Metal Shaping for Beginners: English Wheel Basics

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We're now going back to Basics with our Metal Shaping for Beginners series: English Wheel Basics. Wray is using our KZbin English Wheel to introduce the concepts behind what anvils to use. Where to wheel the panel and how to get a compound curve. We ran out of time so if there is anything you want to see in future episodes please let us know in the comments below!
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[@garyrichardson2915]

I really liked your approach to explaining the wheel. Grew up working in my dad's custom sheet metal shop. His approach was watch me and when you're ready do it. I learned geometry and trig watching him. We had patterns, forms, and every drawing with repeating measurements hanging on every wall. Before Walmart and other such chains people depended on us to design and fab everything you can imagine. I'm 70 now so not too much anymore, but I still appreciate those that do. I think I'll hang around for more. Thanks!

[@philroe2363]

Wow. I bought an EW a couple of years back and never did much with it because after watching about a zillion KZbin videos, I couldn't make it work. THIS one however brought it home, to where I was actually able to make the thing work. Best EW video on KZbin . . . bar none.

[@pesmechanic2000]

I feel like I'm watching Bob Ross of English wheeling. You're very pleasant to listen to and you explain the process well. You give me confidence to try this. Thanks for teaching and sharing your talent.

[@franksgarage8551]

Very interesting. Being a 59 year old newbie,im enjoying learning all anyone is willing to share. Karl speaks very highly of you in his videos!

[@pulppeeler]

I've struggled to understand this procedure for a long time but the way you explain it between this and the flexible shape patterns it is like a light bulb switched on. The outer edges of the panel are actually a picture frame or cage that hold the shape of the panel. If you over work the panel, you just open up the cage to let out the over shape. You're taking all the black magic out of this process for me. Thanks for another great lesson!

[@hoppercar]

Wow, I've been a tool and die maker for 40 years....,never seen English wheeling before.....after watching your video, I have a new profound respect for your skills....absolutely incredible for me to watch !!!!!

[@bartholomewchuzzlewit4356]

I like this fellow because he's straight into it and explains every step while he keeps working. No waffle. Great video, thanks

[@XAD566]

And no timelapse 👍

[@bernardhill1622]

Thank you very much Ray, much appreciated..❗ As a 78 year old retired Arch'/ Eng' having done Production Eng' in Specialised Steel Strip & now Bladesmithing, I find your Video most informative and very professionally presented ❗🤔 Shalowm ❗🙇‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇿🇦

[@RobertKelleners]

Very simpel and clear explaining. Live to look and lurn from your video's. Greets from germany

[@Thekarlskorner]

Thank you. I was planning on buying an English Wheel but wanted to see how to use them. This is a great starter for me, and I appreciate you explaining all the little tricks and maneuvers the get the metal correct.

[@proshaper]

Hi Karl, For English wheels check out my website www.proshaper.com. classes- tools

[@ericdolan2130]

Well worth spending an hour or so of my time with each video you do, Wray. These are much appreciated.

[@del00ze]

I am English, I was taught by a man called Albert. I know its called and English wheel but we do use hammers as well. Nothing wrong with what's shown for wheeling practice but wheeling from flat to finish is better for large long sweeping low crown parts such as the tops of wings on a Lotus 11 in Aluminium. A small high crown part is far faster to do 75% with a hammer and finish with a wheel.

[@fmphotooffice5513]

That's a lot of work. Skill. Righteous pride.

[@argus5323]

Just my 2 cents... dont worry about the length of the videos. I could watch you do this all day long. I want to build that English wheel now. Great video good job on all of it.

[@laurimontemaggiore5548]

We are a car restorer in Brazil and loved the way that wheeling was presented in this class. Thanks a lot and keep posting technique and clue videos. Thanks a lot.

[@warrenkeillor9034]

A good video It really shows the product of being patient, rather than skipping through the process to make a short production. Easier on the wrists than hammering on lead bags.

[@dannysteele4013]

Nicely explained thank much!!! I’m an x-Bodyman an we always bought fenders an panels to use… I aways wanted to take the time to learn how to make them from scratch… thanks much for sharing your experience much appreciated

[@ianhardin1148]

I am ECSTATIC that I found your channel. I am going to watch EVERY video and make plans to come to a class. I am an absolute beginner/newb to this...but I am psyched!

[@rossgebert9422]

Thanks Wray, I learnt so much about the English Wheel. Can't wait for Part 2.

[@jimintaos]

Thanks, this video was just the tip I needed to nail my project. The keeper for me was your comment about not needing stretchers or shrinkers, that it can all be done with the wheel. And damned if you weren't right.

[@Factory400]

That machine is an absolute monster! I don't need one, but I REALLY want one just to brag about having it.

[@GregsGarage]

This stuff is gold Wray! Thanks for bringing your master level skill to YT and sharing them.

[@anvilhammer4144]

Best video on wheeling a high crown panel.

[@crowznest438]

This is a good video on explaining "the mystery of the magic". I am amazed.

[@greggschluntz431]

Very good and straight forward chatting...years of seeing but always slightly intimidated so I need to try. Thanks

[@aeroearth]

Very skilled Wray and very impressive. Studying vintage BSA English motorcycle mudguards and petrol tanks always had me wondering how they were made. When the time came to remove the dents in the tank I cut the bottom out to tap out the dents and was astonished to find that the top was made in three parts gas welded together and I'd now say finished on a English wheel across the weld seams. Tank was chrome plated and I'd defy anyone to find the weld seams. Working compound curves into sheet steel takes a very skilled person to do that.

[@proshaper]

I have some students at my classes that master it very quickly. I just had two students that built a 1937 Studebaker rear fender for the scratch -built Studebaker truck project. Both were total beginners.

[@chhavana5712]

I learn something new from every video. Gives me motivation to keep trying new techniques on my wheel. Keep up the excellent work .

[@alext8828]

I like this guy. Just turned this on and within 20 seconds he's saying all the things I believe. I remember Jesse James bashing the shit out of some sheet metal to make a gas tank and then going to the wheel to take out the dents. It always bothered me that he couldn't just go to the wheel straight off. I'm no expert but I'm on board here so far.

[@jefflewis5852]

Just built my own English wheel but have no idea on what to do, so watching your video is a big help and can't wait to start rolling my own panels and seeing more of your great videos, cheers.

[@rabahzaim258]

Very good job....un travail fantastique

[@NZMOPAR]

Hi I just come across from make it custom KZbin channel . Awesome video thanks

[@bigbird2100]

Great video 👍 appreciate the work through on this English wheel project.

[@billmaguire6216]

Enormously informative. I am working with .032 - #5052 aluminum. I made a head fairing and a cockpit cover for my velomobile and now am in the process of making a new nose using a wire form I made. This video explained a lot for me especially the 45 technique for the ends. Thank you!

[@tomthompson7400]

Always a joy to watch. Even nicer its in steel. Would you explain as you go where your putting pressure with your hands too please.

[@chekaphski]

Very good vid, always wondered how sheet metal was formed by hand, now I know, Thank you. From the home of the wheel, UK.

[@David-sp7gc]

Small world. I lived in Charlton MA. as a kid. Grizzly Adams is buried there along with his bear Ben. Really Enjoying your channel.

[@curvs4me]

You have to be kidding me!?! I grew up in Southern NH on the border with Haverhill. Been through Charlton a 1000 times and I never knew that. Pretty cool, Grizzly Adams, Ben, and Jack were awesome. Thanks for the info.

[@williamogilvie6909]

Very interesting. I have wondered how an English Wheel is used ever since seeing one in a hanger where my father was repairing his Mooney.

[@phillipmaynard6566]

Thanks Wrey that's great you've made it look easy but it is great to have that visual knowledge before I start.Phil.

[@chrispy350]

Another great tutorial, Wray, with even better production value. Thanks so much - I swear I learn something new every time. Amazing.

[@gabrielgrigonis9840]

I second the wire edge

[@merlinashland5136]

Wray, very interesting to see my first English wheel. 29 years in a stamping plant meant we just banged out parts. The English wheel is definitely more of an Art form taught in a shop class room. Thank you for showing all of us. M

[@mikecondoluci53]

I JUST PICKED UP A WHEEL AND WAS PLAYING IT TAKES ALOT OF PRACTICE, GREAT VIDEO 2 THUMBS UP

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

It's surprising how much time is required to make one fender. Now all the more it's plain why everyone doesn't own a hot rod. Thanks for showing the skill, endurance, materials, tools, machines, available time, and determination required. I learned a lot. I've worked in fab shops, and have told people if their car wasn't made on an assembly line, it might cost a million dollars. After seeing the English wheel work, the estimate might go up another $30,000.

[@proshaper]

To do a nut and bolt restoration and can easily take 2000 hrs plus parts and the cost of the car. To scratch-build a car you can spend the same amount of time, plus parts, with no initial cost of buying the car. Building a car or restoring a car to a high standard is a labor intensive pursuit. A lot of the people that take my class are retired and the labor cost is their hobby.

[@556MSL]

Thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge.

[@smith88331]

That was great! learned allot, great way to spend a cold afternoon!

[@tonyhillyard1613]

That is very impressive, thank you for passing on some of your knowledge.

[@6arethevan5]

Another informative and enjoyable video, thank you 🙂👍

[@philiplindquist87]

Awesome, how did I live this long without knowing of the "English Wheel". This is unprecedented for me, again Wow!

[@clawpicker]

Hi Wray! As a second best to joining a class with you I can watch your videos here. Thanks for sharing your skills. I also like that we're in real time and thank God no KZbin "music" :-)

[@guloguloguy]

WOW!!!!!!!! THANKS FOR THIS GREAT DEMONSTRATION, AND EXPLANATION!! YOU HAVE A FANTA$$$TIC SHOP!!!....

[@rallyeplays6417]

Thank you for the great videos, explanation and teaching. 👍 Totally changed the way I will approach using the wheel.

[@royjanetbartz5052]

Thanks so much for the great video. I’ve messed with an EW and have made several ok panels from trial and much error. Your explanation and technique have helped me hopefully improve some of the things that I struggled with in the past. Makes me want to run out to the shop and get wheeling something! Great job and thanks again.

[@nathanshort7617]

Absolutely love this tutorial, it all seemed too difficult to try! Now I want to give it ago

[@lostsurveyor3036]

this video is a gift, amazing. metal is jazz, dig your work man! Nice workshop.

[@scottrayhons2537]

Was always wondering how these worked. That was an interesting video! Looks like you are a real craftsman with lots of patience. I like the looks of those car fenders sitting behind you. Thank you Wray!

[@rodderpu1]

Wray Good show, Hope to do another car again. Did a 32 like roadster before but always interested in using my wheel Thanks

[@therealkaetyn5931]

Great video! Learning a ton from this! Thank you.

[@dannyzuko1843]

Thank you for a great video, Jazz Wheeler. I really appreciate the real time videos. It helps convey how much work goes into achieving the desired result. I think the short videos are for those who just want to be amazed. The long videos are for those of us who want to learn (and still be amazed). Looking forward to seeing any tips and tricks you have for scribing and cutting two adjacent panels for joining.

[@zefdin101]

“So here you got the home, two scooters, … now tweak the riser and bada bing, a back quarter for a 27 Packard!”. 😁 Lol, that was brilliant man!!

[@lauriedooker1031]

I played with a paper receipt using my thumbnail and fingers in the same technique that Wray uses on a English wheel pretty much the same results but on a paper receipt, I’m planning a roof skin build and I will use The paper receipt technique as a practice run, try it it works

[@grantburkhart1377]

I just want to say thank you . A true artist ! I loved it.

[@arturobayangos1223]

Nice shop .

[@rickhughes9734]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. You Sir, are an artist.

[@triggeral]

LOVE THIS!! Thank you for sharing your Knowledge!!

[@kenbradley5035]

Great tutorial... it gives me confidence to try working with the English wheel... I am wondering how a car roof is formed perhaps with the usual flattened domed roofline and more rolled sides. Thank you so much... keep up the good work.

[@markrowland1366]

I've seen this method making aluminium panels for WW2 aircraft restoration. Shaping the panels seems a big effort and time but three wheels work and panels appear like magic.

[@700kotchi]

Never seen an English wheel before. Whoever came up with this the first time a couple of hundred years ago was definitely an alien.

[@andropovneveyevich9157]

Interesting I've been working with sheet metal for about 4 years and this is the first I've seen of an English wheel.

[@larryeverhart8052]

Your video is gold. Great commentary

[@joell439]

Thanks for sharing your experience. 👍👍😎👍👍. I watched every minute with anticipation of the next.

[@xr6turbo511]

That was amazing. Can't wait for part 2. I would love to see you do a complete Model T fender with the beads and wire edge. Keep up the great work!

[@bryanrayburn4495]

Wish I was 30 years younger. I like your style of staying away from the kick shrinker and stretcher

[@jurncrombez6150]

Very good video,Wray. The 45 degrees trick is very interesting and better than the nasty bites of the kickshrinker . Thank you

[@jm2mm225]

Thank you, I learned a lot from your videos. Thank you again !!!

[@cuttersgoose]

Great work Wray... been wanting to sign up for one of your work weekends for a long time now . Need to make a speeder body for my 1919 lafrance out of aluminium .

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Thanks, great video. I just love round fender cars. I learned a lot in this one vid.

[@franciscosolanolopez5]

Excelente clase !!........ extraordinario, esta es la primera vez que Veo como moldear guardabarros, muy buenas indicaciones, aprendí muchísimo, gracias !!, Excelente el video.

[@21gioni]

Very interesting I am a metal worker and this is very impressive. I can use some of those techniques in my trade.

[@robertmiles6492]

Great skill sir, ive built an english wheel from plans designed by justin baker in england , i wish i knew this craft in my teens

[@sunpowerrules]

Wray, I have always wanted to know how this tool worked. Seen lots for sale and thought what can be built with this tool. I amazed how much of this is a production craft and art and the feel is everything when it comes to the shaping of the steel. I think there is some value to spend more time on this tool discussing the shaping process. So from a a person who is very unfamiliar with car building and restoration the builds in the background we’re made from your shaper wheel? I can see that you are indeed Craftsman and an artist. I hope you can develop more videos on how these shapes are made and formed on your framework. I would like to see how these pieces get attached and welded together and have them look so seamless and perfect. I can say this was certainly very interesting!

[@andysutherlandtaylor9012]

Nice to see steel work, even if it made you sweat a bit Wray :). May help those learning to correlate the number of tracks to your method of bag stretching with alloy. Now I have to make floor space in the shop to get mine built. Wheel seems to work well.

[@calixtorodriguezleite9678]

I love see your job.!!! Always perfectionist.

[@autofletch]

Wray. Yes. It was a good video. thanks

[@dougwernham5209]

Excellent video thanks Wray

[@mathiasmartinezdeoliveira2220]

Muito trabalhoso, mas, uma linda arte. Parabéns pela didática, um grande mestre. Obrigado pela oportunidade de nos deixar acompanhá-lo nesta obra. Trabalho árduo, mas, lindo. Gostei do seu jeito de demonstrar a forma de ser um profissional. Parabéns mesmo. Me desculpe por não escrever um sua língua, estarei lhe acompanhando do Brasil.

[@metaldahlberg88]

Another good one, Wray!

[@gwestendorp567]

Jou are a good teacher. Thanks a lot

[@johndavey72]

Thankyou Wray . Is that how they made" belly "tanks in WW2 ? 😂😂😂😂 This is great tuition Wray . As you say it's a good work out ! Take care and stay safe.

[@MegaBob1977]

Inspired!! Like your videos like always 👍🏻👌🏻😎

[@guillermonieri4203]

Awesome lesson. Thank you very much.

[@krisenglish1545]

Cant wait to come to your class...going to schedule soon

[@MrCbell57]

What actually causes the crowning? I know the rollers. But what is the metal doing as it goes through? Besides stretching. I"m just not understanding how the wheel itself is causing the metal to stretch. Plus I can't believe the amount of time it takes to make a fender. Incredible that anyone would have the patience or time to do that much metal work. I understand its a skill and needed somewhere. Metal is always crumpled when I get it and I have to straighten it out to get it to where it was origionally. Great information Wray. After watching the entire episode I'm totally exhausted! LOL

[@dtcc399]

Really fascinating demo, great steady camera work, big thanks.

[@mahlonharders1789]

very interesting. I have done a little on the English wheel. Can use a lot more lessons , Practice.

[@michaelpesce9235]

Very informative, thanks 😊

[@ericsimpson1176]

Excellent

[@Axiusgarage]

I do exactly like you, I read while browsing on the panel and I add the correct ones as you go. I think it's more important when you make roof skin or door skin. Am I wrong??? Can you explain why didn’t change direction at 90 when you were driving ?? thank you !! I love the English wheel videos 💪😁 Thank Wray !! I learn something new on each vidéo !!

[@patrickharrand]

Good stuff Wray. Thanks for sharing your skills.👍👍

[@ClassicMiniMotoring]

Great episode. Thanks

[@cemdrahsan270]

Thank you very much for your demo