Reinventing The Ranalah Wheel (ft. Geoff Moss) | Reviving History

Today I'm visiting Geoff Moss, the wheeling machine wizard, who sparked my interest in Ranalah! I needed his help to decide which 3 types of lower wheels to put with my new Ranalah wheeling machines...
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LINKS:
MPH Motor Panels: www.mphmotorpanels.com/
/ mphmotorpanels
www.dominicchinea.com
Dom's Instagram: / dominicchinea
Ranalah Ltd's Instagram: / ranalahltd​​
Edited by Dan Cross: / djcross87

[@joseywales3789]

What's really impressed me is that everything that I thought I knew about the "English Wheel" has been debunked! Squeezing the metal between the two wheels, the metal has to go somewhere, this is where the stretch and shape of the panel is made. It makes sense that because the upper wheel is flat, the contact patch of the lower wheel has a curvature. What I didn't understand until now is that the curvature is tiny and spread over half an inch or three quarters of an inch contact patch. What happens on the extremities of the lower wheel is immaterial except to allow for clearance for the panel as it's pushed and pulled through the wheels. A "flat" wheel isn't flat, it has a very small crown or curvature and a large contact patch whereas a high crown wheel has a slightly more pronounced crown or curvature on the contact patch and a slightly smaller contact patch. The difference between a flat and a high crown wheel, in the center contact patch, is minimal but the clearance on the outside of the wheel is what makes it obvious. The difference in the contact patch is thousandths of an inch or probably hundredth of thousandths of an inch! Interesting Stuff that's increased my knowledge! Thanks Dom!

[@dillbuckler1239]

I was lucky enough to learn the basics when I left school in 1994..I had an apprenticeship straight from school..worked all over since making prototype panels from a drawing on a ciggy packet..

[@gmmooseblaster]

Brilliant!. No way geeky whatsoever. We need more like this. Keep these skills alive

[@konaguzzi1]

I did a polytechnic course in panel beating and we learn't how to use these "wheeling machines" or american named "English wheel" the tutor was amazing showing how door skins etc can be made and in front of us, we also were taught how to use sand bags , stretching and shrinking machines. It was a fantastic course about 30 years ago, as I type this I now see how long ago that it was , I was remembering it like it was yesterday.

[@richards7909]

Wow, how beautiful do his parts look! He’s a person who needs to be recorded not only for his skills but his stories/history and his photos archived and looked after for future generations.

[@DominicChineas]

I do keep telling him to get some frames for the pictures!!

[@jdmimportlogistics]

Fantastic stuff Dom thank you for all of this amazing content. I'm literally ready to drop all obligations and fly to the U.K. for some lessons- how can one arrange this? Cheers

[@edfingleton9889]

Never apologise for being nerdy when you’re talking about something that you love. I find that no matter how in depth someone goes, as long as they are truly passionate about the subject, then it will be an interesting conversation. I’ve loved watching this series of videos and all the little ‘side quests’ ( e.g. neon sign) you’re going on along the way.

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much that’s great to hear, I really appreciate it

[@samrodian919]

Yes I totally agree. Keep it up Dom you are doing great!

[@BillyHardcase]

I also watch "This Old Tony" and just remembered a video he did recently about surface mapping on a cnc milling machine. The exact same process can be used on a cnc lathe. Ultimately giving you the perfect shape for the new wheels.

[@cameronwebster6866]

Even better would be ca CMM

[@chriscraven9572]

In Japan someone with skills like Geoff would be designated a National Treasure. We don't seem to appreciate them enough.

[@thegentlemanmaker]

It’s the deep dive geekiness that makes the Ranalah such an interesting project. Thank you Dom for sharing.

[@brianreardon159]

I 'wheely' enjoyed that. 👍

[@DominicChineas]

Haha!

[@shanek6582]

Seems like you could get some exact measurements and CNC them perfect every time. I can see the artistic necessity for using the English wheel but for making the wheel dies, todays cnc technology is pretty much flawless

[@leslieaustin151]

I loved it! That man is the definition of a craftsman. That bodywork he had in his workshop (and the photos) was mouthwatering stuff, the things he and Geoff Pritchard worked on are surely legends of British motor racing. Thanks. Les

[@Tyrel_156]

Just seeing a glimpse of what Geoff knows was inspiring. Once your three wheels are perfected you should get him to make a video course on how to use all three wheels and include it with every Ranalah sale.

[@paulatkinson2849]

That man has some serious skills hope he can pass them on too many skills lost

[@DominicChineas]

I am glad to say Geoff regularly holds classes teaching people!

[@Afrodizyak47]

Thank you for the explanation on the lower wheels and the correct terminology .. Worth its weight in gold!

[@patrickhostler5939]

Proper old school craftsman; unimaginably knowledgeable, roll-up permanently lodged between fingers!!!👍

[@DominicChineas]

Haha love it!

[@davidwelch6796]

There is nothing geeky about listening to Geoff, a master of his craft. I think that I have enjoyed this video more than all your others and many of them have been absolutely brilliant.

[@7275steve]

Had a chance of a 'stone masons' apprenticeship when I was a kid, didn't go for it, worst mistake I think I ever made. I watch guys like Geoff and are soo envious of their skill and workmanship. Really pleased to hear he is teaching others these skills to pass on. Keep it up Dom, your helping put the 'Great' back in Britain!!

[@DominicChineas]

I feel the same, I wish I had of met Geoff when I was a teenager! Appreciate the support thank you

[@shanek6582]

Whatever else you decided to do for a living besides stone masonry, unless it’s gay prostitution and you aren’t gay, you definitely made the right decision.

[@stevetheflub235]

Again I've learnt something new, I'm really enjoying watching these videos. There's a lot to learn but there is no replacement for experience. That's why I'm a great believer in apprenticeships.

[@DominicChineas]

Your absolutely right, imagine being Geoff’s apprentice! Dream job

[@Handbuilt1]

I have to agree with you ,Geoff is a MASTER at his trade , listen to him and you can not go wrong . His lessons on wheeling and shaping are absolutely a must !!! BTW please say hi from me here in OZ next time you speak to him , thank you

[@cport955]

There’s no such thing as too nerdy. Really love the insight into a highly skilled art

[@paulmuff9883]

Great video, I built my own full size English wheel about 15 years ago and comes in very handy with the old cars I restore , 👍👍

[@johnhousego9218]

Love this journey, thanks fore sharing Dom.

[@kuriakos]

Love the confident wisdom of a master!

[@brendawilliams700]

Interesting video Dom. It’s always great to see a “I wonder how they do that” video.

[@pgtips6143]

A fantastic insight video so thanks for taking us along. Great to see your Ranalah Neon sign behind you, it look amazing. 👍

[@richardtaylor2449]

yes Dom the Ranalah sign 💯👍👀

[@weevilinabox]

Never apologise for being geeky or nerdy on engineering topics. It's what we're here for!

[@DominicChineas]

Appreciate it thank you!

[@Scooterboy_1970]

Absolutely brilliant video Dom. we need to keep these arts alive.

[@freddiesmadgamingminecraft4287]

That was great, could have watched that for hours.

[@samrodian919]

God that was so so interesting Dom. That man is a genius and thank god he is prepared to pass his vast knowledge on to others. I could listen to him for hours! Keep up the good work mate. Ranalagh lives!

[@MrNcornish]

To get an accurate profile for your wheels I suggest to find some one with a shadograph. This is a machine that allows you to look and measure a profile very accurately. Your friends across the road from you with the CNC machines may have one, if not they might know someone that does. Part of my job involves making seaming tooling for the canning industry. We use our shadowgraph to inspect the profiles we produce, accurate to 0.0002" of an inch. Our machine also has software that can measure a profile and create geometry so parts can be reverse engineered. Once you get to look at your wheels more closely you will probably find that the area between the flat and the curve has a smaller radius connecting the two, we call that a blend arc. It purpose is to smooth the transition between the flat and the primary radius. They are usually quite small and not easy to see with the naked eye but are very necessary. I hope this information will be of some help to you. Good luck with the next part of this project

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you so much I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge

[@russellnixon9981]

Nothing nerdy about this fantastic craft. Look forward to seeing how things progress.

[@IOWPCV]

Really interesting loved watching that. I remember there being one when I learnt metalwork as a teenager,not seen one since. It's great you're keeping these old skills alive,and how people pass on knowledge in later life.

[@sharonclaridge]

I don't think I'd ever need to make anything on a wheel but it's very tempting to book in for a few days tuition as Geoff is only down the road a ways from me and it would be great to get a feel for the metal shaping with every pass. Mind you, a spare mudguard for a Jota would never go amiss so it might be a useful skill afterall! Cheers Dom, another fascinating video :)

[@moonstarer55]

You will get there Dom. A real gent of man dishing out his knowledge to you. The video wasn’t geeky at all. It was information being transferred to you. Great video, thanks

[@ogaugeclockwork4407]

Great stuff!

[@dillbuckler1239]

I spent over 12 years at a place in the Midlands called RSpanels restoring car bodies and making lots of diff varients of all aluminium etypes for racing, and also made the bodies for the eagle speedster and low drag, don't loads of work for Aston Martin heritage to include the bodies for the 25 db4gt and the 20 bodies for the db4zagato in the last few years . I even made the 1st ever prototype production DB11 bonnet which ran to the spec I built for a few years. Gives a message if you are after anyone to help?😁

[@rvarsigfusson6163]

If you aint nerdy you aint nothing...... I can see that Geoff Moss is in a new place and to point out to you who are thinking about a course in wheeling machine. Geoff Moss is the best one...... really nice chap as he is in this video. Simple tools and simple metods..... but amazing jobs done. Will try to join him again soon.

[@carlhobson1578]

Such an amazing skill, all that experience and know how it’s fascinating!!

[@DavidLucas-hf1cx]

Perfect.. i’ve had a wheel for a long time and I picked up a lot of information, thanks!

[@marciabaldwin2506]

Brilliant video thank you Dom I didn't find it geeky at all really informative and great to see a craftsman in action who has time served knowledge handed down through the generations of coach building experience Thank you ♥️👍

[@farmerjohn6192]

This video might have been a bit nerdy and geeky but I absolutely loved it!

[@roydavies260]

Did not understand a lot of this video, still found it interesting. Thanks Dom. Best wishes

[@miketherefurbisher8000]

Great Stuff!! Thanks Dom

[@daves4026]

More please very interesting

[@RoyCousins]

(Charlie) Williams & (Len) Pritchard created some fabulous car bodies. Charlie worked for Corsica Coachworks, which created stylish bodies for Bugattis, etc., in the 1930s, but joined up with Len after the owners of Corsica were killed in the war.

[@richardwhatton1249]

Another great video Dom, thank you. Kind regards, Richard.

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks Richard

[@martinm4961]

The way he handles a cigarette is an art in itself! 😅

[@davidallum2728]

I liked Geoff, he reminded me of Larry lamb. what a true craftsman. Great video Dom.

[@ms_zaku.1415]

You​ are​ the​ best sculptor for​ me.​ I​ feel​ i never watch you​ fix​ a​ car.​ I​ feel​ you​ building​ a​ Very​ nice​ sculpture.​ You​ are​ "Best​ Artist". Respect.🤟👍👍👍😊

[@rogerdavis5914]

Great stuff Dom not an easy road in front of you but I like everyone else on here know you are up to it. Good luck mate

[@joshschneider9766]

Absolutely phenomenal video! What a master that guy is!

[@DominicChineas]

A life time of experience

[@beverleylocker2534]

Another very interesting video Dom, and don't worry about them being "nerdy" it just shows your passion for what you are doing. People always have the option to skip this if they feel the content is too heavy, but judging by the likes and comments you're getting, I really don't think you've got anything to worry about!

[@jobkneppers]

Nice work Dom. God and the devil are in the details. About finding the right shape; I would measure (big projection microscope image imported in CAD) as good as possible and CNC machine the shapes from the start. Maybe, I'm not sure, they should be heat treated to last and polished afterwards. Then let Geoff try them. Maybe you're good in one go. By doing so you have the production programs for the CNC machine and necessary drawings from day one. With tweaking on a manual lathe it probably has to go back and forth a few times (10 hours on the road as a minimum). Start CNC, maybe tweak CNC once and you could be done. Thank you Dom! Keep up the good work and stay safe. All the best, Job

[@stevefirkins1806]

Throughly enjoyed that video, very interesting! I hope these skills are not lost

[@JACB006]

Love it ❤

[@steverose1]

Remarkable Dom.

[@DTKcustomknives]

Really enjoyed the Ranalagh videos, I was intrigued to see the materials and products it was designed for,now I know many thanks for your time and sharing. I understand the crowning on the wheels ,as a knife maker crowning is important for our tracking wheel,to track left and right for plunge lines on the custom blades I make,on the 2x72 grinding machine I built. Regards Davy Thomas

[@paulwhiteman3625]

Absolutely brilliant, Dom! Great to see Geoff again. I do call him once a month to keep in touch. And can’t wait for the day when Ranalagh wheeling machines are once again available for purchase!

[@DominicChineas]

It won’t be long now! Once I sort these lower wheels out haha

[@chichcnc]

A CNC Lathe will reproduce those wheel profile's perfectly every time. Great vid too.

[@keithpain]

Great to meet you yesterday at the ideal home show olympia

[@philipgray9155]

Dom - Can’t wait to see you wheeling new panels for the 356 - hopefully I’ll live that long 😄

[@DominicChineas]

Don’t worry I will get to it!

[@johanhofstedt7317]

love it!!

[@kondaleni]

Thankyou for this video, very interesting

[@johnvaluk1401]

I love your enthusiasm with this project. My luck if I tried this would be to get my thumbs caught in between the wheels.

[@colinnapier6662]

Really interesting series of videos on this subject, I have been going back to see them from the start, unsure why I missed them in the first place.

[@McElhinney65]

I did a week long course with Geoff in 2014. Before I started wheeling my first piece of aluminium I used a piece of emery cloth to deburr the edges. "Where did you learn to do that?" he said. "Nowhere" I replied "I just don't want to risk damaging your lower anvils." "We always had to do that at Aston Martin" he said. Great to see you consulting the great man Dom. You should sell a pouch of tobacco and a pack of Rizlas with each machine.

[@stephenblaze4571]

Only one word Brilliant

[@tomjohns8498]

You can see how they literally put their heart and soul into into each piece of metal

[@DominicChineas]

It’s amazing isn’t it, beautiful work

[@sedulousdabbler5468]

If I had a choice between emulating Alan Sugar of Geoff, I know which I’d choose. A Master of his craft and a true gentleman. Magnificent. Thanks for sharing Dom

[@christopherbrown3695]

Thanks Dom, I never knew about this aspect of engineering and you have brought me to a subject I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from your enthusiasm of “all things Ranalah”. The sign is a real beauty up on your wall and illuminated. I shall from this experience keep my eyes open for all things Ranalah and if you ever need a Town Crier to help launch your project let me know. Best wishes

[@jonno7910]

Another quality VLOG Dom 👍

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much

[@mikeparker3865]

can't get too geeky Dom!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very nice video. This is a very nice interview video. Amazing craftsmanship to watch. Can't wait to see more videos soon. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Weld on. Fab on. Keep making. God bless.

[@ClassicFabrications]

Hi Dominic, your vid came up on my youtube feed, my apprenticeship was on the Ranalah and Edwards wheels, restoring Rolls Royce and Bentley's, spent many many hours on these machines, generally rough up the bulk of the shape and welded joints through the Edwards then finishing on the Ranalah, all Aluminium work was done on the Ranalah, In my opinion the best wheeling machines. I feel a connection, I currently specialise in restoring classic Porsche, manufacturing 356 panels on the early cars (on an F.J.Edwards). All the best Steve.

[@emdotdee]

That neon sign looks sweeeeeeet in the background.

[@osliverpool]

Your neon sign in the background looks great!

[@DominicChineas]

Doesn’t it!! Thank you

[@karenferns6160]

Geoff is a master.!! Must be incredible having his knowledge,combined with yours to navigate this project. !! 🙌🤩

[@DominicChineas]

He really is a master, watching him use the wheeling machine is amazing!

[@Anita6687]

Very interesting, thanks.

[@michaelmiller641]

I've enjoyed it the more for it being geeky, Dom

[@dennisleadbetter7721]

Hi Dominic, I have never used an English wheel, and possibly never will, and only learnt what they did by watching Ron Covell. I have seen them for sale, but they normally come with a pile of bottom wheels, which clearly are not necessary, unless you have something very specific. It is always interesting to watch an old master operate these machines and learn from their vast experience. When you get the designs and measurements finally sorted, the quickest way to have absolute consistency is to have them made on CNC machines. To attempt to modify them manually could end in disaster. I'm enjoying your journey. Regards Dennis

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Dom, Great video, very good to see Geoff and his workshop... I would suggest that once you have the prototyping done and Geoff gives you the okay CNC manufacturing would be the way to go... See you next week. Take care. Paul,,

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks Paul, I agree, I just need to pin down that shape

[@annemarsden2323]

Totally brilliant thanks for sharing ❤️

[@DominicChineas]

Your welcome!

[@davidlong3824]

Very interesting video.

[@noeldyne389]

Awesome job Dom. I'm sure that you can polish out the dent. Better to try and tweak the wheels rather than make new ones. Many thanks for taking us along on your amazing journey

[@grandaded]

As a non-engineer, I think I understand the broad principles behind this. The "nerdy" stuff (as you call it Dom), is way over my head. Somehow though, this is SO watchable and makes me think that I may have chosen the wrong career pathway. Too late to change now!

[@DominicChineas]

It’s never too late!

[@antrog1895]

5hrs to Cornwall- such a great place such a shame it’s so far away. Next stop is New Zealand 😊 Great stuff again Dom. 🍺👍

[@lynnhaswell1690]

Fabulous video Dom - and Cornwall as well, hope you treated yourself to a cream tea as well 😊

[@akfarmboy49]

very interesting, you got me thinking.

[@DominicChineas]

Glad to hear it

[@tonyhillyard1613]

Another superb video Dom. As mentioned below, whatever happened to apprenticeships? I was lucky enough to have served one. The best five years of my life, I learnt something new every day. All over the world Britain is known for its traditional skills. Here in France as much as they tut tut about anything British they secretly admire British skill and tradition. Why do they all buy British classic cars, I ask? Why do all the continentals buy British, for that matter. We need to ensure that this traditional knowledge is preserved. Looking forward to the next Video!

[@grahamwest1079]

Strikes me as more scientific than geeky very interesting information

[@bar1066]

Brilliant content!

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you

[@TR4zest]

I enjoyed that, Dom. What a cool guy Geoff is?

[@terrytopliss9506]

Good video Dom.👍👍

[@nicholasrodgers4360]

Love it

[@sibat777]

Fascinating stuff, when you discussed production of the wheels you seemed to be focussing on high tech to produce the repeatability, my question is how did they do this in the past, these guys where very clever. I’m thinking of the three plate lapping method to perfectly flat surfaces with no technology (still not sure how someone sat down from first principles and worked that out). It may be that there is a low tech solution. Anyhow thought it might be worth some investigation through the material you gathered or your contacts to find out how they did it back in the day.👍👍👍👍👍

[@peterclayton4321]

Thanks Dom, a craft that will die out if it wasn't for enthusiast's like you, please show us more 👍🥸

[@DominicChineas]

There’s plenty more on the way!

[@yellowbird8690]

For mass production, you have, maybe two options. 1. Fully modern CNC cylindrical grinders. (Pricey) 2. Old school copying lathe. These have an attachment on the back where you fix a metal plate that has the curve you want to cut. Finnish may not be as good as grinding at first, but this maybe solved with hand sanding. Down side to this option: there won't be many about to find.

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you for the info!

[@paddrivers]

Very interesting. Would have thought with modern tech you could achieve mass production perfect replicas of the Lower wheels. "The Ranalah" is a thing of beauty... I don't know you personally but im so proud of you Dom your an inspirational person !

[@DominicChineas]

That’s so kind thank you Very much!

[@regfenster]

Geoff Moss is probably the best panel maker in the world. His Lotus 11 bodies are a true work of art. No filler welds just brings the panels together with a gas torch and planishing hammer. Of course the give away to his genius is the rolly his always smoking.

[@DominicChineas]

I’d agree!

[@samrodian919]

Thank god it spends more time in his fist burning than in his mouth inhaling lol