All MetalShaping - Tin Knocker wanna be

I am Jim in Riverside California. I stumbled on this group several months ago and have been fascinated by the skill that you guys have. I have had a hobby shop with a lathe, mill, welders, press, benders and ran a small business on the side for several years making small, specialized lighting systems for industry. I am not a machinist. My buddy is a retired "tin knocker" and makes sheet metal work look easy and beautiful. I was going to learn from him but he moved away when he retired and now the learning curve is tougher. So I am here to learn.
Best, Jim