The Wizards Apprentice from a mysterious land down under...

[Ian Bee]

... has, seemingly, through a magical portal, which we will call the internet, has now finally plugged into a vast wealth of knowledge and black arts, only known to the select chosen few, through this forum!

My name is Ian.

I own, and run a small sheet metal workshop here in Adelaide, South Australia.

I have had this shop for twenty years now, and it is my baby, even on the days where I wish clients would die a horrible death. Lead times... who invented those?

I ONLY work in the Sign and Advertising industry, supplying half of Adelaide, as well as major regional centres throughout the state, with my goods.

My goods are always one off units, which mainly comprise illuminated sign cases, as well as the run of the mill columns, frames, etc. that are required. Always something new and different!

Over the last few months, I have put in more machines... Rollers (2 sets), Bead Roller, Shrinker - Stretcher, Square Tube Rollers, and a few other little niceties.

Already have the 8 foot Guillotine, and Pan brake, as well as five welding machines, lathe, presses.... yada... yada...

It is the new ability, to fabricate some curves, rolls, on my work, that I am excited about. Talk about teaching old dogs new tricks!

Since these new machines have been commissioned, my work has definitely taken on a new direction, and all and sundry are enjoying it.

The one thing I am messing around with, is the designing of some dies for my Bead Roller, whereby I can convert it into a two roll curving machine, to roll my Aluminium (note the CORRECT spelling....lol) angle sections, without having to always resort to the Shrinker. I will keep you posted.

Anyway, I hope to be of help to people here, my main experience, or claim to fame, is that I am a First Class Sheet Metal Worker, as well as having considerable experience in structural welding (not ticketed for structural mind you...).

So, If I can help, I will. I also hope to pick peoples brains, on my pursuit of making small machines, and jigs, to compliment my line of work.

Okay guys, gotta sign off now... and play some axe...

Cheers

Ian Bee

[Joe Hartson]

Ian, welcome and thanks for the introduction. Hope you find the site helpful. Thanks for joining us.

Some history on the spelling of Aluminum in the US vs Aluminium in the rest of the world. Alcoa was dedicating a new plant and a secretary spelled Aluminum incorrectly but all of the invitations were already printed so they went out with the word spelled wrong. Since Alcoa was the only producer the spelling stuck even though it is wrong.

[metalformrt]

Ian, welcome to the site!!!

[Ian Bee]

Thanks guys!

Now, let the knowledge probes begin, mmm.... probes...

Already posted a question in the Bead Roller section.

cheers

[HEATNBEAT]

Welcome to Allmetalshaping Ian!

[Dave Hatcliffe]

Where in Adelaide are you Ian?

Dave