Miscellaneous Metalworking FAQs
Zinc Repairs
I am running into some die cast zinc carbureter bodies and also a zinc model aircraft engine crankcase, all of them cracked to varying degrees. What process and materials would you reccomend I try on these?
White Compound and Stitched Buff
Is "white" compound the same stuff that you buy to compound your paint to remove oxide? and (2) what is a "stitched" buff?...
Bending Square Tubing
I'm looking to make a square tubing bender...
Thoriated Tungsten Danger?
I was reading an article by ron covell in the newest streetrodder mag. and he mentioned that using thoriated tungsten is dangerous for your health...
Cleaning Chrome Moly
Regarding cleaning of chrome-moly tubing, you mention using alcohol as opposed to acetone. What specific type of alcohol (isopropyl, denatured, ethyl) do you recommend or does it matter?
Fusing Copper
The thing we were curious about is if there is a way to fuse copper together so that it can be hammered and not crack.
Corrosion Between Metals
In your video "Edge those Panels" you use a piece of steel rod when you put a wire edge in the aluminum fender. Is there a possibility of corrosion between these two different metals. Again thank you for the great videos.
Fabricating Car Parts
I am planning to fabricate a frame that outlines the windshield opening of a '36 Ford Coupe out of 18 gauge steel angle...
Sharpening Files
Would appreciate any info on sharpening files.
Silversmithing
"I am looking for stakes and hammers for sinking, raising and planishing silver bowls and trays..."
Source for Steel
I am looking for a source for small quantities (2-3 sheets) at a time of A-K/Deep drawing 18-20 guage sheet steel...
Making Decorative Surface 'Engine Turning' on Aluminum Sheet
I am looking for information on making the decorative surface "engine turning" on aluminum sheet, the swirling circles which overlap to make an interesting pattern...
Lead Coated Steel
What I am looking for is steel covered with a thin coat of lead on both sides sometimes referred to as turn plate...
Dissimilar Metal Corrosion
I recently purchased some of your videos. I want to tell you how pleased I am...
Tubing
I haven't found anyone here in Houston who knows what dom/crew tube is. Could you please elaborate...
Working Out Dents
I have used the lessons from the Nov 14-15 class and beat the daylights out of everything...
Aircraft Alloys
I am starting a project to build the various cowl and nose pieces for a 1949 J3 Cub...
Bugatti Pedal Car
I spent several springs there (in the mid 60's) working for a collector of classics name Alton Walker...
Acetylene
I'm doing a chemistry project on acetylene...
Airstream Trailer:
I have a 1958 Airstream trailer that has suffered serious damage to the front roof panels. I want to replace them myself...
Airstream Trailer, 'Bambi' Needs Panels:
I have a 1961 airstream trailer that a tree branch fell on the upper front panels of the trailer...
Stainless, working:
We are building the Joe-cell car. The steel tubing we've got is (at this point of knowledge) the correct dimensions according to the data we've seen on the video, but it is slightly magnetic. They've stated plainly that magnetism is a quality we must avoid...
Explosive Forming:
I am a student of the Luleå Techniska University (Sweden), and I am actually taking a course called "Sheet Metal Forming"...
Dents in Steel Gas Tanks:
I have a couple of old motorcycle tanks that have minor dents. I'm looking for advise on how to best remove them...
Torch- Flame Polishing:
I have a specific need to flame polish a cellulose acetate rod about 1/8" in dia. at about 300 per minute in an automatic machine. It does not need much heat...
Shrinking Question:
Just watched again an old video 1980 video of Myron Stevens hand forming the nose of a racer. His approach to shrinking is clear now...
Skinned Knuckles:
You referenced Skinned Knuckles in one of your videos, Is this a magazine or what?
Cutting Sheet Metal:
I have some used tin to put on top of a shed. I want to be able to cut it straight and keep it in line with the building.
Bending 4130 chrome-moly:
Well, its time to start bending tubing on the airplane project...
Bashed Nose on Karmann Ghia:
Hello, I was sent your web address by a Karmann Ghia Guru, Richard Troy. The nose on my 1968 Karmann Ghia met up with the rear end of a Pontiac, and the Pontiac won...
Crowning Doors for Morgan Drophead
I making door skins for...and need to roll them...
Too Much Crown?
Metal former asks: "I have one question about the metal forming and that would be "Can you take out too much crown if you have put too much into a panel without using a torch?"
Straighten a Brass Sphere:
Sputnik Man asks: "I found your site surfing trying to find a way to straighten a 6" diameter brass sphere with about .030 wall thickness from an old sputnik light. The sphere has a circular opening about 3" in diameter. I have no clue how this thing was manufactured, much less how to get it smooth again..."
