Aluminum shaping
 

Hello, I have just purchased a wrecked midget race car with an aluminum body and am in the process of trying to figure out what to do next. At some point I will need an english wheel but first I need to learn the basics. Any suggestions?

Welcome to the forum Steve. Visit often and post when you can.

Hi Steve,

You will find Peter Tommasini's "Handbuilt" DVD series very informative. I consider it a must have for every inspiring shaper.

www.handbuilt.net.au

You might want to check this page, VAcreeper:
http://www.tinmantech.com/aluminum-body-damage-repairs/
..... was doing a wrecked Aston this past Wednesday.... ;)

Some photos would help us help you.

When you are ready for an English wheel, there are three regulars here that make English wheels, and they are all reputable builders. In no particular order:

http://www.handbuilt.net.au/index.html (Peter Tommasini)

http://wheelingmachines.com/ (Kerry Pinkerton)

http://www.tinmantech.com/products/ (Kent White)

Each of these gentlemen are knowledgeable metal shapers as well, and you can trust what each of them tell you.

In addition, both Kent White and Peter Tommasini have very good instructional video series and Kerry has a Metalshaping 101 DVD.

Starting out
 

You can go to the basic section on this site and check out the machine clip where they have a bit on hammering on and off dolly.Also a section on hand tools, log blocks and sand bags. Eastwood has a little book about 80 years old on metal bumping (hand tools). metalshapingzone.com has a 2 1/2 hr dvd on hand tools I watch quite a bit. You can go thru youtube on metal shaping
and spend days there. that's a start. Have fun!