New Member from Sacramento, California

[dean1964]

I have loved old cars and restoring them. I've always had a desire to be able fabricate my own replacement panels, but a year ago I started working on my 1945 international metro van. They are pretty rare so if you need a body part, your making it. Over the year I've started from scratch buying a tig welder, brake, and a very frustrating harbor freight english wheel. I've feeling my way around in the dark and it's been very challenging to say the least. I realized I needed help when a welder friend of mine told me "It's like your trying to teach yourself brain surgery on yourself by yourself" that pretty much summed it up how I felt. Thats when I realized I needed some help and I started looking for some online. I've been looking at your metal shaping forum and am so glad to find like minded creative people. There is so much to this art, it's not an easy thing, I think thats why I love it. Thank you, Dean

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Welcome to AllMetalShaping Dean. You've come to the right place.

[Jack 1957]

Originally Posted by dean1964

.... I've feeling my way around in the dark and it's been very challenging to say the least. I realized I needed help when a welder friend of mine told me "It's like your trying to teach yourself brain surgery on yourself by yourself" that pretty much summed it up how I felt....

I can relate to your frustration, but you are fortunate in that finding help is much easier today than it was when I was trying to learn. I started my quest in the early 80's and there was no internet, and very few books on the subject. Trial and error was my only option until a couple metal guys that I worked with taught me how to move metal where I want it.
There's an abundance of information available these days that can shave years off your learning curve. This is the place to start your journey. Ask questions.

[metaldahlberg88]

Welcome to the site, Dean.

[cliffrod]

Welcome to the forum, Dean.