As a wife I can attest to THE FACT that wives DON'T brag much about their men's good decisions. Unless their friends married an ever dumber knucklehead. Just A joke, Just A Joke Luv you hun
I love it that you are expanding your abilities. I have faith in you and your learning ability that you will be able to turn that thumb into a hydraulic one in time. We just have to patient.
Part 🤏 of the reason your videos are so enjoyable and entertaining is because you aren’t running all the flashy bells and whistles. You be you Captain. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hey a quick suggestion, Get yourself some 3/32" 7018 for the vertical passes. Run it at about 85 amps. much more controllable. but for teaching yourself how to stick weld that is a pretty decent job 👍
I think with a couple of extra holes, that thumb will work great. I like you showing everyone you can still get the job done with less money. Hard to bet the wobble sticks!
Captain, tig welding is for thin metal and tubing. Stick welds are stonger than mig welds. At one pount in my life I was a certified Ironworker welder so I do know what I'm talking about. Nice that you'll finally have a thumb for pulling stumps, moving logs and brush. Anyway, thanks for another entertaining episode in the life of an off duty fireman working on his homestead projects.
Hey Cap when ya gonna put the grill and front weights back on? The weights would help with steering control and the grill would protect your hydraulic tank and hoses.Love your videos.👍
Great addition to your backhoe Captain. You're a great example of a man that makes the best out of what he has. Run what you brung! Great video as always. Keep um coming!
Love the satirical commentary! Your humor adds to each video. Having said that it’s apparent to everyone watching that you have the skill and temperament to make things work on a limited budget. Keep the videos coming with the 755.
In Australia we would call you 'a little Aussie battler' - making the most of what you have with minimal improvements. Making what you do a little easier.
As your not a welder and I am can I give you a tip for vertical stick? After you've done the root pass straight up, weave the next passes moving up in a small crescent shape as if you were drawing little smiles non stop side to side gradually going up, try and keep your rod pointing up hill about 40 deg off vertical.
Thank you so much for being honest and up-front with people about the various aspects of homesteading-it takes work. Love your energy and willingness to teach yourself.
Mike, you, your wife and kiddos have what you have because you aren't afraid of hard work and jumping smack dab into something and learning how to do it along the way (real nice things included of course!). Y'all have that go to attitude that has made America an awesome place to live in, and that, my friend, deserves a great deal of respect. As always, may you continue to be blessed beyond measure. Thank you for putting a smile on my face and an out-loud chuckle in my home. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.
Haha I wonder if the wife would be more than willing to give an opinion on "good decisions". I know mine sure would!! Excellent addition to the 555! That is going to make your life working around the property soooo much easier
I have a thumb similar to that one. I have made some additions and changes to it as well. Everyone says they are useless but man has it been a lifesaver and labor saver. Next up for me is adding a valve and turning mine hydraulic.
@24:00 I believe I said something about that happening to us and how a $24 tripod was better than a $100 tripod. There’s just something about us not thinking and putting ourselves into the line of fire. However we do get a great view of the action there.
Glad you got the thumb. When you drill some more holes, you’ll be able to pick up smaller items. I agree with you that some RUclipsrs are buying the best and often.
As far as welding, I spent a lot of years repair welding and the single most important thing is that the weld holds and stays holding for the duration, as far as looking pretty, well it’s nice I will grant you that, but also know that it requires practice, practice, practice and more practice, stay the course you will get there. Nice job on the thumb install sir, I like it..thanks for the tag along vid.
Most operators started with a manual thumb. A lot can be learned using one, it will also enhance your use of the hydraulic one. Keep on trucking Captain. 👍
Strange to suddenly see the name "Vevor" twice in the same week. I bought a 12 ton porta power off Ali Express for $135. It shipped out of NJ came in four days for free. I've never seen the brand before and here it is again. Btw, the porta power is pretty freakin nice. 👍
That thumb is better than no thumb. Having points that lower the thumb farther towards the bucket will be even more beneficial. Enjoy what you have. Too many people are stuck in live thinking that life will be better if they only had this one thing or another. Make due with what you got and get on with it. Been doing without most of my life. Yes, I do dream of the nicer tools, or what ever, but I have been making do so long, when I do have the money, I most often won't spend it. Thanks for sharing.
You have the right mentality about look what I can do vs look what I have. One other homestead channel I watch with same type of attitude is Andy's Little Homestead.
I feel that you will get every possible use for the 555. When you get a quick connect for your bucket it will be far more useful to you and it will be fun to watch you to come up with uses for the 555😎
Well that's cool but you know what I think is way cooler ....... each time you get in the backhoe and turn that key - it starts, just like that. I love that 😆
I was really wondering how a mechanic thumb worked. Much simpler than I imagined! Looking forward to seeing the new welder fired up. Great video, Mike! Lee
👍Good video Captain! Good advice for others in your situation (homesteader). I am not a homesteader nor do I want to be one; I just like watching your videos.
I think the instructions call for a 30amp 110 volt socket for those welders, but you may want to check that. Maxing the machine out is probably what caused the problem. Have a great day Kleeman. thanks for the videos.
Hi looks like you got what you were expecting, and achieved what you wanted. All things can be improved (even top of the range items) and if you need to do that I am sure you will woke out what you need. All the best. 👍🐝🌞
great video Mike,i taught it was christmas morning when you opened your packages you were like a little boy couldn't wait to play with your new toys 😁,you do have the talent and know how to make things work 👏👏👏👍👍👍👌👌👌
You get a "thumbs" up from me, Captain 😃 On this side of the pond, thumbs on any machine is not heard of..... even suggested to some operators to get one fitted.... and they didn't have a clue 🤷♂️🤣 Can see it is going to help you no end, extra holes down the shank will be a big help. And as for your baked on unique finish paint job..... awsome Sir !!! 😂😁
I was having quite a crap day but then I came home to a new Captain Kleeman video, I’m all good now 😁👍👍 Cheers Mike 👍Best wishes to you and your family, from Britain 🇺🇸🇬🇧
A fella couldn’t have said it any better .Function over frivolity is the name of the game there Captain. You said it right you don’t need to have the latest and greatest,high priced, high tech and fancy pants looking machinery or attachments to get the job done, ie. using a rock to drive in a loose pin. The only thing folks need to ask themselves is will this get the job done.
Hi captain, loving the channel One little tip on welding stick, start at the bottom and weld up. It looked like yu were going down, if not I apologise. Keep up the good work.
What you were saying about lower end equipment is exactly why I bought a new 4t mini x instead of an used one. Now at 65 with arthritis kicking my ass and reduced vision I want to operate the equipment, not operate on it. I enjoy your channel, your humor is right there with mine only cleaner.
Mike, I agree about the thumb. It isn't like a hydraulic one, really, not even close, but it does help in a pinch. Pun intended. I have one on my sub compact tractor and have used it a few times. I bought a cheap wire welder and it works good on thin metal. I think you will enjoy that aspect of it. The one you have is more flexible with stick and TIG capabilities. Great Job, great video.
Videos and channel like this one shows you that you don't need $$$$ to do something or high end equipment. You can do it with little $ and get the job done as well.
Since the dawn of time, man has been limited to only two thumbs. Adam, Moses, George Washington… all great men. But, think how much richer their legacy would have been if they had three!!! Cap’n, you’ll do great things with this historic addition to the triple nickel. Who knows? You might even be able to squeeze in an episode on tripod repair… if you aren’t all thumbs!!!
I am a retired master mechanic and never owned a new car, truck or piece of equipment except for one lawn tractor and I still have it. --- It just didn't make sense for me but, I always told those with no skill sets "Your best buy is new with as much warranty as you can get and drive it till it drops !"
I did not know that there was such a thing as a manual thumb. But I really like it for your needs. I think it is a great option that allows you to get 90% there at a fraction of the cost. I look forward to more content with the 555. The 555 has been one of my favorite projects that you have done.
This might be a helpful tip. Look for an old used snowplow, take the cylinder and hoses from it to use for the thumb. They may not be as easy to find by you, but maybe not to far north.
Hope this helps a bit...for the cause!
Thanks Don!
I’m dying laughing from the “your wife’s been bragging to her friends that you make good decisions don’t let her be right about that” 😂
As a wife I can attest to THE FACT that wives DON'T brag much about their men's good decisions.
Unless their friends married an ever dumber knucklehead.
Just A joke, Just A Joke
Luv you hun
Brilliant ain’t he 👍🤣😂🤣
Gotta love Mike's sense of humor.
I love it that you are expanding your abilities. I have faith in you and your learning ability that you will be able to turn that thumb into a hydraulic one in time. We just have to patient.
This is my new quote for the day.
Part 🤏 of the reason your videos are so enjoyable and entertaining is because you aren’t running all the flashy bells and whistles.
You be you Captain. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks! Appreciate the support
Captain Kleeman, I know a guy who has a good cab for the Ford dump truck . 😊
No kidding? Whos that?
Your pretty good with that thing!
Thanks!
“We’re not sneakin’ up on anybody…”.
Can’t breathe…!
😂
Genius.
🤣
Great addition! Budget builds are better than nothing at all! Always enjoy your attitude about life in general! Keep being you!
Yay! Kleeman got a thumb!!!! 🎉 very happy for you.
Hi DP, has some nice YELLOW PAINT at his place 😂😂😂 MBTS LEFT IT THERE 😂😂😂😂😂😂 From Victoria Australia 🇦🇺 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
I think that manual thumb is going to be a big help around the homestead. 👍
I think so too!
Hey a quick suggestion, Get yourself some 3/32" 7018 for the vertical passes. Run it at about 85 amps. much more controllable. but for teaching yourself how to stick weld that is a pretty decent job 👍
Mike, the manual thumb is a great addition to the tractor bucket. Blessings to you.
Thanks 👍
I really like your budget wise approach to homesteading.
Adding more holes to bring down the thumb is a great idea plus having more options is 👌 great video.
Thanks 👍
Enjoy the video ho i got welder its Ranger 8 and power my mig to .
Your endless positivity is what the shrink ordered today ❤ being able to see the wheels through the floor 😂
YEA!!!! For the THUMB! Now enjoy! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hey Mike. Glad you finally got a thumb. For as much logging as you do that's going to come in handy.
Definitely 💪
I think with a couple of extra holes, that thumb will work great. I like you showing everyone you can still get the job done with less money. Hard to bet the wobble sticks!
Captain, tig welding is for thin metal and tubing.
Stick welds are stonger than mig welds.
At one pount in my life I was a certified Ironworker welder so I do know what I'm talking about.
Nice that you'll finally have a thumb for pulling stumps, moving logs and brush.
Anyway, thanks for another entertaining episode in the life of an off duty fireman working on his homestead projects.
Hey Cap when ya gonna put the grill and front weights back on? The weights would help with steering control and the grill would protect your hydraulic tank and hoses.Love your videos.👍
Great addition to your backhoe Captain. You're a great example of a man that makes the best out of what he has. Run what you brung! Great video as always. Keep um coming!
I appreciate that
Awesome budget friendly thumb for the triple nickel. They sure are handy! BTW, the run what you brung is the only way to go.
The thumb works great the boom extension came in handy for that also good job K!
I started with a thumb like that ran it for a 2 years and then upgraded it, get so much more done👍🙃
Love the satirical commentary! Your humor adds to each video. Having said that it’s apparent to everyone watching that you have the skill and temperament to make things work on a limited budget. Keep the videos coming with the 755.
In Australia we would call you 'a little Aussie battler' - making the most of what you have with minimal improvements. Making what you do a little easier.
Love your videos. Glad you have a thumb and you definitely have the skills to make it work for you.
It works one good thumb 😊 Thumbs up 👍
Great video captain. Love how you show things can be done on a budget. Anyone should just give it a go. Appreciated.
As your not a welder and I am can I give you a tip for vertical stick?
After you've done the root pass straight up, weave the next passes moving up in a small crescent shape as if you were drawing little smiles non stop side to side gradually going up, try and keep your rod pointing up hill about 40 deg off vertical.
Thank you so much for being honest and up-front with people about the various aspects of homesteading-it takes work. Love your energy and willingness to teach yourself.
💪
Mike, you, your wife and kiddos have what you have because you aren't afraid of hard work and jumping smack dab into something and learning how to do it along the way (real nice things included of course!). Y'all have that go to attitude that has made America an awesome place to live in, and that, my friend, deserves a great deal of respect. As always, may you continue to be blessed beyond measure. Thank you for putting a smile on my face and an out-loud chuckle in my home. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.
Appreciate the support!
That's why we watch. I have the small Hobart welder because a customer gave it to me. Make it work. Stay safe
That's definitely a couple great additions to the arsenal.......lots of sheet metal welding possibilities surround you daily
That thumb is a game changer for your place!
I hope you always stay in the run what you brung crew!
Haha I wonder if the wife would be more than willing to give an opinion on "good decisions". I know mine sure would!! Excellent addition to the 555! That is going to make your life working around the property soooo much easier
I have a thumb similar to that one. I have made some additions and changes to it as well. Everyone says they are useless but man has it been a lifesaver and labor saver. Next up for me is adding a valve and turning mine hydraulic.
That's gonna be awesome
It works it's in your budget well done 👍
@24:00
I believe I said something about that happening to us and how a $24 tripod was better than a $100 tripod.
There’s just something about us not thinking and putting ourselves into the line of fire. However we do get a great view of the action there.
Glad you got the thumb. When you drill some more holes, you’ll be able to pick up smaller items. I agree with you that some RUclipsrs are buying the best and often.
As far as welding, I spent a lot of years repair welding and the single most important thing is that the weld holds and stays holding for the duration, as far as looking pretty, well it’s nice I will grant you that, but also know that it requires practice, practice, practice and more practice, stay the course you will get there. Nice job on the thumb install sir, I like it..thanks for the tag along vid.
That should come in handy!
Thanks!
Most operators started with a manual thumb. A lot can be learned using one, it will also enhance your use of the hydraulic one. Keep on trucking Captain. 👍
The thumb and small welder will make your life easier. Thanks for sharing.
budget content creator Got it
💪
I am glad to see you put a thumb on the bucket. You really needed it to clear those trees.
Yup, definitely handy
I like it Cap!!!!! 👍
Slow and steady Captain, cleaning up nicely and Bones is getting stronger 💪👍🇺🇸
Great Job, Well Done. Thumb is going to be an asset for the backhoe. Weld will work fine with the proper plug.
Strange to suddenly see the name "Vevor" twice in the same week. I bought a 12 ton porta power off Ali Express for $135. It shipped out of NJ came in four days for free. I've never seen the brand before and here it is again. Btw, the porta power is pretty freakin nice. 👍
That thumb is better than no thumb. Having points that lower the thumb farther towards the bucket will be even more beneficial. Enjoy what you have. Too many people are stuck in live thinking that life will be better if they only had this one thing or another. Make due with what you got and get on with it. Been doing without most of my life. Yes, I do dream of the nicer tools, or what ever, but I have been making do so long, when I do have the money, I most often won't spend it. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, I love to watch you improvise and your ingenuity that’s what I love about your channel
You have the right mentality about look what I can do vs look what I have. One other homestead channel I watch with same type of attitude is Andy's Little Homestead.
Absolutely love your videos, you keep it real on your channel. I Thank you for that.
Great video Mike great job it works just needs a few adjustments thanks
I grew up on a backhoe, my first job with an excavator had a manual thumb. Hydraulic is the only way to go lol.
Nice work on the installation of the thumb, Capt. I'm fascinated by the 555 videos.
More to come!
I feel that you will get every possible use for the 555. When you get a quick connect for your bucket it will be far more useful to you and it will be fun to watch you to come up with uses for the 555😎
Well that's cool but you know what I think is way cooler ....... each time you get in the backhoe and turn that key - it starts, just like that. I love that 😆
It's a great feeling
I was really wondering how a mechanic thumb worked. Much simpler than I imagined! Looking forward to seeing the new welder fired up. Great video, Mike! Lee
those welding goggles look lik the glasses Jonny Depp wore in charlie and the chocc factory lmao........great build
🤣🤣 yeah they do
👍Good video Captain! Good advice for others in your situation (homesteader). I am not a homesteader nor do I want to be one; I just like watching your videos.
I think the instructions call for a 30amp 110 volt socket for those welders, but you may want to check that. Maxing the machine out is probably what caused the problem.
Have a great day Kleeman. thanks for the videos.
50 amp is what it said when I read it
Hi looks like you got what you were expecting, and achieved what you wanted. All things can be improved (even top of the range items) and if you need to do that I am sure you will woke out what you need. All the best. 👍🐝🌞
Absolutely
A game changer the thumb she be Will make a difference great watch Captain 👍👋🇨🇦
💪
great video Mike,i taught it was christmas morning when you opened your packages you were like a little boy couldn't wait to play with your new toys 😁,you do have the talent and know how to make things work 👏👏👏👍👍👍👌👌👌
Was definitely excited
You get a "thumbs" up from me, Captain 😃
On this side of the pond, thumbs on any machine is not heard of..... even suggested to some operators to get one fitted.... and they didn't have a clue 🤷♂️🤣
Can see it is going to help you no end, extra holes down the shank will be a big help.
And as for your baked on unique finish paint job..... awsome Sir !!! 😂😁
very smart purchase on the thumb --inspiring to see how far you have come since i started watching -- thanks for great FAMILY FRIENDLY videos
I was having quite a crap day but then I came home to a new Captain Kleeman video, I’m all good now 😁👍👍 Cheers Mike 👍Best wishes to you and your family, from Britain 🇺🇸🇬🇧
Rock on!
A fella couldn’t have said it any better .Function over frivolity is the name of the game there Captain. You said it right you don’t need to have the latest and greatest,high priced, high tech and fancy pants looking machinery or attachments to get the job done, ie. using a rock to drive in a loose pin. The only thing folks need to ask themselves is will this get the job done.
💪
Hi captain, loving the channel One little tip on welding stick, start at the bottom and weld up. It looked like yu were going down, if not I apologise. Keep up the good work.
It was uphill 👍
Great job you did a great job love your videos thank you
From my knowledge of welding, the stick welding gives you a deeper penetration into the metal which correlates to stronger joint!
Captain, your videos are always informative and mostly entertaining!! 😂
Thanks!
What you were saying about lower end equipment is exactly why I bought a new 4t mini x instead of an used one. Now at 65 with arthritis kicking my ass and reduced vision I want to operate the equipment, not operate on it. I enjoy your channel, your humor is right there with mine only cleaner.
That definitely makes sense. Appreciate ya watching
Mike, I agree about the thumb. It isn't like a hydraulic one, really, not even close, but it does help in a pinch. Pun intended. I have one on my sub compact tractor and have used it a few times. I bought a cheap wire welder and it works good on thin metal. I think you will enjoy that aspect of it. The one you have is more flexible with stick and TIG capabilities. Great Job, great video.
Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍👍
Videos and channel like this one shows you that you don't need $$$$ to do something or high end equipment. You can do it with little $ and get the job done as well.
Definitely
Since the dawn of time, man has been limited to only two thumbs. Adam, Moses, George Washington… all great men. But, think how much richer their legacy would have been if they had three!!!
Cap’n, you’ll do great things with this historic addition to the triple nickel.
Who knows? You might even be able to squeeze in an episode on tripod repair… if you aren’t all thumbs!!!
I live in Solsberry, Indiana (Hendricksville). I ❤ your videos…keep them coming. Southern Indiana is a great place to be 😊
It works so that's a good thing well done thanks for sharing
Appreciate ya watching
Well said Capt. ,I'm with you on you have to crawl before you walk an run. Like your thinking start small an grow.
💪
Hi Mike, Nothing wrong with that thumb eh? Looks like you got the hang of it real quick too!
Great vid! Jerry...UK
Great work Mike! The thumb is a great asset! Think the 555 owes you nothing by now hey! 🇦🇺🍺🍺
Great once again video, thanks for sharing Cap. Ya'll have a great day, be blessed. 🇺🇸
Looks like you got the hang of using the manual thumb just fine.
Stay safe Captain
💪
Glad to see you have the thumb for the 555.
Capt is very happy with a supportive wife behind him ..❤❤😂😂😅😅
I am a retired master mechanic and never owned a new car, truck or piece of equipment except for one lawn tractor
and I still have it. --- It just didn't make sense for me but, I always told those with no skill sets "Your best buy is new with
as much warranty as you can get and drive it till it drops !"
Well said
Forgot one advantage, makes that work way more FUN !!!!
Definitely
I did not know that there was such a thing as a manual thumb. But I really like it for your needs. I think it is a great option that allows you to get 90% there at a fraction of the cost. I look forward to more content with the 555. The 555 has been one of my favorite projects that you have done.
Captain Kleeman, might be a good ideal to put-on some washers to tighten the Claw. no more Mr. Wiggles..
Captain great video! You always find a way to get it done! Thanks for sharing! Kevin
Thanks 👍
Thumb on the 555 … living the dream!
You have to quit having so much fun! Love your videos. Thank you
Looks like it works fine!
This might be a helpful tip. Look for an old used snowplow, take the cylinder and hoses from it to use for the thumb. They may not be as easy to find by you, but maybe not to far north.