I want to use this in my headlights but I thought maybe I'd use it as a pattern first. Would it be easier to make this in two pieces and weld them together, or could it be hammered out in one piece? What tools would you use to form it? Thanks!
Treat it like two fender lip patch panels and weld them together. My $.02 Kind of a cheesey answer wasn't it.
Hey, You could build that piece in several ways- As a plank, cut from sheet( think steel donut, here) cut out and slipped into a slip roll machine, for the flare shape, than the outer flange turned up with a dolly & hammer. This could also be done on a beading machine with a tipping wheel. A hammer form could be mase up from plywood, with the flare pounded in and shaped. The flange formed on the top of the hammerform. This could be made up from several pieces of sheet, welded together, and plannished shooth. All jus' a question of what skills and equipment you have at your disposal. S****ey Devils C.C. " Spending A Nation Into Generational Debt Is Not An Act Of Comp***ion!"
I'd argue about being too deep, I'd do it with a hammerform. Use at least 18 ga, it'll go that far without tearing.
Looking at it again, I think I'd just beat it out on a shot bag, make a bowl with a flat flange and cut the bottom of the bowl out. Easy enough without having to make the hammerform.
I wouldn't be afraid to hammerform that piece at all. Looks pretty basic. +1 to the shot bag like metalman said
I was hoping I could find a couple metal bowls, cut the bottoms out and be done, but I haven't had much luck.
Start with a bag first and then make a wood form of the piece to use as a mold , use the wood form to finish the shape . Take your time ! Don't beat the hell out of the metal !
Try the 99 cent store, thrift stores or a pet food store. Also, stainless steel bowls/dishes make great headlamp doors onch the bottoms are trimmed out, and holes drilled, as necessary. They polish well, with wet and dry paper and compound.
Just like pimpin paint said slip roll the cone and then put it in the bead roller with a tippin die and roll the flange over. You may have to stretch the flange a little when you roll it over?
Hell I would pay money to see you turn a part like that on a lathe. Try both ways weld or hammer I bet you learn something both ways.My 2 cents
What about just getting another piece of whatever that is to match that and be done? That can't be the last one of those in the world.
I like the cone suggestions. Cut off the tip and form the flange with hand tools. Stretching may be needed on the flange. jw
My vote's for this one. I've done this at least a dozen times with great results. Saves time and looks good! Gotta love those dollar store dishes
There used to be guys called metal spinner who would use a different kind of lathe but they used a form or die to make the shapes, but it could be done, I think this art has died out long ago.
I was late on this one but go to good will or some thrift stores or even flea markets you should find a bowl that works. Been there. The stainless bowl trick is extra cool when you find the right ones. I found a set with old dueling pistol style engraving on the lip. Made some kick *** bucket/trim pieces out of them.
Its this kind of thing that is really easily made by way of metal spinning. If you have access to a wood lathe give it a go. Metal spinning is definitely not dead and still has its place with a heap of uses, especially for those hard to find pieces and custom work
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