The English wheel is a metalworking tool used to create compound bends in flat sheet metal, commonly used in automobile and carriage building, as well as aviation metalworking. The device includes a set of wheels mounted on a stand and operators can change the lower wheel to achieve the desired shape. The operator passes a sheet of metal between the wheels, thinning and stretching the metal to create a curved piece. The operator must have a high degree of skill and pay attention to scuffs, scratches, and dents. Manufacturers produce sets of English wheels and anvils in various sizes, and some people may prefer to rent the equipment.
The English wheel is a piece of equipment that people can use in metalworking to create compound bends, like those seen in car fenders, in flat sheet metal. People originally developed this tool for use in automobile and carriage building. Aviation metalworking can also involve an English wheel. This tool is most appropriate for custom projects and small batches where people have the time to work the metal by hand and work the pieces manually to achieve the desired shape and texture.
This device includes a set of wheels mounted on a large stand. Operators can change the lower wheel, known as an anvil, with people using anvils with varying degrees of curvature to achieve the desired shape. The top wheel has a large, flat surface and mounts above the anvil to allow people to pass sheets of metal between the wheels as they work them. The size of the stand limits the overall size of the project.
To use an English wheel, the operator passes a sheet of metal between the wheels as they rotate. The top wheel presses on the anvil through the sheet metal, thinning and stretching the metal. The shape of the anvil forces a curve in the sheet. The operator can move the metal around the machine and stop to change anvils to create a curved piece of metal. People must be careful to avoid thinning the metal too much, as this can weaken it. They may add reinforcements such as flanging around the edges to make sure the metal holds its shape.
Wheeling, as it is known, is an approach to fabricating metal parts. The operator must have a high degree of skill, especially since people usually need to be able to make symmetrical parts. Variations in the compound curvature of the symmetrical pieces will be very noticeable in the finished product. The operator must also pay attention to scuffs, scratches and dents when using the English wheel. In addition to weakening the metal, this can also cause problems with applying paint and other finishes.
A number of manufacturers produce sets of English wheels and anvils in various sizes. The cost can vary and some people may prefer to rent the equipment to buy it. Many cities have open metalworking facilities where people can use equipment by the hour in exchange for paying a fee, providing access to useful equipment for people who need it only periodically.
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