New guy from Switzerland, Europe
 

Hello Forum, my name is Dominik from Switzerland, Europe.
I live about 45 mins. from Zurich, and about 35 mins. from the Border to Constance, Germany. I have a little hobby workshop about 5 mins. into that drive to Constance.
I'm looking to build a few metal shaping tools (machines) since in Switzerland, proper tools are so expensive, I couldn't afford it if I wanted to, and I don't.

Eckold is a name most of you will have heard before. Trimmis, where the Company is located is about 50 mins. from here, yet the price of CHF 4500.– for a Handformer (HF 100) in my opinion is far overpriced, for a machine that is based on a design, close to 80 years old. And of course, CHF 4500.– (CHF is 1:1 to USD) doesn't buy you and tooling (jaws) for it.

I would like to build a few machines, and one of those should be somewhat between a shrinker/stretcher and an Eckold. I do like the idea of the quick release mechanism of the Eckold, and I know one or two people who have an actual Eckold HF, so borrowing each others' tools should be possible.

An English wheel is on the list too, as well as a bead roller (swager in British English), and someday a SMALL metal band saw.
A sheet metal brake might be handy too...

I could use it in a workshop I repair my personal cars, that I couldn't afford to pay a business to repair, since prices in Switzerland are so high.

I hope to find people on here who could suggest tools, designs, and give me a little insight in the world of metal shaping.

Best wishes from Switzerland,
Dominik

Welcome to AllMetalShaping Dominik.

I'm fortunate to have found two Eckolds at relatively reasonable prices. They are amazing machines and capable of changing how one approaches shaping metal. That said, there is nothing in metal shaping that can't be done with simple hand tools. The only thing that more sophisticated machines do is convert your money into time savings. On the other hand, until you understand how, when, and where to shape the metal, machines will allow you to build a large scrap pile very quickly indeed.:lol:

Hi Dominik
Welcome to the forum
Peter

Hello Dominik and welcome from Germany

Hi Dominic,

You can contact Bruno but I think he's only on the other site.
He lives in Baar,close to you?
He made machines himself and a great guy to talk to!

Wellcome and have fun!

Welcome to the forum, Dominik.