Hello fellow shapers!
 

Hi everyone,

Im Billy from Oxford in the UK. I spend my working life restoring air cooled VW, all though some good quality panels are available, most need dressing and some cuts/panels are not all ways available. I fabricate panels from scratch and seem to be able to move the metal the right way however, i find metal shaping fascinating and would love to learn more so i can progress to a stage where i can make any thing id like, whether it he a vehicle panel or sculpture!

Last year I met a fellow member of this forum who suggested i join up, and having seen his workmanship, its really top notch!

I have a strange view on metal, in the back of my mind i see sheet metal as a layer of water and when you move one 'molecule' you move all the others too!

Im quite young still so im hoping to learn alot about both shaping and tools with a view to growing my knowledge and bettering my work.

Welcome Billy! You've finally come over to the darkside of metal shaping 😄
This is a fantastic place to learn, share and pass on useful information on the art of persuading metal to go places you wouldn't think possible. There is a wealth of talent on here and a great bunch of people ready to pass on their knowledge. I'm sure you will enjoy...
When are you down Kernow next? Pop in for a brew ;)
Matt

Welcome to the forum, Billy.

Hi Billy welcome to the forum
Peter

Hi Billy
I too am from near Oxford. I metalshape as a hobby from my shed.
I have all the gear, but no idea. (well I can do a bit).
Welcome to the forum.

Hi Matt! I sure have. Lots of good stuff on here so far, I cant wait to pick up some tips and maybe some inspiration too! Its been a hectic few months but im planning to get down in March, will definitely pop in!

Thanks for all your replies.

Dwmh, what sort of stuff are you shaping? Its a small world isnt it!

Billy Hi
Yes it is a small world. I have an E-type jag that I have made some panels for. I also run a 1974 Norton Commando and have made a larger fuel tank and some steel panniers for it. I had a body shop in the early 70's but in the commercial world then the standards were not that high. I have since learnt how to make panels properly thanks to the people on forums such as this.
I am 5 miles south of Banbury, so let me know if I can be of help.

Cheers Dave

Thanks David, much appreciated. I love the E Type, i was lucky enough to recomission one in my late teens and taking it for a test drive was a reall reward! How much have you had to fabricate?

I know what you mean about the standards. Being in the VW scene there are very few people who are able or willing to keep repairs to a factory standard. Not just becuase if the skill involved but i think its also todo with the customer and investment levels. Personally i do try to set a better standard but ive not had the top notch skills handed down to me.

allthough i will say there are a few people in the UK really pushig the VW restoration, Matt being one of them. There end product is flawless!

I too love the E-type. Mine is in fair condition but I made new wired edges for the front wheel arches and some other small patch panels around the bonnet edges. The exposed flanges in the front wheel arches (where the wing joins the centre section) are inviting rust to form.
In the last couple of weeks I have welded some patches into the bottom of the fuel tank after I found some pin holes in the bottom.
It keeps me out of the pub.

Cheers