South East Metal Meet???

[Riddle]

I live in North Carolina. I'm too far away for the MM events. Is there one planned for the South East?

[metalchomper]

Hey Riddle,
I've been talking to a friend about having a meet in the Mooresville, NC area (North of Charlotte). This area has a large number of metalshapers that are associatied with the race teams.

A good start to planning would be to see how many people would be interesting in coming.

Speak up if you are interested. I'll spread the word around here.

[James Burts]

I'd be very interested in an event in the area. I live in Raleigh, NC.

I have a background in making armour, and am very interested in the equipment that you guys use. The armour community has been pretty insulated-- the only power equipment that I've seen or used is grinding, sanding and polishing (and of course arc, mig and tig welding). However, I tend to do a lot of my work hot, which is a big difference from the regular work here.

I'd never heard of a helve hammer before stumbling in here, and now I'm chomping at the bit to see one in person (and an english wheel, CP hammer, and other cool sounding stuff).

I have a work commitment that I can't avoid, or else I'd make the trip to Illinois for the big MetalMeet.

If there isn't an event anytime soon, is there anyone around that would allow me to visit their shop, and see some of these tools that I'm dying to see?

--James--

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

If this helps anybody, I am willing to host one at my shop in east Tennessee (exactly 12 miles from Bristol Mtr. Speedway) if there is an interest. We're a little over 2 hours from Statesville and less than 3 from Charlotte. I have a 3200 sq ft heated shop with plenty of parking. We could also use my body shop which is an adjacent 1200 sq ft building. Heck, we could even use the "spray room" as a 'Loud Room' if one is needed. I have 3 phase power and plenty of compressed air if that is needed.

Lodging at nearby http://www.americourthotels.com/ is about $49 a night. That is the normal price she gives my customers. She might even do better if we booked several together. Jerry Gulley's shop is about 30 minutes away too.

Bottom line is that I can offer plenty of Support & Hospitality but the "Boyz" are gonna have to show up to provide the Expertise & Teachin'!!




http://www.model-a-ford.com/SHOP/Dsc00752.jpg

http://www.model-a-ford.com/Lift3.jpg

[Bob Baisden]

Hi,

Sign me up! I'm running out of vacation time with MM04. So a weekend would work best for me.

Bob
Augusta, Georgia

[metalchomper]

Brent,
That sounds like a fantastic offer. Wonder if we could get Kerry to commit. No telling when I'm going to finish my new ewheel.

[Kerry Pinkerton]

...Wonder if we could get Kerry to commit. No telling when I'm going to finish my new ewheel.

We'd definitely be up for it depending on our event schedule. I've been looking for an excuse to take some machines by some of the Nascar shops anyway. The last event we have on the list this year is the Moultrie Swap meet the weekend before Thanksgiving. We're pretty busy until then.

We're hoping to have a meet at our shop early next year before the spring show season kicks off.

[Dutch Comstock]

Brett, It looks like you are all set for a southeast metal meet in Dec or Jan. It is a lot of work on your part but the enjoyment and learning and meeting everyone is well worth the effort. You just have to set a date and the people will be at your door. Dutch

[Draper]

..........

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Hi Draper,

You and anyone else is welcome to come down to our shop and play. I have most everything from a tool standpoint you've heard about except a helve hammer.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Again, I need 'Instructors' to come and 'splain everthang. I am willing to host in January if we can get a group to agree on a date. Kerry, Dutch, Wray ... is this too far or can y'all make it?

As far as work, we'll get the cars and stuff moved out and around where we have plenty of workin' room. I'll get my guys to take care of the "grunt" work here. I am willing if you wanna make it a 3 day or a 2 day event.

Please let me know what You'all want and lets see what we can do. Let me know what dates work well too cuz I know the Superbowl and stuff like that can hinder a crowd.

[Randy Ferguson]

Hi Guys,
If things go according to my plans, I should be able to make it!!

[metalchomper]

Randy, That would be great! Looks like Brent's shop is doable and I will check Saturday to see about the place in Mooresville. Maybe have one in Mooresville early November? Not sure if this is a good time with it being so close to a holiday. Will see if any of the race shop guys would come. They are pretty bussy all the time. It would be neat if we could skin a race car.

[Draper]

..........

[Randy Ferguson]

Early November will be during MM'04 :lol:

[metalchomper]

Oops, forgot. Will probably have to aim for Feb or March.

[geoking]

Draper,
I would be pleased to let you play with my Helve Hammer if you come to Huntsville!
Please advise...
Also If NC doesnt work out, any of you are welcome to a weekend
here in my shop.
Best Regards,
George King
256 694 5921

[Randy Ferguson]

George,
That's a very generous offer.
For those of you who don't know the history of MetalMeet, our first two events were hosted by Mr. George King. He has one heck of a beautiful, well equipped shop, and he's a great host to boot.

[Draper]

..........

[Gumby]

metalchomper/Brent,

I'd be very interested in a weekend metalmeet for the southeast. I live a 1/2-hr west of Richmond, Virginia, so I could make it to either location. I'm another novice so I can't offer to demo anything but would definitely volunteer to help-out.

[Riddle]

So...how do we get this thing going? It probably takes a couple of months to prepare/organize an event. Who will host? Who will teach? When and where?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Well, I am more than willing to host it here at my shop ... HOWEVER I feel I am kinda stepping on toes somewhat since it started out being a North Carolina MM. As I said earlier, I am more than willing to do it here but I would like for a couple of people to take over and decide the "theme" and do the teachin'. If you'all decide to do it in North Carolina, I will be there, but if a suitable place to do it on short notice is gonna be difficult, then we'll get ready here.

As far as getting ready for it. If several people will throw out a weekend date they can attend, if we can get an agreement, I will take care of all the 'behind the scenes' stuff. Then all I need is a group of enthusiests to show up.

[metalchomper]

OK, now comes the hard part. I'll check tomorrow about a place to hold it in Mooresville, NC. I guess Brent will let us know when a good time to have it at his place. Now we need to get an idea of everyones skill. I've had a formal 3 day class on metalshaping. I'm ok at shrinking, wheeling making small patch panels and OA welding sheetmetal. Plan on buying a Cobra torch next month. Currently in the process of finishing my ewheel. Still have to finish my new 1200sqft workshop. It's full already!

[Randy Ferguson]

I know how to swing a hammer! And maybe a couple real basic procedures I've picked up on.

[Envy Inc]

Yeah, OK Randy! And we almost believe you, too! :lol:

~Adam

[metalchomper]

Hey Brent,
I don't feel like your stepping on any toes here. Looks like you have an awesome place to have a meet.

Randy,
Your not fooling anyone! We've all seen how nice your work is.

[metalchomper]

I have a place lined up for a metalmeet in Mooresville, NC (Just north of Charlotte) at Chuck Smith's Motorsport Tools. Looking at a date around March. This time frame will hopefully enable guys from the race teams to come also. Too early now to set an exact date. If your in the area give Chuck a call at 704-660-0707. He and his wife run the business and are super nice people. He carries anything you would ever need for metal fabrication from hammers, machine tools, beater bags to videos.

Brett

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Hi Brent and Brett,

If the NC meet is sometime in March, we could still do one in Bristol in January... Something to do in the winter....

I'll plan on coming to both as long as the March event doesn't conflict with Spring Carlisle.

[James Burts]

I'll do my best to attend both the January and March events (if they both happen like it sounds like they could).

I'd offer to bring some of my tools, and how some of how I make armour, but I don't know that my techniques fit well into the shaping that is discussed here. If there is interest, I could bring my tanks and some tools to do some hot work.

--James--

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Please do James. I'd love to see those techniques.

[John Jordan]

Draper,

Take Kerry up on a visit. I need to go down and see him to pick up my ewheel, but my life is pretty hectic until November. |

George King invited me to visit as well, but I haven't been able to take him up on it as yet. I understand his shop is something to see and he's very generous to open it up to visitors.

I live in Antioch, you're welcome to visit anytime. My metal forming skills are minimal at this point, but I do have a metal lathe and vertical mill etc. that I use to make woodworking tools. I'm a woodturner by profession and hope to incorporate metal work into some sculptural wood pieces as well as make a few motorcycle parts! :D

[crazy larry]

Hey guys. I'm in east texas and can't make the MM'04, but would love to be able to check something out after the first of the year. I could problably even get the time off to show up early to help set up or whatever. as far as contributing, i smoke a mean brisket or ten....Could we live off barbeque all weekend? or whatever would be easiest cheapest most productive. I just want to learn. :wink:
Larry

[James Burts]

I have a work commitment for the week of March 14th - 20th. It is a conference that we put on for work, so I'll be pushing hard to get everything ready before it.

My preferences for when to hold the event would be:
1) Towards the end of the month (anytime after March 20)
2) Towards the beginning of the month (through the first weekend (March 4,5, and 6)

If it is in the middle of the month, I'll have to miss it (or may be able to sneak out for part of a day if I'm lucky).

--James--

[metalchomper]

Looks like it's getting narrowed down to the first 2 weekends in March. I was notified today that I have to go to Las Vegas for a equipment show at the end of March. :D Dang it :D We are doing well to be able to narrow it down to 2 weekends this early in the planning.

Kerry,
Isn't the Carlisle show in April?

[Draper]

..........

[metalman0501]

Sign me up, Metalman0501 Saint Pauls N.C.

[Gumby]

Well, I know next to nothing and want to learn everything. About all I can do is help with setting-up.

So, we're talking about an east Tennessee MM in January and a Mooresville, North Carolina MM early in March? That sounds great! I'm sure I can attend the one in NC and it's very likely I can make the one in Tenn. too. So, at this point you can count me in for both.

[Riddle]

Hey guys, do we need to get "permission" from the MM Board? I noticed that Wray hasn't made any comments about this.
I'd love to be a part of it/them. If there is any prep work I can do, let me know.

Jason

[Wray Schelin]

Hi Jason,

MetalMeets can be assembled by any of the members, you don't need any permission. :D MetalMeet.com is a non commercial volunteer assembly point for all that are interested in the craft of sheetmetal shaping. To protect the host of any MetalMeet a liability waiver should be signed by all attendees and more importantly safety should be stressed at all Regional Meets.

I am the founder but the site and the International Meet are organized and planned by the Board of directors and quite a few volunteers.

Current board of directors:

Dutch Comstock
Kerry Pinkerton
John Brown
Randy Ferguson
Wray Schelin

We will rotate membership in the board to members that show interest in helping out . This year at MM04 we will put to Yea or Nay vote several issues about planning for future growth.

In several years I can see the group evolving to a point were there will be a least a dozen Regional Metalmeets all over the country and maybe outside it too ,plus we will have the The big International MetalMeet every Fall .

I think in several years we will have quite a few of the members trainedto an advanced level through shared knowledge. When that happens we can make anything we want at regional MetalMeets and to make it quickly . We will also help evolve tool design and techniques through our cooperation.

Big picture, we will help create new markets, new products,new career choices, and try to have fun doing it . :D

Wray

[Riddle]

Awesome! Not only does this site provide insight and knowledge into the broad (and ever growing) field of metals; it also gives people like me something to aspire to. Awesome!
Thanks
Jason

[James Burts]

MetalChomper-
If at all possible, I'd prefer the first weekend of March (if I get to vote). I'll understand if it winds up being the 2nd weekend, but then I'll only be able to be there for part of a day (but will still help with things as best I can).

Brent-
Other folks here have been suggesting that January would be a good time to have an event at your place, but I haven't seen anything from you indicating that it would work for you. If an event is going to happen that soon, it seems like we need to start getting it organized.

If I'm stepping on anyone's toes, please let me know. I'm just excited with the idea of seeing some of the tools that I've only seen pictures of, and am more than happy to share what I do....

--James--

[Prostreet]

Hi Wray
I think I wrote a post under great guys that should be in this post or it may get confusing being a Pa. meet . I cant help but to think having small meets threw the seasons or shop visits would be an advantage to the future plan of the metal meet group . I don't have the largest shop or the most equipped but for a half a dozen or so local guys to show up say once or twice a month to prep our skills for the larger meets would be a great asset. it keeps us fresh and gives us the opportunity to work with different folks with different techniques . It would strengthen our ability to learn at a faster pace . There are allot of guys in Pa that live within miles of each other not to say you have to be from Pa. who ever can make would certainly be welcome . and maybe every so often Dutch and Wray or both could join in for a day or 2 . :D :D :D HINT HINT :D
Steve

[Dick Bear]

Hey,
If all goes as planned I will be moving into my newly constructed 9,000-sq. ft building in late December or early January. I'm in Winston-Salem, NC and had planned to host a MM as part of my grand opening schedule. I will be doing something along that line regardless of what else is happening in the area.

Plenty of room. Heat and electrical power. Easy access just off US 52. Lots of off street free parking. Loading dock, fork lift and tractor-trailer size drive-in bays.

Please keep this information in mind as you search for locations and dates ... the opportunity is open to hold an event at MarketPoint Productions in January.

Dick Bear

[Wray Schelin]

Guys thanks for all of the invites to the regional MetalMeets. :D I would like to go to as many as possible.

For at least the last five years I have wanted to shift from making automotive panels to my own design work. I have started to make changes and as a result my income is currently on a hiatus until I can get some of my new pursuits paying off.

So taking any road trips other than MM04 and events close to home like at Dutch's will have to be postponed to a later time.

Wray

[Tony Sanchez]

---Dick, Sounds like a fantastic shop. I think I am going to be in need of a vacation. Any golf courses in the area?
---Tony.

[Dick Bear]

Tony,
Let me think for a second ... Tanglwood, Southern Pines, Old Boue (sp), Bermuda Run and several other championship courses come to mind.

Perhaps a tour of several local shops andbusinesses dealing with the Nextel Cup from teams to sponsorship promotions (Sponsored show cars, mobile promotional exhibit design and fabrication) including a private tour of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) with Chocolate Meyers as the groups' personal guide might be arranged.

A lot to see and do while gaining knowledge and experience in metal-shaping in addition to meeting and sharing with other MetalMeet members is the goal.

Dick Bear

[Randy Ferguson]

I gotta do my bestest to get to this one!!! All you had to do was mention RCR. Get us into DEI and I'll for sure not be able to miss it!!!

[Tony Sanchez]

---Wow! A metalmeet, private tour with personal guide, and golf. Sign me up. Your new shop sounds like it would be a fantastic place for a metal meet, and it would be my pleasure to attend a meet there.
---Tony.

[Dick Bear]

Hey guys, there were some "maybe's and perhap's" in my last post but the possibilities are good depending on individual schedules and dates.

Dick Bear

[mitch]

Hey guys, you can count me in for a metal meet in north carolina,i will be there,and look forward to meeting all of you. And most of all i look forward to learning anything i can .All i need is a date and place,and ill be there,thanks allot guys for this opportunity.

[CuprousWorks]

I'm in for a Southeast meet. Doubt I can add much but look forward to taking away a lot (of information, ideas, inspiration...)

Mike

[Fireproof]

Has anything here been hammered out for sure yet?? I am in Central Florida, so NC/TN etc are not too far away for a few day event. I am totally interested for sure. I have no skills, but would be glad to mooch some knowledge off of anyone!

let me know fellas!

[Dick Bear]

Fireproof,

Still planning and working on it in Winston-Salem. As soon as a date can be established, based on construction progress, I'll post the details right here.

Keep informed.

Dick Bear

[Riddle]

I've been talking to people here in Greenville, NC, and there is a lot of interest in attending a Southeast MetalMeet. Let me know when and where and I'll bring as many people as I can.

Jason

[metalchomper]

Still planning on a meet in Mooresville on one of the first two weekends in March. Haven't started major planning yet. But, as mentioned before I do have a facility lined up. Can't wait to see everyone there.

[mitch]

hi, yes i would love to see a meet in charlotte or morseville,it would be close enough i would most deffently attend eather one of these.

[troper]

Of all the discussion about organizing a MM in the NC-TN area, has anything been solidified as to dates and locations. From watching the forum the post seem to end about the end of Nov. with no final info. I would definitely attend either,and offer any assistance and advice I have, just need a time and place.

[Gene_Olson]

Of all the discussion about organizing a MM in the NC-TN area, has anything been solidified as to dates and locations. From watching the forum the post seem to end about the end of Nov. with no final info. I would definitely attend either,and offer any assistance and advice I have, just need a time and place.

Closest thing happening soon is in Richmond, Va. Jan 22/23

see:

http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=17864#17864

for details.

G.

[Dick Bear]

Hey,

I'm still planning to hold a regional meet in Winston-Salem, NC however, as usual the gov't has gotten involed in my building plans and has asked for an environmemtal study of the site. It's appropriate but has unfortunately set the construction schedule back a bit.

Depending on the results of the study the building may not be completed in time for the meet there this Spring but if not I would like to have one in late Feb/early Mar at my current shop. More on this later.

In the meantime, everyone in this area and beyond should plan to attend the meet scheduled for January 22nd in Richmond. That event is being hosted by welldoneinc.

Can't have too many opportunities to get together will friends and enthusists associated with Metalshaping!!!

See you there!

Dick Bear

[metalchomper]

The meet here is Mooresville is delayed indefinitely due to construction. Hopefully this will be more conducive for a meet in the fall. If anyone in the area has a project and needs some help on it let me know. I'm located 10 minutes off of I40 and I77. I'm not close to being an expert, but could be a good learning experience for all. I've got an ewheel, beater bag, assortment of hammers, torch, mig. Hope to have my nibbler and helve up and running by summer.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

So does this mean we wanna wait until the Fall to do one in the SouthEast .... or do we wanna have one at my place sometime this Spring (i.e.: between NOW --and sometime in April or May)?? I personally need about 1 week to get ready.


http://www.model-a-ford.com/Lift3.jpg

[Kerry Pinkerton]

We're up for that Brent. February is open so far as is early March for our show schedule at least.

[metalchomper]

Well Brent........If you have it, we will come. What can we do to help? Do you have a source for sheetmetal? If not there is one here and I could pick some up.

[Gulley]

Brent;
I have shows as follows;
Jan. 29 & 30
Feb. 4, 5, & 6
March 11, 12, & 13
March 18, 19, & 20
April 7, 8, 9, & 10
April 29, 30, 31, & May 1
The other weekends I would be ava.
Have a good day;
Gulley

[Dick Bear]

Brent,
As you know I had planned to hold an event this spring but everything has not gone as expected so, I'd love to attend yours if you schedule it.

Let us all know and, as was said, "we'll be there!"

Dick Bear