Machining a tool I invented?

[@harlech2]

I like this. One tip for heat treating is leave your parts slightly over-size then afterwards, grind them in. This gives a bit of extra meat to avoid warping and cracking plus gets rid of the decarb that forms at the surface. Another tip, avoid 90 degree inside corners like the plague. Put a radius on it, even a tiny one! This will exponentially decrease the likelihood of a stress-riser induced crack because of a corner.

[@felurianmasters4369]

Here i thought you was just a welder, then I come to find out your not only a machinist to, you also basically have a full shop. Kudos to you, and well done. I enjoyed this thoroughly.

[@carramba86h77]

Great tip with the cut in half pipe. I like how this community helps each other. For every hater their are 2 who want you to succeed. Great video as always!

[@4doorsupra153]

I'm taking machining in college right now and it's so awesome to see people making their own tools/inventing new things and it inspires me to do better! Great work 💪

[@mattspevak7944]

That bandsaw half circle clamping action is legit. Thanks for sharing his channel too!

[@joell439]

Another way to measure the slot is to use an adjustable parallel and then measure the OD of the parallel. Tom’s Techniques is an awesome channel. I wish he would post more. I continue to be blown away with the high quality content of your videos. Such a pleasure to watch you work. 👍👍😎👍👍

[@westweld]

Thanks Joel I apperciate that man

[@kevinlannon5354]

I cannot describe how much I enjoy your content. Educational, excellent production quality, great cinematography, digging the music.... what else can I ask for?? Please keep them coming!

[@westweld]

Thanks man!

[@TimothyDyck]

This is fire! Love the project and the editing on this video! Look forward to seeing more of your projects!

[@westweld]

Thanks Tim! I take notes when I watch your videos I really appreciate the time you must put in, all the camera angles great music choices I just don't know how you can put so much content out. I have a hard time with one a month.

[@timothyschumann]

Dude, I just realized I wasn't subscribed to your channel. INJUSTICE CORRECTED!

[@roadshowautosports]

Well, let me add you to my hated professionals list! LOL brother, you’re awesome!!! The whole 0.468” got me going, and the ball turner it’s such a simple but improved idea! Your kindness towards us, making sure we understand every step you take, and towards people, who also helped you, by mentioning their channels and crediting them for their kindness it’s commendable but, what really showed integrity and honesty was the fact you’re just a few videos up, already got an sponsor offering you a welding machine and your only request was to be able to give it to your subscribers, Wow! How many content creators would do that? You’re a greater person than most and humble enough to admit that you’re still learning! Wish you all the success! Thank you for sharing your adventures up and quest for perfection!

[@cogentdynamics]

Video editing so good I can’t hardly watch what you are actually watching. I’ll have to watch it over again and again. Thank you.

[@tgoregon]

Thank you for putting so much time into making this such beautifully made video! I loved the filming, music and editing. Oh, and the project is very cool too! Tom

[@westweld]

Thanks Tom I appreciate that

[@mattsadventureswithart5764]

I love over-engineered things which are made that way just because the person making them could do that. Bravo!

[@robertbutler8004]

There are way too many KZbinrs that do not give credit to others that have suggested ways to improve various jobs it is good to see KZbinrs that give credit where credit is due and you are one of them..

[@Mike-ff7ib]

Your editing and music selection is one of the best I've seen on youtube. Its a joy to watch your videos from start to finish.

[@westweld]

Thanks Man!

[@beauhaubruge2946]

Awesome video! I found it this morning and showed it to my welding & fabrication students. So glad guys like you are publishing fabrication videos like these. Thank you so much!

[@westweld]

Thanks!.....I hope this old tony is a required watching too

[@American.Divergent]

That is one wicked wire cutter! I was banned from social media two yrs ago and just came across your channel again. You’ve definitely taken machining up a notch 👍🏼

[@migalito1955]

Very nice. Forty years ago I did business with a Miscellaneous Iron shop that was a one man show. Noah was actually a sculpturer that built stairs and handrails to earn a living. I always thought his work was exceptional until I have been watching your craftsmanship which has left Noah in your dust.

[@terryallemann2654]

As a tool maker for 40 years you did a very nice job looks like you have a real nice shop that is a nice boring head looks like a Wohlhaupter that is in beautiful shape.

[@carlwhite8225]

New guy here, I have been looking for this video for almost a year. My buddy told me about it but could not remember the channel but alas, I found it by accident. Awesome.

[@westweld]

You should have asked me I would have told you where it was 😉. It's a cool tool not that practical to make but I use it all the time for welding at the bench

[@fasteddie4107]

Nice video and great works. I have never seen such a fine, precise, functional boring tool. Great final product. Thanks for sharing this.

[@westweld]

Thanks!......its a German made wohlhaupter automatic boring head

[@RDAUGIRD]

Super nice. I'm sure Tom would be proud.

[@wrstew1272]

Tom is wicked smart when it comes to tooling and fabrication. You have a pretty awesome shop from the toys that I see! AND know how to use them also. Would love to see that YES show up in the big brown truck in the near future! What a great giveaway, you are doing a fantastic present for your viewing followers, good on ya. Was wondering how that tool would function, glad that I saw the notification that shows it in use.

[@jeffpitzer8521]

Tom Lipton's book, " Metalworking Sink or Swim" is an invaluable resource for any fabricator or machinists library! I think you can still order it through MSC.

[@westweld]

@@jeffpitzer8521 I had forgotten that he had a book ill have to look into it

[@blainethompson6583]

your welding table caught my eye but i think i found a new favorite youtube channel. so much for getting anything done today. haha

[@zerk773]

I watch a ton of KZbin with lots of welding and machining content, and this video is one of the best! Great job and creative solution!

[@westweld]

Thanks man I enjoy making them wish I had time to make more

[@Charles-tj8ol]

There’s no words to adequately convey the impressiveness of your craftsmanship. I’m blown away. Your depth and breadth of knowledge of tools and processes is pretty astounding and it makes for a very pleasant viewing experience. Not to mention all the effort and time that goes into setting up your camera(s) and tripod(s) to get such quality images and videos. Great idea for a tool and even better execution. Did you consider some type of receptacle on the backside to catch all the cutoffs? Maybe incorporate magnets in some manner. That way you are saving the time of cleaning up various wire scraps from your workspace.

[@westweld]

Thanks Charles.... I might end up making something to catch all the clippings the magnet is a good idea

[@trevorjarvis3050]

Brother, you have an excellent channel here. Great visual depiction of techniques, not a lot jabber, gives credit where credit is due…. And gives back to his viewers. Well done, Sir.

[@westweld]

Thanks Trevor I appreciate that man

[@Raul28153]

Love your ball turner! I may modify mine like that. I built mine with opposing tapered bearings from a nissan transmission and a very large arm. Turns out I really didn't need the huge moment arm on the handle. Try a mister and use the n on-toxic synthetic fluid. I tried one for a lark $10 or $12 mister from alibaba. I was shocked. I can up my speeds and feeds and I get way better finishes. I dial the amount of fluid down to nearly nothing and run about 35 to 40 psi the air blows the chips away so I'm not recutting them improving my finishes enormously. About heat treating. I made a punch and die set for a production run. I spent hours on it. Then into the oven and onto the bench. The steel was A6. So after it came out of the oven I set it on the bench and went home at the end of the day. Hey was air quenching steel I was good. In the morning I had three pieces of steel where before I had a nice 6" square by 1" thick die. Never let your work go without going to the tempering oven as soon as you can.

[@AWAradiola]

Magnificent workmanship - I can see many many hours in your home made tooling - and many more in set ups, clean ups and trials. Well done.

[@yuppiegaming1199]

This is the first video I have watch from you. I enjoy the build of this tool! I have subscribed to to you boss man!

[@xdboardsurfer]

KZbin: Would you like a master class in precision machined overkill? ME: Yes. Yes I would.

[@hasletjoe5984]

Absolutely Fantastic! A privilege to view.

[@Vinlaell]

Way to go,I watched a lot of machining but this is an artfully well done of a video

[@robgershman3886]

I love your videos. Very talented in front and behind the camera. Hope you keep pumping them out

[@robertteller5436]

I have learned so much just by watching your site! I only run a small shop but your site has helped me so much!

[@coupebuilder]

Nice work, I follow you on Reddit and saw the latest post. Reminds me of something Bridge City Tool would produce, elegant versions of simple tools. Instead of JO blocks try an adjustable parallel, no stack issues and a set of 4 covers most everything and can be left in position to re-test. Those and a Planer gauge are often overlooked but super handy once you get to use them a few times. Excellent work and look forward to more.

[@westweld]

Thanks man.....I prefer adjustable parallels but I didnt have any small enough.....ill have to check out bridge city tool

[@booytjie]

Brilliant little cutter !!!

[@SeanGreezy]

Really didnt even know that was a setting, this is a great idea, beautiful video, you’re a kind soul. Cant wait to see your review

[@drickard67]

I like it... and that jig for the bandsaw vise was a bonus. subscribed

[@richball9576]

This reminds me of working in my uncle's tool and die shop when I was a kid. Awesome work!!!!

[@bernhard_derProtoTyp]

Your videos are a work of art! The wirechopper too of course. Also thanks for the many many tips and tricks you put into your videos! As for measuring slots: sliding in some adjustable parallels and measuring the part sticking out works well enough for me for this kind of stuff. Thanks again and all the best

[@westweld]

Thanks man......I use adjustable parallels too like I did in my ball turning video I just didn't have on small enough for this slot

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Not just textbook machining, stellar photography and editing. Overkill wire cutter. Perfect. ✌

[@westweld]

haha thanks James.......I only want to build things once even if they do end up a little on the heavy side

[@andriuszeizys2623]

your videos are perfect for tutorial to orher youtubers how to present your work , even for schools with diy classes. very enjoyable .

[@westweld]

Thanks man I appreciate that

[@ParsMaker]

Nice work , great addition to your shop

[@alex4alexn]

love the half sphere smasher, a thing of beauty

[@thatsgasgarage9843]

Beautiful piece of workmanship.

[@porschmn]

Great vid, filled with great tips, I also like the way you post the tools and products you use in your videos. I for one find that very helpful. Looking forward to your welder review and drawing. Thanks for taking all the time!

[@paulbfields8284]

Nice work.. I’ve made so many small unitools like this one I can’t even remember them all. Just made one recently to punch elongated holes in a short run extrusion profile.. been doin this 42 years.. every day. Heat treating will not crack, break or distort. That is the beauty of O1,A2 and D2… each progressively harder than the first. I can prompt you on heat treating with it without an oven.. wrapping with .002 ss is correct. Wrapping with paper first is also correct. Tempering for this steel depends on the type you choose.. you’ve done a great job.. temper color after fracture should be dark gray..

[@westweld]

Thanks!......Is D2 sufficient if I were to make some punches? Maybe to push holes in 1/4 inch plate?

[@paulbfields8284]

@@westweld D2 heat treats at 1850-1875..make sure your oven goes that high. Also, D2 is a challenge to grind. It really wears a wheel down fast. I’m home sick today and don’t have my steel book but my memory serves me you should temper it at around 460- to get a 58ish to 60 Rc. D2 is high in carbon obviously but also high in chromium and it’s microstructure is high in carbides so it’s a real stable and hard long wearing material. I hate it!! Lol.. I use A2 regularly and find it sufficient to go the distance and it’s not nearly as hard to finish grind. For what you are making I’d say A2 would be like a Cadillac and D2 would be like Mercedes. From your video you have a good idea of how to go about this.. just know this. You never throw the steel in the oven at heat treat temp. It needs to start at ambient room temp and go up from there slowly. Your oven should have a perometer in it. When you tempering make sure the steel comes back down to at least 150 after hardening before the temper. It’s important that the tempering process you never open the oven door. It needs to drop from 460 down very slowly.

[@paulbfields8284]

@@westweld also.. to address punching hole in 1/4” plate the rule is that you never punch a round hole with a diameter that is smaller than the wall thickness being punched. In other words you are at the minimum size hole you can punch in steel. 1/4” punch- 1/4” steel. If you do that you need a punch press with a flywheel preferred. You also need to “pilot” the punch if you know what means. You have to have a “stripper” and NO I don’t mean one you need dollar bills for.. lol. The punch should be made of M2 for that application and the die section can be D2. Let me know if you need better information

[@westweld]

@@paulbfields8284 thanks I appreciate all the information.

[@paulbfields8284]

To punch steel you really should purchase the round “pierce” punch. It will need to be precision ground and have a shank no less than 1/2” diameter. Keep the punch as short as possible. M2 is not a material you want to deal with from a heat treating standpoint. The punch isn’t going to be terribly expensive and you can get it from Zip Industrial in NY. Ask for Karen and she will help you,

[@whitecaps775]

Dude you have the dream shop of toys. Nice video

[@ronniescott5179]

Very good finish and quality keep up the good work

[@kreglamirand2637]

This channel is destined for greatness.

[@brelade-gb]

Over engineering a simple problem is the best way to go about things!! I look forward to your next video with the review of the YesWelder. Currently using a gasless flux core mig welder, but looking for a decent cheap(ish) welder, so look forward to your review!

[@jeffpitzer8521]

That tool is total and complete overkill.... I love overkill! Great job...more videos please!

[@PiefacePete46]

I am not sure what I just watched... a MasterClass in engineering, or a MasterClass in video production... both I guess? Whichever, it was great, thank you! KZbin has been slow in offering me your channel; I have been watching a number of others for years, and now I have a whole new collection to look forward to, followed by Tom's Techniques! Liked and Subscribed, thanks again. 👍 😄

[@tomwagemans1872]

Nice that the KZbin algorithm suggested your channel. Great episode. Subcribed! Greetings from Belgium.

[@DudleyToolwright]

Beautiful machining work. It was a joy to watch.

[@petera1033]

Brilliant production, beautiful tool - a pleasure to watch - subscribed. Thanks for the effort you put into making this quality of production - much appreciated. Pete

[@edwardhugus2772]

I have watched 2 of your vids so far, love the content and the music. You have a new sub!

[@DmitriIvanov]

That half round to hold small stuff in the vise is brilliant, need to copy that :D

[@davidblood9882]

Another excellent project and the video is extremely well made. I appreciate all of the camera angles and excellent music. Quality all the way.

[@westweld]

Thanks man!

[@toteu00000]

Basically an overbuilt cigar cutter :D . I'm really glad i found your channel, great quality videos.

[@txkflier]

Excellent example of determining which gage blocks to use for the length you want. I’d say your micrometer is reading 5/10’s high. Great work and video as always..

[@goldwolfgaming7821]

it's always fun to see ideas coming to fruition, I think I've seen a few of your vids before but this hit my recommended IG

[@goldwolfgaming7821]

oh yeah, also thanks for the content, I do always love this type a thing

[@allenhunt3070]

Loved the half pipe clamp accessory! Your channel is getting better and better!

[@westweld]

Thanks Allen!

[@xdeepxdeeper5278]

All the cool tools ..

[@richardjones1022]

Make your cutting blades out of CPM M4 Tool steel and heat treat to a rockwell hardness of 60/62. In metal stamping applications we use M4 for most cutting dies and all our hole cutting punches are made out of M2 Tool steel. Great Video! I really enjoyed it!

[@westweld]

Thanks! I will check out that steel

[@timlucas143]

Well done, enjoyed the video and the craftsmanship.

[@jeffanderson1653]

Nice job! I love your welding table

[@donsmith9081]

Love watching the up close machining, it is mesmerizing to me! Cool Guillotine also. When chopping, (try) to get in the habit of making a fist and using the soft muscle part on the bottom- by the small finger, you will thank me later on in life. Your vids never disappoint.

[@PiefacePete46]

@Don Smith : Sounds like you speak from experience... I too have met up with Arthur Aytiss later in life! 😉

[@daledavis5695]

Dude I swear there is nothing sharper in this universe than mig wire that has just been trimmed. “Where’s that blood coming from…..?” Great channel bro. Keep kicking ass

[@westweld]

Thanks man!

[@mysteriousstranger239]

awesome tool and the radius turner as well haven't seen one like that

[@thugmessiah]

Wow how cool bro, I wish I had found your channel awhile back would've been cool to win. Bad ass new tool you invented great work and the video editing is spot on, thx

[@juanar6233]

Looks like a very useful tool.

[@bretts3765]

Enjoying your Chanel and projects. Would love to see a shop tour with info on your machines and your most used tooling/adapters. Specifically lathe and mill.

[@westweld]

Thanks Brett a shop tour is definitely on the list.......coming soon

[@jimsvideos7201]

The pipe segments to hold material can be stacked, as in two segments contacting the material and a third one pressing on their centers. Friction aside each of the four contact points on the material will apply the same amount of force.

[@Dysiode]

I'm blown away by your videography! Really appreciate how informative the videos are as well, even though I'm not and likely never will be a machinist it's very easy to understand. Not sure who referred you, might have been Inheritance Machining, but definitely sticking around :)

[@josephbasanta]

like the pipe tip thank you. In the past, if the slot was super critical I would use an adjustable parallel and micrometer to get the size of the slot.

[@paultavres9830]

Nice work I have also learned so much from you tube thanks for the time sharing

[@daveanderson2316]

Half a millionth over? Love your videos man, keep making them and you will definitely grow this channel big time. Please take us to work with you too, awesome stuff my friend.

[@robinward3003]

I've had a set of adjustable parallels that I use to measure inside slots. I found them to be very accurate, and they travel well between home and work.

[@westweld]

That works well too, I was missing the adjustable parallel that was small enough for this one

[@joeziegler9054]

Excellent work sir! I enjoyed every min of this project. I work in the die industry and have been a machinist for over 25 years now. So heat treating for me is almost a daily occurrence. I just found your channel and I'm looking forward to watching some of your other Vlogs. It's always nice for me to see another machinist work. Keep up the great work Sir!

[@westweld]

Thanks man.....well make sure to tell me if im doing anything wrong because I don't have nearly that much experience

[@rdspeedfab]

Excellent concept and top notch work as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@westweld]

Thanks man

[@cdrive5757]

Production wire welders are going to love it. On a lark I did a quick Ebay and Amazon search but came up with typical welders pliers/cutters. I give it another week and the Chinese will be marketing the design under 20 or so different name brands! ;-)

[@cdrive5757]

That last sentence should have read "YOUR Design"!

[@garyconover4422]

That could potentially be one hell of a precise cigar cutter. Very cool video.

[@3duckit]

Just found your videos. Love the info you provide. Thank you very much.

[@argee55]

Really useful tool. Your video editing is GREAT!

[@westweld]

Thanks!

[@DustanWebb]

Nice build seems to work awesome and thanks for the opportunity to win the welder man!

[@westweld]

you got it man...Thanks!

[@larelare1]

That topper really tied it all together.

[@f.hababorbitz]

I was wondering why Three Rivers Forge had commented about clamping in the Ellis vise, on your last video. I need to make one of those. Your vise has a acme screw, where the one that came with mine is one of those quick interference sorts (Sprag? style). And it never holds material well. I end up using a large "C" clamp. Amazing how many tools have to be fixed to make them usable, so I need to make a new vise for mine, using an acme screw, even have the stock and nut needed. This wire clipper looks like an idea from a die press fixture. I ended up getting a heat treat furnace and Rockwell tester back 30 years ago, when I needed to make a new shaft for the transmission in my HydraMac skid steer. It really comes in handy when you need to anneal any tool steel to repair it. I used oil hardening, and tempered in a can of oil heated on a camp stove, worked pretty good. Did your wife approve of using the kitchen stove? :D Nice video, lots of camera shots, with panning, good choice of music. You must have a local source for all those fillister head screws your using. They did make a nice clean flush look.

[@westweld]

Thanks Fred........I had to pay a little extra to get that screw vise with the ellis but ive had experience with the sliding ones in the past not holding very well.... I have to plan my tempering cycles for when shes at work

[@threeriversforge1997]

I didn't want to ruin the surprise since I was late to the party, so to speak. I have one of those sliding vises like you, and the little "clamp" you see here does a great job of really tightening down on your parts because it puts all of the pressure on just those two small points of contact instead of the entire face of the vise jaw. And for what they cost to make.... you really can't go wrong. ;-)

[@f.hababorbitz]

@@threeriversforge1997 I like that 'teeter-toter' vise clamp tool. I'll see if 4 inch pipe, with 1/4" wall thickness will be stiff enough. My Ellis is about 26 years old, and they didn't make the vise with the reverseable handle, so it can only get close from the left side, as that handle is on the left. I see they made it so the handle can be moved to the right side on new production deliveries. But you know in interferes with the blade guides for any work on short pieces. I see you have no content on your channel. Lot's of work to produce and edit them, and I thank all that make them and transfer their talent to learn from.

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@f.hababorbitz We really need to come up with an awesome name for the thing. I've been calling it the "bandsaw clamp" because that's kinda what it does, but maybe "Bandsaw Bridge Clamp" is better? That pipe you have will work fine for pieces short enough to fit inside the arc. My first was from pipe with a 1/4" wall and I didn't have any complaints. I retired it when I got a section of pipe that was thicker because I was planning on using the second half as a form for bending hot steel around. My only regret is that I cut 1" off the pipe because I was thinking about that bending form and not how the "Bandsaw Bridge Clamp" would work in the vise. I wish I'd made it 2" so I could grab larger stock, but it still works for 95% of what I need to cut. I've got plenty of the pipe left if you'd like a slice from it. And, no, no content on my channel. I've been thinking about it, but I haven't a clue what I could offer that isn't already being covered by the billion blacksmiths already flooding social media. Like you, I love to learn from all the craftsmen taking the time to do it, especially when they can do it as well as West Weld does. Can't remember the last time I watched regular television!

[@f.hababorbitz]

@@threeriversforge1997 Thanks for your offer of a pipe section. I found a piece of 5" in my scrap. It's 3/16" wall thickness. Should be stiff enough. I could always take a solid round bar drop I have and do the crazy of boring it out. But I'll see how the scrap piece I have works. I did an internet search on your copyright company name, found etsy and links to your art photos page. Near as I can tell you live in Texas, but not sure. I see West Weld is in Colorado. Thanks again for the offer. We shall see how good this works on the Ellis. But I typically use the 4x6 for the small stuff, but even there a specialty clamp is needed.

[@garyclark6098]

Very nice to see your videos can be over 15 minutes long now.. More entertainment for us! Thanks for another great bit of production and edditing. A unique tool there.. get that cable stamper patented! 😊

[@westweld]

Thanks Gary

[@atheed9426]

Great information here. You know what you are doing.

[@pratap3369]

Great video as always, thanks for posting

[@Rendezvous70]

Great music, precise work

[@bubbablazer2]

Just came across your channel. Been a tool and die maker for over 20+yrs here... nicely done. Only suggestion I could make is having the fixed shear blade on the radius side for the mig gun and have the movable shear on the far side so it doesn't bend the wire in the gun. Nice work.

[@westweld]

Thanks! You are right I flipped it around alreadu

[@theamateurmachineshop2150]

Nice machining! D2 is pretty forgiving with heat treatment. A2 should be soaked at a lower temperature for awhile before ramping up to heat treatment temperature. Most metal suppliers have that information readily available. Enjoy watching the build, thanks!

[@westweld]

Thanks.....I ramped up the d2 only 400 degrees an hour to be safe but it would be nice to go faster if i can get away with it just because it takes so long that way

[@theamateurmachineshop2150]

@@westweld Try this sometime. Preheat to about 1400 and hold for about 1/2-1 hour pending thickness, then ramp up to 1850. Its air hardening, we used compress air to cool parts down and once cool enough to handle, temper to desired hardness. www.speedymetals.com/information/Material11.html

[@kornelnagy3272]

Another great video, good music and good camera angles.

[@MicksWorkshop]

Wow! Very nice. I love the thought and detail that you put into your design. I also like your Clausing lathe, I don't see very many Clausings. I have the grandfather to yours, a Model 100 Mk III. I'm looking forward to checking out your other videos.

[@robyeager7283]

Just a couple of points......the load is on the head of the moveable blade. If it was at the back of the block there would be a large lever to keep the Blade in place. Instead of opening the cutting gap. And there are “knives” to cut wire. Made a lot of them. Carbide insert ......cut 100,000 pieces of 1/4” wire before sharpening.

[@westweld]

I agree with you on the blade it hasn't been an issue but I may use the other side......I used d2 because I had it and read that is commonly used for shear blades. It was mainly to experiment with heat treat but I am pretty happy with how it works

[@Enigma-Sapiens]

I knew I could learn something here, thank you! P.S. From my own personal experience, you should consider padding that brass slapper knob to help prevent nerve damage to your hands. Especially since it is something you will probably use often.

[@mdagley1429]

That's one cool tool!

[@the_darkness_knight12]

great job as always welcome back we missed you.

[@westweld]

Thanks!.....its hard for me to get more than one video a month im pretty slow at it still learning

[@the_darkness_knight12]

@@westweld take your time things take time and we are always here for you.