MINI ENGLISH WHEEL
For DIY automotive body repairs, creating curves in sheet metal can be tricky. A Mini English Wheel is ideal for beginners seeking to make perfect curved shapes without investing in a large tool.
WHAT’S AN ENGLISH WHEEL?
An English wheel is shaped like the letter C. It is usually made from heavy-duty gauge steel, and each end has a steel wheel. Usually, the top wheel is flat, and the bottom anvil has a slight curve. The lower wheel or anvil has a height adjustment, which allows your sheet metal to be tightly sandwiched between both steel wheels.
As you pass your sheet metal through the wheels it will start to form a curve. You can then form or stretch your sheet metal in the English wheel to create the perfect curve.
For our first project we will practice making a curve piece of sheet metal for replacing a rear lower section of a rusted out panel on our BMW e30 project car.
STEP 1: PREP YOUR METAL
We started with a sheet of 20-gauge metal. Measure the length you'll need for your piece. You can then use a straight edge to mark your cut. For cutting, an electric throatless sheet metal shear is best because it can cut a straight line accurately.
STEP 2: SETUP THE MINI ENGLISH WHEEL
The Mini English wheel from Eastwood mounts right up to a vise, making it accessible for DIY garage use. It also comes with with a 3.19-inch upper wheel and four lower anvils (1/2", 1", 2", 3" radius
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Choose your lower anvil die based on the curve you need to make. The larger radius anvils will create a more pronounced curve. Then loosen the lower die and secure the sheet metal between the upper wheel and lower anvil. Slightly tighten the lower anvil until you feel some resistance, but can still move the sheet metal back and forth.
STEP 3: START SHAPING
Move your sheet metal back and forth with straight lines while gradually shifting it. Keep the passes as parallel as possible to achieve a smooth curve.
STEP 4: ADJUST AND REPEAT
To create the desired curve, adjust the lower die to apply more pressure. Continue feeding the sheet metal back and forth through the Mini English wheel. Each pass will gradually enhance the curvature.
STEP 5: CHECK YOUR WORK
As the curve starts to form, regularly check the fitment of the metal against your template or the area you're working on. If the metal needs more of a curve in specific areas, mark those spots.
STEP 6: FINISHING TOUCHES
Feed the sheet metal into the English wheel and make additional passes on the marked area. Remember, the more passes you make, the more pronounced the curve will become.
NEXT STEPS…
After a few rounds, you’ll notice your sheet metal shaping up nicely. With patience and practice, you'll see progress in no time. Check out our list of other great beginner sheet metal tools below:
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