The new guy from Granite City

[Bowtie41]

Hello,
I was a machinist for over 20 years before becoming disabled about 12 years ago.My whole life I had loved building anything mechanical or electrical whether it be bicycles,motorcycles,cars,etc.The last decade I haven't done much,but I'm going to change that now.When I was working,I built my own belt sander,bead roller and rolls,louver rolling machine,all sorts of other one off tools and car parts from scratch,as well as a couple custom 3 and 4 wheel bicycles that were on local news.All these toys have been in the shed collecting dust.Now I'm trying to get motivated and keep busy finishing up all the custom stuff I never could before.I took autobody at night school 25yrs ago,but basically am self taught in body forming.For years I hammered parts the "redneck"way,using a cheapo body hammer/dolly set,homemade tools,logs,etc,lol.Lately I learned a LOT from youtube(Thanks Lazze!!).I am in the process of gathering materials to start building an English Wheel,Planishing Hammer,more specialized bead roller wheels now,but was searching for a site like this for tips and info beyond what the YT videos show.Thank You.

[Phil Minton]

Hi Kirk,

Welcome! Sounds like you have great skills at your disposal that need dusting off.

This site is a constant source of inspiration and when the "motivation switch" is buried under layers of life, it helps in finding it again.

As one great quote puts it - "The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth of the hole."

[uncle johnny]

Welcome Kirk

I'm up the road from ya a little bit in Staunton
I try to mess around the metal stuff when I have time.
Glad to see some more local people on the site.

[HEATNBEAT]

Hi Kirk and welcome!
Yes, Lazze's YouTube's are great!

[Peter Tommasini]

Hi Kirk welcome to the forum
Peter