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Looking for tips from the masters: English-Wheel
- Thread starter Murdoch
- Start date
77Mini
Well-known member
I have always wanted an english wheel. Have you tried it yet? Really hard to use?
Well I started tonight. Takes quite a few passes before you can see the curvature. I was wondering if I annealed the aluminum, would it be easier to work.I have always wanted an english wheel. Have you tried it yet? Really hard to use?
I wish I had gotten one 10 years ago.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Look up Ron Covell. He's is the Yoda of metal shaping.
rsanter
Well-known member
Watch some videos on YouTube and go over to metalmeet.com and join there for tips.
Practice your tracking, takes some getting used to.
An English wheel was originally not for just raising panels on its own but smoothing panels out. Get a sand bag and a mallet and put some shape into the panel to get it close to what you want. The take it to the English wheel to smooth out the lumps and finish the surface to what you expect.
The stiffer the English wheel is the better it works. The one you have is a bit like a limp noodle....sorry. But it is a good starting point. Comb the web for ideas on bracing what you have to make it batter. A little added steel in the right places will make that a very good machine for the money.
Bob
Practice your tracking, takes some getting used to.
An English wheel was originally not for just raising panels on its own but smoothing panels out. Get a sand bag and a mallet and put some shape into the panel to get it close to what you want. The take it to the English wheel to smooth out the lumps and finish the surface to what you expect.
The stiffer the English wheel is the better it works. The one you have is a bit like a limp noodle....sorry. But it is a good starting point. Comb the web for ideas on bracing what you have to make it batter. A little added steel in the right places will make that a very good machine for the money.
Bob
gipraw
Well-known member
And watch your fingers.
Chris Stapley
Well-known member
Grab yourself a mallet and a wooden stump with a bowl shape carved in to it,hammer a large indent in to the aluminum and use the English wheel to smooth the mess out, much. Quicker way of stretching and forming than directly on the wheel itself! Oh ,and have fun!
Hey guys I had just went to Ron Covell's site and tried to order a DVD: Shaping aluminum with hand tools. Now to my surprise when I discovered that they don't ship to Canada. Why am I being condemned for my love of a weak $, hockey, poutine and bacon?GM
Guster
Well-known member
I was wondering if I annealed the aluminum, would it be easier to work.
Yes and you may have to anneal it several times during the process as it work hardens with every hammer blow and every pass under the wheel. Malleability for making it easier to work with is one reason, another is to keep it from splitting and tearing especially when you trying to 'dish' it with a mallet or planishing hammer. A planishing setup ie. http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/planishing-hammer/A-p8536849e can be just as useful in the right hands as an english wheel and more controlled way of dishing material. Each have their strengths.
Ron's DVD's are available from other sources too. He shows some common techniques on annealing which is generally described in other sources. Ron also authors and co-authors some books you may find in your local library that is equally informative.
Thanks Guster, I actually found a place in Milton that sells the dvd'so from Ron Cover. I am going on Saturday to pick up Hammerforming & shaping aluminum with hand tools, I may also pick up his English wheel dvd as well. I'll post my progress pics, once I've made progress. Hehe he. ..GMYes and you may have to anneal it several times during the process as it work hardens with every hammer blow and every pass under the wheel. Malleability for making it easier to work with is one reason, another is to keep it from splitting and tearing especially when you trying to 'dish' it with a mallet or planishing hammer. A planishing setup ie. http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/planishing-hammer/A-p8536849e can be just as useful in the right hands as an english wheel and more controlled way of dishing material. Each have their strengths.
Ron's DVD's are available from other sources too. He shows some common techniques on annealing which is generally described in other sources. Ron also authors and co-authors some books you may find in your local library that is equally informative.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Is that basically the same wheel that HF sell? If so, it needs at least another 100lb or so of steel adding to it.