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Sheet Metal Automobile - English Wheel Set-Up, Getting Started

pricer - Aug 01, 2004 - 06:07 PM
Post subject: English Wheel Set-Up, Getting Started

Let’s say I have just purchased an English Wheel. After uncrating it, what are the do’s and don’ts of the early stages of beginning to learn how to use the machine? I would imagine there are some rules to follow that will help in not damaging the machine and anvils. Next week I may be faced with these and many other questions. Also I would like to know the answers to these questions for using the panishing hammer.

I read somewhere this morning that the panishing hammer was a low powered machine not intended for shrinking or stretching sheet metal. I am assuming the hammer is intended for smoothing the metal and that’s it. I would hate to get this type equipment and destroy or damage it the first day. Any wisdom shared concerning these tools would be very helpful.

oldgoaly - Aug 02, 2004 - 04:50 AM
Post subject:

Pricer,
start with the ewheel is it assembled? check to make sure all is tight.
Then first thing i would do is make sure the axels are aligned, how to do
that is placing the flat bottom anvil(wheel) and just bring it till it just
touches the top wheel, is it even? if it is good if not look to see how or
if it can be adjusted. If there is no adjustment then filing(carefully)
the lower yoke may be needed. if it way off then maybe the frame could be bent in shipping. if it is aligned then start with a fairly flat anvil and
try it out, start with light pressure then increase to get more stretch and feel for the tool. remember the bowl, center get wheel more stay away from the edges. as the metal stretches and shape developes, then go to
a higher crown/smaller radius anvil, repeat start with light pressure then
add and get the feel of the tool. hey you wheeling now!!!
another thing is to hammer up the peice and use the wheel as a planisher
depending on the size of the lumps just go slow with wheels barely touching, then add more pressure til it is smooth. it will take some pratice
but your on your way.
Planishing hammer, the dies on a phammer float or rotate, to shrink the dies need to be indexed/secured so they don't move, a very good book,
is the one written by Fay Butler called " plainshing hammer book, if you email me i can pass his email along or i think can get thru the metalshapers store?
Gotta go!
Take care!
tt

pricer - Aug 02, 2004 - 12:34 PM
Post subject:

Thanks for the info. It will be very useful. After I get started, maybe next week if I am lucky, I am sure I will have more questions. Are there any other good books our there on the subject or videos? The video I saw at your site was good, I got a lot from it. A shrinking disc will next or I may just build one. I will look at the store later today.

Thanks,

Bud - Aug 02, 2004 - 03:52 PM
Post subject:

What site are we talking about? I would like to see the videos. Can you post the URL or link here?

Bud

oldgoaly - Aug 02, 2004 - 07:59 PM
Post subject:

Bud,
it is the www.metalshapers.org, i'm trying not look like i am stealing people from the board here.
also a www.metalmeet.com this is a group that split from metalshaper, basiclly it is the same
people in both groups, the way one board is set up it is easier to work, others it is the opposite.
Allot of politics even in metalwork! geez i hate that crap!
Videos, John Glover is the master of the ewheel, Ron Fournier and Ron Covell are excellent
metalworkers and have many videos, comes to power hammers Fay Butler is the man! I've seen
or have most of the metalworking videos, they tend to be a little drab, because of the tedious and
repetition of the work it is not easy to show the steps in real time, and make for a exciting show.
If i can help just ask!
Take care!
tt

Bud - Aug 02, 2004 - 08:12 PM
Post subject:

oldgoaly wrote:

Bud,
it is the www.metalshapers.org, i'm trying not look like i am stealing people from the board here.
also a www.metalmeet.com this is a group that split from metalshaper, basiclly it is the same
people in both groups, the way one board is set up it is easier to work, others it is the opposite.
Allot of politics even in metalwork! geez i hate that crap!
Videos, John Glover is the master of the ewheel, Ron Fournier and Ron Covell are excellent
metalworkers and have many videos, comes to power hammers Fay Butler is the man! I've seen
or have most of the metalworking videos, they tend to be a little drab, because of the tedious and
repetition of the work it is not easy to show the steps in real time, and make for a exciting show.
If i can help just ask!
Take care!
tt

I'm not all all worried about that, infact I welcome you to The Shop..we can all learn something and I'll frequent your site as well. Don't know if I can be of too much help, but I'm learning somnething new everday as the rest:)

Bud

pricer - Aug 07, 2004 - 12:29 AM
Post subject:

E- wheel kit on the way. 5 lower anvils, upper wheel and a set of plans for the frame. Should have it in the shop on Monday.