdener Make it yourself. I won't mess with that.

[@Legosconnection]

I’ll make it, I’ll bring it by Tuesday. Don’t worry I already know her name and address. 👍

[@TheLexiconDevils]

In Australia it used to be mandatory to make a dustpan in your first year shop class. All the skills ... marking out,sheering,bending,soldering,riveting,metal finishing ... I still have mine from 1987

[@eng-tek398]

Beware cutting / grinding non ferrous metals with a composite disks. Most non ferrous materials have a much higher expansion rate than the wheel Portions of the material get lodged in the grain of the wheel and can expand & fracture the wheel while its spinning - bit of fractured wheel can make nasty wounds I did not believe this until it happened to me (in small way)

[@crisscass25]

Midwest snips homie!!! The best ever

[@coreyandnathanielchartier3749]

Newbies please clamp things down before you drill big holes in them. Also allows you to keep both hands on the drill.

[@brianmiller4466]

I prolly should've finished watching the video and you may mention it(DOH!) but i really like using my Dewalt cordless jig saw(with a fine blade ) for cutting a wide variety of stuff. Yeah snips can be brutal but ive been stuck needing some sheet metal cut and snips were the only option money permitted. I 4hink it's worth mentioning using the correct handedness for the job makes a significant difference(so did the nibbler I got later on ). But kits with a righty, lefty and straight for a reasonable price. Your videos rule ! woot! woot!

[@tiaanvanniekerk2329]

why dont you use metric measurement

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Because I wasn't taught metric and I live in a country that insists on not converting. It's kind of the same reason you don't use imperial measurements haha. I know almost all of the world uses metric, and sometimes I do as well, but it's not my native measurement that I can easily reference.

[@constitutionalist4391]

What about sleeves, do you recommend them? 🤣 And what about suntan lotion for those times like when we've seen you with flash burn on your neck and/or arms? 🤣 PS - not trying to bust your chops, I think you're experienced enough to know what type of PPE to use.

[@russellthompson3486]

Is it possible to use a cutting torch on a tig welder and cut with it I’m getting a ac/dc 3in 1 square wave welder ? It’s time to get new equipment but am on a tight budget

[@uncagedperformance2096]

I just started Tig welding and the most frustrating task for me was the ability to operate the foot pedal, while trying to add filler, while trying to maintain consistent speed. Combine all that with someone that has No experience, yeah very stressful lol. I don't think I could have learn as much as I have if I bought a cheapo tig welder. I invested $2800 in my Miller snyrowave 210 and don't regret it one bit. I agree with you, INVEST IN A GOOD MACHINE and practice practice practice. Just welded my first intercooler tubes with no issues. Don't give up if your just beginning.

[@andrewjschutz]

I’m pretty sure WE are the ones who like to do things differently(metric vs standard) ‘Merica 😂

[@djeletropopstarify]

and please address that if some kind of videos come next time that for a angle cutter invest in proper add ons because with steel disk where you cutt aluminum it could explode in your face so it's one more rule for just safety because it's powerful tool but it's also dangerous if it's misuse

[@gsh319]

Funny stuff man....Fragile cup... Your slammin it like a storm door in a hurricane. I`m ok with that, cause, if I start tripping off the line like that, I`m expecting, and I want to see parts and bits flying off the bench!! Isn't that the point man....Great stuff Thanks for all your great videos...

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I actually had to slam it extra hard because I had a flex head on the torch haha. Thanks for watching!

[@rogerh9395]

What kind and thickness of blade do you use for your chop saw as mine takes forever to go through 1” square tubing.

[@CarlosMedina-dn2yj]

People worrying about the camera prolly didn’t even watch the whole vid smh, this is one of the best videos I have ever seen

[@WmSrite-pi8ck]

You think those things might be connected? You can only tolerate so much. Watching this video is like watching a monkey try to fuck a football; it's agony.

[@8du]

guess everyone is limited by there own capabilities

[@justjake3405]

I know you probably womt see this, but i highly reccomend the irwin offset tinsnips over the wiss. They have a thinner jaw and last waaay longer. They also dont rust as easy

[@andygray3414]

What is going on with the camera! Turn off the auto focus....its horrible to watch!

[@gimmieliberty6514]

slitting disks hurt like hell when they blow ,dumping silica in the lung

[@willshoemaker2212]

Maybe throw out there that one reason people don't use grinding wheels on aluminum is that it will actually "clog" the wheel. If you do it long enough without paying attention, the disc can get too hot and explode. I found out the hard way.

[@terrinewman7390]

big f-ing hammer

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Yup!

[@timbuss7840]

The Faibrication Series

[@BTCUTTLASS]

thank you hahaha (my OCD took way over)

[@Elver_Galarga_jugo]

Just wondering, what ever happened to the civic So aero videos? Been looking for them but can't find em

[@parabellum1130]

we referred those large pointy pieces as tuna hooks , when making duct work ... my hands flaunt many scars from them

[@markrich3271]

The Fabrication Series 1.05:35 You said do not buy a cheap welder. You used Lincoln and Miller at the time of this taping and said those are the only 2 you would recommend. Now you Own a few Everlast , thats allot cheaper than the competition. I grew up using only miller and Lincoln and own a Everlast power tig EX250. Ive been very happy with the Everlast brand. How about you?

[@evolati12]

Yeah he’s really pushed his 255 EXT Everlast, saying if I’m not mistaken one of his favorites? And the AHP 201XD has been pushed a a good welder and you can pick that up new right now for $720 I believe. So either he’s taking the money from these brands to lie to us or over the past three years he’s changed his stance on welders he’d “recommend”. I’d really like to believe it’s the second one.

[@mikeeagle2653]

Yellow are straight cut snipes. There not called any direction. Lol 😂

[@je-fq7ve]

Need a shot filled hammer also know as a deadblow hammer. It will retire some of your other hammers.

[@gibranmanzo8178]

We use metric in mexico

[@willmechling2537]

No stick welding makes me sad :( ...But, I'm old

[@casperthespottydog]

BIG FUCKING HAMMER...........best tool in the box

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Yup!

[@leenux1707]

hammer and grinder !

[@JackstandJohnny]

WHAT???!!! My dude is into Subarus?! Fuck yeah. I like this channel even more now.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I build them all. If it shows up - I build it.

[@csorrows]

RIP camera man.

[@simraceuk8504]

I prefer to use a grinder safely with a guard fitted

[@ScottysDetailing]

Love your videos but your camera work on this one sucks!👎

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

It was a live stream that I wasn't willing to stop while people from all over the world were watching. The show must go on.

[@jdog4534]

Nice video .. fyi, that square that does 90° & 45° is called a combo or combination square. That other one is a framing square. The carpenter's square you mentioned is a speed square. ..and thanks for keeping it real with the guard off the grinder. I've never used a grinder with a guard on it. Idk how people do it for any kind of detail work. Evolution makes a decent metal cutting saw on the cheap

[@friendlyengineering6096]

Please use a brass hammer when hitting hardened steel. This will reduce the likelihood of the hardened steel shattering or sending off a sliver. I have a nice scar from impaled sliver because I used a hard hammer on hardened steel. Noticed it when the wound stayed black and a magnet would pull my skin out :)

[@WildmanTech]

I have got to get one of those tube benders!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

It's a great bender that willget you quite far. Definitely worth the money.

[@drjimjam1112]

Such an amazing series! You’re channel and Active Self Protection, I think are the best on ut. Watching your series is like having your own personal fabrication teacher!! Couldn’t thank you and your team enough for all of your magnificent work!

[@caddyguy5369]

@1:07:30 ish, That's how it's done? I've been learning to weld all wrong! :-) Enjoying the videos, very informative.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks for watching!

[@action76news]

You cut the tungsten 10 packs into 3's right?

[@Claws54]

I love you

[@jeffinillinois]

A good hole saw? Tried so many brands; either the teeth shear off, they go dull or are so out of round they make holes bigger than necessary. Tried DeWalt, Milwaukee, Mikita and several others. (Trust me, I went through piles of them!) and so far, they're all pretty bad. Just trying to notch some fishmouths into DOM tubing or holes into .25" plate.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I use Milwaukee the most. If you keep destroying them, try adjusting your feed and speed during the cut. Slower speed and steady pressure (enough to get a good bite and clear the chips without serious force) will make it last a while. A good lubricant helps as well, but is not necessary if feed and speed is on point.

[@lonewolftech]

Milwaukee makes the best ones that aren’t carbide toothed. Otherwise oook into annular cutters.

[@paulrovira873]

Hey don’t you use PrimeWeld’s welders

[@montneymon-ta-knee6810]

I could of gotten you a lath yest they sold on at the state auction

[@langsbr]

2 questions - 1. You mention the difference between a pipe and tube bender, jet JD2 lists the model 3 as a tube/pipe bender. Does that just mean it can also bend pipe, but is made for tube? 2. Do you only use an abrasive disc chop saw? I'm about to purchase a saw and I thought that a cold cut saw would work better. Do you not use a cold cut saw at all?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

The die profile is the primary difference between tube and pipe bending. JD2 offers both die styles for tube or pipe. Other differences include the process to bend. Pipe usually crushes tube from the center of the bend while tube will draw around a die. Check out Tube Bending Basics for more details. I have a horizontal band saw as shown in this video which makes cold cuts. Since virtually all the cutting work can be done with the tools I have on hand, I have no need for the round/chop cold saw. It's an unnecessary expense for me, but a nice tool to own of you do a lot of production work where less post cleanup is desired. The same can be achieved with my horizontal band saw.

[@throughmylens5127]

I have a Makita cold saw best money I have spent fast and will pay for itself before the first blade needs changing out

[@Epiphalactic]

I like the little nibblers for sheet metal.

[@mikeaguilar7648]

For cordless tools I prefer Ryobi. The DeWalt stuff I used in both construction and auto work broke or didn't have the strength to do the job. I never had a problem with my Ryobi stuff. Ten years construction and auto repair (at the same time) and never a single problem. Plus half the price.

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

Neither have a chuck decent to drill metal those chucks will not hold bits in heavier steel need a keyed chuck to tighten enough

[@lonewolftech]

Milwaukee or nothing

[@lloydfranks1357]

Meth is bad un less you need a dust pan!🎩📳🏁

[@koshjosak]

Where oh where did you get that collapsible chop saw stand? Or is that home made?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

The stand is made by DeWalt Tools. I built the adapter for the chop saw to sit on it.

[@indy007jones]

Love your channel, I'm building a custom truck in my garage and when it comes to cutting I'm always having a problem which cutting method I should use. Have you tried using metal cut off saw/miter saw blade for metal They are pretty expensive. Before I buy what is your opinion.By the way I also live in Vegas.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

You should swing by the shop some time and check it out. I can even give you a quick demo of some of the tools here if you need. I primarily use an abrasive blade for the chop saw. I have used carbide metal blades in the past, butthespeed of the saw was always more than the blade was rated for, so it went dull quickly. I also use my band saw frequently when I need clean and quick cuts with less cleanup.

[@christopherress6635]

+The Fabrication Series I use a router speed adjustor (basically a voltage regulator) to turn down the speed of the saw for blades designed to run at slower speeds.

[@cyberblade6669]

Tip for tool buyers home depo has a clearance and discount section on there website

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Right on.

[@montneymon-ta-knee6810]

they have been saleing lathe mills the last 3 mths

[@johnnyd1678]

I enjoy the videos and I really dig the explanations you give as your going through them. Sometimes its hard to hear when you're moving around though. Hope you can come across a separate, dedicated mic soon. best of luck in your new shop!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I'm very close to investing in some very good equipment for the series. I'm working with sound engineers to come up with a good solution for the video/audio issues we go through in order to find a long lasting setup that doesn't destroy my wallet.

[@pammotorsport9743]

Should have talked about vices.

[@KyleGraham92]

how did that flex head torch like the unbreakable tig cup bashing lol

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

It didn't seem to mind haha

[@kyleroethle8835]

Check out a product called the TIG Finger. Awesome product!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I know the product. Maybe one day I'll grab one.

[@dustincribb8616]

Wish I could order custom a arms

[@dekebell3307]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@FirstStudios1]

101 focus

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Technical difficulties. Couldn't do much about it since it was live. It gets corrected within the first few minutes.

[@jameswatson1791]

Gary Plumley of

[@aaronimpactnz]

Are you able to grind the weld so it's more smooth/tidy?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

As long as it maintains its structure it can be done in most cases

[@bennett12349]

What kinda Tig cup were you using toward the end making the dust pan.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

That is the Unbreakable TIG Cup from Superior Welding. Check out the demo of it a few minutes before I switched it (this video). It's a fantastic tool.

[@superiorwelding]

Dustin, the Unbreakable TIG cup should be available in the coming weeks. We are working on our first batch to release to the public as we speak. Follow my Instagram page, @superiorwelding, for its official release. And thanks again to Justin for featuring it on the show!

[@manuelsalazar2290]

quick question for JOE the Marine was he with CLB-15

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I'll see if I can get in tough with him and ask. I think he is out of the country now.

[@manuelsalazar2290]

Nice... Thanks I think I was on deployment with him back in 08 I think... if it is him he's a cool person and had pictures of us swimming in the clear blue waters of Kuwait. But some asshole stole my backpack with memory of all my pics and a laptop. Any who he's a awesome person to know and if it is him I would like to get his contact info.

[@richardablackaby1085]

I enjoyed watching this . I for one have already bought some cheap welders but I do have a Miller also .Thanks for the great information, like Arnold I'll be back !