South West Meet, OK, TX, KS, MO, NM, CO, AR +

[Gene Newcomb]

Metal meet in Edmond, OK 25-26FEB05, just outside of OKC on the Tulsa side. This has been batted about in an old post but I wanted to make it clear that it is next month.
We make English Wheels here at Custom Die & Mfg www.customdie.com and lots of other stuff that you can see some of on our web site but this is not about selling anyone.
We'll have some wheels set up and a few planishing hammers. We have some volunteers that are going to bring bags and hammers, see old post. I brought my bag and shrinker/stretcher from home.
Board member John, aka Boogiemanz1 will be joining us and Kerry Pinkerton is going to try to come with a few of his machines. About half a dozen other people answered up on the last post to say they are coming.
We have experience making English wheels dating back to the 1950's at the Edwards Co in England but I'll be darned if we know how to use them.
I have a skid of 20 ga we can play with and I will get a sheet of aluminum coming. I have some copper sheet I can bring from home.
Due to workman comp considerations I cannot let you play on the presses but I can shear and I'll try to have a press brake set up with a V Die.
No cost, I've been asked but the copper is not free. We might pitch in for a pizza run.
Thunder Road motorcycles is a few miles away and I thought we could meet at the Thunder Roadhouse Cafe next door. I will see if they would like to sponsor something or at least give us a deal on beer. The guys that make the frames for Orange County are in the back, Innovative? I'll see if he would like to give us a nickel tour.
Please anyone who posted on the old post feel free to repeat here and we'll get a head count and let me know what youall can show up with. Look forward to hearing from you,
Gene

[Tin Head]

Gene,

Decided to take a vacation day and show up on Friday morning. You didn't mention any hours as I recall. Is there a preference?

I'll bring what little I have in the way of tools, which includes shot bag and bossing hammer, slapper, tucking tool, etc.

Bob

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Gene, thanks for signing up to do this!

Unless something somes up I'll be there and bring at least 4 machines (one of each size), some bag stands, tucking forks, bags, hammers, etc for folks to use. They'll also be for sale with no shipping and some event special pricing. If someone thinks they MIGHT want something, please get with me in advance and we can make sure I bring the right size/color/ect. No obligation to buy. Since we're making machines on speculation to sell at events, we need to make all different working heights/colors anyway.

John asked if I'd do the metalshaping 101 thing I did at MM04 and I'll be glad to if there is an interest. It's no trouble, I've given it so many times no preparation is required. :lol:

Gene, can you post some phone numbers of local motels. All I need is clean and cheap and if I can only have one of the two, I'll settle for cheap. :lol: :lol:

Thanks again for asking, and encouraging, us to attend. Since we are competitors, I think it shows a lot of character on your part. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person and also making a bunch of new friends and seeing some old one's also.

[eanders]

Gene,

I'll be there. I am very new to this and have little to bring but I will bring what I can.

I'll be taking vacation to be there on the 25th as well. Really looking forward to getting a jump start. Will need a place to stay, so, could you post a location map and give a few suggestions about lodging.

Thank you for making this opportunity available.

[devincox]

I will be coming with my brother. I can bring a bag and some hammers/dollies.

What are the start/stop times?
Thanks for hosting this Gene.

Devin

[Gene Newcomb]

Earl mentioned in a PM that he was getting a plasma and could bring it. That reminded me that we actually have one, duh. I swear I have forgotten to use it more times than I have actually used it. I'll find it and test it. I know clean up is critical, the flash can actually score the prehardened 4140.
We are also retrofitting our 150 Amp CNC plasma. Flashcut CAM & driver package and Torchmate CAD. This middle age dog is trying to learn new tricks so I don't know how proficient I'll be in Feb.
Arden AKA 66tiger PMed me that our web site does not have Ewheels etc, he was kind enough to offer to correct the link but we don't sell them via the web except via Ebay.
oklahrdw is our Ebay ID, http://stores.ebay.com/English-Wheeling-Machines is our store.
We also do The Eastwood Co's unit that looks alot like our Ebay benchtop. Eastwood may send their engineer or a rep down.
I will post hotel info when I get some collected.
Gene

[ChadRat]

Gene,
Count me in. I am sure I can bring a truck load of junk.

Chad

[Stempy]

Is anyone using OKC airport to fly in?

[toolmanMike]

Gene,

Really looking forward to this. Thanks for taking on the task of organizing.

Mike

[blkgld4me]

I'm very interested in coming . Can I get some more info. I have never been to a meeting before so any info will help.

[ERausch]

Gene
I am going to try to make it to the get together in Feb. I was going to go to the meet in Co. but that date was close to the date that I get my hip replaced.
I don't have a lot of stuff to bring I have hammers bag, and Me.
Due to the fact that the company that I worked for closed the area that I covered I will be on a tight budget so if you know where I might park my vehicle at night I plan on sleeping in it I think it will hold my 6' frame :)
I was going to go to The Barret Jackson auction but Figured why just look at the cars when I can go learn how to build one !.
Thanks for all your time that you put into the meet.
Earl (the other Earl)
P.S. If you cant figure how to put this together then perhaps you should take up Knitting LOL I loved that

[toolmanMike]

For those who aren't familiar with Custom Die, they've done some really interesting stuff. Bob is probably the cleverest designer I know. You're in for a treat if you go.

Mike

[Gene Newcomb]

Kerry,
I'll get some info on hotels here in a day or so. I've added about 20 hours a weeks work trying to get our CNC plasma retrofitted but it is about done and I'll have time to get back on the metalmeet stuff.
So Mike,
Who are you? I guess you have been here before. I came back 15 years ago so Bob and Gloria could retire in 2-4 years and they are still here when I get here and when I leave everyday.
Earl,
Park here. Youall might want to PM each other about sharing rooms. Cut your cost in half.
Devin,
How about 8 AM Fri and 5AM Sat. Hang out till late afternoon? That is along time to make bowls. We'll have to think of something better. I got onto Ewheels by trying to find ways to make sheet metal rotational plastic molds. I've always wanted to make a 24" round Christmas ornament, put a light in it, for the front yard, sell'em. 16 ga or heavier. Somethibg to think about.
Gene

[ccage]

Hello there!

I'm in Frisco, TX (North of Dallas, near Denton) and have wanted to learn to work with sheet metal for a long time. I finally bought my first house and have a decent garage to work in.


Would I be out of place attending this event? It'd be great to see everything in action. I have a feeling it would help me a lot in selecting/fabricating the tools I need to start.

Chuck

[ccage]

[duplicate removed]

Sorry 'bout that. I was getting no response from the server and accidentally posted twice.

Chuck

[Boogiemanz1]

Chuck, this is going to based on mostly entry level things. If you want to learn, this should help.

I live south of Tulsa, and drove up to Edmond yesterday to see Gene. His facility is HUGE. There is an abundance of CNC equipment, large presses, lathes and mills there. A tour of his plant will be intresting.

Kerry Pinkerton is going to give his Metalshaping 101 presentation, There will be the equipment Gene builds, and Kerry Pinkertons stuff there. This will give you a hands-on look at some of the equipment if you are not familiar with it.....and it is not that far.............john

[bob o]

I will be coming. Any tips on an afordable motel?
Bob O

[devincox]

Anyone know what time of day this is starting/stopping?

Devin

[Gene Newcomb]

Sorry I've been dragging my feet on this
http://www.motel6.com/ms/check-availability.do?property=1182 is a Motel 6 way cheap but old. $30 or so.
http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=12718&brandInfo=SE
Super 8 is also out on I35 but $40.
I will get a few more closer to CDM tonight.
How about 8AM Fri and 9 AM Sat.

[toolmanMike]

Gene,

I can't be there on Friday until late afternoon. What time will we adjourn?

Mike

[Gene Newcomb]

Ok,
Mike got you PM, no time to answer. I remeber roing their thread rods, machining and assembleing them well. We still have the thread roller sitting in a tub of oil because it leaked so much. MAybe we could make it a door prise.
Give me a call 341 3846 we can stay late afternoon easy enough if we find something to do.
It would not be a bad idea to actually make some tools. I have some old 3/8 x 1"SS valve handles and 7/16 & 1/2" SS rnd. I was thinking about making some low budget tucking tools and then figuring out how to use them. Sand the rounds, drill some holes in handles, fire up the TIG welder, bidabing tucking tool.
While cleaning this hughly messy place I found the dies for the pipe bender. We could whack up some rusty old pipe and make planishing hammers. Materials would cost on both but not much.
The closest hotel is the Stratford Inn 340 5693. $44/nt single $49 double. It is a mile away and the ones I posted a few days ago are 5-10 miles away.
More later.
Gene

[Bill_A]

Would a complete newbie be welcome at this event. I'm in Dallas and about the only experience I have is making some small parts I need during the restoration of my mustang. I have done enough that I know I like it and the sense of satisfaction I got from it wasI dont think I have anything to bring. I have an MM175 and an O/A setup and some old body hammers and dollies. I do have a henrob 2000 if there is someone that would like to try it. I'm not worth a **** at using the thing yet. But I'd be glad to let someone else give it a go. I'll come if I'm welcome.

thanks
Bill

[Gene Newcomb]

Bill,
You're a perfect fit for this event. The great part is that we'll have bags, shrinkers, Ewheels, planishers and maybe even a helve hammer set up so you pretty much get to mess around in a fully equiped shop. It will really help you figure out where you want to go and what you want in your own shop.
I also have a good Covell video on hand tools and a Glover on Ewheel.
All of CDMs metal forming equipment is on Ebay (oklahrdw) and our web site www.customdie.com shows many of our other capabilities. You might find it interesting.
Gene

[toolmanMike]

Gene,

I think we really need to have a time to end the day. If we don't, you might be there all night! What time would you say we need to plan on vacating the premises?

Mike

[Gene Newcomb]

A few things to add. I spoke with Roger Vanhoozen of Metalshapers last week and he is going to try to make the drive from KC to do a demonstration on Sat. I certainly hope his schedule allows it because I sure would like to see it. I think he said he starts with a mallet and a hitch to show how it does not take thousands of dollars to get forming.
He also gave me some tips on making tucking forks. I think that making them should be in Fridays schedule.
I am low on the conversion blocks that I use for my planishing hammer combos. We may want to make time Fri to build some simple planishers.

I also received a message wanting to know about discounted prices on our stuff. Good idea, how about 10% off our Ebay listings. It will need to be on a cash basis as we do not have a merchant credit card account. Hopefully I will have lots of inventory.

No admission, I'll shear up a few sheets of excess 20 GA to play with. A little copper and aluminum that will cost but not much. I'll order a few sheets of 18 GA CR.
More to follow including hours and projects. I think I decided to finally replace the plastic that I broke off my 9 year olds scooter with aluminum.
Gene

[Gene Newcomb]

I got my Vice Mount English Wheel prototype done. I probably won't have but a few to sale but I am looking forward to giving it a work out. My smallest radius is 9/16" I've worked 16 & 20 ga with it and I really like it.
http://allshops.org/cgi-bin/community/communityalbums.cgi?action=openalbum&albumid=99801 78729684
I posted a few pics.
Now I have to get back to work on the louver machine mod 2, this time with hydraulics. Turns out no one wants to crank louvers by hand.

[1bighd]

I would love to be there as I am just getting into this and neeeed as much help as possible. And I live in OKC the trip would only be 10 mins. for me. BUT wife planned trip for the 2 of us with no kids that weekend. She would KILL me if I even tried to weasel out.

[bob o]

I figured on driving in from north texas early and spending the night. Has the times been set as to when things start and stop yet?
Bob

[jimmyjsws]

I live in Springfield MO sure would like to make it if you have room?

[Bruce Wayne]

I replied on the other post, but want you to know I will be there. My son cant come. Bruce

[Gene Newcomb]

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3100%20S.%20Kelly%20Ave%20edmond%2C%20OK&ll =35.626282%2C-97.496120&spn=0.060181%2C0.081947
That should be a link to a google map.
It couldn't be easier from Dallas, go north until you hit a light in Edmond, specifically, take I35 North. It turns into I235 South of downtown keep going straight south I235 turns into the Broadway Extension HW 77 keep going straight as it becomes the Broadway extension. First light (33rd St) take a left, go one mile to Kelly Ave take a right and we are about 100 yards down on the right.
From MO & Tulsa, take the Turner Turnpike until it ends and get on the Kilpatrick, no turn but be careful not to head to OKC. Take the Kilpatrick to the Edmond, Broadway exit, go north to the first light (33rd St) take a left, one mile to Kelly Ave, take a right and we are about 100 yards down on the right.
From Kansas take I35 south to the Edmond, 2nd Street, HW 77 exit. I think it is also called Edmond Road. Take it West through town 5-7 miles to Kelly Ave. Take a left, south, almost 3 miles to 3100 S. Kelly. If you get to 33rd you've gone about 100 yards too far.
Schedule to follow.

[Gene Newcomb]

Sorry to take so long to post a schedule. I spent all dang day trying to fix the CNC Plasma (perhaps the dirtiest machine ever) and then my PC or this site ate my post. Here is a copy & paste from the other site. Gee I wish they would combine.
"Bruce, That scares me. Shrieveport is a haul. I don't have any idea how many people plan to attend but bring a chair!
Schedule:
Friday 9-12: Setup. Kerry and John Brown are driving down from Tulsa in the AM and John tells me it takes a while to bolt his big units together. I'll need help so if anyone wants to come early that would be great.

Friday 1-6: Start Making stuff. I personally would like make some tucking forks and learn how to use them. I would also like to make a quick planishing hammer or two. Bring your own gun. There is some rusty pipe outside. I don't know if I'll have dies,I'm way low but I think the bolts people shape are a great idea. There will be shaping tools set up and people could get a start on projects and are welcome to bring in anything they are working on.

Saturday 9-12: Demonstations. Kerry w/ his reknowned metalshaping 101 and Roger's sounds quite interesting. He uses a hitch ball and shows you the basics with hand tools. I am really looking forward to both. John also told me I should do a deep draw with a hydraulic we have set up. I think he liked it because we us plain CR not DQ.

Saturday 12-5: Hands on and Wrap up. We'll send someone out for pizza.

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN SAFETY EQUIPMENT INCLUDING GLASSES, GLOVES AND HEARING PROTECTION.

We have a skid of 20 ga CR for projects gradis and aluminum and a little copper we can sell at cost.
Really looking forward to it.
More later,
Gene

[Bruce Wayne]

I dont know what scares you, but I will be driving a Chevy from the 50s to get there :)

[68vert]

Im just another newbie non poster. I'm a production supervisor for a OEM of electronic component testing and packaging equipment. I'm supervise the machine shop and QC. I will be coming down Friday morning I don't really have alot to bring but questions. I've worked in the machinist trade since 1967 I have experience with conventional, CNC , CAD/CAM also have been around stretch press , bat wing, hydro press ,shear, press brakes some experience building sheet metal tooling. David Coffey

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Loaded the truck and trailer and ready to leave at 3AM. Heading to John Browns (boogiemans) for the night and then on to Genes on Friday. We've got 4 ewheels (one each size), 4 bag stands, 4 tucking forks, Tom Lipton hammers, ball bat hammers, beater bags, and some other stuff.

Looking forward to meeting some new folks.

[toolmanMike]

Gene,

Is it going to be OK to bring a camera?

Looking forward to meeting you guys about 4:00 on Friday.

Mike

[Gene Newcomb]

Mike,
A camera is fine but try not to post any pictures that show how junky and dirty the place is. Remember we've been in business 35 years and we hate to throw stuff away or clean much.
I faxed info to about everyone in my rolodex that is local, making it something of an open house for us. The local Votech has also emailed info around.
I tell job aplicants that it is cold in the winter hot in the summer and dirty all year round so dress accordingly.
We will not have enough chairs to sit and watch the demonstrations so you might want to bring a folding one.
Gene

[Rog02]

Hi Gene:
I practiced the demo tonight at United Metal Spinning's open house so it all works. Will try to be gear up and out of KC around 0700 Friday morning which should put me in Edmond around 2-3 Friday afternoon.
Roger