Get you nice pair of knee pads! Makes a world of difference after working on the ground or floor for extended periods.

@brianbirc

4 жыл бұрын

FishHead I have seen guys wearing those doing floors and things. I get to work early before them sometimes and gave those pads a better name. I wrote Hollywood Sandals on the front. Nice yes ?

@glutenfreegam3r177

4 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing! Years of flooring wrecked my knees.

@brianbirc

4 жыл бұрын

@@glutenfreegam3r177 Yes get some Hollywood Sandals. The guys in Hollywood know protecting their knees when on them a lot is important. They just call them sandals.

@codymoncrief8478

4 жыл бұрын

I really like the “skateboard” knee pads. The hard plastic cap is great for slamming into things and slides easily on concrete as well.

@VictorManuel-pf7se

4 жыл бұрын

I thought they were used to get a raise at work. Go figure.....

Nothing wrong with jamming out with ear buds while working I think it makes it more enjoyable

If it's for work rather then hobby I'd highly recommend 4 grinders, two smaller and two big boys. It really saves on time not having to switch between grinding and cutoff wheels all the time.

5 grinders 1flap wheel 1grinding stone 1 cutoff wheel 1 wire brush. Add a 7" grinder for big jobs.

I buy a tape measure nearly every time I go to the store. I go from neck deep in them to none almost immediately. They disappear faster than 10mm.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Lol I know your pain

@michaelwebb8788

4 жыл бұрын

I'm the same. I am just starting get into fabricating but I learned from years as a carpenter to leave a tape measure clipped to the stand of my saw. I literally trained myself to measure something at the saw and immediately clip the tape measure back on the saw frame. That was a result of getting distracted in my shop, setting the tape measure down in some random area and then spending the frustrating 15+ minutes retracing my steps to find it. Not an efficient way to work at all.

@colteng9721

4 жыл бұрын

10mm what's that? I've never seen one

@NOBOX7

4 жыл бұрын

@@colteng9721 10 mm socket , the most common bolt on an a car engine bay or an engine

@barnzYT

4 жыл бұрын

Tape measures and chalk (soap stone) seem to go missing more than anything for me

Im just here for the futurama stickers on your tools. Nibbler and bender were funny.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Lol thanks! Glad you enjoyed the subtle humor

@biggusdickus666

4 жыл бұрын

Me too. Noticed that Nibbler sticker right away.

Make More videos like this! It’s exactly what I was looking for to start fabricating

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it!

Hi Nate - If you use your floor for marking out, try installing either "Drop-In Anchors" or "Lag Shields" (female bolt usually chemically set into concrete). They can turn your whole floor into a massive Fixture Plate by bolting jigs, clamps, frames, straps etc. Use them as a Datum (known reference point) for measuring and setting out. Keep countersunk or low profile bolts in them when not in use. (edit this bit - Also, a mobile vice stand can be secured for use, then put away when finished)

@gasser55t

4 жыл бұрын

That is an amazingly good idea!!!!!! Thank you.

@fishhuntadventure

4 жыл бұрын

A lag shield is neither a bolt nor chemically set into concrete. It’s a zinc alloy or lead alloy that anchors by expansion when a lag is installed. Your fixture locating ideas are great though.

@AJR2208

4 жыл бұрын

@@fishhuntadventure Hi fushhuntadventure - thanks for your reply. You are correct about lagshields expanding. My chemset reference was for the drop in anchors and I neglected to say expanding lagshield. I'm sure you know there are a lot of varieties for concrete anchors and bolting methods - I did not want to write an essay about it though.

More grinders! Whenever HF is having a big sale, and 4” grinders are $10-$15. Buy a couple. I have a grinder for each type of disc I use. Because they are cheap, when they poop 💩 out, I just throw them away, and get another one later. Also always look for tools at estate sales. You can get some great deals that way.

@drewt3210

4 жыл бұрын

100% agree! I'm an estate sale junkie. And I have 7 grinders...on the hunt for another large one. What do you do about cord management? I'm this close to biting the bullet and writing a big check to buy 6 cordless grinders.

@joecarmean1079

4 жыл бұрын

DrewT I have plans to build a welding table. I will have a 4 plug outlet permanently mounted to the side of the table. But until that happens. I just unplug and plug in each one as I need it.

@drewt3210

4 жыл бұрын

@@joecarmean1079 Cool beans. I have a power strip on my table too, but it seems my cords are always entangled. Drives me nuts!

Dimple Dies are a *must* when putting holes in any stressed member. I've seen so many people 'speed hole' parts to have them crack/shear later on through creating stress risers. Dimple Dies help the holes act as 'stress confusers' and help alleviate concentrations. Otherwise, don't speed hole anything that's stressed. Its not worth the risk. Great list!

Can’t thank you enough for these videos you’ve motivated me to build my first bumper and I’m pretty proud of it for the money spent.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

No problem! I'm happy to help give you some inspiration 👍

I agree on the Air chisel / air hammer. It can be used for pretty much anything... cutting out old metal (I've used it up to 3/16 thick steel) or if you have a old balljoint/tierod end or anything that is press fit, you can use to the air chisel to break it loose or just push it all the way apart. Not to mention I replaced a steering intermediate shaft on an old Dodge, and they are held in with pins, that you can't drive out with a hammer because there isn't enough room to swing.... AIR CHISEL to the rescue.. Its my new favorite tool lol.

Use hair spray over your chalk line it wont rube off but can be washed off when your done

@ralphvalkenhoff2887

4 жыл бұрын

dave g and you can use it to keep your hair nice as you’re working.

@fishhuntadventure

4 жыл бұрын

Shellac. Cleans up with denatured alcohol

@TBJK07Jeep

4 жыл бұрын

I second Hairspay even though I have no hair. You can wipe it off with a wet rag.

About a year ago....I was drawn into videos on metal fabrication after all the years of cars being my first love.....since I was 7 years old....all the cars shows I have been to over the years.....finally I was asking how did they do that ? Well after my first metal fabrication video on you tube I am addicted......now I can't get enough of metal fab videos.....and today I found your site. Your tips make a great addition.....and thanks for a fine channel.

Dude - awesome video. Thanks for posting. Engineer in Australia here. Brazing: Also deadset awesome for cast iron crack repair. Love your work, and again - thanks.

GREAT STUFF! I ALWAYS START WITH CHALK-LINING THE THE AXLE LINES IN ACTUAL, FIRST. THOSE TWO PARALLEL LINES IN ACTUAL PROPORTION MAKE ME THINK "WITH THE END IN MIND".

Top Shizzle! your last topic made my day!!! pre bend tubing to do a fast mock-up!! so simple yet so effective!

I agree on the ear buds, keeps me sane and protects hearing

I agree in all the "small tips" they do actually make a huge difference

great video. I laughed when you mentioned the tape measures. I do the same thing. I used to fabricate body panels. Loved it. Miss it at times. Last winter I took my 85 4 runner into my shop. And a buddy and I rebuilt/ beefed up the axles. Put a 4" lofty on it. I bought budget yet beefy parts. Some things needed to be "adapted". While others needed to be fabricated. Was a LOT of fun. It performed pretty good at EJS. Many tips, I already knew. Some refreshed my memory. Others, I hadn't thought of. I see videos like this, then wonder about the losers that give it thumbs down. Lol

Quick add on to the "2 tapemessures tip" when you get your second tape check it with your first, some tapes read slightly different so it will save you a headache and material, and yes I learned this the hard way lol

@emmam4302

4 жыл бұрын

Dylan Bennett so true !

Knowledge like this is being spread/shared through media and in the past, it was withheld as industry secrets. Yay - nay fantástico

Also being a tile love lasers, used them to find center wile three linking my first gen runner. Good tips bro, also the ear buds, took the idea from my dirt biking.

So I just listened to a podcast with Ryan Hussey who works for a R&D lab. Acetone, even tho it's clean and evaporates, leaves a film on the material. Not really a problem for mig or stick but could be for a highly critical job. Just food for thought. Great channel man! Keep posting these sweet vids!

Thank you, I've been fabricating things for myself for years and your video has shown me things that will help, like the doing the chalk line and drawing the prebuild on the floor and then spraying clear over it. Great ideas. I've learned living in Louisiana where we have tons of Dirtdobbers that will build in the inlets of your air tools to put valve stem caps on the air inlets on all my air tools or use electrical tape to cover holes

I also use self leveling cross beam lasers, level laser, and digital tape measure, all items to make layout so simple.

Been doing this stuff for decades, I still like watching your stuff. Thanks, keep at it!

Great content - half the list are my own best practices, and I picked up a few as well. I do totally different things with my shop, but you can always learn from someone else!

Can’t beat a set of high quality step bits too. Massive time saver.

Cool welding rod tip, that would be great tip for fixing strut tower repairs.

As a self taught amateur I figured out tip 3 a couple years ago, certainly helped when fixing mistakes.

Some great tips. I bought an air hammer for an axle removal on a UTV last year. It had a crush pin in it that had to be removed to get the axle off. Man did it work awesome!

Huge thanks for the tips, I'll take as many free inside tips as possible. Stay up..

Awesome job! I consider myself fairly new to the fab work, but thankfully already figured out the benefits of a lot of those tools. Highly recommended!

The ear buds are a great tip. I have tinnitus from working around loud noises for over 25 years and ringing in my ears can be a distraction when working in the shop. I play music to cover the ringing but when wearing hearing protection the ringing is even more prevalent. Ear buds would definitely help drown out the ringing when spending a lot of time with the earmuffs on.

I like the welding rod trick. Wish I’d learned that a few years ago....

Great video, during the quarantine after watching your videos. Decided to Learn to weld, bought a little 110 buzz box, and putting it on casters extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge

Genius! Thank you! Acetone safety and chalk lines!

I definitely am a fan of multiple grinders! I have different wheels (thick grinding wheel, wire brush, flap wheel, and cutting wheel) attached to each one so I don't have to change them out.

I think the line laser and dot laser are great tools for so many things. The axle alinement example you give is perfect to show this. I've used line lasers to layout for ceiling lights to make sure I get them perfectly aligned and a dot laser would be great to mark the center of the light to make sure they all get evenly spaced. I think it's perfect for your axle alignment!

I have a portaband and I love it. Used one for the first time 15 years ago or so and bought one a month later.

Good stuff! I went out and bought a second grinder, what a difference. Well worth it. Thanks!

When I was a fire watch for my Boo when he was a pipe fitter he used a porta-band saw and the lasers all the time. I know the porta-band was one of his favorite tools. Great video Nate!! Super helpful tips! ❤️🐞

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Chalk line is a good one. We use them all the time In the ship yard, for layouts and stuff, and we clear over them as well. Good tip

I’ve been meaning to pick up a nibbler, but the two tape measures tip got the sub. I have six full size tape measures, all numbered, for the exact same reason. Also have a bunch of smaller measures. On the casters tip, use two fixed and two swivelling, MUCH more stable. Earbuds, YES! Kept me sane when working for days solo.

No shit for the earbuds tip. I used to have a job that would have me doing one task for 8 hours a day. Hearing protection was required. I’d pop in my ear buds and start a long playlist. It helped me get through the day and made it enjoyable. I could sing as loud as I wanted and nobody could hear me. 😝 Great tip.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Lol thanks brother!

Brazing 'swivel head' indispensable tool. Hey, thanks for such an EPIC trip with you , discussing some of your ' best friends'!

You have decades of experience! Thanks for sharing. Never saw a nibbler before.....gotta get one!

Your tips rock!!! I 100% agree with ever tip!

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Thanks for watching

There is SO much awesome info in here! And not just for beginners... I discovered the Speed Square this year, I now find me using it daily! Thanks again, cheers Aaron.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Very happy to see you enjoyed the video!

Great video mate, appreciate putting the time in making, some top tips! Have been learning a lot from you lately!! 🤟

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to hear I can help! Thank you for watching!

The portaband is my go to for cutting.

The more I dig into this channel, the more I love it. You do an incredible job in every single video.. Thank you for giving this to enthusiasts like me who want to learn and have never had a mentor or a buddy to show us how things are done.

@DirtLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Happy as hell to have you aboard 😁

Love your videos. Been watching for a couple months. I've been slacking and need to catch up on some of your videos. Keep up the great work. Thanks for sharing with the KZread community.

love it i have every tool you mention and now you gave me more ideas how to use them . thank you

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed the video!

I'm not the only one? I need like 7 tape measures minimum for any project. I found one in the mailbox once after a project.

@aol11

4 жыл бұрын

I actually have 7 on my workbench lol by the end of the project I'm always looking for one because they're all gone from where they are supposed to be. Best advice is bright colored green spray paint

Great video. I'm new to fabricating and you just cleared up alot of questions I've had about what I need to get started.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Glad to hear its helping 👍

Great reminder about jigsaw. I have metal blades for it....but I've always forgotten that it can be used to cut steel. I love the brake tool....for bending or rolling steel. Never realized you could get one for such a low cost.

Love my jig saw, I love using old cars for their scrap metal and my jigsaw is what I use to cut everytime

This video was really well thought out and put together. Thanks for the content! Keep it coming!

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

It may be elementary but buy a good vise and a bench grinder as some of the first tools for fabrication. I have three 4 1/2" angle grinders and need at least another. Lots of tape measures, they hide from you! Pencils at every work station to jot down a spec. Masking or blue painter's tape to label parts, material lengths, measurements, orientations, etc. In my welding cart I have pencil, soapstone, china marker, silver sharpie (shows up on steel) grease pencil, and a sharp scribe (ground down screwdriver) all for marking, I hate having to put the tape and the workpiece down and go hunt a rule! Great tips Nate! Now I wish my barely used Millermatic 211 was a 220 multi process!!!

Use the belt clip on your tape , I always have one on my hip .Oh the humanity! I personally love the left to right reading tape ,great for layout at the saw as your not reading the tape upside down, and larger numbers for my old eyes. Cheers

WOW, I am blown away by your tips. I knew some of them, but they are so clever and I can see how they can make fabrication more accurate with less wasted material and time and also improve quality. Thank you so much for sharing much of what you have learned. I am planning to watch all of your videos and have subscribed.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you man! Happy to have you aboard!

Been watching your channel for a while now and just wanted to complement you on the quality of your product. I also do a lot of fab work, alone, with no assistance and can appreciate what effort you invest. Keep up the good work.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, happy someone can recognize the hard work I put into these videos 👍

Great video! Those just getting into fabrication, take notes! There are a lot of very useful tips here. I can definitely agree on listing to music while you work, I’m usually actually more productive when I have music playing during a project. It just really helps me stay focused and keep my projects moving along.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching brother 👍

You're "insignificant" tips are helpful! Thank you

Thanks this are actually tips are actually useful and aren't super obvious like a grinder is used for remove material or a hole saw is used for making holes.

Great video. The bits about layout (lasers, rulers, speed square, sample bends) were particularly insightful. Nicely done.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I have several tape measures. My 2 Dewalts 30 & 16’ both broke only using occasionally. Switched to Milwaukee and love them have 3 of those 12’ 16’ 30’. BIG TIP is to check each tape measure against each other so you know that they can be trusted during a project with a lot of cutting and accurate measurements in both wood, trim and metal.

As a Maintenance Carpenter who also welds, I was across many of these tips but not all which is why I watched the video, there is always one or more tips to learn or remember.

@garynew9637

4 жыл бұрын

Me too.

@garynew9637

4 жыл бұрын

Same here, retired carpenter, love working with steel

Dude, thank you for spending the time making and sharing your videos. I’m building a 85 Ram charger and using your content to help me complete this beast.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

No problem brother! Good luck with the build!

You can also spray hairspray on the Chalk line to keep it from rubbing away. 👍

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

This is a great tip! I look forward to giving it a shot

@ypop417

4 жыл бұрын

but explaining to the wife why you have hair spray in the garage can be a problem LOL

Super helpful. Thanks for putting this together.

A combination roller, shear, & break For The Win!!!! where have you been all my life? Never knew something like that existed. Going to the the top of my new tool list right now. Lover your videos and thanks for all the fab tips!

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Good! I'm very happy to help 👍

thank you for taking time and sharing your knowledge. love you videos!!!!

I like all the futurama references in your shop. I am also a fan of the Milwaukee portaband, I got the corded one

As always your videos are top notch. You're a great teacher, Nate!

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thank! I really appreciate the kind words 👍

im just starting out and looking to buy a welder. Ive always heard that the multiprocessors are handy because it has extra features but also has too much features to really build them with the quality of the stand alone. im looking at getting a tig so i can get in there and do the light aluminum.

Just stumbled across you channel - looks good - I love a hand held band saw and a roofing / speed square

Just what I was looking for. Very nice.

Great video! I have never done this type of work, but am interested in trying it. Super helpful. Thanks!

Great tips Nate. Can never have enough tape measures or clamps

Great tips Nate. Thank you for the lesson.

I run 3 grinders.... Grinding Disc, Flapper Wheel, Cutting disc.... life is good.

@garynew9637

4 жыл бұрын

One more with a wire brush wheel.

Lots of great tips, man! And I agree 100%; ear buds have saved my life many a time! 👍👍

This video earned you a new subscriber. I have most of the tools you suggest and you are correct about them. I have no reason to doubt you about the others. Excelent video.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother! Happy to have you aboard 👍

That bar at 8.50 on jeep is great.

WOW!!!! Great video!!! Thank you so much, didn’t think of a couple of those and I will be saving pennies and picking up some to help build my fabricating skills!!! Keep up the amazing work!!!👍

Dude I just subscribed to your channel! This video in particular is incredibly useful for anybody who works out of their garage. Very well spoken, good cinematography, and deep meaningful content. Keep up the great work

Excellent list! Thank you

Love you old J truck, Worked at Jeep for 32 years, Bring to Jeep Fest in Aug,

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man me too! These old Jeep trucks are worth saving. This one was headed for the chrusher for sure. I don't regret saving it for a second 👍

Great episode, especially about buying two of a tool - totally speeds up work. Nice job dude.

@DirtLifestyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks bud 👍

I absolutely love watching your videos I'm a junior fabricator I'm trying to learn everything I can for a Bronco build and an ATV build for my daughter and myself. I love the tips and tricks that you give out I love watching your videos Stop giving haters spotlight. Who cares what they do or don't like you do amazing work

Nice video, I'm getting into fab work now, been in paint and body for 30 plus yrs. New subscriber!

Just recently learned how to weld with flux core grinders are a must

I have been wanting a portaband and you just convinced me i need it!

@eyesalooking

3 жыл бұрын

You can pick one up from Harbor Freight for $99.00 but get Milwaukee or DeWalt blades. The Milwaukee, DeWalt and Harbor Freight all take the same size blades. I picked up the Harbor Freight portaband this last weekend. My son and I used for the first time last night to cut some angle iron into short lengths for bracing on a dump truck bed and it cut through the metal like cutting through butter. It probably saved us two hours. Get the extended warranty so if anything wears out they will replace it with one at the store.

Been doing that sharpie thing for years and get the same dropped open mouths when I show people lol. One of my favorite tricks. Great video btw! Im gonna get that brake, roller, thingy asap.

A bandsaw has been one of the best tool I’ve bought for my shop!

The video is fantastic! A lot of great information. Keep updating the videos.

Learned a ton from this! Can’t wait to try some of this stuff!!