Metal Shaping for Beginners: English Wheel Basics 

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!

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!

Wow. I bought an EW a couple of years back and never did much with it because after watching about a zillion RU-vid 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 RU-vid . . . bar none.

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!

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.

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

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

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 ❗🙇‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇿🇦

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Best video on wheeling a high crown panel.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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, 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.

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

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!

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!

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.

Another informative and enjoyable video, thank you 🙂👍

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge.

Very good job....un travail fantastique

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 RU-vid "music" :-)

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

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

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

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

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

Great to see the whole process. Can't wait to see the finished panel. Thanks for doing this.

Another good one, Wray!

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

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

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 .

Your video is gold. Great commentary

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.

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

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

Hi I just come across from make it custom RU-vid channel . Awesome video thanks

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

Jou are a good teacher. Thanks a lot

I second the wire edge

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

Excellent video thanks Wray

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

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.

Awesome lesson. Thank you very much.

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

I love this, thank you!

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 episode. Thanks

Excellent content- as usual !! Thanks, Wray.

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

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

Very cool!! Thanks Ray!

Thank you very much for your demo

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

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

Wray. Yes. It was a good video. thanks

Nice shop .

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.

“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!!

Excellent! very clear!

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

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 😀

Hi Wray you are a natural when it comes to teaching, I find your videos very concise and informative..thank you

Excellent.