420. The BEST tip for CAKED-ON hard RUST removal

[@ruaidhrikathygill8833]

Three cheers to the people that suggested you use a hammer. Really progressing along. Love the story about your mother not letting you in 🤣😂😅 For me I am not worried about a reply. I have no skill set to offer you, just cheering you on and enjoying every video you put out. You mentioned the ads yesterday, they are so short they aren’t a bother. Take care. Great work James! 😊🤗 Kathy

[@knutarneaakra6013]

Single headed daddy you are my hero. Knowing myselfe all problems of divorce . Just thinking it is so hard to go forward living our lives. GREAT VLOG THANKS Mate .All the best from Norway.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Divorce Schmivorce - one day at a time mate but having something to get stuck into will help occupy the mind It’s all about today and tomorrow

[@JohnWick-o6b6f]

I learn something new almost everytime I watch your videos. The reason I started watching your videos was the first time I saw you. I told my wife why is my brother in law in England building a narrowboat. I swear he looks just like you.

[@ruthscott5166]

Your little hearts are appreciated, James. Thanks for including us on Project 58⚓

[@stephenbowker824]

Shiny metal is not the best surface for painting the surface should have an amplitude that consists of peaks and troughs of a couple of microns deep. Best grit blast 2nd best needle gun 3rd hammering with a welder’s chipping hammer which has a pointed end. 👍🖐

[@johnmccann1960]

James you have accomplished so much in such a short time. I am loving watching the continued progress of project 58 and admire your work ethic and attention to detail. Keep going, have faith in yourself because we all know this is going to be an amazing home for you & your family. Stay safe.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thanks pal - I’m happy with how it’s going and glad you’re enjoying the vids

[@DIYGUY1-2-3]

Cleaned up nicely James. Check those screw in skin tank nipple fittings they always corrode on the threads as the threads are not galvanised, screw new ones in with hemp and stag, available at any good plumbers supplier. Are you repacking the stern gland while the engines out, would be easier now. Fit a water trap before the diesel filter too. Preventative maintenance will be cheaper. Welders chipping hammer may work on the rust in the tight corners too... Cheers🍻🔨

[@ssliberte]

I love following your fast progress. What a lot of work to do without putting up daily viogs. Much appreciated.

[@tomthumb6824]

Something i must say James that we do when working on our restorations is we plug holes of non removable pipes and bearings with rags or long ways sliced rubber tube with tape over end to prevent dust or paint getting inside pipes or bearing seals which will damage them.

[@clintromine802]

You need an air powered needle scaler

[@colingibson3921]

Your a grafter that's for sure. I understand that you have had plenty of tips etc. Personally I would have started with a needle gun with a large vacuum and run them together. Having experience with doing the same kind of task. There is only one way to completely removed your problem,and that's to sand blast. Yes I totally understand price and inconvenience coupled with bulky equipment ,tenting etc. But it would have been a one shot deal for long term care of a really difficult place to clean. Now with the rathers out of the way. Hats off to you. You really are a grafter.

[@GlosterSA]

A chipping Hammer with replaceable combs works wonders on rust and metalscale the combs will break up the thick rust and cause it to flake off in large chunks we used those in the merchant navy to chip thick deck paint prior to repainting.

[@stevearchtoe7039]

I like that after watching you for a few years you have gained a lot of knowledge about Narrowboats and restoring them that it’s like you’re an expert now. Awesome. Perhaps your career could be what you’re doing now then reselling them all made up? Lotsa dry between drinks of water but the oasis might be quite deep, seeing what Narrowboat prices are right now.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I’m thinking that way too

[@greghilton7797]

Thank god for the community. This is where you shine James with all the experts chipping in. Its a testament to how much you are appreciated. I wish I knew about the hammering technique 30 years ago. Your right back on track with an excellent job. Power to you mate. Cheers

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Agree totally Such a great tip and to be able to put it use straight away to improve the outcome of a task is great and grows my confidence that the work in the engine bay is as good as I can realistically get it

[@weerwolfproductions]

Have you put any thoughts in putting in two Pullman dinettes, at the stern and next to the kitchen? With a drop down bunk bed above it, it could sleep 3 kids when they're with you, or yourself's permanent bed when you're alone. Then the second dinette next to the kitchen could be additional sleeping for yourself if needed, or even if you got the entire full house, make a pull-out sofa in the lounge area as well, so you can easily sleep 6 or even 7.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Haven’t thought of 2 pullmans but considering maybe just one

[@weerwolfproductions]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt A pullman dinette at the back would allow the kids to sit there during the day while you're cruising, convert to a bed at night. Or be your permanent bed when you're alone. There's no law stating you can't have two pullman dinettes on one boat :-). For the layout it seems more logical than bunkbeds in that space.

[@dalejones4184]

That’s a good idea @weerwolfproductions that way the area has two uses instead of just one, especially as the children will not be there.

[@gareysherrod3886]

Greetings James, cracking on with renovation be well mate. TTFN

[@wakaafloat3487]

Hi James, the hammer trick is a good one and works, but to go one step further for only a few quid you can buy a chipping hammer which would make the job go faster. Just a thought.

[@marklatham4333]

Hello James, Regarding facemasks you may struggle getting a 'facefit' due to facial hair. I am a maintenance engineer and sometimes work with some nasty chemicals or in horrible enviroments. My employer's alternative is air feed face hood. We use Sunstrom SR500. abit ££££ tho. Keep up the goodwork. Your doing an amazing job

[@Bee-ih5uy]

Love this acknowledgment to the community, and I agree with comments below - you are such a hard worker, you're going to do this boat proud!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

That’s really what I want to achieve. People who know their stuff here have commented about just how good this boat is and now the vetus works I really want to push things to make this boat quite something. Anyway - that’s my plan at the moment

[@Bee-ih5uy]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt Well, "Sloe Patrol" became a wonderful example of your stick-to-it-iveness, so I have no doubt that your plan will succeed!

[@beverleybutler7685]

That engine bay looks super smart, well done wi yur hard graft!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

It better do once the paint is down

[@RetroBytesUK]

It's great to see the engine bay making so much progress. You mentioned PPE, I know you are think mostly about masks and eye protection. Have you given any thoughts to knee pads ? As constantly kneeling on hard surfaces can really mess your knees up. My cousin ended up having to have numerous knee surgeries, as he was an electrian and was constantly on his knees with no pads. Caused his some significant problems.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah I have knee pads too - I have been using them

[@garyholland5463]

Hi James, a needle gun would be the best and quickest way however try a welders chipping hammer it's a more focused tool for tight places. Love the vlog regards Gary.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Hoping not to find any more big chunks although I have the baseplate to do still though

[@garyholland5463]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt Hi James. all in all I think you have a peach of a boat. Unbelievable good luck with the engine, you should try the Lottery tonight lol

[@benabusthethird9751]

For the degreaser, you can use a pesticide sprayer to get a nice layer all over without using tons at a time

[@billyslide7645]

I was thinking you could write a song, “Coal miners brother”, based on some of those images. Glad you’re past the grindy bits. I thought about needle guns for you, but the only ones I know of are pneumatic and didn’t know about air compressors and the like. The hammer trick seems to work just as we, thanks for that tip. 40 micron is just under half a mm, at .04 mm, which seems damn thick for a liquid. I suppose you could mark a toothpick and use it as a gauge, but I wouldn’t bother, who has the time. The amount of prep you’ve done in this space should make the difference. Well done friend

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I bloody hope once the paint is down it shows the effort

[@billyslide7645]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt You’ll know the effort. You’ll know it when it lasts a long time, I’m sure of it.

[@TheGmodUser]

I dont know if you mentioned it, but a needlehammer exists for knocking rust, its the same as with the hammer, just quicker.

[@janeingram7331]

You do work hard, James. You never seem to stop. You deserve a beautiful narrow boat. Jane, Philadelphia

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

That’s what I’m aiming for

[@catherine3902]

Superman James!😊 What you are doing is incredible especially single handedly. Well done you! You must be feeling a sense of accomplishment already, and your parents and family must be so very proud of you. Thank you for sharing 😊😊😊

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I think they’d prefer me to get a proper job but I’m loving this - and excited to see what this boat can become

[@anthonywillis7613]

Hi James . Great job on this project just like sloe patrol and all I have seen you do. You are a hero and I know this was said by others but my god it's a bloody fact.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Not sure about that pal but I’m enjoying what I’m doing and hoping that my learnings so far will stand me in good stead for this craft

[@kevinmartin3859]

That was great idea someone give you for the rust similer idea for jackhammers on roads well done

[@phenogen8125]

Glad you took the advice from several of us. I would invest in a wedge-pointed Chipping Hammer (not welders hammer) as the small point contact can reach into pits. With use (I had months worth then used for surveying assessments later in career) one gets more accurate and the sound gives clear indication of scale as well as steel thickness and structural cracks and weld faults and its always better to be forewarned of facilitating preventative maintenance rather than suffer catastrophic hindsight-flavoured more expensive and inconvenient events. Some difficult to reach areas can be accessed with a long chisel struck with (flat faced) hammer or bite the bullet and access the needle gun available on site while so readily on hand. The roof I would over plate the whole width so it would not only look aesthetic but like inherent design; adding strength and rigidity around a door penetration and also quicker and easier to execute. Patches unless done really well always look like patches. Forget the non-event and concentrate your time on your boat; that excuse does not float.

[@delukxy]

+1 for using a chipping hammer. Have spent countless hours chipping rust when I was in the merchant navy many years ago I know that is the tool for the job. Use ear defenders!!!!

[@tomthumb6824]

You're getting through it James, I've followed your build from day one on your first boat. You've come a long way with your skills to this day Well done.

[@Wasagoodyear-qf8wj]

A good quality welders chipping hammer would be ideal for getting in the corners and seams to bash off rust. Needle descaler guns are very good, but would be deafening inside a boat and require power or compressed air which is extra cost. They also vibrate a lot which ruins your hands/fingers, especially when it's cold. A good old chipping hammer is the way to go on a boat with good steel, not so good on thin rusted or weak steel though.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah don’t like the sound of that - also needed access to air compressor which is a faff here

[@munnibloke8766]

Four and half inch grinder , 40 grit 3m sanding pads , back to bright steel , then treat with protection, or the same will reoccur, failing that , shotblast back to clean steel , only way to be sure it's sealed , only my opinion tho , as a steel fabber 👍🏼 Crack on James, loving the daily vids

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Tricky in some spots with that tool. Shot blast would just fill the bay with sediment needed to be hoovered out - I think needle gun would be the best tool but thankfully I’m done in there Oooh steel fabber - do you make doors and or window bars for narrowboats ???

[@versatec1]

I used the hammer setting on my drill and a flat sds chisel....worked perfect.. 👍

[@mmpointy]

Good work James!

[@fredrikenglin907]

Quicker way to degreese steal before painting or rustproofing is to use paint-thinner on a rug to clean the surface with... Then you dont have to wait so long for it to be dry.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Rob suggested that but I was told to go for a heavier duty ??? degreaser

[@MB-PAT-Solutions]

Really enjoying the series 👍🏼

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

That is very good news 👍🏼

[@misamsung6191]

One trick that some used when I was in the military to seal their gas masks around their faces was to put Vaseline on the edges of the gas mask. It would make a better seal particularly for the members with beards. BUT then they weren't doing hard graft as you are. Project 58 coming along swimmingly but being that you are going to do a full reno on the inside have you considered moving the galley to where the bedroom is?

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I’m pretty sure that using a gas mask in a military setting is hard graft - far harder than mucking about on a boat in Watford !! Good tip re - Vaseline though Considering new designs all the time

[@delukxy]

Use a dustpan and brush to pick up most of the rust first. Your vac will thank you for it and last much longer.

[@andrewbowyer7237]

You may find a chipping hammer like those used by welders would be helpful.

[@rickonnye2001]

Great rust removing method 😊I have used that method on many a rusty Land Rover chassis 😊nice video 😊thank you 😊

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yep it’s a good one to know Thanks for the plethora of emojis

[@davidpierce4129]

Hey James, Have you thought about pouring clear resin in the bottoms of the compartments? It seems that it would seal better and if it did start rusting you would get a visual and take appropriate action .You are doing an excellent job ! if you did the epoxy I would seal around the edges with silicone as well.Take care and keep cracking on. David

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I had thought that - covering the whole area in surfboard epoxy but it would probably crack under vibration - not sure but don’t think it’s the done thing

[@Elle-kr8od]

Good to know the importance of the ads for your revenue. Dresses, bras, deodorant, mascara--but thankfully no more gun holsters--so easy going.

[@Acapulc941]

I wish I had any knowledge about this hard work you are doing, but I don't. However I do marvel at how knowledgeable some followers are. To me, this hammering solution seems genius. Well done. It is all looking better and better. Leigh

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah my gang know their onions

[@user-br2bf1hl6n]

Enjoying your progress James. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes, Deb

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Cheers bob Appreciated

[@NarrowboatJophina2]

You’re making a cracking effort with the engine bay. It’s gonna look awesome when it’s painted. Loving the new vlogs. Keep up the awesome work matey. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I’m hoping the hard work will pay off when the paint goes down. Glad you’re liking the vlogs

[@alistairmoffat1307]

This is great stuff. I am watching this and feel a sense of achievement just watching that engine bay look all sparkly and new and your doing all the work!!....lol. Keep going mate and thanks for sharing. Alistair M.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thanks Alistair - I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos and I’m hoping the engine bay will look pretty good after the painting

[@garyneilson1833]

Great progress James

[@Matthias9319]

Well worth a few hammer blasts James, I've been at it to today on a Dutch transport ship. Good to see the progress mate.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Kills the arms doesn’t it

[@davidsedlickas8222]

With a cruiser stern boat rain loves it, trying to make a pond. Rain off the roof drops onto gun-whale and makes its way into the bilge. So what can be done ? A simple weld 6/8mm steel bar across a gun-whale at deck points deflecting water into the canal. If when boats were constructed the inside hull was treated properly then boaters would have died and gone to heaven at perfection.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

That’s a good call

[@chrisrand5185]

That's funny, I watched a video this morning of the blue widebeam starting its journey, leaving my friends farm in Essex.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah apparently had been on a farm for a while - lovely boat that was. Small world huh

[@leejentaylor6195]

'If I'm to be honest, I have now clue"...LMAO

[@Sterlingsabre28]

Much better get that rust off. Welders chipping hammer work well in corners and when you’re hand starts to ache. Great job I could see the thick scale in your other video. Well done Chris

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah me too looking back - glad it’s mostly all gone

[@Roller-Ball]

WOW at this pace you will be finished by the end of the month. Then looking for the next project.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Crick boat show at the end of this month, maybe the next

[@MartynDuerden]

40µ= 0.04mm 40microns is very very little 60-200micron is the typical thickness of the paint on most modern cars as an example.

[@skysurferuk]

Rust. Steel - if it's not (chrome type) shiny, it's still rust. Wire wheels of any type only shines the rust. Grinding/needle gun & the hammer are your best options, but be aware, a needle gun will kill your ears & sanity. Then paint with some form of rust converter.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Totally agree - hence this approach. I’ve watched plenty of people polishing rust here on their boats instead of chipping it off

[@ramseybarber8312]

James be careful using car type degreaser as it can explode if you do any flames like cutting or welding ,they do a Marine grade which is safer as it does not contain any type of explosive liquids , Magnus of { Life In A Nutshell } used car type to clean the bilge and a week later used a blow lamp to solder a pipe and it caused a huge explosion doors were blown off splitting the frame ,cupboards blown open and he ended up in hostpital for a Week.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Holy moly - that’s scary !! Good to know

[@fartbag22]

Probably water based like everything else is now.

[@Bee-ih5uy]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt This is a GREAT public service announcement - look for the video titled '"Why did our boat explode?" on their channel....it's horrific. The actual damage was in vid # 191 I think....he's lucky to be alive!

[@suecox2308]

I get that you need to be confident in the strength and thickness of the steel you're bashing, but what an amazing result!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Isn’t it just - tiring to do but also quite fun

[@paulwilliams8725]

Great stuff👍

[@bradleybolton3843]

Another great vlog mate. So impressed with how you are doing. Engine bay looks very good.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah I’m hoping the hard work will pay off with the paint

[@bchdsailor]

Compressor and a needle hammer is p'fect to battle rust

[@misspnaylor]

Hi James, there’s one more thing I meant to mention, some men also shave off their beard so they get a better seal around their face. Just a thought.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah heard that too

[@Cat-ni6fm]

The adverts are actually quite funny. Lots of bras for sale. They all appear to be miracle workers. Ha ha! While the ads run I have plenty of time to read all the comments.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Bras. Mmmm weird

[@mandycoleman1394]

I try to leave a comment every time, don’t expect a reply all the time but appreciate it when you do ! Your doing brilliantly James. Do you have the buy me a coffee thing !? X

[@mandycoleman1394]

@@IDKline thank you 😊

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Hey you - I love your comments - never fail. Thanks me dear - hope alls good

[@TheQuadman200]

You are doing a great job well done

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thank you

[@deliawood1]

Hi , just a thought do you think a welders hammer will help you get into the tight corners. Great job.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Apparently so

[@theemporersnewclothes]

Prior planing prevents piss poor painting . 6 ps ,years of naval painting recommend the needlegun

[@darrenraymond5334]

another great job love it.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thanks

[@barryhayes3328]

Just asking if anyone Local can spare some time to give James a little help, I would but I’m retired in Spain 😢 but I’m sure there’s someone nearby to help ❤

[@Bessdohome]

What you really need for cleaning the metal is a needle gun. It would have made short work of getting the flaking rust free.

[@jackmason4374]

Brick hammer would be good for tight spots 👍

[@paulkornegay]

Has anyone mentioned a needle scaler and an air compressor? You could benefit from one.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah - I could have hired one

[@TheArmchairracer]

Hi James. Could eat your dinner off that floor. Did you get my last message about Sean's boxes ?

[@Chappers.Gaming]

I think you can buy power tools that Hammer for you for this job

[@clayton6572]

Hello James loving the videos lately and how long it takes to edit and stuff Will it not be easier record the video and then instead of 15-20 minute videos could you not so 40 up to a hour video instead and then post it on a weekend or something only a suggestion

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Nah I prefer it like this - record as well as I can and edit less. Do it bit by bit on breaks and keep going

[@clayton6572]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt no worries mate

[@knutarneaakra6013]

Ps elektrik needle tool is so good remowing rust on steel plating.just tip.

[@davidrussell7837]

Good work! ( thankless work tho’) . Who’s the topless neighbour 😉😂😂👍

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Just a bit of “eye candy” for you there…..welcome

[@sarkybugger5009]

Sometimes, violence is the only option, James. 😄 I hope you were wearing earplugs. All the best, mate.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I had good ear defenders on. Yep violence in this case worked

[@hughdanaher2758]

Electric palm hammer

[@travishyland9921]

james get a needle scaler

[@1258-Eckhart]

40 microns is 40 thousandths of a millimetre. Imagine a one millimetre caliper opening with 1000 foil sheets stuck into it, then withdraw 960 of them. What's left is as a coating SUPERTHIN.

[@RetireMentalityChallenged]

70 to 180 μm - thickness of paper. So 40 is pretty thin. A film I guess?

[@tonyfaulkner7309]

Great job on the engine bay, you only have the rest boat to do 😂

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Tell me about it

[@ebikehacker]

Look class

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

goiod vid thanks lee

[@wsatnutter9674]

great shift

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Tell that to my arms

[@sircaptainchaos2388]

you will find it easy if you use a electric breaker chisel and not a hammer you will get 1000 blows instead of a few

[@GaryB007]

A hammer is the answer to many problems.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yep - can’t beat a whack

[@sw48093]

👍👍

[@clintromine802]

40 Microns = very freakin thin lol

[@rbrtcrowther]

Most masks will have some literature about facial hair and the seal. The best ones are made by 3M .

[@jimm7165]

If you think that hammer method for rust removal is good. You gotta try a needle gun/needle scaler. Oh, baby.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I’ve heard it’s a delightful tool to use all day

[@jimm7165]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt Ha ha ha. Subtle it isn't.

[@frasermetcalfe7032]

That degreaser you are wasting is not for ultra clean engine bays like yours .it is for use on oily engine bays.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Oh ok - good to know it’s ultra clean

[@knutarneaakra6013]

Pardon my bad english. You try write in norwegian.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

@@IDKline show off

[@Dore60]

👍

[@leslieschramm6252]

40 microns is about half the thickness of a human hair. Or about half the thickness of a sheet of cheap copier paper.

[@barryansell5981]

the rust: Have you tried a product called POR-15 . check it out. you`ll be well pleased.

[@trevornelmes9331]

Mate, if they say they are coming on Monday, they will. Bank Holidays mean nothing to those guys.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Surely they’ve all had Saturday off to pay their allegiance to the King

[@trevornelmes9331]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt 😂😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣

[@roberthillyard4234]

that need sand blasting

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Wouldn’t work - fill the bay with sand and constantly needing to vac out

[@_Tiamat_.]

💜💙💚