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!
Wow. I bought an EW a couple of years back and never did much with it because after watching about a zillion UA-cam 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 UA-cam . . . bar none.
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 !!!!!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ❗🙇♂️🏴🇿🇦
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 UA-cam "music" :-)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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!
Very informative, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. Will be ordering a set of plans when the funds become available. Thank you again
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.
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.
Great seeing you go through the process. It’s interesting to see how you only used the English Wheel. I’m more excited to see part 2 to watch your finishing techniques. I personally struggle with the fine tuning. When I raise one area it seems to throw off another. I end up chasing my tail and never get the final fitment.
I'm not a metal worker, but I've been curious about the basic processes of shaping 2D sheet metal to 3D. This was very interesting and presented really well. I'm looking forward to seeing more videos from you. You are a good teacher!
Hi Wray, Thanks for making these videos, I'm enjoying watching and learning. Quite new to your channel so forgive me for asking thinks you might have already done. One day soon I will build myself an english wheel. Please keep making this article. Enjoying watching its development and keen to see how you do the edge and joining of the pannels. Best regards and be safe Paul
Hi Paul, check out the plans I offer for building your own English wheel frame. The same English wheel I'm using in the video, find it at www.proshaper.com. thanks, Wray
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
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.
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.
Love your videos, and pleased your doing it in steel, man thanks.. ps I made my full size wheel when I retired in 2003 because I could no longer use the one where I worked in a aircraft factory , I’m a fitter by trade and our wheeler were a great set of guys 😀
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!
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!
Wow. I bought an EW a couple of years back and never did much with it because after watching about a zillion UA-cam 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 UA-cam . . . bar none.
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 !!!!!
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!
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.
I like this fellow because he's straight into it and explains every step while he keeps working. No waffle. Great video, thanks
And no timelapse 👍
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!
Well worth spending an hour or so of my time with each video you do, Wray. These are much appreciated.
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.
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.
Hi Karl, For English wheels check out my website www.proshaper.com. classes- tools
Thanks Wray, I learnt so much about the English Wheel. Can't wait for Part 2.
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.
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.
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 ❗🙇♂️🏴🇿🇦
Best video on wheeling a high crown panel.
Very good and straight forward chatting...years of seeing but always slightly intimidated so I need to try. Thanks
This stuff is gold Wray! Thanks for bringing your master level skill to YT and sharing them.
This is a good video on explaining "the mystery of the magic". I am amazed.
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.
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
That's a lot of work. Skill. Righteous pride.
this video is a gift, amazing. metal is jazz, dig your work man! Nice workshop.
Another great tutorial, Wray, with even better production value. Thanks so much - I swear I learn something new every time. Amazing.
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.
I learn something new from every video. Gives me motivation to keep trying new techniques on my wheel. Keep up the excellent work .
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. You Sir, are an artist.
Very simpel and clear explaining. Live to look and lurn from your video's. Greets from germany
LOVE THIS!! Thank you for sharing your Knowledge!!
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.
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.
Great video 👍 appreciate the work through on this English wheel project.
Very good vid, always wondered how sheet metal was formed by hand, now I know, Thank you. From the home of the wheel, UK.
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!
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.
Thank you for the great videos, explanation and teaching. 👍 Totally changed the way I will approach using the wheel.
I just want to say thank you . A true artist ! I loved it.
Awesome, how did I live this long without knowing of the "English Wheel". This is unprecedented for me, again Wow!
Thanks for sharing your experience. 👍👍😎👍👍. I watched every minute with anticipation of the next.
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!
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 UA-cam "music" :-)
That machine is an absolute monster! I don't need one, but I REALLY want one just to brag about having it.
That was great! learned allot, great way to spend a cold afternoon!
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
Great to see the whole process. Can't wait to see the finished panel. Thanks for doing this.
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.
Thanks Wrey that's great you've made it look easy but it is great to have that visual knowledge before I start.Phil.
WOW!!!!!!!! THANKS FOR THIS GREAT DEMONSTRATION, AND EXPLANATION!! YOU HAVE A FANTA$$$TIC SHOP!!!....
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.
Another informative and enjoyable video, thank you 🙂👍
I JUST PICKED UP A WHEEL AND WAS PLAYING IT TAKES ALOT OF PRACTICE, GREAT VIDEO 2 THUMBS UP
Very good job....un travail fantastique
That is very impressive, thank you for passing on some of your knowledge.
Great video! Learning a ton from this! Thank you.
Absolutely love this tutorial, it all seemed too difficult to try!
Now I want to give it ago
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.
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!
Hi Wray you are a natural when it comes to teaching, I find your videos very concise and informative..thank you
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.
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.
Thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge.
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.
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.
Your video is gold. Great commentary
Thank you, I learned a lot from your videos. Thank you again !!!
Small world. I lived in Charlton MA. as a kid. Grizzly Adams is buried there along with his bear Ben. Really Enjoying your channel.
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.
thumbs up thumbs up. you are a blessing my dude
Good stuff Wray. Thanks for sharing your skills.👍👍
Very good video,Wray. The 45 degrees trick is very interesting and better than the nasty bites of the kickshrinker . Thank you
Another good one, Wray!
Wray
Good show, Hope to do another car again. Did a 32 like roadster before but always interested in using my wheel Thanks
I love see your job.!!! Always perfectionist.
Excellent video thanks Wray
Hi I just come across from make it custom UA-cam channel . Awesome video thanks
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 .
Thanks, great video. I just love round fender cars. I learned a lot in this one vid.
Excellent content- as usual !! Thanks, Wray.
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!
Very informative, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. Will be ordering a set of plans when the funds become available. Thank you again
Inspired!! Like your videos like always 👍🏻👌🏻😎
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.
Really fascinating demo, great steady camera work, big thanks.
Cant wait to come to your class...going to schedule soon
Never seen an English wheel before. Whoever came up with this the first time a couple of hundred years ago was definitely an alien.
Interesting I've been working with sheet metal for about 4 years and this is the first I've seen of an English wheel.
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.
Great seeing you go through the process. It’s interesting to see how you only used the English Wheel. I’m more excited to see part 2 to watch your finishing techniques. I personally struggle with the fine tuning. When I raise one area it seems to throw off another. I end up chasing my tail and never get the final fitment.
I'm not a metal worker, but I've been curious about the basic processes of shaping 2D sheet metal to 3D. This was very interesting and presented really well. I'm looking forward to seeing more videos from you. You are a good teacher!
Thanks Frank!
Wish I was 30 years younger. I like your style of staying away from the kick shrinker and stretcher
Hi Wray,
Thanks for making these videos, I'm enjoying watching and learning. Quite new to your channel so forgive me for asking thinks you might have already done. One day soon I will build myself an english wheel.
Please keep making this article. Enjoying watching its development and keen to see how you do the edge and joining of the pannels.
Best regards and be safe
Paul
Hi Paul, check out the plans I offer for building your own English wheel frame. The same English wheel I'm using in the video, find it at www.proshaper.com. thanks, Wray
Jou are a good teacher. Thanks a lot
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
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.
Wray. Yes. It was a good video. thanks
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.
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
Awesome lesson. Thank you very much.
Very interesting I am a metal worker and this is very impressive.
I can use some of those techniques in my trade.
Great episode. Thanks
Very cool!! Thanks Ray!
Love your videos, and pleased your doing it in steel, man thanks.. ps I made my full size wheel when I retired in 2003 because I could no longer use the one where I worked in a aircraft factory , I’m a fitter by trade and our wheeler were a great set of guys 😀
thanks for all the great videos. as soon as this crap passes I'll be signing up for some classes!