Ep 25. Bell Maker

In season 2, episode 25 of Dirty Jobs, viewers are introduced to the world of bell-making. Mike Rowe, the host of the show, travels to East Hampton, Connecticut to visit the Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company, the only remaining bell manufacturer in the United States. In this episode, Mike learns the ins and outs of bell-making, from the creation of the steel mold to the finishing touches that make each bell unique.

The episode begins with Mike meeting Matt Bevin, the owner of the Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company. Matt comes from a long line of bell makers, with his family having been in the business since the early 19th century. Matt takes Mike on a tour of the factory, showing him the various machines used in the production of bells. Mike is fascinated by the process and asks many questions, which Matt answers with ease.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the various stages of bell-making. The first stage involves creating the steel mold that will shape the bell. This mold is created by a machine that uses a computer program to cut the mold out of a block of steel. Once the mold is created, it is filled with molten brass. This is where the fun really begins.

Mike watches as the workers pour the molten brass into the mold. He notes how hot it is and how dangerous the process can be if not done correctly. Once the brass cools and solidifies, the mold is broken away to reveal the bell. The bell is then put through a series of sandblasting and tumbling processes to clean it up and polish it.

After the bell is polished, it is time to add the finishing touches. This is where the unique designs and sounds of each bell are created. Mike watches as the workers use various tools to shape the bell's clapper, or the part that hits the bell to make it ring. He also gets to see how different combinations of metals and finishes can create different sounds and tones.

Finally, Mike gets to see the finished product. He watches as the bells are packaged up and shipped out to customers around the world. Matt Bevin and his team take great pride in their work, and it shows in the quality of their products. Mike leaves East Hampton with a newfound appreciation for the art of bell-making and the hard work that goes into each and every bell.

Overall, season 2, episode 25 of Dirty Jobs is an educational and entertaining look at a profession that many people may not know much about. The episode is filled with interesting tidbits about the history and science of bell-making, as well as the dedication and passion of the workers who make it all possible. Whether you're a fan of the show or just someone who loves learning about unusual professions, this episode is definitely worth watching.