Hello Fellow metal workers,from Ga..

My name is Mike Ouellette.I'm a body shop owner that's enjoyed making my own patch panels for years.It's always been the most enjoyable part of the business. Last year I bought an E wheel and a bead roller,,its opened up a whole new world to me and reminds me of when I got my first set of torches at 16yrs old. I really cant afford to buy all the cool equipment I want, but I've spent a life time building my own tools equipment.I enjoy building equipment as much as using it.It's my hope to get advice and plans on what equipment to build first and tips on how to use it.I just took my first metal shaping class and I absolutly loved it.I'll be going to every one that comes my way and will be meeting many of you.I was very impressed at how friendly and helpful everybody has been and look foward to sharing any knowledge on woodworking or auto restoration I have. I've collected all the parts I need for a motorized bead roller This'll be my first project...Any advice would be greatly appreciated...Thanks for your time...

[HEATNBEAT]

Let me one of the first to say
I enjoy making my own machines also! do you have any pictures of the projects you have finished? we all love pictures here!

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Welcome Mike. Where in Georgia are you located?

[chris@whiterhino]

Welcome man!!

[Joe Hartson]

Mike, welcome. Many of the people on the site build there own tools, dies and fixtures to make what they need. Thanks for joining us.

[ProMetalShop]

Welcome aboard Mike

[CARS]

Welcome Mike!

I too have a body shop and just can't afford to buy tools and equipment on a whim so I build almost everything. With a busy shop though, they tend to get built on a as-needed basis.

I learned early on when I made the transition from collision work to muscle car restoration that most of the patch panels out there are junk. I soon found it much easier to make a patch than buy one. I'm still at the mercy of the stampers when it comes to quarter panels though... No way I am going to be forming a 6' to 8' long panel anytime soon

The 2 events a year out of all the shows I attend that really get me going with metal shaping is my local Metal Meet. I'm sure someone in your area will chime in on when and where your local one is!

[jhnarial]

Looks like you got in.

Welcome aboard

[David Gardiner]

Hello Mike. welcome to allmetalshaping from good old Blighty. You know you dont need all those machines! You can do a perfectly good job with hand tools!

David