General Overview
Many of us run across the need to work with sheet
metal at one time or another. Usually it comes shortly after we
relocate a significant portion of rocker panel with "natures
sledgehammer"...I.E., a big rock. Other times, we feel more
creative, and contemplate building custom pieces for our rigs. That usually lasts right up until we realize that
like most off-road enthusiasts, we can't tell an English wheel from
a power shrinker. A what you say? That's exactly my point. Then
there are a few dozen grades and types of metal out there, and
picking the wrong one for the intended application will soon result
in frustration, and wasted money when you have to re-do the part
with the right one....but which "is" the right one? Glad you
asked. In "The Sheet Metal Handbook", Ron
& Sue Fournier introduce the reader to the how's & why's of
working with sheet metal. With over 30 Years in the business, Ron
is both award winning author (of "The Metal Fabricators Handbook" -
reviewed elsewhere on ORC), and master metalsmith. The man has a
lot to offer the budding metal crafter, and goes about educating
his readers in a clear, easy to understand style. Like many books in the HP line, the SMH is filled to
bursting with photos, diagrams, and other visual aids which greatly
assist the reader in understanding the use of sheet metal, the
techniques used to form it, and tools that you'll use to get the
job done This 138 page book is by no means a seminal work on
the subject, but then again, it doesn't try to be. What it does
attempt to do is give the reader a basic, but solid education in
the ways of the sheet metal arts, as they apply to the automotive
field. In this respect, the book is an invaluable resource for any
automotive enthusiast. Highlights- Selecting and using basic hand
tools
- Proper use of beaders, rollers,
brakes, and power hammers
- Using an "English
Wheel"
- Pattern design
- Riveting
techniques
- Building
"Hammerforms"
- Properly equipping a sheet metal
shop
- Types and grades of aluminum and
steel
- Picking the right tool for the
job
- Picking the right metal for the
job
- Basic techniques and tutorial for
metal shaping
- Tips on restoring original sheet
metal
The Verdict - 4The Sheet Metal Handbook is another of those books
that no serious automotive enthusiast should be without. While you
may never hand hammer an aluminum 427 AC Cobra body in your garage,
think about all the smaller projects that you can put your new
found knowledge to. Custom brackets Dash and door panels Hood scoops Flares Wheel tubs...
...and yes even generic auto body work. Sheet metal
can play a role in it all, and with a lot of practice, some hard
work, and guidance from The Sheet Metal Handbook, you'll be well on
your way to building the vehicle that you always wanted. Get the Sheet Metal Handbook from
Amazon.com | 
