Sheet Metal Fabrication Basics (Biker Basics)

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 through 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 shrinker-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.

You can learn to fabricate sheet metal. All you need is the raw material, the sincere desire to learn, and a copy of Sheet Metal Fabrication Basics from Wolfgang Publications. More than 350 color photos spread over 144 pages show the beginner and intermediate sheet metal worker how to create simple shapes in his or her own small shop without expensive power tools.