Hello - from the new guy

Nick D'Amico · #1 04-23-2010, 06:36 AM

Hello everyone

I'm a new hobbyist to the field and very excited to get started. I'm an avid motorcycle rider and looking to fabricate some new pieces and someday accomplish a complete build. I've taken a few semesters of welding and fab at a local community hoping to acquire skills needed to move forward. Although I work full time, I look forward to class every week try to at least learn a new skill. The course is a good introduction to the field - but that's all it is.

While trying to supplement this course, I found David Gardiner's website and DVD. Prior to this, I believed I had to buy or fab the lager more expensive tools to create some pieces. After reading many of your posts, I am liking the idea of learning and practicing with hand tools first.

Before I go on too much, let me just say, I'm very excited to get started with practice and a first project. I'm going with a motorcycle fender. Through the help of this forum, I've found the tools needed to get started and the confidence to get it done. Thank you for that. I'll be posting pics as soon as I can. My beating hours are evenings and weekends, so I'm sure my progress will be slow and painful, but I'll get there.

Thanks
Nick

Marty Comstock · #2 04-23-2010, 06:57 AM

Nick, welcome. I think you said it well, the conficence gained in priceless. Thanks for coming on board, and let us see what youre doing. We love pics

Marty

Kerry Pinkerton · #3 04-23-2010, 07:43 AM

Welcome Nick. Where in northeast PA are you?

Nick D'Amico · #4 04-23-2010, 08:46 AM

Kerry

I live in the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton area. I'm within two hours of Philadelphia, New York and DC. A good area with access to the larger north eastern cities.

Nick

John Kelly · #5 04-23-2010, 08:59 AM

Hi Nick,

I show a couple of motorcycle fender exercises in parts 1 and 2 of my Tuck Shrinking video excerpts. See the youtube link in my signature line. I think a small fender is one of the best learning projects to start with.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

Kerry Pinkerton · #6 04-23-2010, 10:31 AM

Nick, you should try and make it up to the Comstocks July metalshaping gathering. It's about 3-4 hours north of you and you'll get to see some of this stuff first hand.

Joe Hartson · #7 04-23-2010, 10:39 AM

Nick, welcome to AllMetalShaping. Starting by doing work with just hand tools is the way to learn quickly. You have Davids DVD and that will help you a lot. Take a look at this thread, http://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=1198
This is the other "must have" DVD to help you understand metal shaping when you first get started.
There are some regional gatherings in your area coming up soon. If you can attend one of them you will learn more in a couple of day that you will in months just trying things on your own.

Thanks for joining us.

David Gardiner · #8 04-23-2010, 05:15 PM

Welcome to allmetalshaping, if you need advice there is plenty to be had on this site.
Everyone is happy to help.

David

rlile · #9 04-23-2010, 09:57 PM

welcome to the show!

Nick D'Amico · #10 04-27-2010, 05:41 AM

Thank you very much for the welcome and support. John and Joe, I checked out the resources you provided. They were both informative and helpful. I'm excited to get started and practice. My hammers and shot bag should arrive soon. The "getting started" thread was very helpful in making those choices.

Kerry, I checked my schedule and may be able to make it up to NY this summer. I think that will be very beneficial. Thanks for the heads up.

All I need now is some raw materials, time and understanding neighbors. Thanks again.

Nick