Dragon Man's Harley Engine Machine Shop

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  • Опубликовано: 2 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 547

  • @tommessina5973
    @tommessina5973 5 лет назад +81

    The coolest most organized machine shop I have ever seen to date.

    • @joec4251
      @joec4251 4 года назад +1

      Yes!!!! That's a big tell on how well organized he is too...

    • @armanibishop8672
      @armanibishop8672 3 года назад

      Instablaster.

  • @shojus
    @shojus 5 лет назад +277

    REAL men like this are a dying breed! This man knows more than most people will ever dream to know! HUGE props to Dragon Man 4 sure!

    • @Spazik86
      @Spazik86 5 лет назад +5

      I hope he has some sons or successors. It would be a real shame, if this man skills, tools and other stuff would be gone, when he will pass away one day.

    • @gristlepounder
      @gristlepounder 4 года назад +2

      I was thinking the same thing! Coming from a car and gun guy. He's a gold mine. Much respect!

    • @Panzer-Geomancer
      @Panzer-Geomancer 4 года назад +3

      @@Spazik86 He has a daughter. She shoots guns.

    • @mrglock2313
      @mrglock2313 4 года назад +2

      I too hope his stuff goes in the right hands that appreciate it like he does. But let's hope dragon dragon man is here for a long time. Hopefully he live to 102

    • @joec4251
      @joec4251 4 года назад +2

      Exactly what we we're thinking....holy cow, a one man show, doing all that? Impressive!

  • @scottkovacs585
    @scottkovacs585 4 года назад +22

    I do all this stuff by myself, that way it comes out right the first time. Wise words to live by...

  • @holeeshietpyro4072
    @holeeshietpyro4072 4 года назад +60

    owns museums, lives in a museum, living every mans dream, and.. runs an engine/machine shop-museum too.. damn

    • @Itsme-mx5tl
      @Itsme-mx5tl 4 года назад +3

      And has a beautiful daughter!!

  • @cravinbob
    @cravinbob 4 года назад +20

    I ran into Dragon Man a few years ago in town. I said "Hi Mel, nice to see you."
    his reply, "You don't know that yet."

  • @gavinsmiyh6218
    @gavinsmiyh6218 5 лет назад +159

    Is there no limit to this mans skill and knowledge!!!

    • @AaronB9616
      @AaronB9616 5 лет назад +10

      i thought the exact same he is a legend.

    • @TheFastStang
      @TheFastStang 4 года назад +3

      Like a real life chuck norris...

    • @billkerr1704
      @billkerr1704 3 года назад +1

      Only if people worked like this to day the world be so much better

  • @mustanggarland24
    @mustanggarland24 5 лет назад +24

    Dude you've worked your ass off all your life! You deserve everything you have!!!! Very impressive

    • @joec4251
      @joec4251 4 года назад +1

      YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Wishing you the best always Mel, and your family...you are a rock star we all strive to be like!

  • @000IIIII000I0lll
    @000IIIII000I0lll 5 лет назад +26

    Hot rod collection, gun collection, and you even have a machine shop. Dam. I wish you could be my grandpa!

  • @johnyjoe15
    @johnyjoe15 5 лет назад +52

    This dude does not stop!!! Literally he must not ever sleep. Guns, hot rods, motors, harleys, schwinn stingrays, a military museum and a toy museum!

    • @MrMrsregor
      @MrMrsregor 5 лет назад +1

      yea. where did his fortune start ?

    • @damionchrist
      @damionchrist 5 лет назад +1

      I wanna know how financially he was able to get his start, rich parents maybe?

    • @crippleshot4810
      @crippleshot4810 4 года назад +6

      Working everyday is how he made all of his money. He started with nothing.

    • @jdias51
      @jdias51 4 года назад +3

      @@crippleshot4810 people dont understand that if you work everyday and have passion for what you do doesnt matter what the industry is you will make it $ wise plus everything he has also creates revenue

    • @joec4251
      @joec4251 4 года назад +1

      There aren't enough hours in the day I think...he's awesome!

  • @rb67mustang
    @rb67mustang 4 года назад +3

    Thanks for the tour, Mel. I'm a retired Machinist and you have a beautiful shop. The way you have each machine setup for one job makes it perfect for you to do it all yourself.

  • @callisto32
    @callisto32 5 лет назад +69

    You just keep getting cooler.

  • @brucelee8068
    @brucelee8068 4 года назад +5

    DRAGON MAN I'VE BEEN IN MACHINE SHOPS FOR 40 YEARS, AS A MACHINIST AND AS A QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER......AND I MUST SAY I'M IMPRESSED WITH YOUR COLLECTION OF MACHINES AND THE TOOLING YOU HAVE BUILT......TOP NOTCH OPERATION......NO KIDDING I'M IMPRESSED

  • @edcreasia8961
    @edcreasia8961 5 лет назад +34

    Hey, Dragon man. Long time subscriber, first time commenting. I felt compelled to comment on your video today because I felt a kinship of sorts. First off, best video ever. I'm retired now, I'll be 65 this xmas. As you were explaining to the viewers from machine to machine I was reminded of my days at the Boeing Co. in Washington state. I started off with an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker in 1973 Iv'e operated manual and CNC machines all my adult life. Later, I graduated to a CNC programmer using CAD CAM on a Catia platform (shell programming) retired from Boeing in 1999. Last program I was on would be the F22 raptor in its early stages before the general public knew about it. There is always something cool about designing manufacturing and machining metal weather it be aluminum, titanium, steel, etc. I'm also a hotrod guy built many a motors all Fords... I know you like the Chevies...lol. Firearms have been in my life since I was about 14 yrs. old. My dad, a veteran of the Korean war taught my brothers and myself all about firearms safety and shooting. Since my retirement I have started to take up shooting in a more active way. Since I have moved to Ca. behind enemy lines I have come to realize how my 2a rights have come under tighter restrictions. I'm glad it hasn't had the same effect on Colorado. Anyway, thank you for all that you do, in educating the public about firearms and mechanics. Still, one of my most watched channels.

    • @Adi-bx4jg
      @Adi-bx4jg 3 года назад

      It’s “whether” not “weather”

  • @thomast7558
    @thomast7558 5 лет назад +15

    And I only thought he did guns....His knowledge is very vast when it comes to Harley Davidson rebuilds I was highly impressed and would get motor done by him. Thumbs up x2 Nice job man!!!

  • @luigitorchia8866
    @luigitorchia8866 4 года назад +4

    Thank you for all the great videos. Can You please give us a tour of your tool boxes. Thanks.

  • @mylifeisdope916
    @mylifeisdope916 4 года назад +2

    wow. ive never even ridden a harley but watching this makes me want to buy one and have you rebuild the engine for me. very awesome

  • @jumamuiruri6027
    @jumamuiruri6027 4 года назад +46

    Who else loved this one but did not understand anything

  • @eightpenny6379
    @eightpenny6379 2 года назад +1

    What a shop! There is 2 or 3 lifetimes worth of tooling, parts and layout in there. Wow! The vintage snap on boxes stacked up had me drooling!
    Clean and smart, plus that guy is a talker.

  • @JayKayKay7
    @JayKayKay7 5 лет назад +4

    I like the task specific tools that he has accumulated over the years. Incredible collection of classic iron with modern brains wired in.

  • @jamesw9950
    @jamesw9950 5 лет назад +23

    Dragon man's probably forgot what most men will ever know.

  • @gentlebuns4218
    @gentlebuns4218 4 года назад +3

    This is incredible. I need to meet you dragon man. Your wisdom and knowledge needs to live on.

  • @cartersdad615
    @cartersdad615 4 года назад +3

    Mel ypur shop is phenomenal and inspiring! So much time spent physically and mentally to get that shop to where it is at that point! Im sure your as proud of your machine shop as you are of the museum!? Keep it up!👍

  • @rozco1978
    @rozco1978 4 года назад

    Wow, thats incredible. Not just the machinery and tooling, but all the jigs, punches and custom stuff.
    I could spend the rest of my days in that shop. So cool

  • @justachipn3039
    @justachipn3039 5 лет назад +23

    Damn Dragon Man... your a national treasure of skill n knowledge !!!

  • @prodesign8189
    @prodesign8189 5 лет назад

    As an aspiring small cnc shop owner of two years, I feel privileged to see videos from people like you. Absolutely love this. A big thank you.

  • @leonardjanda6181
    @leonardjanda6181 5 лет назад +6

    Love your set up in shop very well organized, my father was a tool and die guy for Bally he'd loved making and solving companies problems

  • @daverobey3378
    @daverobey3378 4 года назад

    Truly awesome shop. This is what 40+ years of passion builds. Perfect example if you want something done right, do it yourself.

  • @Jacob-64
    @Jacob-64 4 года назад +4

    I do all the machining myself and assembly .... Definitely real man old school right there . His shop blows my mind .

  • @rcdogmanduh4440
    @rcdogmanduh4440 4 года назад

    I worked about 20 machine shop over 42 years and one once had a riser on a Bridgeport,
    Retired now and what a pleasure to see this video.

  • @SteveSummers
    @SteveSummers 5 лет назад +14

    You got it going on man! Love to spend a few hours in your shop shooting the breeze.

    • @joec4251
      @joec4251 4 года назад

      Would we all... Very cool, and sharp as can be...
      Mel, what is your hourly rate for all of us to just talk with you? ROFL!!!!

  • @nirvana613
    @nirvana613 4 года назад +2

    This man just continues to amaze me,the amount of knowledge and skill that he has...

  • @oneofbillions691
    @oneofbillions691 5 лет назад

    Dragon Man makes me want to buy an older Harley just so I can have him build out the motor with all the tricks and goodies. Those tools, machines the entire shop are a builders heaven and can only exist because of a passionate love for what he does. Brilliant man. Thanks to RUclips we get to see all these talented guys we would otherwise not know existed.

  • @68greengoat
    @68greengoat 4 года назад +9

    Like I need another reason to like you, still want to come out and visit

  • @deanehill9730
    @deanehill9730 4 года назад +1

    Sir, you are a rare person. You know so much and have a treasure tool chest. Thanks for the show.

  • @MrADjam5
    @MrADjam5 4 года назад +6

    Good Stuff! Dragon Man has to be the LAST Mohican.

  • @mrcrock2095
    @mrcrock2095 5 лет назад +44

    See that.....fully operational, dragon man's catch phrases. Lol

  • @averygentry35
    @averygentry35 5 лет назад +15

    Go Figure most armed man in america a gunsmith Nah lol Builds harley motors ! This never ceases to amaze me

  • @chuckmiller5763
    @chuckmiller5763 5 лет назад +15

    And when SHTF happens, milling machine # 3 makes A15 lowers, machine #17 makes AK receivers, The 2 lathes in the back make barrels.......... And you all thought he was serous about making engine parts.

    • @badfellow8422
      @badfellow8422 4 года назад +1

      I guess you can make a barrel on a lathe but its not gonna be rifled.

    • @ezzz42
      @ezzz42 4 года назад

      hes a class 7 dealer so he can make all the parts if he wants anyway.

  • @johnlangley6449
    @johnlangley6449 4 года назад +4

    Man what a shop I wish I could just sweep the floor just to be there

  • @dannyoktim9628
    @dannyoktim9628 5 лет назад +6

    Nothing like knowing what your doing, very smart setup.

  • @cmbn.y.7681
    @cmbn.y.7681 5 лет назад +4

    YOU ARE AMAZING! Guns, bikes, being a cool dad, I admire you, God bless!

  • @TLervis
    @TLervis 5 лет назад +3

    Whoa! Save some milling machines for the rest of us guys. Seriously though. That is one amazing shop and one unique personality.

  • @dontachito4923
    @dontachito4923 4 года назад +1

    Hopefully one day Dragon Man will recruit 12 passionate Apprentices to transmit his wisdom and continue his legacy

  • @speedbuggy16v
    @speedbuggy16v 5 лет назад +8

    always wondered how you afforded all the toys, this explains it!

  • @garthvancura6759
    @garthvancura6759 3 года назад

    This is guy is probably the most interesting man on RUclips. A wealth of knowledge on many many subjects.

  • @perchowski3021
    @perchowski3021 4 года назад +2

    Definitely the coolest guy in the world! I watched your channel years ago for the firearms but had no idea you ride and love machining! Just bought my first mill a few weeks ago! Its a benchtop mill but uses R8 like a Bridgeport. I also ride too, gonna show my GF this video so she can see what she has to look forward to 😆

  • @meeknuggets4860
    @meeknuggets4860 5 лет назад

    This guy has everything I could want. Whole arsenal or guns, tanks, vehicles, a kick ass workshop, a nice piece of land, nice house and collectibles. You go dragon man!

  • @mikethemaniac1
    @mikethemaniac1 5 лет назад +2

    I am SEETHING with envy! This setup, and I mean JUST what's in the shot is mpre extensive than LITERALLY the whole machine shop for the company I worked at.

  • @Rspri10104
    @Rspri10104 5 лет назад +3

    Now that's a dream shop. OUTSTANDING!!

  • @kurtfoulke5130
    @kurtfoulke5130 2 года назад

    Full service shops like yours have become few and far between, knowledgeable machinist to operate the equipment are even more rare. I am very impressed with your organization and efficiency. 👍

  • @izzynutz2000
    @izzynutz2000 5 лет назад +1

    I miss doing this kind of work my father was a machine salesman and we had a complete machine shop down in our basement and for a long time I was rebuilding HD and automotive engines.. my specialty was Automotive/motorcycle carburetors..

  • @rickpalluck5398
    @rickpalluck5398 4 года назад

    His knowledge is fantastic.From machine’s to guns to tanks,he’s probably forgotten more than most people will ever learn.I would give anything to work in one of his shops.I’m a retired diesel mechanic,and presently a gunsmith.The cleanliness of his tools and machines reminds me of me.LOL

  • @dumpsterbear2492
    @dumpsterbear2492 4 года назад +2

    This knowledge can’t die with this man! He is a living legend!

  • @hyper-1
    @hyper-1 2 года назад

    Now this man is a legend! What he knows, some people won't learn in a lifetime. God bless you.

  • @welbojox756
    @welbojox756 4 года назад

    Dragon Man has reached legendary status in my book! The attention to detail and how well he’s set up his shop to maximize efficiency is unreal, the amount of knowledge and skill this man has is genius level!

  • @Salve_Regina8
    @Salve_Regina8 4 года назад

    Wow!!! I can hear him all day long! Dragon man keeps surprising me the more I watch his videos. He holds so much knowledge. Good man!!

  • @lowellyoungwolf
    @lowellyoungwolf 4 года назад +1

    This man screams independence! So inspiring. Thank you Dragon Man!

  • @felixcat9318
    @felixcat9318 4 года назад

    This is a video documentary of meticulous craftsmanship in an unequalled machine shop created to allow the necessary flow of work, unhindered by repeatedly having to set up and re-set up the the machines before work could commence!
    The huge investment in procuring and setting up each machine shows the commitment to carrying out exemplary work at reasonable rates.
    I know of no other Engineer or machine shop that has invested so much in order to create such a natural work flow system.
    This workshop and machine shop enable mechanical mastery to take place, and I would have every confidence in an engine built by this supremely talented and experienced Engineer and Master Mechanic!

  • @hubes96
    @hubes96 3 года назад

    I would have loved to have met him out of high school and started working for him! The wealth of knowledge he could of passed on. He is the last of his kind... There won’t be anymore like him... This guy is a national treasure with his Museum! I strongly believe the best thing that can happen to his Museum Collection is sold to the Smithsonian someday where it will be properly preserved for ever!

  • @stephengordon8968
    @stephengordon8968 5 лет назад +2

    This guy is so smart , amazing shop he has acquired

  • @grahamsengineering.2532
    @grahamsengineering.2532 5 лет назад

    This is one hell of a machine shop and the man behind it with the knowledge to run it.

  • @778carly
    @778carly 4 года назад

    Great vid.What a wonderful teacher. Thanks for takin' all the time to explain your processes. Most shops don't take the time. This vid will make you some money.Cheers!

  • @tjdesignzable
    @tjdesignzable 4 года назад

    i dont know squat about building engines but this is the most impressive shop I have ever seen and the knowledge you have is incredible

  • @ApowerRO
    @ApowerRO 4 года назад

    besides the incredible knowledge. Look at this hands. He is making those engine parts look like they are made of paper. Strong dude.

  • @luckybait
    @luckybait 3 года назад

    I have never seen a machine shop that clean??? Wow!! All of the machines are perfectly clean ??? Wow

  • @ShainAndrews
    @ShainAndrews 4 года назад

    Clean organized shop. So many look like they are run by hoarders. He has so much invested in equipment to improve accuracy and speed.

  • @johanalin2294
    @johanalin2294 5 лет назад

    fantastic machineshop. just love all the machines for all the different jobs.wish i had the same at my work

  • @ronydaking1
    @ronydaking1 4 года назад

    I admire his knowledge on everything he touches...amazing..

  • @jamesford2942
    @jamesford2942 4 года назад

    He welded up the case on my Sportster where the transmission came out of the bottom. Very nice repair that has lasted for years.

  • @KyleKingmaatt
    @KyleKingmaatt 5 лет назад +15

    Might want to change your heading to Harley Davidson rebuild you will probably get a lot more hits. in turn getting you more business

    • @thebaddest2562
      @thebaddest2562 5 лет назад +7

      he does the shit for fun, u know it. he just livin the dream.

  • @tommytaylor4458
    @tommytaylor4458 5 лет назад +1

    From a machinist to dragon man..Awsome setup !!👍👍

  • @DZCamaro-kz2vd
    @DZCamaro-kz2vd 4 года назад

    What a shop! This man's work is reflected by his shop!

  • @stanmarsh9079
    @stanmarsh9079 4 года назад

    I know I'm a year late to comment but I just stumbled upon this amazingly skilled man.
    I don't even own a Harley but I want to get one just to send it to his shop! If only I had money! 😂
    I'm a full time mill operator and a garage fabricator/tinkerer. Sadly I only have a bench top lathe and been saving for quite some time for a Bridgeport.. Now I know why used Bridgeports aren't posted for sale as much as they used to be.. This man is hoarding them all haha. That shop looks like Paradise..

  • @jacwrd51
    @jacwrd51 4 года назад +1

    Great setup no substitute for experience..👍

  • @thebaddest2562
    @thebaddest2562 5 лет назад +3

    ur officially my hero. i wanna be like u when i grow up.

  • @danc.2167
    @danc.2167 5 лет назад

    You could spend years working with him and only know a fraction of what he knows. Truly amazing!!

  • @HarleyDavidsonSweden
    @HarleyDavidsonSweden 5 лет назад

    Dream shop, looks like a good place to learn and master the old engines.

  • @gregsg2351
    @gregsg2351 3 года назад

    WHOLEY JESUS DRAGON-MAN I thought you had it goin on for the war museum but your shop is impeccable to say the least I now have even more respect for you hard to believe, great job buddy

  • @kdtool9437
    @kdtool9437 5 лет назад +1

    Very nice, well kept shop, knowledgeable, and knows how to make good time on a job.

  • @James29440
    @James29440 5 лет назад +5

    Waiting for the video when he'll say, "This is my lightsaber, over here are all my ray guns shrink ray, freeze ray, heat ray all fully operational."

  • @Wjones450
    @Wjones450 5 лет назад

    truly incredible!! There is A TON of money and man hours in that shop just in the setup alone! very impressive!

  • @matthewroepke4644
    @matthewroepke4644 4 года назад

    You’re an inspiration and an example of why America is so great! Yaa Hoo Dragonman!

  • @snicklefritz4209
    @snicklefritz4209 4 года назад

    he sure is one of a kind!!! this man is one multi skilled hard working dude

  • @charlescarlo3465
    @charlescarlo3465 4 года назад

    Cool shop. Your family must be Proud. Wish everyone had such knowledge we deal with. Best ad you could do. Great job.

  • @RaysGarage
    @RaysGarage 5 лет назад

    Not sure whats more impressive, your amazing firearm collection or your awesome machine shop, both are top shelf and Bad Ass!

  • @kcnelson4994
    @kcnelson4994 3 года назад

    I remember seeing Mel’s ads.in the original older Easyriders magazines(pre 1985) ....very cool old school

  • @ProcintUS
    @ProcintUS 5 лет назад

    There's easily 500k in machinery and tooling in that man's shop. My first job was sweeping the floors and running for ice cream at a shop owned by a guy like this. If we did something more than twice in a week he'd have me write the job on the board and look for new machines so they could just stay setup, just like this. Phenomenally efficient but boy is it expensive.
    I can smell Kenny's shop watching this, there's a unique way years of grinding stones, racing oil and machine steel smell and I love it.

  • @codyterwilliger9034
    @codyterwilliger9034 Год назад

    Dragon man your awesome very educated and a dying breed what a Cool guy to have all the collection and knowledge of eany thing imaginable what an awesome collection and a great museum that honors our veterans very cool stuff

  • @ejleos6216
    @ejleos6216 5 лет назад

    Dragon man your the coolest most knowledgeable man with great sharp memory. And we like the shop. It would be a dream of mine to have an organized shop like that. Good job.

  • @sparenothing1487
    @sparenothing1487 5 лет назад +1

    Your knowledge about things is astounding! Love watching your videos, I always learn a shit Ton!

  • @19jaredbarsuglia81
    @19jaredbarsuglia81 4 года назад

    CNC is great and all, but I hope shops like these never go away!

  • @dorey1985
    @dorey1985 4 года назад

    Very impressive shop Dragon Man. Great videos.

  • @terrencesculley3596
    @terrencesculley3596 5 лет назад

    I would love 2 learn under u! The knowledge and craftsmanship you have is immense and awesome

  • @Bread996
    @Bread996 5 лет назад

    Nice shop and great price. If I had a Harley, I wouldn't hesitate to send it to you!

  • @darlenedunlap8066
    @darlenedunlap8066 Год назад +1

    Thanks 🙏🏻 we try to keep them up positive vibes.3.5

  • @hammonds82
    @hammonds82 4 года назад

    This guy is such a inspiration to learn more and keep working hard

  • @theshape2613
    @theshape2613 5 лет назад +2

    Amazing shop! Thank you Dragon Man. Badass!

  • @PeterSmith-or3pq
    @PeterSmith-or3pq 3 года назад

    Man knows his stuff! And I would love to see the place.

  • @lorenlieder9789
    @lorenlieder9789 5 лет назад

    Man very well equipped shop and a man that knows what he is talking about!!

  • @dagann1
    @dagann1 4 года назад

    This guy is a treasure! A $1000.00 overhaul, or, "remanufactured" Harley engine is cheap and a week-plus return is awesome! He has a "quality assurance" program to check for "issues" and the proper equipment for precision work. If I was a younger man, I'd pay to be an assistant in his shop. And, shojus is correct with his assessment of Dragon Man as a man of a dying breed. As mechanical designs change to the newest environment, fewer "experts" are around to maintain the still popular engines of the past. I am not talking as if the Harley design is an antique per se, but, from a family of engines designed for antique aircraft use. And, let's face it, eventually, all transportation vehicles will be electric, and as a result, his expertise will decline.
    I say that for a reason. Back in the day, I served with men of his caliber as an aircraft mechanic in the seventies. Of course, the Navy needed technicians for jets, which I was one, however, a squadron next to ours flew the North American T-6 Texan aircraft. A trainer for advancing pilots that required a fast and powerful plane that can shoot targets while maneuvering in a combat environment. The powerplant was a Pratt and Whitney 9-cylinder Radial engine that required a morning preflight process to remove the sparkplugs of the bottom cylinders to evacuate any oil settled between the pistons and the heads. Otherwise, you can have cylinder-lock that results in costly repairs from a start-up. Once drained of low cylinder oil, they often started the engine for a warm-up for the pilot's daily flight. I often was on the flight-line and enjoyed watching the start-up and to see the fire from the Header once it fired. Raw power from a 600hp engine while they set the throttle to 80% warm-up! And, I enjoyed talking to their mechs.
    However, I met a lot of mechanics of that era that is now gone. They die and take all their experience and knowledge with them. Call it nostalgia if you wish, but, I miss these guys who were the top of their industry. And, I appreciate the men who are still around with such abilities. Obviously, Dragon Man is one of those I truly respect. He may not have worked in aviation, but, he could easily! After all, advanced knowledge of gas and piston engines to the degree he has is a quality rarely seen today. I will watch many if not all his videos for that reason alone. And, the introduction of his shop in this video made me a fan. And, again, who doesn't have a love and interest of Harley Davidson powerplants!? To be set up as he is, he can turn engines weekly and make a fortune!...lol. I will be watching!