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Rust Shaping Tools

The sheetmetal brake (top) makes crisp bends in 18 gauge sheetmetal up to 18 inches long. From left to right, a homemade set of T-Dollies clamped in a vise are used to create complex shapes or smooth radiused bends; a chunk of aluminum and a bit of brass used while hammer forming are referred to as "corking" tools. The softer metal of brass or aluminum prevents marring of the work. Speaking of hammers, a 12oz ball peen from Proto, and fabrication wizard Paul Morgan at Detroit Speed & Engineering suggested the following from Snap-On: BF604, BF618, and BF615. While the basic hammer shapes are the important part, quality hammers are worth it and can be found on EBay for a fraction of what they cost off the truck. Finally, vice grip clamps, the more the better, for clamping work when welding, and especially to your work surface when hammer forming.
1989 Pontiac Formula - Corrosion Cure

 The sheetmetal brake (top) makes crisp bends in 18 gauge sheetmetal up to 18 inches long. From left to right, a homemade set of T-Dollies clamped in a vise are used to create complex shapes or smooth radiused bends; a chunk of aluminum and a bit of brass used while hammer forming are referred to as "corking" tools. The softer metal of brass or aluminum prevents marring of the work. Speaking of hammers, a 12oz ball peen from Proto, and fabrication wizard Paul Morgan at Detroit Speed & Engineering suggested the following from Snap-On: BF604, BF618, and BF615. While the basic hammer shapes are the important part, quality hammers are worth it and can be found on EBay for a fraction of what they cost off the truck. Finally, vice grip clamps, the more the better, for clamping work when welding, and especially to your work surface when hammer forming.  View Related Article

 

 

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