Metal bender and deformer

[Kingswood]

Hi guys, writing this from cold Adelaide in Australia. I'm building a Channelled 28 Roadster and have been spending time trying to make floor panels, inner panels etc and bought a bead roller. I've so far managed to make a fuel tank from scratch out of mild steel with beads in it, baffles etc (various other panels and pieces), but Im finding I am not good at removing the stretch/ warpage in flat panels from the bead roller. Have found swaging panels doesn't give the distortion but doesn't look as cool. Started reading an article on here and thought I'd register so I can see the full content and hopefully learn some skills...

[Steve Hamilton]

Hi John
Welcome to Allmetalshaping!

Some times pre stretching the panel in the area where the bead is being placed will prevent the distortion. This can be done with an e wheel, hammer and dolly, or by stretching into a shot bag.

Steve

[Kingswood]

Thanks Steve, im going to try an initial bead upside down to stretch and then flip over for the final one. Might have to try the shot bag idea, don't have an English wheel.