English Wheel
 | |
| Owner/Loaner | PS:One |
|---|---|
| Make/Model | KAKA INDUSTRIAL F1.2X710 28-Inch Throat |
| Usability | yes |
| Contact | Sammy Abe Via Slack |
| Where | Cold Metals |
| Authorization Needed | yes |
| Hackable | no |
| Estimated Value | $800 |
| Host Area | Cold Metals |
Function
The English wheel is a hand operated machine for shaping sheet metal. The sheet metal is squeezed between a top wheel and a bottom wheel and rolled back and forth, which gradually stretches and thins the metal. Through this process it is possible to produce compound curves and radii not possible with a slip roll or press brake, with a smoother surface finish than hammering. The English wheel can also be used for planishing, bending, flanging, bead rolling, and embossing.
Safety
Pinch points are the primary safety hazard of the English wheel. The user must be careful never to put their hands or fingers between the wheels.
Maintenance
All wheels must be kept polished, and free of any dirt, grease, oil, or debris. Before placing any metal in the English wheel, it must be completely clean and de-greased, and all burrs, slag, mill scale, rust, paint, or coatings must be removed. Here is an efficient method for polishing the wheels.
Metal Selection
The most common metals used in the English wheel are mild carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper and brass. Some metals may benefit from annealing, such as copper and aluminum. The maximum recommended thickness for mild carbon steel is 16 gauge (.0625), but the ideal thicknesses are 18-20 gauge for nearly all applications. The thicker and harder the material, the more effort it will take to shape.
Tips and Tricks
English Wheel Techniques - Ron Covell
Gaining Crown In Large Panels - Lazze
English Wheel Basics Part 1 - Wray Schelin
List of Currently Authorized Users
Authorization for this tool by authorized proctors only.
| Qualified Member | Authorized By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Abrahamson | Diogenes of Sinope | 6/27/22 |
| Gary Newhouse | Gary Newhouse | 6/27/22 |
| Will Spears | Sam Abrahamson | 7/7/22 |
| Crazy Uncle Dave | Sam Abrahamson | 7/12/22 |
| Daniel Ennion | Sam Abrahamson | 8/3/22 |
| Dubi Kaufmann | Sam Abrahamson | 8/8/22 |
| Nate Leonard | Sam Abrahamson | 10/25/22 |
| Link Jeff J | Sam Abrahamson | 11/8/22 |
| Scott Yoder | Sam Abrahamson | 12/14/22 |
| Declan Flynn | Sam Abrahamson | 9/19/23 |
| Shauen Pearce | Sam Abrahamson | 12/12/23 |
| Adam Henderson | Sam Abrahamson | 2/28/24 |
| Paisley Stone | Sam Abrahamson | 4/9/24 |