WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY: Sheet Metal Master Restores a WWI Cannon

[@MadMonk_]

I could watch Al work for hours. He makes it look so easy. Hope his neck operation has been a success and we see him back in the workshop soon teaching the youngsters a thing or two :)

[@IntrospectorGeneral]

When Al gave his 5 second summary of how many screws and bolts the surgeon put in his neck it struck me that he must have been feeling not too flash in some of these videos where he's head down rebuilding a gun, a kubelwagen, a Goliath, a SdKFZ 221, etc and could have been excused a sick day.

[@battlejitney2197]

You took the words right out of my mouth. 💯

[@SV2LLJ]

Al makes ARTWOK there!! A true master he is... Thanks Al !!

[@stevea9604]

An absolute Master class in meticulous restoration 🤩👍🏻😀

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Craftsman of the highest order.

[@pskovca]

Wishing Al a speedy recovery from his surgery. Hope to see him back when he is all healed up

[@bigmac60]

I will probably never get to the museum. But I had the chance to pay my respects at the Australian Corps Memorial Park, Le Hamel. 🇦🇺 / 🇬🇧

[@TheSlugstoppa]

The reason it's special is because it's homage to all those boys that gave their lives and Al has paid huge respect to their memory.

[@terrenceodgers5866]

We commemorate the dead, and lest we forget, but rarely do we mention those who survived that war with some horrific injuries, and with injuries that shortened many of their lives after that war was over.

[@pauloalvesdesouza7911]

I'm an avid fan of the channel. Never miss a video or the shorts. It's always great to see the awesome craftsmanship and deep knowledge of the team. This episode however stands apart as a special treat, for Al is certainly a master and this type of talent is a privilege to watch. Thanks to Ausarmor, Kurt and Al!

[@richardhenry5015]

For the centenary of WW1, we at the South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg, restored a 7.7cm Model 1896 N.a field gun, the same as this model. I was the researcher / historian and my friend, Steve Tegner ,the restorer. Many parts viewed are known well known to us. It was as if looking through old photographs, what memories, a great thanks. We did however not have the luxury of a wheelright, but manufactured ours from scratch. Not to take anything away from your restoration, but during my research we came upon a more green grey paint colour than the grey used by you ?. We have both since left the now called Ditsong National Museum of Military History. I retired in 2022 after 39 years and now live in Sweden. Maybe Steve will post some images of our restoration. Thanks for bringing back great memories

[@Ian-mj4pt]

I grew up in PE and at St George's Park they have artillery pieces. Sadly it going to kak and in it's moer now. Sadly the sacrifice is ignored now.

[@barneymagee3285]

@@Ian-mj4pt 😩

[@richardhenry5015]

The Gunners ASSOCIATION is trying to preserve examples of Artillery pieces in South Africa but will not be able to preserve them all. The technical ability of the Museum where I worked as sadly also declined

[@red_d849]

i hope life is treating you well over there in sweden

[@richardhenry5015]

Yes thank you, people helpful and most speak good English. I'm learning Swedish.

[@roberthocking9138]

Al is a legend, that’s a credit to him and your museum, preserved for an eternity . How about those wheels, talk about a lost art, beautiful.

[@CaesarSausage]

What a great pleasure it is watching a master at work. Brilliant work Al!

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Absolutely wonderful

[@barrymcclung9046]

Putting on another masterclass. What a privilege it is to see him work.

[@crazylocha2515]

It was an honor to be witness to the craftsmanship and care put into those men's bravery and sacrifices symbolized in that captured gun. Those that have gave all can have their stories told to us around the world now for generations to come thanks to this piece. The skill and thoughts put into those simple rivet replacements, as much care into the fill welds, reshaping, and it all dropping into place like it was born to... THAT is a Master at his craft in his natural environments. Truly, a privilege gentleman. Thank you for sharing and honoring those sacrifices.

[@gothamgoon4237]

The skills on all the guys there is truly remarkable. I wish I had a tenth of their talent.

[@Gozza71]

What an amazing restoration and history lesson. People forget that 1/3 of the male population of Australia fought in WWI and with all the amazing innovation That Australia has produced since those times imagine what we could have achieved had we not lost so many to the horror of war. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM.

[@delzworld2007]

Not just a gun, it's living history.

[@guyplachy9688]

Good to see Al back on the tools!👍

[@samrodian919]

This was an earlier video. I clearly remember Al doing this restoration and those magnificent gun carriage wheels.

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Sorry mate it's old

[@AcidNippz]

Hold Shite!! I might be a little late to your new editing, but you adding historical footage while narrating is absolutely game changing for this channel. This is a completely new category of restoration videos, and it makes you stand out from the rest. Not hating on the workshop content, but it's a breath of fresh air being taken out of the workshop and into the past to learn more about what's currently being worked on. Thanks Kurt! Keep up the good work man!

[@Wasa9191]

Nice work Al. Well done and it will be on display for many years to come.

[@MyCaptainPugwash]

Thanks for the history lesson as well, John Monash was a true general, and one of the best for the Allies during WW1

[@allangibson8494]

And if it wasn’t for the Murdochs he would have had a better chance to show his brilliance…

[@MyCaptainPugwash]

@@allangibson8494 and Bean

[@brucelamberton8819]

One of the best - if not the best - from either side.

[@JohnStoddart1010]

You make some great content and I'm always amazed at the experience & expertise of your restorers and their dedication to preserving history. We need to keep these things to remind us that the last 100 years have seen two world wars. Our world would be very different if we had not won.

[@robertshampeau6028]

Al and Beau are such bad ass fabricators...work shop wednesday videos are very much anticipated and appreciated

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Could watch them all day. The rot on Telly is s load of crap. This is so much better. No crap music and bollocks just straight up artist at work 👌

[@HarryP457]

Ain't no school like the old school, and Al is an true old school master.

[@danielflack7902]

Jason looked super proud of the end result. Nice work Al.

[@SteveMichaels]

Bravo Al, way to save your countries history ! Enjoyed watching

[@ruamoko6359]

These gentlemen are preserving historical items that are priceless pages in Australian Military history

[@Asheer103]

Al is a surgeon with an angle grinder. awesome watching a master at work.

[@gabrielneves6602]

Agree, I'd honestly let him rectify the engine of my car on hand, if I had one😅😅

[@Try_Again_Bragg]

Another brillaint piece of kit and a brillaint job bringing her back. Absolutely proud of all you lads

[@MatSpeedle]

Great to have Al back in the shop, no school beats the old school. Top work Al!

[@Ian-mj4pt]

I think this is old. Al can't work for a while.

[@ursamajor7468]

@@Ian-mj4pt Yes, it's a compilation of Al's efforts with this project.

[@jeffreywoitekaitis9470]

Al is an Australian national treasure, i just love watching him work. He reminds me of my father, he could fix or repair anything. Old school is becoming a lost art form, please show more of Al's projects.

[@barrymcclung9046]

Watching a master craftsman like Al at work is an absolute privilege. My Dad could seemingly do anything he put his mind to. He taught me everything I know about so many things. Watching Al turn rust into metal and simple steel into a piece of restored history makes me feel like I'm a young lad again, standing at my dad's elbow, as he worked and taught. Thanks for letting us have the chance to watch & learn, Al, as you put on another masterclass. Rest easy, dad.

[@jameswalshjr]

It's always great to see Al at work. Hope he's recovering well from his surgery. It's just so nice to see someone so skilled at his craft work. No rush, no anxiety, understands the job, and what needs to be done, and just methodically working away piece by piece. Top shelf stuff here as always, great content!!! Thanks for showing us our history!

[@SPSteve]

Good job, Al. I hope you're feeling better after your surgery.

[@paulwooster3590]

That smile as he placed the tools and accessories onto the gun say it all.. a man proud to see the fruition of his endeavours. Well done Sir.

[@richardhenry5015]

@@paulwooster3590 well said. I have been involved in at least 10 restorations and that's is exactly what one feel when fitting the TOTE to a vehicle

[@pacettid]

What an absolutely beautiful piece of work, Al. Thanks to you and the rest of the team at Aus Armour, this wonderful facet of Australian military history lives on. Well done, Sir 🫡

[@artdawggy]

Al as a man who is now a senior I am impressed and encouraged. Not only is your work amazing but your flexibility and strength are to be admired. I sincerely hope I can do half as much when I reach your age.

[@bumblebeebob]

Beautiful restoration! Congratulations, and thank you for all the hard work and dedication, Al and to everyone involved with this project!

[@SonnyFastSpeed]

Great Job Al!

[@teddythewonderlizard1448]

My grandfather's cousin Alfred Stanley Hodgson Doorey from Townsville was killed in action at Hamel on July 4th 1918 - possibly the same day that this piece was captured. See you in April 2025!

[@MartinFialaMeganeRs]

❤❤

[@JUNIsLuke]

Heyy I share the same last name! My father is Shaun and pops named Trever, idk if you know any of those otherwise we just share the same last name with them which is still cool

[@MartinFialaMeganeRs]

​@@JUNIsLukejsem z české republiky 👍❤️👍hlavní město PRAHA in Prague

[@teddythewonderlizard1448]

@@JUNIsLuke If you're in Queensland, chances are that we are related. Lots in Brisbane, some in Townsville, some in Cairns.

[@causewaykayak]

I hope you find this wonderful restoration video a fitting tribute to your kinsman and his mates. They were all a long way from Home. (From the uk)

[@shanechaffey9050]

Great watching a craftsman in action

[@bobbroadhurst1648]

An absolute work of art Al

[@babuzzard6470]

Didn’t think AL was back till next year, what a pleasant surprise, welcome back.

[@paulsilva3346]

Curt, finally a proper length deserved video. Thank you, and Al, etc.. 33:33

[@grahamejohn6847]

"Artillery forklift" lol . That was amazing and so was Al. Good job old mate.👍

[@spijkie1969]

What a beauty! Well done Al!

[@stephenspencer3348]

Al is the sort of person I like, uses skill instead of fancy machines, hats off to him.

[@wazwulf2698]

amazing to watch a master at work

[@abbeyhall4624]

Its not often that I get up to applaud, but on this occasion Al got a standing ovation from me for the amazing work skills and ability to make this very special gun look and be loved as it should in the collection. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏I like the addition of the historical background battle info in this video too, that really helps me to get a base understanding the provenance of the piece and the need to preserve it. Well done everyone.

[@johne9181]

It was amazing to watch Al prepare and cut so much of it by hand, and see it turn out so well.

[@scottcrawford7310]

Alan, old school, love it. Fantastic work

[@highlander147]

Always a fan of the skill and care Al, Jason and all the crew put into their work. Sensitively and accurately conserving for the future a relic so closely related to Australian Army history - well done

[@ursamajor7468]

I'd like to see a 360 degree view of this and all finished projects. Just a video stroll around the project so we can see every inch of it after the last bit of paint is applied. Most of us viewers will never be able to visit the museum, so it would be the best chance for us to see these incredible machines and the efforts of amazing men who resurrect these relics of war. Awesome job, Al. Thank you for your impressive efforts and I hope your recovery is swift and complete.

[@MartinDuncan-d1g]

Absolutely beautiful wonderful job

[@mzimmerman1988]

Wonderful work! A great example of how partial restorations give future generations the opportunity to finish the restoration.

[@dschoas]

It is a real pleasure to watch Al doing this work. This is real craftsmanship! Greetings from Germany

[@starfish370]

Brilliant craftsmanship 👏👏👏❗️

[@TheoAbner-k8r]

Al is certainly a Craftsman,that being said,so are all of the rest of the team, their projects have all been very quality oriented,as far as fabricators they get better with each project, very nice.

[@binalongberrico4808]

Such a humble bunch of blokes. Great job. Lest we forget.

[@dash5257]

Really enjoyed watching a master craftsman restore this gun. Thank you.

[@BenSchutte8]

You guys could easily have an international TV show! I look forward to these videos every Wednesday.

[@russwoodward8251]

Al with a grinder is like an artist with a brush. Amazing work. Beautiful wheels. Thanks Aus Armour, once again.

[@SilverBricks17]

Shaping the nuts and bolts to look like rivets are crazy work. God bless this man. Y’all are doing incredible work

[@BobbyT595]

It is a joy to watch an old school craftsman at work. Youngsters need to watch, listen and learn.

[@brucelamberton8819]

Truly fascinating watching a master craftsman at work. Great work, Al!

[@dl003c9317]

What a wonderful example of craftsmanship by Al, I am sure he has forgotten more than I could ever learn to do what he does!!

[@Rich77UK]

Al, you artist. What a wonderful job restoring this underappreciated piece of history. Its fit for another 120 years now!

[@majorbloodnok6659]

What a joy, to be able to watch a craftsman at work

[@knudvoecking]

Al is a master of his craft. For his meticulous work in restoring so many historical pieces he deserves a honorary doctorate from a technical university, but at least a medal from the state of Queensland.

[@StormofSteelWargaming]

A lifetime of experience, but he makes it look so easy. Amazing work.

[@shanemossmoss]

Al is a true master when working with steel. Well done

[@fenman1954]

What a fantastic restoration. An important piece of history brought back to life.

[@gnosticbrian3980]

A privilege to see a craftsman like Al at work.

[@bgdavenport]

Bravo! Bravissimo! Likely the finest presentation Kurt has created so far. Not only did the crew restore the piece, the history and graphics brought it back to life!

[@chrisjackson9978]

Great work by Al. Another significant piece of Australian military history saved for future generations to learn about. Well done guys. Another cracking video.

[@josephhuber1827]

Al’s a true master! Love all the historical context on this one.

[@PeterSoden-eb6js]

A beautiful old school restoration of a significant War prize in the History of the Australian Army. A pleasure to watch and a tribute to the brave men who captured it. Bless them all.

[@PaulP580]

This is brilliant, my late father was a “master metal worker” and a “blacksmith”, he would have loved to do something like this project. He passed away in late 2017, but until his last days he was tinkering with his projects at 95 years of age.

[@scottburton509]

I love how you research the original markings so history never be forgotten.

[@high633]

Love the episode. Always a part of my work Monday's morning.

[@RabidBadger-39]

Simply amazing craftsmanship. It is a real honor & a pleasure to watch Al work.

[@DIVERBLOKE1]

Keeping ANZAC history going is very important. We all understand the contribution and sacrifice ANZACs made in both wars for us Brits and Europe. Its respect for the men who fought and captured those weapons and good that Aussies also restored them. Bravo. We will remember them.

[@RobertLake-mf2qt]

Nothing less than outstanding both in terms of restoration and historical significance. It is military pieces such as this that have almost a life of their own and that speak of the critical events of the past even if they are not remembered.

[@babuzzard6470]

Not only are the usual guys absolute masters and perfectionists, but people like the wheel wright also do a trade no longer seen mainstream, you blokes, all of you are amazing.🇦🇺

[@divarachelenvy]

Seeing Al use the jigsaw bought back memories to me, cheers mate, old school accuracy in cutting. Love it.

[@kennethhowell1272]

This was totally cool. To see the workmanship on this project and by a gentleman of Alan's age. I'm sure he has aches and pains, yet there he is laboring away.

[@andrewsteele7663]

I just someone gets their collective together and nominate him for an Australia Day award. Cheers

[@TheSavageRepairman]

God speed on your recovery Al. You are truly a gem among men.

[@stephenjudaysr8915]

Al's dedication and commitment to this shows in the finished product! WELL DONE AL...PLEASE keep up the GREAT WORK!!!

[@lancestan3398]

Awesome Al! Good job by all. An Australian treasure rescued. Thank you from San Diego, CA

[@andyhoare3993]

Amazing restoration of something so "simple" but so full of history.

[@mikeschillinger4427]

Nice to see Al using old school methods of restoration. The best being the use of the original CAD method. That's Cardboard Aided Design for those that don't know. It's still used by me for making patch panels on the old VW's I work on. It's a very useful tool.

[@gunrunner35]

Once again, it's a real pleasure getting to watch such master craftsmen as Al and all the lads there working on these historic pieces of history. Literally a dream job to be able to do what you all do. Thank you for sharing these videos with all of us, it really is such a pleasure and a highlight of each week for me to be able to watch history being maintained and restored. Thank you all for doing what you do. Keep up the great work. See you next week.

[@smalcolmbrown]

Thanks :)

[@johnbradshaw354]

Great work by Al, truly a master craftsman.

[@lostonwallace1396]

The gun is a thing of beauty! Al does magnificent work!

[@Frank-bh3cm]

Thanks Al for sharing your skills with us and putting up with a camera man in your workspace..

[@Ouch.]

Brilliant stuff, as always! Thank you!

[@CFMitch]

BZ from the Canadian Tank Museum! Well done Al. Every great museum could not succeed without their versions of Al. Beautiful work!

[@MartinFialaMeganeRs]

Juuuhuuuu workshop Wednesday 🎉❤🖤🦾🦾🦾😊😊😊ahoj Marťas

[@3storiesUp]

A pleasure to watch that man at work ..

[@fredhayes6162]

Thank you so much for saving this great piece. Here in the USA so many artifacts like this are lost every day

[@baloo_au]

Thanks!

[@cmck472]

The fascination of watching a craftsman at work