[Racing Geek]

Name is Mike and I'm in the Milwaukee area. I heard about the forum I think last Summer from a guy at a swap meet when I misread his sign thinking he was selling planishing hammers instead of buying.

I've always been a gear head and been interested in metal shaping but never had the tools or ambition to jump in until now. My current project is a 1951 International pickup truck and I decided to swap out the boring flat dash for a 57 BelAir dash to class things up a bit. This is my most abititous sheet metal project to date.

I'm a buy a good tool once instead of a bad tool many times kind of person. With that said, it isn't realistic for me to spend the big bucks I see some equipment selling for when I'm just a hobbyist. So far I have a planishing hammer from Northern Tool, a Baileigh 36" bead roller, and the Eastwood deep throat shrinker/stretcher. Space is limited so I've been thinking about either making a smaller bench top english wheel or waiting and hopefully having the room later this year to make a large floor machine. Either way I'm ready for any tips and tricks you've got.

Also if anyone would like to share a source for sheet metal in southeast WI I'd appreciate it. I've checked with Alro and Speedymetals and the cost at both were much higher than I expected.