Checking things out.

[rustbucket]

Hey everyone,

My name is Raymond Oliver, people call me Ray. I'm from Jackson, GA and I'm 26 years old.

I'm new to metal shaping and I'm still investigating its potential. I'm currently enrolled in welding at a local community college and believe that my new-found welding ability will open doors for me into other avenues of creativity both for practical and aesthetic use.

Right now I'm still investigating metal shaping and its potential. I have taken note that the majority of metal-shaping seems to be geared towards automotive body and motorcycle applications and wonder if that is not what metal shaping is all about.

Additionally, I am looking for educational resources (DVDs and Books primarily) that will enhance my understanding of the tools, methods, and knowledge required to be a successful metal shaper. Futhermore, I am looking for any additional resources that can enhance my general fabrication abilities and I do not discount any beginner or intermediate resources because I believe that a firm foundation is the best upon which to build.

Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I hope that I have left you with a good impression and look forward to seeing what this forum has to offer.

Ray

[crystallographic]

Originally Posted by rustbucket

Hey everyone,

My name is Raymond Oliver, people call me Ray. I'm from Jackson, GA and I'm 26 years old.

I'm new to metal shaping and I'm still investigating its potential. I'm currently enrolled in welding at a local community college and believe that my new-found welding ability will open doors for me into other avenues of creativity both for practical and aesthetic use.

Right now I'm still investigating metal shaping and its potential. I have taken note that the majority of metal-shaping seems to be geared towards automotive body and motorcycle applications and wonder if that is not what metal shaping is all about.

Additionally, I am looking for educational resources (DVDs and Books primarily) that will enhance my understanding of the tools, methods, and knowledge required to be a successful metal shaper. Futhermore, I am looking for any additional resources that can enhance my general fabrication abilities and I do not discount any beginner or intermediate resources because I believe that a firm foundation is the best upon which to build.

Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I hope that I have left you with a good impression and look forward to seeing what this forum has to offer.

Ray

Welcome to the group, Ray. Welding is an excellent place to start. Metal shaping also includes - but is not limited to - architecture, sculpture, aeroplanes, diving helmets, cooking utensils, distillery gear, and yard art.

[Doug M]

Ray, Welcome to the group.

As a fixer and maker of things I see a lot of Auto threads on this group, Yes. Though I Work on cars, I just like fixing and making things. Autos are of great value to many folk now days. Metal shapers like all of us chase the money, and most damaged or altered metal is in the form of autos, bent ot renewed. That's just the way it is. David, Per, others all show techniques and tools necessary to make armor, fuel tanks, stove hoods, pots and pans, Many other things.

Again Welcome, learn what you can. I keep seeing many things helpful to my skill set many things way into the WOW category.

Doug

[HEATNBEAT]

Hi Ray and welcome !

[RockHillWill]

Good morning, welcome to the site. There is a lot of good help here. We are all impressed to see some of the younger folks taking an interest in the metal shaping vocation. Ask away, there are many excellant advisors on this site. No question will go unanswered.

[rustbucket]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I, too, enjoy making things, projects, and just general problem solving (or a good challenge).

Hope everyone has had a great weekend so far and happy labor day for those also in the USA.

[David Gardiner]

Hi Raymond, welcome to the forum, For some it is about using large machines to produce large sections of cars or even complete bodies, for others it is about making something using their hands and hand tools this can be art or sculpture or patch panels. To me its metalshaping if it has shape in three dimensions.

David

[rustbucket]

I see now that I can view the full forums that it is much more than only automotive, not that I don't think that is spectacular in its own right.

I've been eyeballing your DVD and believe its only a matter of time before I bite. Thanks for being willing to share your abilities in a manner that can benefit even those who are not able to attend a seminar/workshop/class/apprenticeship.

[red baron]

I have davids dvd, and well worth the money, shows you the basics and some possibilities that you can develop.