Scottrods

[SCOTTRODS]

Hi. I'm Scott (probably could guessed that part).... I'm another old Bald dude that enjoys working with my hands. I have been interested in Metal working of all kinds for years, but only recently (Last couple of years) taken any steps to learn anything at all.... simply due to my life's circumstances not allowing for many tools of this nature.

I'm WAY off in the tool purchasing thing already... not buying the top brand names or anything, but buying Stuff. I have a Shrinker and Stretcher from Eastwood, A Harbor Freight E-Wheel, and of course a Harbor freight Planishing hammer.... (That's the biggest disappointment so far, but hey... what should one expect when you pay garage sale prices for machines....?) I also bought a BIG Louver press, that I intend to use on everything anyone will let me... (Already have the fastest Cake Pan Lid in North Texas....) A few hammers, but none purpose made or even remotely useful for this stuff.... gotta start somewhere though.

Anyway, my project that is in the wings, is to build a one-off, VW based Slightly smaller than scale, Plymouth prowler look-alike car. I don't intend for it to be a perfect likeness, but some of the features I want as close as possible, like the front suspension... Love the long A-Arm push rod style suspensions.... I say it's waiting in the wings, as I have the Base 70 model VW beetle that was involved in a slight Reshaping incident (Left front corner hit). The body and pan are actually in REALLY nice shape, so it's the perfect donor for a Build-a-body.

I hope to learn from you guys (Some I figure are going to be the same people from Metal meet forums as well), and as I grow and learn I am a very big contributor to things I learn. I always give back when I can. I usually am a Quick learner, but I understand some of this stuff will take some time to get a handle on. I have already done some beating and Wheeling to get the gist of how it all works.

I've done a couple of reverse compound curves and stamped a few louvers in some VW sheet metal as well.... Played with the Planishing hammer a little.... I don't know if that's gonna help me much for now, as I haven't loaded it up with sand or lead yet.... the thing moves around too much. I think I understand it pretty well.... Just need some time with it whilst it's more stable. I did make a blister or two using it, just to familiarize a little....

My background is in ALL things Mechanical. I am an A&P tech, recent employment in a Landing Gear shop. Now moved into a Repair shop that doesn't have a clue.... but we're gonna give it a few more days/weeks to see if I need to move on or stick around. My world has had VW Beetles and similar VW's in it for over 30 years.... I currently have the Donor mentioned above and a Fiberglass bodied Dune Buggy project as well. I drive a Great little Car that lends itself to much customization, the SCION "xB" more commonly referred to as a Toaster by lots of folks.... Since I and my Wife have one each, we call them "Dos Eqquis". Hers is the little Classy car color (Burgundy) and mine is Plain white to allow for more options.

I have In-laws living here as well, so my time on the computer is Incredible.... I spend way more time than I used to,as I don't really enjoy re-runs of M.A.S.H. and Sanford and Son too much.... So It's either Her on the Puter, or out in the shop/Garage...

OH! almost forgot to say that I'm in over my head in Powder Coating as well.... I have about $15k or $16k in Powder coating Equipment. Some is Top of the line Pro Stuff, some is home-made... I don't do any work that I wouldn't be proud to call my own.... so I charge for it, cause it takes a lot of time and money to do this stuff as well. Hopefully the Metal Shaping and Powder Coating can be married somehow in the future.

Howdy! from Texas.... That's all for now

Scott

[Peter Tommasini]

HI Scott welcome to the forum
Peter

[David Gardiner]

Hello Scott, welcome to the forum. I read your intro with interest, shaping metal is not the easiest thing to learn but if you take time to get good at the basics before you start your project it will be time well spent.

David

[HEATNBEAT]

Hi Scott and welcome!

[SCOTTRODS]

Thanks Guys. I have been trying to get a meeting with a Pulmax, and recently found a guy that's gonna show me how he uses his.... I may end up buying one of them as well. Depends on whether I can get the work done more effectively and all.... I think it would be a great addition to my arsenal of tools, but I haven't done anything but watch Vids and see pics... never around one in person, and can't quite wrap my head around how it's better/worse, more appropriate for any particular task.... Hopefully the guy who is hosting my interest can give me enough to work with.

I have a stump in the back yard.... should have left it taller when I cut down the tree,... a big Red Oak.... Think that would be something to use in the shop? or a better wood should be used?

Again, thanks for the welcome, I look forward to learning as much as one can from this stuff.

[Doug M]

Scott use the stump. When it splits you'll know what height & tree to use for the next one. If you drill the center through, the stump will have less tendency to split, or you might put a cut into one side and that's where the stump will split. Or use it and get a new one when -2 month or 20 years from now- you need a new one.

[SCOTTRODS]

Sounds Good Doug..... Thanks for the input.