New member

[Barry]

Hi and welcome Deon!

Not too much available locally in the way of equipment. Adendorf (sp?) have an e-wheel/planishing hammer combo> I haven't seen one yet but I doubt it can be very good. A lot of their stuff is the same as Harbor Freight in the states carries. Their shrinker/stretcher is probably ok for the money.
If you are sure you need a wheel I think you are better off building one.
I have two home-built wheels. To be very honest though if I were starting over (especially if I was planning to build bikes) I would not bother with a wheel to start off with.

As Manny said I offer a 3-day basics course. I do tailor the program according to needs but the majority of the focus is on hand tools simply because that is what most people will have access to when they get home. This craft is learnt by doing two things: Understanding how the metal moves and constant PRACTICE!
Early on I spent two weeks at Contour Autocraft and though it was excellent I came away from that believing I needed a wheel to shape metal properly. I didn't. By the time I had built one, what I had learned on the course was a little fuzzy.

You are welcome to pay me a visit anytime. Give me a call on (083) 461 3493

Cheers & good luck!

[metal manny]

Originally Posted by Barry

Not too much available locally in the way of equipment. Adendorf (sp?) have an e-wheel/planishing hammer combo> I haven't seen one yet but I doubt it can be very good.

I looked at the Adendorf unit and it makes the HF e-wheel look like a Bentley. It is also a really small frame. The planisher isn't too bad though.

I rate it expensive for what you get. I managed to import Hoosier anvils and built Kerry's design of frame for a few rand more and have a lifetime investment in a fine tool.

IMO, rather go quality - it's 'cheaper' in the long run.