Re: the plasma table. It'll be great once that thing gets working. I recently bought a pretty cheap laser cutter. Not using it for the same reasons, of course, but to avoid wasting material, I set up a simple shape - for your purposes, I'd maybe do a 3" circle, 3" square - and I'll just run test cuts till I get power / speed / passes / height (which I guess might be power, speed, air, height on a plasma) set appropriately. It's way faster than trying to cut a huge piece and has saved me the frustration of waiting on a lengthy cut / engrave and having only a piece of it not work.
Rudy may be awfully busy, since he has to do everything on their budget truck build after Hollie broke her back. But even if the plasma cutter makes crusty edges, they can always be cleaned up with a grinder or belt sander. They don't have to be perfect. Machinists would never just use a plasma cutter for anything that had to be precise.
after mechanicing for 45 years, it's fun watching you and seeing you learn; observing how you contemplate problems, work through them. 1 rule I learned early and helped me was "fix it right the first time" and that comes with experiance. I pray for your safety and health. No it's not a put down, I can remember "learning the hard way"
Trent, when tapping, you need to go backwards every turn or turn and a half, just a little bit to break off what you have cut. That's what those "flutes" or grooves are for in the tap. Makes a much nicer tread cut. Also use cutting fluid, even oil is better than nothing. Blow out the hole, run tap down again, blow out again, and call it done. You may have done this, I just didn't see it i the footage. Talking about tube buggies supporting all of their weight on just tube, yes they are, but there is usually at least tow rows of tube, even if a upper and lower, with lots of triangulation.
If you continue to buy every permutation of all possibilities you will sooner or later have all the right stuff and it will go together smoothly and everyone will think you're a genius!
My dad was a mechanic when I was younger and I used to sit on the vehicle and watch him. Watching this channel is kinda like reliving childhood. Really cool. Everything is a learning experience.❤ from Oklahoma
Live and learn brother. Lol. Difference is that you aren’t scared to try and learn. That’s what is rewarding!!! Keep on learning everything you can. People make fun of me because I will and nearly have tried everything. But I watch because I always wanna learn more. Your doing great bud. Don’t worry!!! I also love how Allie goes over and above being a supportive wife. Not saying she don’t question anything off camera. Lol. She actually watches and listens. Tries to help more than a lot of wives. Even if she don’t care about the truck she sure in the hell loves some Trent!!!!
Learning from you how you work things out, helps me have faith working through my day. I was so interested in how those engine mounts were made and finally installed. I been waiting for weeks for a new subframe. I hope the mechanic follows through, otherwise, I am stuck with a lemon. I hope that does'nt happen to you. You're all brilliant there and it always amazes me how you get things done.
Looks like you are having so much fun! AmbitionStrikes make a LOT of things on their big plasma table. Maybe a collab video or visit with them. Thanks for sharing
Every new machine has a learning curve, some are shwllow, some are steep and some feel verticle. The skill is knowing how you fit into each new challenge. Just keep on trying, and never throw out the 'learning materials'. The next learning project will need them.
Looking good !! Plasma looks like it’s not cutting all the way through plate ? Turn plasma and air way up Slow it way down …if not I would say plasma cutter is too small ? Once you figure it out though….game changer !!
I’m glad to see you’re using the inserts that I originally suggested don’t worry I’ve been using them for over 40 years, and I’ve never had them fail you will be OK
Oh wow Trent you are so amazing at the work you are doing on this truck, and great that a lot of people are giving you ideas and suggestions to do a great job. I remember when I was young and my dad always was working on cars and trucks and being a great mechanic that I loved watching him do all of these things.Thanks for this great video Trent and I am always so excited to see all of this work getting done, you have a blessed and beautiful rest of your day, sending love and hugs, bye! 🙏👍👋😍🤗💜💜
Please ratchet strap the rear frame rails down to the lift so it doesn't get to nose heavy and tip off the front. Work safe we all enjoy watching all your channels I don't want to see anyone get hurt thanks 😊
Hi Tent, I am a fan of both channels, I watched you build your home, and that was trial and error, the car well just the same trial and error, you will get there just keep plodding along, all the best
I just got a Langmuir Pro with laptop tray, THC and LS kit. Plan on a tray under the table and for keeping it solid when moved. CAD is my weak link too.
You're doing great 👍. Just keep taking your time and go slow. I like how you show your pitfalls and embrace them, that's how we learn. Your table looks like it is ok, doing what it should. I think the problem is moving too fast and not close enough to the metal. Good luck and have 😊.
Random stuff is how builds work. You loaded the engine from the bottom once the axles and suspension are in you have to be able to pull it from the top. As for the cross members they have to be able to unbolt for maintenance.
the treathed inserts should be glued in, and stay at the top (plane), or near the top (little under plane). When the glue is cured you can place the studs. The fixation nut needs at have 2 windings of the stud cleared above it, that is needed for strength. Regarding the other screw, first place that before tightening the nuts on the studs. That wil give you plenty of play and after fixating it will be all okay.
Trent - Good job wearing safety glasses. Since the pieces are hot and heavy, please wear safety toe shoes, which you may have on. Miss handle piece of steel and need to drop it quickly is hard on the toes. Thanks.
The transmission and transfer case crossmember should be bolted in, not welded in, so that when there is a problem with the transmission, or transfer case you don't have to pull the engine to do the repairs
you might want to strap the rear frame to your vehicle lift to keep the truck from tipping forward and crushing you to death or a serious injury to yourself or others. FYI anything can happen
Another good one, Trent! The plasma table is similar to a machine that I learned to operate in a monument making business that I helped my ex-husband start. Its called a plotter. I love learning new things, even at my age.
Does the friend that helped you with the frame work no how to use a plasma cutter and CAD system. I wouldn't waste anymore steel trying to figure it out on your own get someone who's actually worked with all that and get you on the right track with it.. But yes I enjoyed everything you did in this and all your Trents garage videos . It's fun and amazing to see what all you know and can figure out. Can't wait to see those huge tires on the truck someday. Keep forging ahead Trent your getting there buddy. 👍
Couldn't tell from video, but I was taught when tapping to go about a 1/2 turn or so then back to break chip. This avoids breaking a tap, which is no fun to remove. Good luck !
Since you say that you take suggestions, over forty years in machine and fabrication says "Do the rear triangulation" now so you have the ability to do a few things. One is getting closer to a roller means you can position the weight of this better come time to install the front axle. Heinz joints allow for some travel or moving of this rear suspension that means if your not happy with the outcome of the position of said rear axle that it is still able to be positioned even closer or other meaning further apart from front suspension or bed... plus bed really is not a factor since it is going to only be a decoration for the rig. Going with the rear first also means better weight distribution of the total rig on the hoist
First off, you don't give yourself enough credit Trent. While not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, I have dealt with holes not quite lining up over my many years. You may have done this and not shown it, but I would loosen the nuts (don't remove them), then tighten down the bolt into the knuckle the way you expect it to be. Then tighten down the middle nut first as best as you can. Then tighten the nut closest to the knuckle, then the last one on the outside. I would much rather have the wonky part being the 3 nuts instead of the bolt in the steering knuckle.
As with any project, you jump around to accommodate the tools and parts your working with. one thing I would suggest is putting 2 or 3 inserts so you have full thread engagement the full length of the studs, big tires put a lot of force through the knuckles. I enjoy your videos!
I think you could ream that top knuckle hole out a tiny bit at a time until the bolt slides in easily, and it would be fine. The stress on the bolt from a looser fit will be no more than the stress it's under now. Besides, like you said most people don't even have a top hole or a great big bolt. I think maybe one of your problems is it's almost impossible to tap a hole straight using a socket wrench. You exert force only on one side, so it goes a bit sideways. Better tapping uses a real tap wrench that gives you handles on both sides of the hole. Or a lathe or drill press to keep it straight. I would add some more frame braces soon to make the geometry closer to the final product. That would eliminate any frame flexing.
I’m not into building trucks but this is so cool to watch you build this rock crowler. Hi Allie, I see you were the camerawoman. Btw e haven’t aeen Joel in a while, I know he’s working but he can come day hello once in a while. Hi Joel, if you are reading this, we miss your face. See you, on the next one. ❤❤❤❤
Hey Trent, I had a 95 Taco with 3" body lift. A problem that occurred was that the flooring of the rear mount locations became weak and were getting damaged. I had to install 1/4" metal plates to counteract/fix this issue. Might be something you'd like to ponder for yours
So for your having to recut it slow it down, etc. While not the same, similar, what I do with a laser cutter is to take a small piece of the material, or work in a corner of it, and test cutting a star. You saw the same general issue with your circles. When it cuts straight it does fine, but corners, movements at an angle, etc make the cut harder for whatever reason. While slightly diff with the laser where you can play with the speed and the laser percentage, same idea. Good luck with the new tool and with CAD.
Plasma dross is normal but the conbination you have there of that robotic table and the hand cutter works for metal about half the guage you are trying to cut. You are getting dross on the top of the part and its affecting the motion of the table and burning out your tips with dross splash. The plate is too thick for that combo.
Trent turn your air pressure on your plasm table and go a little slower. Get yourself a laser to keep things straight and true. Good luck and god bless
Hi guys I love watching your videos on both of them. There one thing I have to say that my dog Molly loves watching lika and Franky she goes nuts when I watch it on my big TV. she tries to jump onto the screen my TV is on my fireplace. I get kick out of it lol it sooo funny lol
Trent did it came to your mind that a rock or cement retaining wall would be important behind the built yoy atr thinking to build. Spring water floods come in very fast
Is it possible to make multiple passes with the plasma cutter? I use laser cutter/engraver that can be programmed for multiple passes to aid in cutting through 100%.
Trent you are maxing out the plasma cutter. I believe the plasma you have has a 3/8 max cut and that metal looks at least 3/8's. Are you running on 240volts? At 120 it even less than 3/8's. Hope that helps. DM me if you want.
Re: the plasma table. It'll be great once that thing gets working. I recently bought a pretty cheap laser cutter. Not using it for the same reasons, of course, but to avoid wasting material, I set up a simple shape - for your purposes, I'd maybe do a 3" circle, 3" square - and I'll just run test cuts till I get power / speed / passes / height (which I guess might be power, speed, air, height on a plasma) set appropriately. It's way faster than trying to cut a huge piece and has saved me the frustration of waiting on a lengthy cut / engrave and having only a piece of it not work.
Tippers Trent turn your voltage up to get full clean cuts on thicker metals.😎😎👍👍Call Fab Rats for all your redneck cad programming.😎😎👍👍
Maybe reach out to Rudy from RAD to help with the plasma cutter.
Or Riley @ Ambition Strikes.
Utah Ginger collaboration 👍
Rudy may be awfully busy, since he has to do everything on their budget truck build after Hollie broke her back. But even if the plasma cutter makes crusty edges, they can always be cleaned up with a grinder or belt sander. They don't have to be perfect. Machinists would never just use a plasma cutter for anything that had to be precise.
after mechanicing for 45 years, it's fun watching you and seeing you learn; observing how you contemplate problems, work through them. 1 rule I learned early and helped me was "fix it right the first time" and that comes with experiance. I pray for your safety and health. No it's not a put down, I can remember "learning the hard way"
Trent, when tapping, you need to go backwards every turn or turn and a half, just a little bit to break off what you have cut. That's what those "flutes" or grooves are for in the tap. Makes a much nicer tread cut. Also use cutting fluid, even oil is better than nothing. Blow out the hole, run tap down again, blow out again, and call it done. You may have done this, I just didn't see it i the footage. Talking about tube buggies supporting all of their weight on just tube, yes they are, but there is usually at least tow rows of tube, even if a upper and lower, with lots of triangulation.
I enjoy watching you work through problems encountered along the way......As an old (very) retired marine engineer I appreciate such things.
You understand your knowledge strong points and where you need to learn. When you build another truck, you'll have this background experience.
trent you work like a pro i am from canada i like watching your video keep up the good work
I love when Trent gets a new toy....lol. Trial and error. love it. Keep up the awesome work
More progress, Trent, you are a man on a mission, with your determination you will get there.
Best wishes on the next stage from Mike. ❤
If you continue to buy every permutation of all possibilities you will sooner or later have all the right stuff and it will go together smoothly and everyone will think you're a genius!
My dad was a mechanic when I was younger and I used to sit on the vehicle and watch him. Watching this channel is kinda like reliving childhood. Really cool. Everything is a learning experience.❤ from Oklahoma
My cross fire has been sitting in the box for months, if Trent can do it anybody can, I'll be in the garage if you need me.
Hahaha I was on the website looking 👀 at which crossfire I want to buy now 😂😂
Sure would make my life easier
Here we go again..another Sunday another lesson..watching and learning. Thanks for share Trent 🙌🕊
Live and learn brother. Lol. Difference is that you aren’t scared to try and learn. That’s what is rewarding!!! Keep on learning everything you can. People make fun of me because I will and nearly have tried everything. But I watch because I always wanna learn more. Your doing great bud. Don’t worry!!! I also love how Allie goes over and above being a supportive wife. Not saying she don’t question anything off camera. Lol. She actually watches and listens. Tries to help more than a lot of wives. Even if she don’t care about the truck she sure in the hell loves some Trent!!!!
Learning from you how you work things out, helps me have faith working through my day. I was so interested in how those engine mounts were made and finally installed. I been waiting for weeks for a new subframe. I hope the mechanic follows through, otherwise, I am stuck with a lemon. I hope that does'nt happen to you. You're all brilliant there and it always amazes me how you get things done.
TRENT, GREAT JOB, YOU NEED MORE PROJECTS!
Looks like you are having so much fun! AmbitionStrikes make a LOT of things on their big plasma table. Maybe a collab video or visit with them. Thanks for sharing
This is awesome to get the privilege to watch you build Trent ! If I wasn’t in Vancouver canada 🇨🇦 I would love to hangout and help with the build !
CAD what a wonderful tool, once you become comfortable with it you will love it.
Trent you been a real tool box for all your sockets and wrenches. It’s nice to wheel you tool box close to where your working.
Every new machine has a learning curve, some are shwllow, some are steep and some feel verticle. The skill is knowing how you fit into each new challenge. Just keep on trying, and never throw out the 'learning materials'. The next learning project will need them.
looking good Trent! I like how you explain and then play music while doing the chore. You certainly look like you’re totally in your element. Love it!
Trent you did a great job in this vidoe.
Looking good !!
Plasma looks like it’s not cutting all the way through plate ?
Turn plasma and air way up
Slow it way down …if not I would say plasma cutter is too small ?
Once you figure it out though….game changer !!
I’m glad to see you’re using the inserts that I originally suggested don’t worry I’ve been using them for over 40 years, and I’ve never had them fail you will be OK
Damn, RUclips been very,very, good to u. Good job
Trent take the studs back out, and double nut studs to get them tight as possible! Then put it together!
Big bucks for a plasma table !
Thanks Trent & Allie for sharing....
Trent you are getting a lot of cool tools👍. It’s great that you are bring us along on this build.👍👍👍🤘
Garage is looking good 👍🏻
Oh wow Trent you are so amazing at the work you are doing on this truck, and great that a lot of people are giving you ideas and suggestions to do a great job. I remember when I was young and my dad always was working on cars and trucks and being a great mechanic that I loved watching him do all of these things.Thanks for this great video Trent and I am always so excited to see all of this work getting done, you have a blessed and beautiful rest of your day, sending love and hugs, bye! 🙏👍👋😍🤗💜💜
love the plasma table!!!👍
Please ratchet strap the rear frame rails down to the lift so it doesn't get to nose heavy and tip off the front. Work safe we all enjoy watching all your channels I don't want to see anyone get hurt thanks 😊
Hi Tent, I am a fan of both channels, I watched you build your home, and that was trial and error, the car well just the same trial and error, you will get there just keep plodding along, all the best
I just got a Langmuir Pro with laptop tray, THC and LS kit. Plan on a tray under the table and for keeping it solid when moved. CAD is my weak link too.
You're doing great 👍. Just keep taking your time and go slow. I like how you show your pitfalls and embrace them, that's how we learn. Your table looks like it is ok, doing what it should. I think the problem is moving too fast and not close enough to the metal. Good luck and have 😊.
Yeah you know I enjoyed it Trent, looking good I watch for the next one
Learning CAD on the internet - impressive Trent!
Random stuff is how builds work. You loaded the engine from the bottom once the axles and suspension are in you have to be able to pull it from the top. As for the cross members they have to be able to unbolt for maintenance.
the treathed inserts should be glued in, and stay at the top (plane), or near the top (little under plane). When the glue is cured you can place the studs. The fixation nut needs at have 2 windings of the stud cleared above it, that is needed for strength. Regarding the other screw, first place that before tightening the nuts on the studs. That wil give you plenty of play and after fixating it will be all okay.
Everyday 's a school day Trent ... as long as you can end the day with a smile, it's been a good day. Keep on truckin' 🙏
Trent - Good job wearing safety glasses. Since the pieces are hot and heavy, please wear safety toe shoes, which you may have on. Miss handle piece of steel and need to drop it quickly is hard on the toes. Thanks.
The transmission and transfer case crossmember should be bolted in, not welded in, so that when there is a problem with the transmission, or transfer case you don't have to pull the engine to do the repairs
you might want to strap the rear frame to your vehicle lift to keep the truck from tipping forward and crushing you to death or a serious injury to yourself or others. FYI anything can happen
All I can say.. Great job so far..
You are a very brave man
Trent, taking on something like this!
Another good one, Trent! The plasma table is similar to a machine that I learned to operate in a monument making business that I helped my ex-husband start. Its called a plotter. I love learning new things, even at my age.
Air pressure for Plasma cuttting seems low to me, but I am not there to confirm. Low pressure will cause issues like not fully cutting through.
Looks so good man. Thanks for sharing. God Bless
You're doing great guys grinder and paint will make you the fabricator you want to be
Happy Sunday Trent engine looks great
Great video Trent
Does the friend that helped you with the frame work no how to use a plasma cutter and CAD system.
I wouldn't waste anymore steel trying to figure it out on your own get someone who's actually worked with all that and get you on the right track with it..
But yes I enjoyed everything you did in this and all your Trents garage videos .
It's fun and amazing to see what all you know and can figure out.
Can't wait to see those huge tires on the truck someday.
Keep forging ahead Trent your getting there buddy. 👍
Couldn't tell from video, but I was taught when tapping to go about a 1/2 turn or so then back to break chip. This avoids breaking a tap, which is no fun to remove. Good luck !
i'm imagining the Leo toys that can be made with that
Since you say that you take suggestions, over forty years in machine and fabrication says "Do the rear triangulation" now so you have the ability to do a few things. One is getting closer to a roller means you can position the weight of this better come time to install the front axle. Heinz joints allow for some travel or moving of this rear suspension that means if your not happy with the outcome of the position of said rear axle that it is still able to be positioned even closer or other meaning further apart from front suspension or bed... plus bed really is not a factor since it is going to only be a decoration for the rig. Going with the rear first also means better weight distribution of the total rig on the hoist
First off, you don't give yourself enough credit Trent. While not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, I have dealt with holes not quite lining up over my many years. You may have done this and not shown it, but I would loosen the nuts (don't remove them), then tighten down the bolt into the knuckle the way you expect it to be. Then tighten down the middle nut first as best as you can. Then tighten the nut closest to the knuckle, then the last one on the outside. I would much rather have the wonky part being the 3 nuts instead of the bolt in the steering knuckle.
As with any project, you jump around to accommodate the tools and parts your working with. one thing I would suggest is putting 2 or 3 inserts so you have full thread engagement the full length of the studs, big tires put a lot of force through the knuckles. I enjoy your videos!
I think you could ream that top knuckle hole out a tiny bit at a time until the bolt slides in easily, and it would be fine. The stress on the bolt from a looser fit will be no more than the stress it's under now. Besides, like you said most people don't even have a top hole or a great big bolt.
I think maybe one of your problems is it's almost impossible to tap a hole straight using a socket wrench. You exert force only on one side, so it goes a bit sideways. Better tapping uses a real tap wrench that gives you handles on both sides of the hole. Or a lathe or drill press to keep it straight.
I would add some more frame braces soon to make the geometry closer to the final product. That would eliminate any frame flexing.
This is all great advice! I’m hoping to start working on some frame bracing soon
Poor Allie, having to stand there and listen to all those technicalities, I feel dizzy already😂😂
Great video did change the thickness on the plasma cutter looks like it's struggling to cut
Great job 😊
I’m not into building trucks but this is so cool to watch you build this rock crowler. Hi Allie, I see you were the camerawoman. Btw e haven’t aeen Joel in a while, I know he’s working but he can come day hello once in a while. Hi Joel, if you are reading this, we miss your face.
See you, on the next one. ❤❤❤❤
You are a Star Trent. You are doing a great job!
Tiedown straps are your friend! But tiedown straps can be your worst enemy!
Yae, it is finally up on your lift. Now you can really get into that frame.
You absolutely need a good air compressor. Can be very good to clear the bits out of drill holes etc.
I’m guessing that Branden is on vacation, thus Allie is behind the camera. 📷📸📹🎥🤳
Hey Trent, I had a 95 Taco with 3" body lift. A problem that occurred was that the flooring of the rear mount locations became weak and were getting damaged. I had to install 1/4" metal plates to counteract/fix this issue. Might be something you'd like to ponder for yours
So for your having to recut it slow it down, etc. While not the same, similar, what I do with a laser cutter is to take a small piece of the material, or work in a corner of it, and test cutting a star. You saw the same general issue with your circles. When it cuts straight it does fine, but corners, movements at an angle, etc make the cut harder for whatever reason. While slightly diff with the laser where you can play with the speed and the laser percentage, same idea. Good luck with the new tool and with CAD.
Good Job
Again a very instructive video thanks here for greetings from Roosendaal in the Netherlands Hans.👍👍👍👍👍💯🍀
Looks like great work is being done!!!😊🎉❤
THE TRENT ! 👍😜
Cool Trent more tools 🧰
Going good
Trent! Your doing awesome job.😎
Cool plasma table. Love all these new tools!
Rock Crawler Express 😎
Hope you get the plasma cutting the way you want ;)
Plasma dross is normal but the conbination you have there of that robotic table and the hand cutter works for metal about half the guage you are trying to cut.
You are getting dross on the top of the part and its affecting the motion of the table and burning out your tips with dross splash.
The plate is too thick for that combo.
Trent turn your air pressure on your plasm table and go a little slower. Get yourself a laser to keep things straight and true. Good luck and god bless
Should think about rounding corner edges on motor mounts
Dang Trent, I was a negative Nancy when you asked us if you should do this … damn was I wrong!
That plasma table is going to be key when you get it dialed in! Can't wait! Great vid guys!
Amazing!
If that is the langmuir systems table, Mike Festiva has some videos on them, that may be helpful
Lov’n It!
Great video! I just love the dimension giggles brings to the video's. Awesome job to both :)
Hi guys I love watching your videos on both of them. There one thing I have to say that my dog Molly loves watching lika and Franky she goes nuts when I watch it on my big TV. she tries to jump onto the screen my TV is on my fireplace. I get kick out of it lol it sooo funny lol
I normally locktite my inserts in before I set the bolts in that will stope the inserts from moving to far down!!!!
Great progress Trent! Allie does a fantastic job videoing!
Good video thanks Lee
Trent did it came to your mind that a rock or cement retaining wall would be important behind the built yoy atr thinking to build. Spring water floods come in very fast
Trent they make tap sockets rs u can use on a tatchet lisle tool s makes them also now too akso...
Keep chipping away at it. Just like anything else, it will eventually get done. Try not to get frustrated and enjoy the journey.
Is it possible to make multiple passes with the plasma cutter? I use laser cutter/engraver that can be programmed for multiple passes to aid in cutting through 100%.
You should install an exhaust fan in the garage before you do the siding
Also when I use my plasma cutter by hand atleast I always keep it maxed amps
Trent you are maxing out the plasma cutter. I believe the plasma you have has a 3/8 max cut and that metal looks at least 3/8's. Are you running on 240volts? At 120 it even less than 3/8's.
Hope that helps. DM me if you want.