I have not seen this type of craftsmanship since the 60's when my uncle installed ductwork. Now its my turn so I really needed this video. Thanks so much.
Well, now that was an unexpected and complimentary comment... Thank you Gerald. Have you found the playlists up top? There's several like this one: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx The good fittings start down about 7 videos I think. There's a lot of straight duct and plenum fabs too.
Excellent layout tutorial, Tractorman44. Well planned on making it fit. I'm always in the field but was fortunate to have great teachers sharing their skill. Thxs for the vids!
Thanks David for stopping in for a visit and giving such a supportive comment. I broke in with several old timers up in the big city who professed the thoughts that I was after their jobs and consequently they would not share even the simplest of information. I swore from early on that if I EVER learned anything about the industry I would give anything I know to anyone that wanted to listen. I'm just glad to see so many really ARE interested in these types of videos.
I'd advise you using tips here you may find helpful, but above all else, listen to your instructor first and foremost. I've done a lot of metal over the years, but it's 99% self taught. So he's going to teach you how todays modern shops get the work done. But never turn down the opportunity to learn a different way if doing something. There is never ONE right way to do anything !! Check out my playlist up top like this one: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx
Hahahaha....I have been sooooo busy keeping up with my replies Dave, that I sadly have gotten behind big time on you, Joe, GP and many other channels I used to watch religiously. I'll have to go check it out. But I did get to watch two videos of his from about 3 weeks ago just this morning.
Sometimes the numbers flow pretty easy, but sometimes they don't too. LOL. Thanks for watching and if you haven't found the playlists above, here's one with 35 videos in it on sheet metal and installations: ruclips.net/video/IObgZ5gYWIE/видео.html Thanks for watching and leaving a cool comment.
Well, thank you for the very kind words. If you like sheet metal, there are several playlists up top with plenums (s/a and r/a), transitions, offsets, radius fittings and r/a 90's with integral filter racks to name a few.
Looks like the planum on my furnace that I have at the moment....My brother did it....he`s the expert in this tin business....You make it look so easy...I`ll stick to electrical and mechanics....CHEERS
Some times, a fella's just gotta do what he's gotta do...and if cussing them out works, well...so be it !! LOL It's almost like some of the old timers figured to mess with the next generation by hiding screws where they can't be reached without three elbows on each arm !!
Thank you Sam for the cool comment. I kinda get a kick out of the 'how to' sheetmetal videos that just use S's and duct tape or mastic and call it good. I'm not knocking them, but I just like to provide an alternate view to doing the work. I've got a ton of sheet metal videos in the playlists up top if you want to see more. Lots of fittings, plenums and odd stuff. Here's one for instance: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd
Whaoo what a job my friend, I can watch for hours where Man, machine and skills come together, the tri-angle of success, well done Wendell, this was a super satisfying video
I was tickled that it fit so well myself Jan. So I'm thinking my lucky streak must be continuing !! LOL Thank you for such a kind comment....always a pleasure to hear from you.
Good evening Steel Sheet Picasso Artiste !!! I realy like that last para of yours ( .I mean, you don't want to make your self go prematurely grey over a little bit of sheet metal !! It's too late for me, so save yourself the head aches). : ) Full video watch of your Chef d'oeuvre mon ami ; ) Please keep up your OUTSTANDING work Sir Cheers
Well, I am glad to hear you are still enjoying the videos. I'm probably going to be doing less and less sheet metal as I whittle down the final list of those projects. I'm trying to not add anything to the already too long list.
As time goes by, I'm starting to better understand your sheet metal layouts and methods of configuration. I dont have to make any fittings by hand, I just draw them and call them in and someone uses the plasma cutter to cut the metal, which saves so much time. I would like to learn how to make fittings by hand just because the plasma cutter is prone to breaking down when you least expect it. You make your fittings with so much enthusiasm, and you like quality work, something not everyone appreciates anymore!
I think a lot of companies operate like that. But the way I come up in the industry back in the 70's was to go to the job, demo, measure, go back to the shop to fabricate then return to install. Most of the time on changeouts it was all in one day. Many, many times it was a long day extending into the evening hours, but the next day was usually already scheduled. So there was nothing to do but just do it. You might try to ask the shop for some scrap metal so you can practice layout and notching... My first boss let me stay after work and play with material from the scrap pile and the machines to learn. Even dismantling used ductwork will net material to practice on. And a cheap brake from Northern Hydraulics or Harbor Freight would be great to use at home to learn the bends. Thank you for watching and I hope you've seen the playlists up top...?? Try this one when you have time to spare: ruclips.net/video/IObgZ5gYWIE/видео.html
If you can’t do it in the shop get yourself some good construction paper and lay it out that way. That’s how I learned to make square to rounds before I ever tried on metal.
Well I've always felt the job I'm working on is another one that references myself and the kind of work I do. There are those that identify with duct tape and mastic, but I prefer clean well formed metal to carry my name as I leave the job.
OMG !! Curtis, you get the gold star for the comment of that day. Yes, I spit a bit of coffee onto the screen....LOL Maybe I just don't put the massive numbers of failures on film... Thank you so much for the entertaining comment.
@@tractorman4461 now thats funny! Would like to have seen a video of that. In all seriousness those pieces that you make for ductwork heating and cooling is a real art form and you have it mastered. Thanks for sharing those how to.
@@curtisbolinger3366 You are quite welcome Curtis. I am just glad to see so many viewers show an interest in some of the sheet metal videos. I always figure if viewers like what they see, they may tell others to take a look too. I DO sincerely appreciate the time you guys take to watch and especially to comment.
A metal bending 44 adventure for my slumber preparation! This is cause for major tippin and sippin to my Buddy inthe west inthe morning! Thanks for a Fine video to feast on! So from my Holler to your Holler, I bid you pleasant dreams of sugar plum faeries and tutus! DaveyJO
I probably woke you from that relaxing pre-sleepy time with all the banging on the metal !! Hahahaha....Always a good time hearing from you ol' buddy. I doin' my part to deplete the hot black reserves of the JOpot right this moment !! Have a wonderful day, relax and follow the doctors orders my friend.
@@tractorman4461 My JOcup is also raised your way as I write my Friend! And hammering can be a sweet sound to some. I have many different hammers including a slaters hammer and cutter. I’ll send a pic if you not see one before. We had Peach Bottom slate here for many years and many rooves are still clad after many decades. And now I can walk the lane and back feeling fine with no cramping in the legs as before. Recon I won’t be going out for professional sports but I wouldn’t be anyway. So more tippin and sippin goin on this day your way, on this rainy but warm spring morning. I was up at 5:30 this am and figured you may well have been or soon up with your cup. My Best to Missus as well and as always! Did get a nice surprise yesterday. My daughter is driving this way in the next two weeks. It’s been four years since Alice and meself visited there in Portland, Or. Want to visit near St. Lewis one day too! I heard there’s a 44 Museum there not to be missed! A Fine Day to ya all! DaveyJO
@@daveyjoweaver6282 I'm not remembering a particular picture with a variety of hammers, but then again, I can't tell ya what I had for lunch either. LOL. Sorry that your bid for the position as a pro linebacker has had to come to a halt....but I AM glad to hear your extremities aren't sending shock waves to your brain any more. So there IS a trade off I guess... LOL. So cool to hear your daughter is coming home for a while after so long of a haitus DaveyJO. Four years is a LONG time !! But then again, we ain't seen each other in nearly 71 years !! Well you are always welcome here, but I gotta admit the 'museum' is in dire need of massive overhaul but it would still be a good visit. Either your visit to good ol' St LOO or we will make it alla way to the Chocolate factory and make a days detour your way.... Until then, here I be a sittin' just a tippin' and a sippin'...... Take care ol' buddy and listen to the Doc !!
@@tractorman4461 Sippin anna Tippin to the west here inna Holler inna morning! I can still do this but no line backin anymore, except on paper figuring out stuff. A FINE. weekend to all the 44s! DaveyJO
Great video Wendell as usual, I really enjoy them Thank you for doing them. Can I request you do a video on making your universal scribe? I really like that homemade tool you made👍 Cheers🇨🇦
@@PaulHVAC1 Hahahahaha...busted ya, didn't I...LOL No biggie. I just tell everyone to type a keyword plus Tractorman44 and If I have done a video on the topic, it will usually pop up pretty quick.
Well, thank you. Sometimes we find some odd fittings are required to make the job look good AND work good too. Thanks again for the supportive comment.
The best place is a going out of business auction of a small hvac contractor. They ARE very hard to find. You may find an industrial tool warehouse that specializes in used hvac equipment. I don't know what you have available in the area around you. But that's what I would do here. Good luck !! Btw, have you found my sheet metal playlists up above? Here's one that may be interesting if you are interested: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx
Ain't nothin' to it, is there. Sure is a daunting task for those that haven't learned though. So many guys do it by hand and just screw four pieces of flat metal together with S-slips and screws. No drives, no double hem flanges or anything. But if it works for them, that's ok.
Yeah, I would consider it a tight space when only the front is accessible. Without removing the return air drop it'd be a bit tough to install what was needed on this one. At least this way I was able to screw half way across the rear with an extension, all the left side and front and half the right side with an extension. So yes, I've been on many jobs much tighter, laying in insulation in an attic or crawling in the mud and cat poop in a crawl space. The worst are apartment units I think. I have another one that's in a tight space in a playlist too. Its an attic install and the south trunk is tight by anyones standards: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd Thanks for watching as well as for the compliment on the fitting Neil.
Some of the much older Engel pittsburgh machines required 1 1/4'' but all the current Lockformer machines I ever used required only 1". Hope that helps. Here's a cool new sheet metal video you may like: ruclips.net/video/i2KFLZGbZwI/видео.html
Thanks Marcus for the supportive comment my friend. That particular tool box was a badly damaged Kennedy tool box that a guy I worked for back in the 70's asked me to throw away for him. I just took it home and beat it back into as good of shape as I could at the time and have used it to carry the sheet metal tools ever since. Back in the day a lot of tradesmen carried the Kennedy boxes because of their functionality and durability. They open up kinda like a tacklebox with the compartmentalized trays folding out at the top hinges back. The bad thing is they can get really heavy and cumbersome but the good thing is they carry virtually everything you need for sheetmetal installation.
Love your videos, had one today on a job that kind of stumped me a bit. Similar piece to what you made but I had the back side straight and offsets on the front and both sides. I usually always start with the piece that is either straight or has the least amount of an offset and build off of that piece, meaning I get my true height off of the preview piece I built and then add the inch at the bottom and the top just like you did. I had a 10" offset on both sides so my left and right pieces were a good few inches longer than my back (starting piece) usually the last (front) piece I've been able to calculate off of the shorter of the two left and right true heights for the height on my last piece. Problem was I only had a 2" offset on the front piece. My question is, is there a way or formula you know of to determine the height of the front (final) piece by going off of my left and right pieces? Or do you just have to use geometry or actually measure the true height of that piece to make it work?
Geometry is the real answer, but I ALWAYS start with the one straight piece where the true length is not questionable. Then lay out and fab the two sides using an awl, not a felt marker, for accuracy. The trick then becomes finding the exact place on the newly formed sides to make the measurement for the 4th and final piece. I measure to the inside point of the Pittsburgh lock, not the outside point where the tab is bent over. THAT will grow the fitting and you'll have to get creative on site to make it presentable. I hope that made sense. It's hard to describe in print. Geometry to figure that last piece is more problematic to me than actual measurements. Have you found the sheet metal playlists up above? There's a lot of different fittings in them that you may find interesting. Like this one: ruclips.net/video/PvDab537ul4/видео.html Thanks for watching and commenting with a question Matthew.
Hey Matthew, yes there's a way to get the true heights on all of your pieces b4 u lay them out. But you have to know the amount of slope each side has, along with what the finished height is suppose to be. The easiest way to find the true length of a piece, is to drawl a straight line up and down for example if the finished fitting height is suppose to be 8 inches, then u drawl an 8 inch long line straight up and down. Then at the bottom of the 8 inch line, drawl an arbitrary line perpendicular to the 8 in h line going left to right. Now after that we have to find the hypotenuse or true lengths of the triangle. So say the right side of the fitting is sloping 3 inches, what you do is go from the bottom of the 8 inch line and mark 3 inches yo the right on the arbitrary perpendicular line u drew at the bottom. After that, take your ruler and connect a line from the 3 inch mark all the way to the top of the 8 inch line. Whatever the distance of that line is, is the true length of your piece. 8 inch height at a slope of 3 inches is obviously larger than 8 inches so whatever that distance is, will be the cut length for your piece you cut out. There's also another way which is a formula to find the cut lengths of your pieces using math, and it doesn't require you to layout a triangle. The formula is fitting length^2 + slope^2= square root of that number. I hope that helps
Yes, the original system does have duct liner. When the job was done originally the basement was an unconditioned space, and had a good chance of sweating. It is now totally finished out and converted to a fully conditioned space, so there is very little chance of sweat. So no, I did not go back with duct liner or double mylar wrap. Good question. However, I always insulate attics and crawl spaces in addition to sealing with mastic.
Three basic factors determine everything about a plenum's size on a change out. #1: The physical opening of the furnace or air handler and #2: The size of the opening of the duct it is to be connected to. #3: The distance that separate the two. New construction is a different story. Have you by chance seen the playlists up above? Like this one here, there's a LOT of odd shapes and sizes and talk about air flow:ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd You might find some interesting things there. Thanks for watching and having a good question Niel.
@@tractorman4461 thank you so much for the quick response - ok so the plenum size is not based on the size or the volume of the room it is supplying air flow for? For some reason I thought that was how it worked. And If I only have a limited space height of 6" inside an attic with a 6" diameter duct? Is increasing the depth and the width of the plenum box sufficient enough or that's not how it works?
@@niel5101Well the plenum 'box' or adapter is the connection from the furnace TO your duct delivery system...So in essence, the duct should be sized adequately for carrying the air flow to ALL the rooms supplied which should match the air flow in cfm (Cubic Feet of air per Minute). So if I am reading your question correctly you really don't actually have a duct network in the attic that supplies multiple rooms with the required air flow to satisfy the respective rooms....?? I'm not sure I've got the whole picture yet.
I usually start off with a square vertical line and mark the true height of the finished fitting, then measure to the left and the right the lengths or distances of the offset. There's a lot more to it than I can explain in print by a reply, but for the most part just about each video will contain enough verbal information for you to see exactly how I do it....while it is being done. I have a few playlists up above that probably contains the answer many times over in the different videos. This one would be a GOOD one to see a bunch of odd fittings and measurements: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd
I always try to set the furnace to get at least ONE side straight up and down. It doesn't matter which of the 4 sides it is. But once you have that 'true length', lay that side out first then use the transitional dimensions to the left and right to get the true length of those two sides. If everything is measured, laid out and cut accurately, the far edges of side 2 and 3 will result in the true length of side #4 ending up with the exact height as sides 1,2 and 3 after folding. Make sense ?? Its difficult to explain in print, But that's how I do it without more complicated math. Thanks Harry for watching....but an old lady once told there's more than one way to skin an orange !! So some ways are better than others....as may be the way you'd do this fitting.... I've had to cheat a lot of times in the field, but I do it where it's not extremely visible and without duct tape. I appreciate the comments....you've GOT to be an old tinner....?? (-;
@@tractorman4461 mine is many ways to skin a cat. I have guys that will measure to the 16th. Good but metal will move. Not sure if they are killing time or just not want to do the job.
@@harrygilbert4593 Oh yeah, I know metal will move...the trick is knowing how to get it to do the things you want it to do. Just flipping the S's you can gain an easy eighth and sometimes more. I'm a stickler for making them slip together easy but It's not beyond me to force it if necessary. When I measure up a job, I try get it as close as humanly possible with the measurements. I love a good fit whether its a simple plenum or a whole trunk line. I've worked with duct tape kings that didn't care if they missed a half inch and I've worked with guys that are as precise as can be. I'm somewhere in between though.
This fitting doesnt make sense to me. Bc if the front is flat, and the bottom dimension is 20.5, and the top 12, then how would the back side be sloping in 5 inches when u have 8.5 left over? How would the back not be sloping 8.5? How does that work out? Lol
I think the point you may have missed is the dimensions of the top opening we have to connect to Jeff. If the dimensions were exactly the same but slightly offset, you'd have a point but that isn't the case. If you stop the video and look closer at the drawing I think you could see it better. It must have been correct, because I installed it with no problem. Measuring accurately on site is the key to a smooth install. Hope this answers your question. Btw, for more puzzling fittings, you might consider checking some of the playlists up top dedicated to sheet metal, like this one here: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd. Thanks for the comment today.
@@tractorman4461 hey tractorman thanks for the reply! I definitely see that u obviously did it correct due to the fact that it fit when you installed it. I do hope my question wasn't confusing, I'm a sheet metal fabricator myself. Sometimes when guys send in shop drawings and the transition is offsetting 4 ways, they will only give the slope lengths for 2 sides, which means that you have to figure out the other 2 sides according to the 2 slope lengths they provided, and the dimensions of the duct. For example, if the front of a fitting is sloping 2 inches, and the top dimension is 10, and the bottom 20, then that means that the backside is sloping 8 inches, because that's what is left over. It has to be that, because the fitting is sloping 4 ways and if the back isn't 8 inch slope, then the fitting isn't square. That's why I'm confused at the fitting dimensions you provided buddy, that's all. I know u say that's not the case here, but I'm just confused on how the fitting is still square if the back slopes 5 inches, when the fronts flat and according to the dimensions it should equal to 8.5 on the back. Never encountered one like this before lol there's been times where I field measured something like this, and the shop foreman would call me back saying that the fitting isn't possible to fabricate. I'll deff check out the videos u sent me buddy! God bless I love your videos by the way. I apologize for my confusion! Guess I still have some things to learn!
@@leftymariano1020I agree its difficult to see and I regret not being a bit more instructive during the fab of the fitting. But I really don't try to make actually 'instructional' or 'how to' videos when doing a sheet metal job because I'm usually under the gun to get something fabbed and back to the job to get it installed in the same day. Especially if its really really cold. If I have to make another, I will try to be a bit more specific. You are not the first one to bring a question concerning this particular lay out. LOL. So no harm, no foul as far as I'm concerned. I just enjoy the fact that I can sometimes show some of this stuff to others in video form like this. RUclips is a great playform. I just wish I knew about it BEFORE I retired. I could've had tons of really cool stuff for viewers. Now I only do a little metal to help out those in our town that really need help or they'd have to do without. I just referenced one playlist, there are several that deal with sheet metal or hvac specifically. Thanks again for watching.
I have not seen this type of craftsmanship since the 60's when my uncle installed ductwork. Now its my turn so I really needed this video. Thanks so much.
Well, now that was an unexpected and complimentary comment... Thank you Gerald. Have you found the playlists up top? There's several like this one: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx The good fittings start down about 7 videos I think. There's a lot of straight duct and plenum fabs too.
Excellent layout tutorial, Tractorman44. Well planned on making it fit. I'm always in the field but was fortunate to have great teachers sharing their skill. Thxs for the vids!
Thanks David for stopping in for a visit and giving such a supportive comment. I broke in with several old timers up in the big city who professed the thoughts that I was after their jobs and consequently they would not share even the simplest of information. I swore from early on that if I EVER learned anything about the industry I would give anything I know to anyone that wanted to listen. I'm just glad to see so many really ARE interested in these types of videos.
I really appreciate you sir I needed to see this. I’m in HVAC school doing sheet metal fabrication and this brought everything full circle well done
I'd advise you using tips here you may find helpful, but above all else, listen to your instructor first and foremost. I've done a lot of metal over the years, but it's 99% self taught. So he's going to teach you how todays modern shops get the work done. But never turn down the opportunity to learn a different way if doing something. There is never ONE right way to do anything !! Check out my playlist up top like this one: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx
🚧🚧Sir, GP has made a OUTSTANDING shoot out to both of us about locking the rear 3 point attachment videos that we made 2 yrs ago !!! Cheers 🚧🚧
Hahahaha....I have been sooooo busy keeping up with my replies Dave, that I sadly have gotten behind big time on you, Joe, GP and many other channels I used to watch religiously. I'll have to go check it out. But I did get to watch two videos of his from about 3 weeks ago just this morning.
@@tractorman4461 👌👌😉😉👍👍🍻🍻
Thanks for the video Tractorman.
Well heck Glen. Thank YOU for watching !!
Good build bud good job with measurements to many for this old guy to remember it fit ever nice take care have a great night
Hahahaha....I just got lucky again Tom. LOL Sleep well my northern friend !!
This guy is awsome, does fractions in his head on the spot, a true master.
Sometimes the numbers flow pretty easy, but sometimes they don't too. LOL. Thanks for watching and if you haven't found the playlists above, here's one with 35 videos in it on sheet metal and installations: ruclips.net/video/IObgZ5gYWIE/видео.html Thanks for watching and leaving a cool comment.
A true master. I see why people thank you in their videos, finally found the legend
Well, thank you for the very kind words. If you like sheet metal, there are several playlists up top with plenums (s/a and r/a), transitions, offsets, radius fittings and r/a 90's with integral filter racks to name a few.
Looks like the planum on my furnace that I have at the moment....My brother did it....he`s the expert in this tin business....You make it look so easy...I`ll stick to electrical and mechanics....CHEERS
Oh gosh, Gator, don't let him see my sheet metal hacks !! He'll see all the mistakes real quick !! LOL.
amazing sheetmetal work
Thanks Mark. I am tickled that you like it. This was a weird one for sure. A bit exaggerated in the angle.
LOL, cussing screws out! 😂😂😂 Interesting plenum, lots of figuring. 👍👍👍
Some times, a fella's just gotta do what he's gotta do...and if cussing them out works, well...so be it !! LOL It's almost like some of the old timers figured to mess with the next generation by hiding screws where they can't be reached without three elbows on each arm !!
Good for you for not being one of those cap and tap guys. Keep up the good work tinknocker.
Thank you Sam for the cool comment. I kinda get a kick out of the 'how to' sheetmetal videos that just use S's and duct tape or mastic and call it good. I'm not knocking them, but I just like to provide an alternate view to doing the work. I've got a ton of sheet metal videos in the playlists up top if you want to see more. Lots of fittings, plenums and odd stuff. Here's one for instance: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd
Whaoo what a job my friend, I can watch for hours where Man, machine and skills come together, the tri-angle of success, well done Wendell, this was a super satisfying video
I was tickled that it fit so well myself Jan. So I'm thinking my lucky streak must be continuing !! LOL Thank you for such a kind comment....always a pleasure to hear from you.
Good evening Steel Sheet Picasso Artiste !!! I realy like that last para of yours ( .I mean, you don't want to make your self go prematurely grey over a little bit of sheet metal !! It's too late for me, so save yourself the head aches). : ) Full video watch of your Chef d'oeuvre mon ami ; ) Please keep up your OUTSTANDING work Sir Cheers
You are so funny Dave....LOL I'm more of a 'Peanuts' style cartoon than that of a Picasso masterpiece mon ami.....LOL
@@tractorman4461 Did you say Pin Up's artiste 😎😎🤣🤣👍👍 Can't wait to see these sexy ladies from your cartoon !!! LOL
Another video that was enjoyable to watch. Keep them coming.
Well, I am glad to hear you are still enjoying the videos. I'm probably going to be doing less and less sheet metal as I whittle down the final list of those projects. I'm trying to not add anything to the already too long list.
I know what to do. I’m calling you!!! 44 got skills!
Bob, I think mostly that Lady Luck is on my side..... That's all I got. LOL
Good morning Wendell, did the well project get done satisfactorily? You have yourself a great day and stay safe.
Heck yeah Mike, I got lucky again !! LOL Yessir, it fit like it had a zipper on it.... Enjoy the rest of a beautiful day.
As time goes by, I'm starting to better understand your sheet metal layouts and methods of configuration. I dont have to make any fittings by hand, I just draw them and call them in and someone uses the plasma cutter to cut the metal, which saves so much time.
I would like to learn how to make fittings by hand just because the plasma cutter is prone to breaking down when you least expect it.
You make your fittings with so much enthusiasm, and you like quality work, something not everyone appreciates anymore!
I think a lot of companies operate like that. But the way I come up in the industry back in the 70's was to go to the job, demo, measure, go back to the shop to fabricate then return to install. Most of the time on changeouts it was all in one day. Many, many times it was a long day extending into the evening hours, but the next day was usually already scheduled. So there was nothing to do but just do it.
You might try to ask the shop for some scrap metal so you can practice layout and notching... My first boss let me stay after work and play with material from the scrap pile and the machines to learn. Even dismantling used ductwork will net material to practice on. And a cheap brake from Northern Hydraulics or Harbor Freight would be great to use at home to learn the bends.
Thank you for watching and I hope you've seen the playlists up top...?? Try this one when you have time to spare: ruclips.net/video/IObgZ5gYWIE/видео.html
If you can’t do it in the shop get yourself some good construction paper and lay it out that way. That’s how I learned to make square to rounds before I ever tried on metal.
98% of the time people don’t even appreciate all your workmanship
They just go with the guys that makes a 4 piece Mikey mouse plenums
Well I've always felt the job I'm working on is another one that references myself and the kind of work I do. There are those that identify with duct tape and mastic, but I prefer clean well formed metal to carry my name as I leave the job.
Is there anything you can’t do? Oh that’s right you’re a Marine. Carrying on.
OMG !! Curtis, you get the gold star for the comment of that day. Yes, I spit a bit of coffee onto the screen....LOL Maybe I just don't put the massive numbers of failures on film... Thank you so much for the entertaining comment.
@@tractorman4461 now thats funny! Would like to have seen a video of that.
In all seriousness those pieces that you make for ductwork heating and cooling is a real art form and you have it mastered. Thanks for sharing those how to.
@@curtisbolinger3366 You are quite welcome Curtis. I am just glad to see so many viewers show an interest in some of the sheet metal videos. I always figure if viewers like what they see, they may tell others to take a look too. I DO sincerely appreciate the time you guys take to watch and especially to comment.
A metal bending 44 adventure for my slumber preparation! This is cause for major tippin and sippin to my Buddy inthe west inthe morning! Thanks for a Fine video to feast on! So from my Holler to your Holler, I bid you pleasant dreams of sugar plum faeries and tutus! DaveyJO
I probably woke you from that relaxing pre-sleepy time with all the banging on the metal !! Hahahaha....Always a good time hearing from you ol' buddy. I doin' my part to deplete the hot black reserves of the JOpot right this moment !! Have a wonderful day, relax and follow the doctors orders my friend.
@@tractorman4461 My JOcup is also raised your way as I write my Friend! And hammering can be a sweet sound to some. I have many different hammers including a slaters hammer and cutter. I’ll send a pic if you not see one before. We had Peach Bottom slate here for many years and many rooves are still clad after many decades. And now I can walk the lane and back feeling fine with no cramping in the legs as before. Recon I won’t be going out for professional sports but I wouldn’t be anyway. So more tippin and sippin goin on this day your way, on this rainy but warm spring morning. I was up at 5:30 this am and figured you may well have been or soon up with your cup. My Best to Missus as well and as always! Did get a nice surprise yesterday. My daughter is driving this way in the next two weeks. It’s been four years since Alice and meself visited there in Portland, Or. Want to visit near St. Lewis one day too! I heard there’s a 44 Museum there not to be missed! A Fine Day to ya all! DaveyJO
@@daveyjoweaver6282 I'm not remembering a particular picture with a variety of hammers, but then again, I can't tell ya what I had for lunch either. LOL. Sorry that your bid for the position as a pro linebacker has had to come to a halt....but I AM glad to hear your extremities aren't sending shock waves to your brain any more. So there IS a trade off I guess... LOL.
So cool to hear your daughter is coming home for a while after so long of a haitus DaveyJO. Four years is a LONG time !! But then again, we ain't seen each other in nearly 71 years !! Well you are always welcome here, but I gotta admit the 'museum' is in dire need of massive overhaul but it would still be a good visit. Either your visit to good ol' St LOO or we will make it alla way to the Chocolate factory and make a days detour your way.... Until then, here I be a sittin' just a tippin' and a sippin'...... Take care ol' buddy and listen to the Doc !!
@@tractorman4461 Sippin anna Tippin to the west here inna Holler inna morning! I can still do this but no line backin anymore, except on paper figuring out stuff. A FINE. weekend to all the 44s! DaveyJO
Great video Wendell as usual, I really enjoy them Thank you for doing them.
Can I request you do a video on making your universal scribe? I really like that homemade tool you made👍 Cheers🇨🇦
Good afternoon Paul. Thanks for the comment...btw, check this one out: ruclips.net/video/zRXoHiUb1m4/видео.html
@@tractorman4461 Thank you Wendell
I should have looked up your videos and I would have seen you did a video on it. Thank you very much again
@@PaulHVAC1 Hahahahaha...busted ya, didn't I...LOL No biggie. I just tell everyone to type a keyword plus Tractorman44 and If I have done a video on the topic, it will usually pop up pretty quick.
Wow that’s awesome
Well, thank you. Sometimes we find some odd fittings are required to make the job look good AND work good too. Thanks again for the supportive comment.
Where would I be able to find a used lock former, hard little guys to find!
The best place is a going out of business auction of a small hvac contractor. They ARE very hard to find. You may find an industrial tool warehouse that specializes in used hvac equipment. I don't know what you have available in the area around you. But that's what I would do here. Good luck !!
Btw, have you found my sheet metal playlists up above? Here's one that may be interesting if you are interested: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1tqw8ST_xdUlPoy_O-SmuBx
I make plenums like this every day no big deal
Ain't nothin' to it, is there. Sure is a daunting task for those that haven't learned though. So many guys do it by hand and just screw four pieces of flat metal together with S-slips and screws. No drives, no double hem flanges or anything. But if it works for them, that's ok.
That was a beautiful transition, don't get me wrong. But if that is what you call a tight space then I need to live where you live.
Yeah, I would consider it a tight space when only the front is accessible. Without removing the return air drop it'd be a bit tough to install what was needed on this one. At least this way I was able to screw half way across the rear with an extension, all the left side and front and half the right side with an extension. So yes, I've been on many jobs much tighter, laying in insulation in an attic or crawling in the mud and cat poop in a crawl space. The worst are apartment units I think. I have another one that's in a tight space in a playlist too. Its an attic install and the south trunk is tight by anyones standards: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd Thanks for watching as well as for the compliment on the fitting Neil.
For Pittsburgh allowance, do you recommend 1” or 1” 3/8 ?
Some of the much older Engel pittsburgh machines required 1 1/4'' but all the current Lockformer machines I ever used required only 1". Hope that helps. Here's a cool new sheet metal video you may like: ruclips.net/video/i2KFLZGbZwI/видео.html
I do like your videos. Always informative.
If you ever wondering on a video… I’d love to see you every day toolbox. It looked like a homemade edition?
Thanks Marcus for the supportive comment my friend. That particular tool box was a badly damaged Kennedy tool box that a guy I worked for back in the 70's asked me to throw away for him. I just took it home and beat it back into as good of shape as I could at the time and have used it to carry the sheet metal tools ever since. Back in the day a lot of tradesmen carried the Kennedy boxes because of their functionality and durability. They open up kinda like a tacklebox with the compartmentalized trays folding out at the top hinges back. The bad thing is they can get really heavy and cumbersome but the good thing is they carry virtually everything you need for sheetmetal installation.
@@tractorman4461 it’s like I say. You old timers have been recycling since before it was fashionable.
@@marcusm4271 Hahahaha...yessir Marcus, we were living green before living green was cool !!! LOL
buen video
Gracias mi amigo
Love your videos, had one today on a job that kind of stumped me a bit. Similar piece to what you made but I had the back side straight and offsets on the front and both sides. I usually always start with the piece that is either straight or has the least amount of an offset and build off of that piece, meaning I get my true height off of the preview piece I built and then add the inch at the bottom and the top just like you did. I had a 10" offset on both sides so my left and right pieces were a good few inches longer than my back (starting piece) usually the last (front) piece I've been able to calculate off of the shorter of the two left and right true heights for the height on my last piece. Problem was I only had a 2" offset on the front piece. My question is, is there a way or formula you know of to determine the height of the front (final) piece by going off of my left and right pieces? Or do you just have to use geometry or actually measure the true height of that piece to make it work?
Geometry is the real answer, but I ALWAYS start with the one straight piece where the true length is not questionable. Then lay out and fab the two sides using an awl, not a felt marker, for accuracy. The trick then becomes finding the exact place on the newly formed sides to make the measurement for the 4th and final piece. I measure to the inside point of the Pittsburgh lock, not the outside point where the tab is bent over. THAT will grow the fitting and you'll have to get creative on site to make it presentable. I hope that made sense. It's hard to describe in print. Geometry to figure that last piece is more problematic to me than actual measurements.
Have you found the sheet metal playlists up above? There's a lot of different fittings in them that you may find interesting. Like this one: ruclips.net/video/PvDab537ul4/видео.html Thanks for watching and commenting with a question Matthew.
Hey Matthew, yes there's a way to get the true heights on all of your pieces b4 u lay them out. But you have to know the amount of slope each side has, along with what the finished height is suppose to be. The easiest way to find the true length of a piece, is to drawl a straight line up and down for example if the finished fitting height is suppose to be 8 inches, then u drawl an 8 inch long line straight up and down. Then at the bottom of the 8 inch line, drawl an arbitrary line perpendicular to the 8 in h line going left to right. Now after that we have to find the hypotenuse or true lengths of the triangle. So say the right side of the fitting is sloping 3 inches, what you do is go from the bottom of the 8 inch line and mark 3 inches yo the right on the arbitrary perpendicular line u drew at the bottom. After that, take your ruler and connect a line from the 3 inch mark all the way to the top of the 8 inch line. Whatever the distance of that line is, is the true length of your piece. 8 inch height at a slope of 3 inches is obviously larger than 8 inches so whatever that distance is, will be the cut length for your piece you cut out. There's also another way which is a formula to find the cut lengths of your pieces using math, and it doesn't require you to layout a triangle. The formula is fitting length^2 + slope^2= square root of that number. I hope that helps
Existing duct looked like it had liner insulation. Any wrap going on your new plenum to keep it from sweating when a/c is on?
Yes, the original system does have duct liner. When the job was done originally the basement was an unconditioned space, and had a good chance of sweating. It is now totally finished out and converted to a fully conditioned space, so there is very little chance of sweat. So no, I did not go back with duct liner or double mylar wrap. Good question. However, I always insulate attics and crawl spaces in addition to sealing with mastic.
How do you determine the size of a planum!?
Three basic factors determine everything about a plenum's size on a change out. #1: The physical opening of the furnace or air handler and #2: The size of the opening of the duct it is to be connected to. #3: The distance that separate the two. New construction is a different story. Have you by chance seen the playlists up above? Like this one here, there's a LOT of odd shapes and sizes and talk about air flow:ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd You might find some interesting things there. Thanks for watching and having a good question Niel.
@@tractorman4461 thank you so much for the quick response - ok so the plenum size is not based on the size or the volume of the room it is supplying air flow for? For some reason I thought that was how it worked. And If I only have a limited space height of 6" inside an attic with a 6" diameter duct? Is increasing the depth and the width of the plenum box sufficient enough or that's not how it works?
@@niel5101Well the plenum 'box' or adapter is the connection from the furnace TO your duct delivery system...So in essence, the duct should be sized adequately for carrying the air flow to ALL the rooms supplied which should match the air flow in cfm (Cubic Feet of air per Minute). So if I am reading your question correctly you really don't actually have a duct network in the attic that supplies multiple rooms with the required air flow to satisfy the respective rooms....?? I'm not sure I've got the whole picture yet.
How do you measure to get your offsets
I usually start off with a square vertical line and mark the true height of the finished fitting, then measure to the left and the right the lengths or distances of the offset. There's a lot more to it than I can explain in print by a reply, but for the most part just about each video will contain enough verbal information for you to see exactly how I do it....while it is being done. I have a few playlists up above that probably contains the answer many times over in the different videos. This one would be a GOOD one to see a bunch of odd fittings and measurements: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd
Nice job but why not cheat one corner to be? 3/8” nothing in sheet metal. IHow did you get the 20” length without that side growing?
I always try to set the furnace to get at least ONE side straight up and down. It doesn't matter which of the 4 sides it is. But once you have that 'true length', lay that side out first then use the transitional dimensions to the left and right to get the true length of those two sides. If everything is measured, laid out and cut accurately, the far edges of side 2 and 3 will result in the true length of side #4 ending up with the exact height as sides 1,2 and 3 after folding. Make sense ?? Its difficult to explain in print, But that's how I do it without more complicated math.
Thanks Harry for watching....but an old lady once told there's more than one way to skin an orange !! So some ways are better than others....as may be the way you'd do this fitting.... I've had to cheat a lot of times in the field, but I do it where it's not extremely visible and without duct tape. I appreciate the comments....you've GOT to be an old tinner....?? (-;
@@tractorman4461 mine is many ways to skin a cat. I have guys that will measure to the 16th. Good but metal will move. Not sure if they are killing time or just not want to do the job.
@@harrygilbert4593 Oh yeah, I know metal will move...the trick is knowing how to get it to do the things you want it to do. Just flipping the S's you can gain an easy eighth and sometimes more. I'm a stickler for making them slip together easy but It's not beyond me to force it if necessary. When I measure up a job, I try get it as close as humanly possible with the measurements. I love a good fit whether its a simple plenum or a whole trunk line. I've worked with duct tape kings that didn't care if they missed a half inch and I've worked with guys that are as precise as can be. I'm somewhere in between though.
Sar you have vecancy I am hvac air conditioner duct fitter and 15 years experience Gulf country in Kuwait
Actually I am retired and just do this a little to help out older folks that cannot otherwise afford it.
This fitting doesnt make sense to me. Bc if the front is flat, and the bottom dimension is 20.5, and the top 12, then how would the back side be sloping in 5 inches when u have 8.5 left over? How would the back not be sloping 8.5? How does that work out? Lol
I think the point you may have missed is the dimensions of the top opening we have to connect to Jeff. If the dimensions were exactly the same but slightly offset, you'd have a point but that isn't the case. If you stop the video and look closer at the drawing I think you could see it better. It must have been correct, because I installed it with no problem. Measuring accurately on site is the key to a smooth install. Hope this answers your question.
Btw, for more puzzling fittings, you might consider checking some of the playlists up top dedicated to sheet metal, like this one here: ruclips.net/p/PLk72G9DTzZ1taVZjyeN9DKr52HQ3hhcXd. Thanks for the comment today.
@@tractorman4461 hey tractorman thanks for the reply! I definitely see that u obviously did it correct due to the fact that it fit when you installed it. I do hope my question wasn't confusing, I'm a sheet metal fabricator myself. Sometimes when guys send in shop drawings and the transition is offsetting 4 ways, they will only give the slope lengths for 2 sides, which means that you have to figure out the other 2 sides according to the 2 slope lengths they provided, and the dimensions of the duct. For example, if the front of a fitting is sloping 2 inches, and the top dimension is 10, and the bottom 20, then that means that the backside is sloping 8 inches, because that's what is left over. It has to be that, because the fitting is sloping 4 ways and if the back isn't 8 inch slope, then the fitting isn't square. That's why I'm confused at the fitting dimensions you provided buddy, that's all. I know u say that's not the case here, but I'm just confused on how the fitting is still square if the back slopes 5 inches, when the fronts flat and according to the dimensions it should equal to 8.5 on the back. Never encountered one like this before lol there's been times where I field measured something like this, and the shop foreman would call me back saying that the fitting isn't possible to fabricate. I'll deff check out the videos u sent me buddy! God bless I love your videos by the way. I apologize for my confusion! Guess I still have some things to learn!
@@leftymariano1020I agree its difficult to see and I regret not being a bit more instructive during the fab of the fitting. But I really don't try to make actually 'instructional' or 'how to' videos when doing a sheet metal job because I'm usually under the gun to get something fabbed and back to the job to get it installed in the same day. Especially if its really really cold. If I have to make another, I will try to be a bit more specific.
You are not the first one to bring a question concerning this particular lay out. LOL. So no harm, no foul as far as I'm concerned. I just enjoy the fact that I can sometimes show some of this stuff to others in video form like this. RUclips is a great playform. I just wish I knew about it BEFORE I retired. I could've had tons of really cool stuff for viewers.
Now I only do a little metal to help out those in our town that really need help or they'd have to do without. I just referenced one playlist, there are several that deal with sheet metal or hvac specifically. Thanks again for watching.