The 22B English Wheel has been a favorite for years among restorers. It provides a great way to form sheet metal and design or duplicate custom pieces, fenders, flarings, motorcycle tanks, smaller automotive panels, and impossible-to-find pieces.
How does it work? The MetalAce 22B uses a fairly easy concept to manipulate and stretch metal. The machine has a fixed 8" diameter x 2" wide flat upper bearing wheel and a 2" wide x 2.375" radius lower curved anvil mounted on a shaft with a screw-lift to raise or lower the anvil. To form and shape sheet metal, first place piece you're going to form between upper wheel and lower anvil. Next, raise lower anvil by turning anvil adjustment wheel on bottom of shaft, putting slight tension on the metal, and tighten shaft-locking knob. The proper tension will allow you to easily move the metal back and forth (use only light pressure - too much can distort the metal). The process of moving the metal back and forth between the wheels is called tracking - this is what forms the metal. With the steel being forced between the lower curved anvil and flat upper wheel, the steel is stretched and essentially curved. Using different pressures, tracking techniques, and anvil radiuses, you can virtually duplicate any contour, pattern, or custom piece needed to complete your project.
The MetalAce 22B English Wheel can also straighten, flatten, or remove metal wrinkles and dimples from metal formed with body hammers or leather panel beater bags. After forming the metal with beater bag, run the metal through the 22B to eliminate hammer marks and straighten or smooth it. In doing this, you'll be able to duplicate or create those hard-to-find shapes and sizes you'll need for your bike, rod, or classic car. Made in USA!
Specifications
Thickness capacity for steel is 16 gauge; aluminum is 3/32”. Can roll to center of 44" panel. Heavy-duty welded tubular steel construction. Can be mounted to bench, clamped in vise, or used with optional stand. Anvil yoke is adjustable on both sides of axle support with thumb screws so anvil wheel can be trued with upper wheel. Includes (1) 2.375" Radius Anvil. Upper Wheel - 8" diameter x 2" wide. Anvil - 2" wide x 2.375" radius (included) x 1045 alloy steel billet, polished to smooth 63 finish. 29” high, 27” wide . Throat: 22". Wt: 75 lbs. Standard Anvil Working Ht (from bench-top): 16-1/2". Standard Anvil Working Ht (with optional stand): 42-3/4".
TP Tools Tip - When using a Planishing Hammer or English Wheel, lubricate the metal lightly with spray-type oil. This reduces friction between the dies or anvils while forming or stretching the metal. Reduced friction also promotes longer die or anvil life.
Keep in mind "practice makes perfect". Start with a sample piece of sheet metal and practice. Before you know it, you'll be showing off the panels you made!