New SC Member

[SWT Racing]

Hey Fellas,

I'm a new member here that was referred by a friend of mine that was lucky enough to attend a local meet in Harvest/Huntsville. Appaerantly, I registered at one of the other formums thinking that it was this forum. At any rate, I've been lurking around the 'net a long time to learn, but have never had any of the tools at home to learn metalforming on thinner materials. In the past, I've been stuck with making everything by bending tubing, using box/pan brakes or machining. While I'm adept at all of those, and I do them as both a hobby and a trade, there are times that sheetmetal forming would be very helpful.

I learned the basics of metalforming from friends and as a tool and die maker for the aerospace industry making forming punches in solid carbide for thing like rivets, socket head, and Torx head cap screws in another life. I have since moved on to armored vehicle manufacturing. I'm also a car/drag racing nut and have been building cars for the past 23 or so years. Like many of the people here, I like to do everything myself. . .including building my own engines, transmissions, rollacages, headers, intercoolers, etc. as such, the one area I've never tried has been metalforming on thinner material like sheet.

I recently purchased a HF e-wheel and shrinker stretcher to add to the home shop. I've been attempting to make bowls and other decrative items in order to both teach myself metalforming and to keep the wife happy with purchasing more equipment.

At any rate, I look forward to learning from all of you, and hope to meet some of you in the future at one of the meets to absorb all the experience here, exchange ideas, war stories, and perhaps a couple beers!