America's Iron Giants - The World's Most Powerful Metalworkers

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2018
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    / machinethinking
    This is the story of America's massive forging presses built during the cold war used to build America's most advanced machinery - the Heavy Press Program. Modern airplanes, missiles, helicopters, turbines - all have parts made on these giant machines!
    Please subscribe! It really helps
    machinethinking.co
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  • @TheJttv
    @TheJttv 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2466

    With content this good this channel is gonna explode soon.

    • @4n2earth22
      @4n2earth22 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Boom. Another sub. yer rite awn, Jttv.

    • @DasButterBoat
      @DasButterBoat 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I concur, wholeheartedly. Well done!

    • @Max_Marz
      @Max_Marz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      You're done bud. Hope you're ready for the responsibility of keeping this stuff coming.

    • @DasButterBoat
      @DasButterBoat 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Max- lol, he knows not what he has done! We must have fresh content on tap with weekly updates; each more powerful and mind expanding than the last! Field trips, expensive props & animation! A Christmas special might be nice....can I get an official Machine Thinking mug? ;)

    • @calholli
      @calholli 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm sold

  • @superiormusic
    @superiormusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +769

    The quality of "amateur" documentaries like this easily rivals most stuff on TV these days

    • @mariusschubert4737
      @mariusschubert4737 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Dead right mate!

    • @ratheonhudson3311
      @ratheonhudson3311 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Indeed. The dialogue is clean, well researched, and no stumbling or 'um' added.

    • @laifmatsuk6057
      @laifmatsuk6057 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      A knowledgeable speaker is so much more engaging than scripted narration

    • @Faraonqa
      @Faraonqa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

      not rival, they are faaar superior

    • @aprilkoyyen7720
      @aprilkoyyen7720 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I would suggest that a lot of that is probably because they're not being required to be at least x amount of time

  • @c7042
    @c7042 5 ปีที่แล้ว +503

    Back in the 60's Bonney Forge in Oxford, Ne had the privilege of making the swivel engine mounts for the descent stage of the Lunar Excursion Module for Apollo. The reason I know this was I used to go there every 3 months and certify their instrumentation using standards traceable to NBS. Their drop forge hammer would make everyone jump every time it fired. Mr. Charles Lewis who was the manager said that only a very small percentage of the mounts they made for Grumman passed their QC but Grumman never complained because no one else could make even one mount that passed. As you can imagine, they were very proud of their contribution in getting a man to the moon. 24 of their mounts are on the moon today. Because of my age, I wanted to get this historical information on the internet or it would be lost.

    • @supersportimpalass
      @supersportimpalass 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      I found the video and your comment very interesting. Thank you!

    • @jakubdziatkowski9947
      @jakubdziatkowski9947 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@c7042 you better write it down and stufg

    • @deltavee2
      @deltavee2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      c7042
      And thank you for posting this. The internet grows better and better as more and more information that could be lost to the world is added.
      Every bit and byte added gives us reference to the billions of things, events and stories that make us what we are today and not only that, the net possesses the capability to help us link, compare, plan and move forward. Your observation and information will now be preserved forever. The internet never forgets and your contribution may well start or be a part of something decades or millennia from now.
      This is much appreciated by many many more than myself.

    • @hulado
      @hulado 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      im glad you told us. thanks. ive had the opportunity to hear/feel/witness some large drop forges. they are awesome.

    • @corysturgis6660
      @corysturgis6660 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Thanks for sharing. That's amazing and beautiful. So many things like this will be sealed from younger generation s unless they were privileged to the information from close friends and family. Thank you so much for sharing. Happy new year

  • @nmd4332
    @nmd4332 3 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    I work for the same company which owns and operates the 50, and I had no idea the amazing history and engineering behind it. Thanks for sharing this, seriously. I am adding a plant tour of that press to the bucket list!

    • @machinethinking
      @machinethinking  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I had the impression that public access to these was extremely rare given the sensitive work they do? At least the one in Cleveland. Please write to me via the contact page on my website if indeed public access is possible! machinethinking.co/contact

    • @cockssmithin2688
      @cockssmithin2688 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@machinethinkingno as long as you aren't a criminal they hire anyone lol, I work at the Fontana location

  • @mastersaxmb
    @mastersaxmb 5 ปีที่แล้ว +337

    12:26 "there wasn't the need" or should I say "It wasn't a pressing matter" ...........and I'm out

    • @djslothario
      @djslothario 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      I'd be hard pressed to come up with a better pun

    • @YoungHeartedSoul
      @YoungHeartedSoul 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      All these answers are DEpressing me

    • @TheShire26
      @TheShire26 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They ironed out the details on this and probably found they could squeeze out anything we need.

    • @OldManMilligram
      @OldManMilligram 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Just imagine the Pressure they face must have had alot of pressure and man the press on the project

    • @massiveheadwoundharry6833
      @massiveheadwoundharry6833 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A crushing defeat for those who wanted bigger presses.

  • @hawk5183
    @hawk5183 5 ปีที่แล้ว +646

    When I was a young engineer I took an interview, and was offered a job, at that Cleveland plant where that 50,000 ton press operates. Saw it in operation. It was forging the landing gear struts for the 747 in the early 1970s. The metal looked like play dough being squeezed by that press.

    • @chrishayes5755
      @chrishayes5755 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      what's the benefits of pressing vs some kind of plasma extrusion or laser sintering system? it seems pressing should be outdated by now?

    • @epistte
      @epistte 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Where in Cleveland is the press?

    • @johnbattista9519
      @johnbattista9519 4 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      Chris Hayes , the size of the parts it can handle. Try those other processes on huge stuff and see if you get the same results I would imagine.

    • @darthvader5300
      @darthvader5300 4 ปีที่แล้ว +67

      Pressing improves the metallurgical properties of any metallurgical product much further and besides it follows a time-tested and time-proven wisdom "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!" and "JUST BECAUSE IT'S NEW DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN IT IS BETTER".

    • @billykersh7061
      @billykersh7061 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      The Curious Mind Your excitement and enthusiasm for this technology is touching. I hope you get to see this press in action some day. If I had the financial means I would see to it that you could. This country was built on the dreams, and wonder, of people like yourself. I wish you well.

  • @phillycheesetake
    @phillycheesetake 5 ปีที่แล้ว +927

    As a mechanical engineer, this channel is pure bliss.
    Also if you could marry my sister that would be great. You don't have to spend much time with her, we could just chill.

    • @barryo9065
      @barryo9065 5 ปีที่แล้ว +39

      LMAO

    • @thereaction18
      @thereaction18 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Netflix and chill?

    • @aircates
      @aircates 5 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      The Reaction - No, watching "How it was made" and chill

    • @jayasuriyas2604
      @jayasuriyas2604 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haha

    • @peakhead7087
      @peakhead7087 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      What? no need to marry your sister though you can be friends and can talk about machine too.

  • @Nacalal
    @Nacalal 4 ปีที่แล้ว +538

    10:12 "55 tons for just the nut!"
    I know how that feels

    • @billparker244
      @billparker244 4 ปีที่แล้ว +45

      She's a big girl, eh? My sympathies, sir.

    • @mickblock
      @mickblock 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yeah. You sound like a big nut. 😁👍

    • @daveshaw9344
      @daveshaw9344 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Gotta slay a few dragons before you get to the princess

    • @jamesarmstrong-jones5082
      @jamesarmstrong-jones5082 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@billparker244 nah bro. She just toight

    • @VidarrKerr
      @VidarrKerr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Adds a whole new dimension to "Bustin a Nut".

  • @DarthErdmaennchen23
    @DarthErdmaennchen23 4 ปีที่แล้ว +194

    It took 60 years to form stress cracks? WTF, that's damn impressing!

    • @Mr.DMZ.
      @Mr.DMZ. 4 ปีที่แล้ว +56

      Right! The freaking sidewalk gets stress cracks 30 days after being complete.

    • @Rx7man
      @Rx7man 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      @@Mr.DMZ. But take a look at the people walking it, OMG!

    • @wilfdarr
      @wilfdarr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Impressing... I see what you did there. Very nice! 👏👏

    • @nfscsk
      @nfscsk 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      why are u posing with underwear??. is that any sort of gay thing???. is your dad still alive..🤦😂

    • @nfscsk
      @nfscsk 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @noo dles , public...

  • @ericchandler90
    @ericchandler90 5 ปีที่แล้ว +147

    This is like Modern Marvels, only 1000 times better.

  • @CV-ly6ct
    @CV-ly6ct 4 ปีที่แล้ว +155

    About 7 years ago, Alcoa in Cleveland, spent $100m to rebuild their Mesta 50 ton press due to cracks. The whole plant's operation hinged on that project.

    • @NossyDrelich
      @NossyDrelich 4 ปีที่แล้ว +63

      It was a pressing matter...

    • @user-po6hn9id1t
      @user-po6hn9id1t 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@NossyDrelich well played sir...

    • @donjones4719
      @donjones4719 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      When I saw that in the video, I wondered what it cost. Also wondered what the aerospace industry did for part while it was under repair. Sourced from the other 50 ton press, I guess, but that must have been overbooked. Bet the military and the aerospace companies were very nervous.

    • @Daydreaminginmono
      @Daydreaminginmono 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I imagine that work was completed to a super fine schedule. I know at least where i work, the machines i operate must be running all the time to maintain a positive cost ratio. Wonder how much cash they were losing as that press sat dormant

    • @liquidsleepgames3661
      @liquidsleepgames3661 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@NossyDrelich pressing your luck there pal

  • @danielmonostori3480
    @danielmonostori3480 4 ปีที่แล้ว +210

    When I hear the words Hydraulic and Press together, I now insinctively think of Finland

    • @brokenacoustic
      @brokenacoustic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      "Vat da fak?!"

    • @raybin6873
      @raybin6873 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dániel Monostori Finland (1 n )

    • @raybin6873
      @raybin6873 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dániel Monostori OK - my parents were born in Finland - all is good!

    • @seandalman1958
      @seandalman1958 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pretty good

    • @Erotified
      @Erotified 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      And here we go!

  • @ericmarriott5274
    @ericmarriott5274 4 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    As a machinist this is amazing i thought my 100 in table was big. Gotta love big machines and the amazing engineers that developed them before cad, is just awe inspiring!!

  • @MattNeufy
    @MattNeufy 5 ปีที่แล้ว +152

    Eyyyy TH-cam recommendations working out for the better yet again

  • @frequentlycynical642
    @frequentlycynical642 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What an amazing learning experience! The older I get, I'm 73, the more astounded at the many processes and technologies that make our world today. I had no idea about these presses. And as you say, all this done with slide rules. Thank you!

  • @Mirinmaru
    @Mirinmaru 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I love how you manage to sound exactly like one of those old 40's 50's infomercial presenters. Your voice fits perfectly

  • @samvimes1083
    @samvimes1083 5 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    I work in mining, I'm surrounded by giant machines all day, it's almost forgettable at this point. But the sheer scale and power in that mesta 50 is insane.
    Really cool video.

    • @pooorman-diy1104
      @pooorman-diy1104 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      if i am the employee ... i will sneak into the press machine at night to make artificial diamond .. lol

    • @matthewsteinert1002
      @matthewsteinert1002 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@pooorman-diy1104good luck they run round the clock 🤣

  • @amitavamanna2696
    @amitavamanna2696 5 ปีที่แล้ว +222

    I am from India. Not an interesting place by modern standards. I was fond of two USA magazines-Popular Science and Popular Mechanics (father’s library) from childhood days. They taught me great stuffs.
    I distinctly remember a hydraulic press back then that you ought to include in your video. First picture-splitting a log (dia about 4…5 feet) LENGTHWISE. Second picture-tapping an egg; the new-born CHICK standing on the ram beside the broken egg shells.
    I have no idea why all that makes me burst in tears. Maybe I loved machines a little too much.

    • @nemo227
      @nemo227 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      Amitava Manna, No, you don't love machines too much. You understand and appreciate machinery, the value, the usefulness, the daily benefit we all receive because people had the vision and desire to make something truly useful. Some people get excited over sculpture and paintings and music and that's okay but the watching a lathe, or a power saw, or a crane, or a train engine running . . . that is art too but many people take it for granted and don't see it and understand it in the same way as you and me and the many people who build, repair, and operate machinery.

    • @duramax78
      @duramax78 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I’ve ran brakes from 20ton to 750 ton, I could take a piece of oak, 4”x4” put it in flattening dies and explode that piece of oak, wood is no match for a press.

    • @doughtymqan
      @doughtymqan 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      You have understood the true glory of human endeavor and the potential of mans mind.

    • @88njtrigg88
      @88njtrigg88 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Amitava Manna You Sir have passion & appreciation for life, technology & machinery.

    • @88njtrigg88
      @88njtrigg88 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      doughtymqan N°1

  • @stevensablan7814
    @stevensablan7814 5 ปีที่แล้ว +140

    3:27 you know that dudes ears are getting blown out

    • @elijahtourtillott7550
      @elijahtourtillott7550 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh definitely

    • @elijahtourtillott7550
      @elijahtourtillott7550 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @red headed stepchild the guys ears are getting blown out from the echoing bang of the large hammer machine they didnt have earplugs back then

    • @Argonak1
      @Argonak1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      red headed stepchild Work in a steel factory without earplugs, you'll leave with ringing ears for the rest of the day.

    • @TheTNTmaster808
      @TheTNTmaster808 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Umm guys I think red headed stepchild is making a joke about the fact that you would have hearing loss

    • @SuperOtter
      @SuperOtter 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Argonak1 not necessarily

  • @sparked6886
    @sparked6886 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Wow a fantastic storey I havent heard before, almost thrilling for an old engineer. As a young toolmaker in the 1970's we used wooden forms for copy milling, the wood was painted with a hard epoxy coating.

    • @MD-eb6iu
      @MD-eb6iu 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I wonder how it was possible to get such accuracy from wood. Thanks.

  • @paulk3652
    @paulk3652 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wow! My father worked as a mechanic at Mesta in Homestead Pa for 17 years- he will appreciate this so much!

    • @ButterBallTheOpossum
      @ButterBallTheOpossum 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's a small world, my Dad has worked at Whemco in West Homestead for 25 years. The Mill beside the waterfront

  • @erikviking471
    @erikviking471 5 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    STUPENDOUS JOB TAKING A COMPLEX TOPIC AND KEEPING IT LIGHT, FUN, INFORMATIVE AND QUICK-PACED!!!
    You are one of the best justifications for TH-cam I've ever seen...

  • @dumbo800
    @dumbo800 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Saw your recent screw video. As a gear cutter and generally interested person, I'd love it if you could do a video on gears (I noted the brief image of a lantern gear and pinion in the screw video). The involute tooth form and the ways of generating it and approximating it (hobbing, shaping, form cutters, milling) are both incredibly simple AND incredibly complex. I would even be able to get some video of hobbing, shaping, and form cutting if so wanted.
    It is also worth noting that although screw lathes are the original way to mass produce screws and worms, hobbing can also be used and will generate proper involute threads in screws and the more commonly hobbed helical gears.

    • @machinethinking
      @machinethinking  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes, please get in touch with me machinethinking.co/contact/

    • @mountainsriversandtrees1474
      @mountainsriversandtrees1474 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@machinethinking Did this ever get made into a video? If so, is there a link?

    • @scottrackley4457
      @scottrackley4457 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, as a toolmaker I would like to see a good gear hobbing video

    • @andrewmaples5
      @andrewmaples5 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@scottrackley4457 I would recommend a video from a channel called This Old Tony. He has a fantastic video on the process of cutting gears.

  • @pedtrog6443
    @pedtrog6443 4 ปีที่แล้ว +111

    3:41 Eye protection?? Just look the other way! Hearing protection??.... DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?!

    • @chriscubbernuss3288
      @chriscubbernuss3288 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      "Engage safety squints!"
      - AvE

    • @nfscsk
      @nfscsk 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      fate of mens... reward for being strong

    • @Argonak1
      @Argonak1 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      orton cap Punishment for progress more like.

    • @eugenecbell
      @eugenecbell 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It takes a lifetime to realize a new industry can have negative heath effects over a lifetime.

  • @doodskie999
    @doodskie999 5 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    The qeustion we all have been asking for:
    "Is there a hydraulic press than can crush the hydraulic press from the hydraulic press channel?"
    MESTA: Hold my beer

    • @pgtmr2713
      @pgtmr2713 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Aaand here ve go.

  • @msjohncox
    @msjohncox 5 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Freaking awesome. So amazing to think these 10 machines are still in operation 65 years later and have been kept busy making parts for airplanes, tanks, missiles, space ships and more with up to 100 million pounds of pressure! They seem amazingly adaptable and are now controlled with computers. It was a huge investment, engineering and construction project but I'd say we got out money's worth out of it. I wonder how they even made them in the first place. I'd like to learn more about the die making process.

  • @Tango_November
    @Tango_November 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I was fortunate enough to visit Alcoa as one of my school field trips. The whole buildings floor shook everytime the press came down and seeing it in person was truly awe-inspiring

  • @TheDesertRat31
    @TheDesertRat31 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    8:56 using a wooden form to achieve a final precision tolerance.

    • @schwig44
      @schwig44 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I feel like I learned a lost art form when I was trained on making paper patterns by hand that would be used to make literally every part made from sheet or plate on an industrial fan. Some of them were monsters too, I mean, we had patterns for inlet stands that once you put them together could block out your average suburban home if it wasn't for the giant hole in the center... and we were still doing that shit in 2015

    • @sparked3113
      @sparked3113 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That was an amazing memory, seeing a hydraulic copy milling machine with a wooden form template. As a young toolmaker I made wooden 'masters' and milled out dies for casting sink taps.

  • @beshkodiak
    @beshkodiak 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    It has been my greatest reward to have been in the metals trades all my adult life. From being a silversmith and goldsmith, to building tunnel boring machines, and many things in between. I feel a kinship with the people of this metals industry when i see videos like this. Thanks.

  • @stonefitzgerald2398
    @stonefitzgerald2398 5 ปีที่แล้ว +140

    "just the N U T"

    • @skeezixmccat
      @skeezixmccat 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Das a fat N U T

    • @vacuumelite2065
      @vacuumelite2065 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      If there's two.....that's the Bollox !

    • @epion660
      @epion660 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      50 tons of *N U T*

  • @wilfdarr
    @wilfdarr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    "Numbers are justified in this case"
    No kidding
    Jeeez... Now that's a machine.

  • @salt-emoji
    @salt-emoji 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I never even considered how much engineering went into technology I've had my entire like.

  • @tea4223
    @tea4223 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Thanks for a commentator that could be easily understood.... and no loud background music. 👍

  • @jamesslick4790
    @jamesslick4790 5 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    My father worked at Mesta Machine (West Homestead, PA) . They built the machines that built the steel mills that made Pittsburgh, PA "The Steel City"! Good to see Mesta get it's due!

    • @nemo227
      @nemo227 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      James Slick -- Pennsylvania and Ohio had many, many steel mills at one time.

    • @jamesslick4790
      @jamesslick4790 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@nemo227 Yep! and Mesta built 'em!

    • @nemo227
      @nemo227 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jamesslick4790 We were almost neighbors. My hometown was Clairton, PA or, as one of the actors in "The Deer Hunter" called it, "the armpit of western Pennsylvania". I read it somewhere, don't know if the actor actually said that . . . but I wouldn't argue with the remark. A lot of those towns along the rivers were built on hard work and sweat . . . steel mills, coal mines . . . somebody always has to do the hard physical work. We left for California around 1942 and I was about 4 or 5 yrs. old. My parents did the right thing (besides taking me with them : -) Your father was an important part of history.

    • @jamesslick4790
      @jamesslick4790 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@nemo227 Most definitely almost neighbors! At one time I called McKeesport,PA "home". (amoung a few other Mon Valley towns!) I still live in Pittsburgh (on the North SIde).

    • @nemo227
      @nemo227 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jamesslick4790 I was born in McKeesport. Really. 1938. It's a little strange that the world is very large with billions of people but paths still cross once in a while. About 30 years ago there were two men in our local Toastmasters club that knew each other when they were kids 40 years previously and they came from the same little town in Kansas or Nebraska, a town of maybe 1500 people. They weren't friends but just knew each other and they end up in the same club at the same time in the same town on the California coast.

  • @RA-uj3nm
    @RA-uj3nm 4 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    One of the best things I've seen on TH-cam... absolutely amazing content.

    • @neelyUScongress
      @neelyUScongress 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      My friend is all kind of good information out there on TH-cam or any other site and it's not just porno LOL

  • @devonhughes3805
    @devonhughes3805 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man. This is like a near perfect documentary. Great visuals, great writing, great narration. No glitzy re-enactments, and no overly-dramatic narration. THANK YOU!!

  • @lolmysteries
    @lolmysteries 5 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    I own the Millwright Company contracted to install both Sumitomo/Nest 100K ton presses at General Electric in Pittsfield, Mass in 1995. Standing 60 feet above ground and 45 feet underground, powered by two 5000 hp locomotive engines. The bottom 20x32.5 foot platen bed alone weighs 5k tons. I used custom made air bladders and gantry cranes to move most equipment into place from the ground up in less than ten months.
    My family has been involved in Industrial Master Millwrighting in the US since the 1850's, contracted in most manufacturing plants installed, relocated, expanded or demolished. I was born into it and has been part of my DNA since the 70's with thousands of installations under my belt... including Tesla in Hayward, California.

    • @machinethinking
      @machinethinking  5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Could you get in touch with me via the contact page on machinethinking.co? I'd love to know more!

    • @torpidparakeet9362
      @torpidparakeet9362 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @davide khalil why even make that comment? Ignorance is bliss

    • @gonzonayt
      @gonzonayt 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don't believe what you described at Pittsfield is a press. Could it have been another type of machine?

    • @72timhall
      @72timhall 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Great grandpa moved presses into the Hamilton Ontario steel mills using teams of horses.No airbags.Ice blocks.

    • @uwusmolbean
      @uwusmolbean 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Human ingenuity gets it done !!

  • @drpk6514
    @drpk6514 5 ปีที่แล้ว +406

    German technology during WW2 was unbelievable!

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 5 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Germany did not make anything like the B-29 or the atomic bomb. They were lucky they surrendered when they did. Or they'd have got glowed up instead of Japan.

    • @TheUlrikkaul
      @TheUlrikkaul 5 ปีที่แล้ว +112

      I'm not German, but think of their rocket programes, it helped the US after the war. Please look up Werner von Braun.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Why should I? A friend of mine's family was close personal friends with the good doctor. So I am well aware of who he was. When you walked into their house they had a picture on the wall of him with the whole brood. They may have even been related? I grew up in a very connected community. Von Braun used technology developed by this guy en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_H._Goddard .

    • @chapiit08
      @chapiit08 5 ปีที่แล้ว +102

      The allies were fascinated by German technology regardless of what you say or who you claim to be acquainted with.

    • @Creabsley
      @Creabsley 5 ปีที่แล้ว +113

      Read a book. The Germans lead the world at that time in chemistry, metallurgy and physics.
      They had the potential to develop nuclear weapons but Hitler didn’t think it was worth the effort as they were winning.

  • @AlexMageethefirst
    @AlexMageethefirst 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    this was a really well made video. I can see the amount of work that went into researching and organising archive footage, good job!

  • @bushelfoot
    @bushelfoot 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Believe me they didn't guess, they knew what they were doing..

  • @theq4602
    @theq4602 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    The only reason I can think of someone needing a 200,000 ton press is if one is trying to hot forge pure Tungsten or tungsten alloys. Which is the toughest metal to machine. Having a density on par with gold and uranium (making it almost twice as heavy as lead) and a melting point of 6,192 °F (3422 °C) Such a press would be used for forging jet turbine blades and rocket nozzles , massive pressure vessels for nuclear reactors, and such. Applications where weight is no concern in the face of sheer strength at ridiculous temperatures.

  • @-edmo-5918
    @-edmo-5918 5 ปีที่แล้ว +309

    Hello and welcome to the hydraulic press channel

    • @streamware7746
      @streamware7746 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      LMAO

    • @andycraig7734
      @andycraig7734 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      -Edmo- Vat da fawk?!

    • @minnionator
      @minnionator 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      Herr ve havv ah Mesta 50K tonn press. Ve gonna crush a baseball now!

    • @streamware7746
      @streamware7746 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      lmao

    • @johndias6614
      @johndias6614 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      😂🤣😃😄😅😆😉😅😄😃🤣😂😁😀

  • @ronin472100
    @ronin472100 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This was very well done. I had no idea about the Mesta Company...Thank you. I have been enriched!

  • @saraperry6667
    @saraperry6667 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is amazing! I often think I'm alone in geeking out over certain things, but your awe and reverence for these giant machines just makes me giddy! And the way you articulate these details is so easily digestible to me (if that's the right term here) when I often get overwhelmed by too much information. I'm so psyched to go watch more of your videos!🙀

  • @sixtyfiveford
    @sixtyfiveford 5 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    Very well put together info!

  • @Iconoclasher
    @Iconoclasher 5 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    Thank you for the enlightenment. I'm a retired tool & die maker and I've worked on some big projects in my 40 years, but amazingly this is the first time I've heard about these presses. And here I thought I knew everything! '-)

  • @inigovazquez14
    @inigovazquez14 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you so much for the insight! I had no idea how interesting all this could be. With your tone and the amount of information you give is amazing. Keep it up bud!

  • @tkx86
    @tkx86 3 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    Real title: 'Germany's Iron Giants'

    • @lazy1126
      @lazy1126 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      kinda funny how even back then america was a third world country.

    • @MarcABrown-tt1fp
      @MarcABrown-tt1fp 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@lazy1126 What does that even mean?

    • @Tankliker
      @Tankliker 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MarcABrown-tt1fp that before the USA had a industrial build up they technological Standart was as backwards as Africa today.
      But that probably only really holds true for the time when the colonization starter

    • @MarcABrown-tt1fp
      @MarcABrown-tt1fp 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Tankliker The giant press was merely an inspired addition to a presently established American industry. that was until the (inspired innovation) started happening widespread in America... We simply mixed things up when we copied homework after the late 40s in certain companies. America was never really a 3rd world country until recently in some places.

    • @Tankliker
      @Tankliker 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MarcABrown-tt1fp read my comment again and then tell me if these presses would have been "just a mere addition" to US industry in the 16-17 hundreds lol

  • @dukecraig2402
    @dukecraig2402 5 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I have lived and worked in Cleveland in the fabricating and welding business including some Defense Department contracts and have worked with forgings from the 50.

  • @kaboom555
    @kaboom555 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I follow several machining, educational and historical channels and I'm WOWED. I just binged every single video in this channel. In my opinion it deserves at least 20 to 30 times the number of subscribers and views it has now. Thank you very much and please keep it up!

  • @davido5058
    @davido5058 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I tuned into this program because I had a long day at the office and I thought this would be the perfect program to help me fall asleep. Boy, was I wrong, excellent narration and content, perfect pace, now I've subscribed, bookmarked so I can show my kids about presses, and I'm onto the next program you have on here. Thanks for a job well done!

  • @workhardism
    @workhardism 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    This is actually one of my favourite videos on all of TH-cam. :)

  • @BillyN31
    @BillyN31 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I’m not an engineer or a mathematician, but the video was awesome and the technology and figures were mind blowing.

  • @ZybakTV
    @ZybakTV 5 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Great video!

  • @jakespeed63
    @jakespeed63 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    As a native Clevelander, all this industrial history, is in my blood. There where countless massive factories, near where I grew up. Was lucky to have worked at a Industrial based Hardware store, that catered to them. Got to go inside quite a few. Also got to tour the Lima Abrams Tank plant, whilst in college.
    Thanks for sharing 😎👍

  • @danechristmas6570
    @danechristmas6570 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fascinating mini-documentary.
    Saw the original documentary for this some years ago. Been looking for it ever since.
    Studied Mechanical Engineering back in the early '90s and one of my lecturers had worked at Bethelem Steel and told us the story of those presses.
    Thanks for uploading!

  • @MikeJamesMedia
    @MikeJamesMedia 5 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Loved this... Thanks to the highly-detailed, and still understandable narration and diagrams, I learned quite a bit about metalworking history. Thanks!

  • @104995211y
    @104995211y 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    That was very informative and well narrated. Great job.
    Two thumbs way way up.

  • @tomgio1
    @tomgio1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This showed up in my YT feed, no idea why. But now I’m going down a rabbit hole! Great stuff. Something about learning what makes our world go round behind the scenes is fascinating, and high quality videos like this bring that to life more than any dry textbook could (though I appreciate those books for the people who need to study them).

  • @handyandy6488
    @handyandy6488 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sincere thanks for highlighting this strategic infrastructural tooling. It's obviously a critical part of our metalworking technogy and civilization.

  • @ChrisMuncy
    @ChrisMuncy 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    What a great mini-documentary. Thanks for sharing this!

  • @panther105
    @panther105 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Well done. Most of the manufacturing film clips I have never seen. Amazing..that some these giant presses are still in operation..

  • @eriktempelman2097
    @eriktempelman2097 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    academic teacher here. these videos are pure gold. recommend them all the time in my lectures on manufacturing... and in my books. wonderful stuff!

  • @latotheleaf2223
    @latotheleaf2223 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As a machinist and someone interested in all aspects of metal working I found this video fascinating. Great stuff!

    • @neelyUScongress
      @neelyUScongress 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not a lot of people watch TV anymore especially the older generation that being said there's all kind of good shit out here on the internet that's been archived and carefully preserved. In short my friend the younger generation can learn what we learned back in our time. Is all kind of crap out here on the internet not just porno, LOL.

  • @youtube_fantastic
    @youtube_fantastic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What a unique look at history through the lenses of machines. Great job as usual MT.
    Cheers.

  • @grahamkingston210
    @grahamkingston210 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Just ran across this channel, damn good job.

  • @1973mre
    @1973mre 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was absolutely fascinating and well put together. I love old machinery and equipment of yesteryear. The amount of solid work building heavy equipment using only slide rulers is fascinating. My father was an engineer at Rockwell on the space shuttle and part of the tile design team specifically the black tiles that took all the heat. Even then he still used a slide ruler. They had access to the mainframe computer to work out copulations but you actually had to sign up to use it. Boy we have come along way. But then in some ways we’ve gone backwards. Those engineers of yesterday were really something using the most basic tools to accomplish amazing feats. Thanks for presenting this you made this subscriber very happy.

  • @brianmuhlingBUM
    @brianmuhlingBUM 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A very interesting subject, very well written and beautifully narrated.
    Excellent historic vision of these machines operating.
    How could anybody not be completely impressed by the workings of these huge
    Machines! Thank you!

  • @snaplash
    @snaplash 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you. I've heard of the heavy press program, but this is the first good explanation of it I've seen..

  • @ethanunzicker
    @ethanunzicker 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Absolutely incredible! I never suspected that SO much came from so few machines. Thanks for the video!

  • @jdsstegman
    @jdsstegman ปีที่แล้ว

    One of the best doc's I have ever seen. The whole channel makes me realize how he got here. I fix things built by others. Cars for a living but all other power sports stuff on the side. If you needed a space craft fixed I could fix that too as it was made by someone. So their for has a way and specs on how it was built.
    Like this video, the world has become better because of this machine in so many ways...... just amazing.

  • @4vndd
    @4vndd 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Beautifully researched and presented / narrated.. very informative too!!.. thanks for sharing!!

  • @MirceaD28
    @MirceaD28 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I used to work at a tractor factory (UTB - Brasov) that made the Long tractors for the US, when I saw a small 8000 t press. Man, that pres could be felt 50 m away when it was in action.

  • @flintstoneengineering
    @flintstoneengineering 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Fantastic content, fantastic channel. All very much appreciated.

  • @SuperPhunThyme9
    @SuperPhunThyme9 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    2:20
    What was the mother of invention? necessity?
    ....this is a great example

  • @allandavis8201
    @allandavis8201 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Those are some huge numbers involved with those presses, thanks for sharing, very interesting and informative.

  • @frenchriversprings
    @frenchriversprings 5 ปีที่แล้ว +166

    Alec Steele sent me here. You just got a new subscriber!

    • @bobbyjudalet2011
      @bobbyjudalet2011 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same here

    • @jimmy5846
      @jimmy5846 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep. Holy cow this channel doubled in subs OVERNIGHT. Check out Alec Steel's latest video (10/24/18) for his shout out!

    • @samverhaegen9753
      @samverhaegen9753 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same

    • @jamesshackcloth8388
      @jamesshackcloth8388 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same here ....
      great content ...

    • @jamesshackcloth8388
      @jamesshackcloth8388 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      That Alec doise bloke does well for the utube community ...
      good luck to anyone and everyone involved

  • @desertblbuesman
    @desertblbuesman 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Oh yeah that's the stuff. Great video!

  • @JamesAce
    @JamesAce 4 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    The titel: Americas iron giants
    Me: americas "Big Iron"

    • @constitution_8939
      @constitution_8939 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      More honestly Germany's Iron Giants till we killed them ; (

    • @Argonak1
      @Argonak1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Constitution_89 I mean we stole 3 of them and so did the russians.

    • @wildtatz
      @wildtatz 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Me ..geklaut von die deutschen ..

    • @Stabacs
      @Stabacs 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@wildtatz“ (..)von den Deutschen.“ ... sry :P

    • @wildtatz
      @wildtatz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Stabacs hey its not my native language. .ich bin Holländer

  • @rhubarbpie2027
    @rhubarbpie2027 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Seeing the bulkheads for the F-15E post machining is beautiful. I had no idea such a machine made these components for the aircraft I work on.

  • @ConorFenlon
    @ConorFenlon 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Stellar content. No frills, just thrilling facts. Absolutely perfect. 👌🏻 subbed

  • @timbrink
    @timbrink 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    And so began the phrase, "That man's got nuts like the Mesta 50." 10:05

  • @nateweter4012
    @nateweter4012 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a fantastic video. I have been studying WW2, Guns, and equipment since the 90’s and I’m a pilot, yet I’ve never truly had a good understanding of how factories are tooled and the differences between drop forging, pressing, and milling. This video is exactly what should be shown in US high schools. These are the machines that give us our world.

  • @kpkndusa
    @kpkndusa 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I am im-PRESSed. It really is a remarkable machine. Thanks.

    • @admiralmudkip9836
      @admiralmudkip9836 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That joke was depressing... You're really pushing it

    • @kpkndusa
      @kpkndusa 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@admiralmudkip9836 I'm crushed!

    • @Volodimar
      @Volodimar 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I Press this subscribe button with such force, that foundation cracked!

  • @robguyatt9602
    @robguyatt9602 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I think I have just found a new favourite channel.

  • @TheFridge
    @TheFridge 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Got sent here from Alex Steele.
    Must say, this video has earned my sub, nice work! :)

  • @xsleptx554
    @xsleptx554 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great content. Seeing presses like these in person is amazing and working on them even more so.

  • @rishiramkissoon6976
    @rishiramkissoon6976 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    this was a great vid. Highly informative-I had no idea the history of heavy metal work

  • @Puckthepolice
    @Puckthepolice 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    As a machinist this video rocks. Good job buddy

  • @Stopes.
    @Stopes. 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very informative and interesting. I love it. Not one single complaint here. Subbed.

  • @joedmac78
    @joedmac78 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was a really good vid. I watched an older docu about these presses and never forgot about it

  • @theobserver9131
    @theobserver9131 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As disappointing as humans can be, they can also be really impressive!
    Such massive and powerful machines really blow me away.

  • @timmallard5360
    @timmallard5360 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Outstanding! Why has PBS not picked this up. Keep it comming!

  • @gdgobi7330
    @gdgobi7330 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    One of the Press is broke down, it sent back to Germany to rebuild and put it back in operation. German Company Siempelkamp did the rebuilding.

    • @machinethinking
      @machinethinking  5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That's exactly right and after publishing this video I was kicking myself for not tying that back in at the end.

    • @VenomStryker
      @VenomStryker 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Cheryl The Russians suffered the most during WW2 and it was felt owed to them to let them be the first to enter Berlin. But we knew we had to hold them back at some point too, which is why things were divided the way they were.

    • @VenomStryker
      @VenomStryker 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Cheryl Yeah ok, believe that bullshit if you want. Maybe they were allowed to do that, but it was considered revenge for them.

  • @morskojvolk
    @morskojvolk 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Outstanding! Awesome vid.

  • @cheyennereynoso4116
    @cheyennereynoso4116 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think of this now when I see big machines and vehicles in the real world. This type of content is good for the world as in it allows people to appreciate modernity.

  • @ericmowrey6872
    @ericmowrey6872 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've watched ( I'm guessing here) maybe ten thousand Y/Tube videos since it all began. I'm a retired aircraft mechanic, if that's any reference. I have to say this is one of the most fascinating reports I've ever seen. I had no idea about these heavy presses. I salute you Machine Thinking for digging into the finer details...unbelievable!

    • @msjohncox
      @msjohncox 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, the history of this technology is fascinating and how it was part of a national government effort to modernize our entire industrial base.

  • @StereoMike06
    @StereoMike06 5 ปีที่แล้ว +522

    The reasons why all these old machines keep on working well after what seems to be a usable lifespan is they were extremely overbuilt and over engineered. Before CAD and digital simulation you you rounded up your calculations by a few factors. There was not this horrible mentality of today for planned obsolescence.

    • @Kevin-fj5oe
      @Kevin-fj5oe 5 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Capitalism

    • @catnium
      @catnium 5 ปีที่แล้ว +190

      its not over engineered when it refuses to break down
      that's proper engineering
      you're just too used to the usual corporate fuckery of under engineering to make sure shit breaks after some time so you'd have to BUY a new one.

    • @timvandenbrink4461
      @timvandenbrink4461 5 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Catnium yes, and I’m sick of it.

    • @onemantwohands5224
      @onemantwohands5224 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      This is why my grand father's have all of my respect :-) :-) :-)

    • @jebise1126
      @jebise1126 5 ปีที่แล้ว +55

      not really... industrial standards are different than civilian besides people want cheap stuff...

  • @parlainthtownie85
    @parlainthtownie85 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow, Keep it up. These documentaries are amazing. I had no idea about these machines.

  • @haydenamaro
    @haydenamaro 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    How is the History Channel even a thing when this guy can just come along and single-handedly blow all of their programming out of the water?