Topic: Metal forming

[MJL]

Videos from a Pakistani "denter".  Very basic tools and outstanding work. From what I understand they mostly do Jeep stuff, but the principals can be applied to bikes as well.

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-3147856541938939014&hl=en%22%20flashvars=

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=824800617011780753&hl=en%22%20flashvars=

these bits started out as flat steel, they use a hammer and chisel to form the designs.

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=326976&stc=1&d=1190650387

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=680468

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=680542

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=463502

Maybe some of you will be able to use the techniques in your builds...

[mystic_1]

Nice, this once again demonstrates that it's not the tools, but the hands that wield them, that count.

mystic_1

[troppo]

Nice, this once again demonstrates that it's not the tools, but the hands that wield them, that count.

mystic_1

Exactly, you could give a monkey a hammer and he could bang on metal, but only with training and experience can you make something like these items.
Theres a definate skill at work here, and a "if you want i can make it attitude" lol

[rhos1355]

Yeah, but what we're forgetting here is that the old folks that used to fix cars and machines in the '30s to the '50s did exactly that. They were revered and called craftsmen of their trade. Then it all went abit bizarre; cheap "use and bin" products everywhere.

[MJL]

Part of why you don't see this kind of work anymore is that schools push hard for everyone to go to college. Not everyone is born to be a desk jockey.

[Demon67]

Yes they are pushing for every one to go on to higher education, but has anyone tried to hire a good stone mason and perhaps the ontario gov is finally realizing that people like stone masons are important at least their apprenticeship program takes kids in who only have grade 10 and just about says you've got life long work if you try.
Bill the demon

[Uncle Ernie]

I found out the elephantbell front fender of my old BMW is repop when the paint blistered because all the welds weren't cleaned well before painting.  They are welded strips.  The originals were made from one piece of steel and very thin and light.  Amazing work.

For anyone in the PNW, Even Wilcox teaches a class in the Bay Area every now and then.

Lots of info to be had here; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/metalshapers/

[troppo]

That is a great group uncle ernie, i`ve been a member for a few years now and have picked up a lot of tricks that have helped heaps in projects and at work

[tramp]

anyone that can do good body work will always be employed

[rhos1355]

anyone that can do good body work will always be employed

I think you'll find that's not always the case. Sometimes good body work is so hard to find and expensive that it's actually cheaper to throw the old bit away and get a new one.