Stoffregen Motorsports
Explorer
I really like sheet metal work (for myself). I am not nearly as skilled at it as you two guys are. Keeping the heat out of the surrounding metal is always first in my mind when prepping to weld. The patience required is what puts me over the edge if I am under the gun in the shop, my mind goes to all the other stuff I could be getting done while farting around getting a panel welded up.
I like watching the OP's forming methods, creative and then some. Truly inspiring. We are talking about expanding the shop and a couple sheet metal tools are on the radar. I have a hand bead roller but a powered model would be great. Have you ever checked out this guy?
https://www.youtube.com/user/lazzemetalshaping/videos
I too like watching what Brennan comes up with. He is quite imaginative.
I hear what you're saying about patience. It does require restraint to not just run and grab the MIG and weld er' up. TIG is much more time consuming up front, but the time saved in metal finishing is worth the wait.
I figure there are four parts to any builder's shop; mechanic's tools, sheet metal tools, heavy metal tools and machine tools. I have all the mechanic's tools I'll ever need and most of the machine tools, so when I think about what tool I want next, I have a hard time deciding between heavy metal and sheet metal. I think I will focus on sheet metal tools for a while.
Lazze is close to me and I've thought of taking some of his classes. My insurance agent, who is also an old friend of mine, started taking his classes about 15 years ago and now he builds wide body Porsches, all metal, by hand, and he gets huge amounts of money for them. Seems like a sound investment to me. I just need to find the time...