YouTubers I admire

[thebuildist]

I've mentioned before that I have a YouTube channel with a couple thousand subscribers. I'm under no illusions that I'll ever be The Next Big Thing, but I enjoy making my own little unique contributions to the YouTube'niverse.

I've enjoyed several machining and fabricating channels the last few years, and I've learned a lot from them.

MrPete222 is a retired shop teacher who gives thorough explanations of fundamentals of machining. Keith Fenner runs a small job shop on the coast up in the North East USA and shows you some of his interesting projects. Keith Rucker got his start restoring old woodworking equipment, and has blossomed into a full-fledged machinist and master restorer of all types of vintage equipment. Adam Booth (abom79) is a third generation machinist in Florida, and he has shown some interesting projects that are further into the heavier industrial sphere.

But my absolute favorites, at least for right now, are these three guys:

1. Dave Richards and his old steam powered machine shop. Dave has built out a steam powered line shaft shop based on the way things would have been in 1928. A wood-fired boiler powering a steam engine, which is driving a series of overhead line shafts via leather belts. Then his full suite of antique machine tools are powered by those line shafts in order to complete actual customer-based jobs/projects. He uses period-correct tooling and instruments and methods throughout. It's really amazing what can be achieved using the old tools and methods and good-old horse sense.

2. ICWeld This channel is based on "a day in the life" of a mostly mobile welder, mostly serving the heavy equipment industry. When one of his customers sends him out on something unusual or interesting, he simply documents the process of the repair. I've learned a LOT about welding/fabricating approach and procedures from him, and it is astounding how large and intricate of projects a single person can successfully do with little more than a welder, a torch, and a whole lot of experience and understanding.

3. Cutting Edge Engineering Australia Curtis runs a one-man job shop in Australia, again serving mostly the heavy equipment industry. But he usually works on the big heavy mining and earthmoving stuff. The stuff where individual parts are a ton or more. Curtis does projects every single day that would be a big "once in a lifetime" project for most other machinist/fabricators that I've seen. He uses modern but not robotic equipment, repairing and re-building parts that will be subjected to maximum stresses in the harshest environments. Everything he does has to be at least as good as the original factory made parts. Super strong, super precise, with a factory-like appearance. No jury-rigging here. Again I'm amazed at one one man in one shop is able to accomplish, and I've learned so much of not just the the "how's" but the "why's" of proper metal working/machining/welding processes.

Anybody have any that they'd like to add?

Bob

[JSinMO]

Good topic Bob. I’m amazed at the amount of really good channels on YouTube on just about any topic you like. I’ll have to check out the ones you listed.

One that I’ve been following for quite awhile is Just A Few Acres Farm. Pete is the host and the channel chronicles his journey from resigning his position as a partner at an architectural firm to go back to the family farm and make a living raising live stock on 40 acres. He explains business decisions he’s had to make for his operation and shows day to day life on his farm. He also has done nut and bolt restoration on some of the equipment he uses. Ironically enough he hired David Richards to do some of the machine work on the last tractor he rebuilt.

Lately I’ve been watching a few channels where the people get old things that are “left for dead”, from cars to heavy equipment and bring them back to life. There are a lot of talented people out there.

It pretty easy for me to go down the YouTube rabbit hole sometimes!

[thebuildist]

I'll check him out. Small world that he hired Dave Richards!

Bob

[Harry]

I like metal sculpture and one of my favorites is Barbie the Welder. She has a great story and mentions a lot about how others can achieve things in life by following principles that that she did. Items like believing in yourself and not listening to what the nay sayers are telling you. She also makes some amazing metal sculptures.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Gordy]

Salvage Workshop. When I first found him he was rescuing old tools and anvils, he has worked his way up to trucks and barn find heavy equipment.

Dan Hurd Prospecting. I probably will never get to do it but it is fun watching and learning.


Gordy

[propane1]

I watch, Bundy Bears Shed, mostly about repairing tractors. And if he need a part or tool, he will some times make one on his lathe or milling machines.


Noel