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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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English Wheel Help

Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:17 pm

Hey Wix'ers

I've been using the english wheel quite a bit lately with less than super stellar results. Everything I think I've learned has been self-taught, and I question most of it. I'd really like to attend a professional seminar orientated towards aviation sheet metal, but I think I'll start with a book or video. Does anyone have any recommendations towards a text or video that really spells it out? Any one with experience with lectures, classes and/or seminars? I know Oshkosh usually has lectures, but no hands on.
Thanks for the help guys...
T.J.

Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:33 pm

I think that Eastwood has an instructional video. They are located in Malvern, PA. You may have better luck learning from an auto restorer than an aircraft metal smith.

Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:40 pm

Dig around here.

Metal Meet Forum

Everything you need to know has been covered here. Their forum is very specifically partitioned. If it isn't aircraft it doesn't take a whole bunch of imagination to see your parts in some of the work these fellows are doing. Dig around in the photos....some really amazing projects. There are DVD's avaiable in the classifieds.

Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:24 pm

The best in the business... :lol:

http://www.fournierenterprises.com/index.html

Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:38 pm

www.tinmantech.com

-Pat

Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:05 pm

Dang, Pat beat me to posting TinMan Tech's site. Kent White has done parts for a number of restos that I've been involved on some level with, both car and plane. He's got more damned talent in one hand than I do in my whole body as far as metalworking. I HIGHLY recommend his seminars.

Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:25 pm

Thanks for the help guys. I've seen the tinmantech site before, its good to hear good things about it. Points me in the right direction...Thanks again
T.J.

Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:11 pm

Check out Ron Fournier's site per my prior post. He has demo's, schools, sells equipment and will answer emails & calls. Just an option. :wink:

Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:57 pm

Let's see some pictures... Keep at it you'll get it.. :D You may scrap a little metal but don't get discouraged!

Thu Sep 20, 2007 7:22 pm

another source of info:

http://www.lazze.us/

Fri Sep 21, 2007 5:12 pm

Alright heres a few shots, I'm a little reluctant...

Here's the right fin cap. These were my first three pieces with the wheel. Well, the are the first three usuable pieces that is.
Image

The other side has some faint creases from the wheel that I'm not too happy about. I've since figured out I could have rolled them out. The left will be better.

Image

I've been working on this section for the past week. The skins haven't been marked for final trim yet. I promise my rivet lines are straight, I think its the protective plastic that makes them look not-so-straight. Cleco-ed above this section is a posterboard template I making for the next piece.

Image

This piece goes in the lower hole on the above picture. Same thing with the unfinished panel lines and crooked rivet lines
Image

Thanks again for the links to good sites. WIX helps the MAAM widow again
T.J.
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