Sheet Metal Fab Basics

Sheet Metal Fabrication Basics gives the reader the knowledge needed to shape sheet metal without the need for expensive power tools. The reader needs only a simple shop equipped with the most basic of tools. Master craftsmen like Rob Roehl from the shop of Donnie Smith, discuss the types of steel and aluminum that are best suited to motorcycle projects, how to plan and layout a project, and how to stretch and shrink sheet metal without a power hammer and without a Pullmax.

The key is planning, then shaping primarily by stretching. Eventually the various panels must be joined through careful welding. And though many professionals use TIG equipment, there's no reason you can't weld both steel and aluminum with gas welding, as demonstrated in the book.

Start to finish projects include the creation of an air cleaner cover, a seat pan, and a complete fender. The book covers a wide range of techniques, from hand stretching with a hammer and a bag of shot, to shrinking with a small hand operated shriker/stretcher, use of a hammer and dolly, and the use of an English wheel, both to shape metal and to smooth out the lumps and bumps left by typical hammer work.

Author of forty-plus titles, Timothy Remus started his adult life as an automotive mechanic. After fifteen years in the trade Timothy gradually spent less time working on cars and more time assembling printed material - first a regional motorcycle magazine, then a series of books for Motorbooks, and finally as publisher of his own how-to books. Tim's books include a Twin-Cam book, a long series of Custom Painting and Pinstriping tiles, a group of sheet metal and fabrication books, and another group of Chopper How-To, Harley-Davidson titles and Customize Your Motorcycle series.

Rob Roehl has worked for famous bike builder Donnie Smith for thirty years. He can design, shape in either steel or aluminum, and build sheet metal that stands up to the vibration of a custom Harley-Davidson. Rob is one of the few fabricators who can build a sexy, curvy gas tank from scratch in either metal. Rob is also a very talented TIG welder. When it comes to fabrication and sheet metal, there is much that Rob can't do.