Making a Metal 4x4 Post Driving Cap for Building MTB Features

In an effort to make driving 4x4's more efficient, we design a post driving cap to protect the top while we strike it with a sledgehammer. The only problem is that we're pretty bad at fabrication. If we can get this working, it will help us build mountain bike features just a little easier!

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[msimonwi]

Weld a handle on it, that’s an amazing idea. Casually leave it in with the other cups at the ranger station lol

[kennythefarmer]

If u don't want the end to split u need a (fencing maul) its a sledge hammer but with a much bigger head to stop spliting

[Mebeknob]

Cut a “ + “ shape out of thick plate then bend into the shape! Then the only welds on the piece will not be on the striking surface.
I’d also weld a nail or two on the inside. That way the cap will stay put on the post while you hammer and ideally transfer the energy into the post better instead of bouncing off

[ethankulp]

there's a saying for amateur welders that goes "a grinder and paint makes the welder you aint"

[Pwndbythnb]

If you make a v2 you could just bend a rectangular piece of metal into a "n" shape and just weld 2 square pieces of metal on the side so the thing you're constantly hitting is a single piece of metal and the welded part is just a decorative cap.

[drobotk]

Evil Seth be like: Today we're going to be doing the same thing, exactly the same way

[MrGschwaller]

Steel tube has an OD and ID " Outside diameter and inside diameter" also you need to account for warp/ shrinking after the metal cools down but home depot, sells what you are attempting to make, it's called a fence post driver

[bradhulton]

Seth. I used to build and use a similar tool just to pop 8in deep, 2.5in round holes in the ground. I used 1/4 wall 2.5 pipe and the top plate was 3/16 thick. That 3/16 plate was destroyed after the first 60 or so holes. I ended up doubling up the top plate and plug welding it in the center and all around the outside. Your concept works great and is a stellar idea. Just needs a little more work. Really, the outside doesn't need to be that heavy. It just needs to be strongly attached to the top plate. The heavier it is, when it does get stuck for some reason, it will be a pain to get off. I think less material on the sides is a good idea, with a heavy top.

[kerosene]

I work on a ranch and have tried pretty much every method of driving posts in the ground. What I’ve found works best is getting yourself a pallet fork attachment for that excavator and using one of the fork spikes to poke a hole in the ground. Then take your post and use the bottom of your excavator bucket to push it into the ground. Have probably done this to a few hundred 8 foot half rounds and it works great. Have fun figuring it out!

[pyrobabyyoda]

The best part of the video is always Oscar cluelessly walking around while Seth is talking to the camera.

Edit: this is not meant to be taking bad about the videos it is just a comment about a cute dog you can chill out.

[elliothamilton]

Farmer favourite in the uk: post rammer...old steel gas bottle with the top cut off and two handles added; works a charm.

[Mostlyharmless]

“I don’t know what I was expecting, I guess I was expecting it to not work.” That is exactly the same attitude I approach my diy projects with. I get concerned when it goes according to my plan.

[lynxg]

Hey Seth, good idea, bit of trouble executing. Simple solution to the fit, just take the 4x4's to the table saw and give them the slightest shave on 2 sides so it fits, as you said, only needs like 1/16th all around to fit ;-)
On the welding thing, you need to grind 45 degree angles so the weld actually has someplace to go once you grind it back and you don't basically grind back off al the weld.

[tomtrevatt]

There's such thing as a stake driver, that's basically a big metal tube with a weight at the end and two handles. Fully recommended.

[alexthomas]

This is one of my favorite channels cause seth always shows off the process, not just the final product. That’s why colin furze is so good too

[canonmathews]

The energy in this video is amazing! The failing and laughing and trying again… it’s so joyful!

[jacksteer]

Other title could be “Seth unknowingly creates a minecraft red stone torch “

[ortega]

He was so excited with the thicker metal. "NOW WERE COOKING WITH GAS!" Amazing. Best part of the video.

[deveshraj]

I would recommend you to buy a 5mm thick steel sheet and cut a cross ( + ) with sides 4" out of it, also considering the added thickness of the sheet and then bending it into a cube and welding the sides. In this way you can actually control the dimensions of it with respect to the wood size and you can weld small 90° steel angles on all 4 welded edges for extra strength so that the welds won't rip on impact. I hope this may be helpful to you.

[sometexanguy]

Love that you are learning to weld. I weld structural and am trained to weld pipe. No hate towards your welds. Just a tip. Bevel the sides of the metal to allow better penetration. Move slower with your movement and make sure your amperage is hot enough. Tack each side good and weld one side, let it cool. Weld the opposite side. Let it cool and repeat. Keeps things from warping too badly. I love seeing you weld. It's my passion, and I love when people want to learn. Keep doing more!