Boston Meet @ Butch's

[butch foster]

For you guys within striking distance of Boston, I'd be willing to host a one day meet at my place sometime (a Saturday or Sunday) in September or early October. Think of it as a tune up for those of you going to Oblong in October. I'm 40 minutes north of Boston off Rt. 95. The guys from New Hampshire are very close.

I have a three bay shop with two steel benches, a bench wheel, a mini wheel, 50 amp Tig, Millermatic 210 mig, a bag, assorted hammers, a Beverly shear and a Hoosier Patterns tucking tool. No Yoder, Pullmax, plannishing or Helve hammer.

I have very limited experience but could probably walk you through shrink tucking and what little I know about wheeling. You could also try out Hoosier's narrow profile wheels. This would be a good opportunity for those who have never used a wheel or seen anyone shrink a tuck before. If you have a wheel and want to bring it, I have the space. If you have a bag and hammers, bring those. I'd be willing to lay in some 20 ga crs and some copper (tough to get 19 ga crs locally) or bring your own materials.

I could easily handle 4 to 6 guys although we will be constrained by ewheels if we have that many guys and no one else brings one. Give me some feedback on dates if you're interested. I need an excuse to clean up the shop.

Regards. Butch.

[Boogiemanz1]

Great Butch, I think you guys will have a lot of fun! Sometime a regional meet will light a fire that can only be quenched by the Big Meet. I have fun and learn at all of them. I'd be the first to sign up but you are a bit too far from Oklahoma..........john

[butch foster]

John - If memory serves me, you were the first guy to welcome me to this site about a year ago. You ride that Indian up from Oklahoma and we'll find you a bed and a soft pillow.

Butch.

[Archie]

Butch
Thats mighty neighborly of you. I'm in Franklin but its going to be real tough for me to get up north, I have two big jobs starting in September.

I have a smaller ewheel(that Bennett filled with steel shot, very heavy) and a bag with a stand that you can borrow if things fill up on you.

Good luck.

John are you looking for a room?

Archie

[Boogiemanz1]

Thanks Archie and Butch, I'd like to come but need to stay around here and get some stuff done in preparation for MetalMeet. Maybe next time. The closest I've ever been to you guys was Ft Dix, NJ. Then that was only a week...........john

BTW that's a long way on an Indian.........

[Keith]

Congrats Butch,

Great to see another regional meet. They are a blast and some great friendships are made and some good stuff can be learned from anyone attending.

I've read about the Boston Tea Party, now there's a Boston Bangin' Party.

[twoodbury]

Butch,

I'm definately interested. Most any weekend is good for me though I'd prefer Saturday over Sunday....

-Travis

[josh]

I would definitely be interested. I'm available most weekends.

--Josh

[butch foster]

Ok - Game on. Travis was first in and has dibs on Saturdays. The first Saturday in September (9/3) is Labor Day Weekend. Let's assume that's no good. Three Saturdays left. 9/10, 9/17, 9/24 and let's throw in the first Saturday in October (10/1). I would suggest the 17th or 24th but 10/1 is ok as well - give you some time to fabricate a good story to tell the old lady. Let me know your preference and we will set the date in stone. Once we set the date, I'll PM you directions and details. Anyone else want in?

Butch.

[rockflyer]

Hello Butch,
Real nice of you to do a meet up this way. Sorry to say I can't make it, I'd love to see some of that silver you've done ! September is a busy month for us here. I'm sure you guys will have a great time. Be sure to post some pictures for us ! Hope to get together with all the N.E. metalshapers in the future. I'm in Dudley, two towns east of Wray.
Dick

[butch foster]

Dick - Sorry you can't make it. If this one doesn't work for you and I don't catch too much h*$!_ from the old lady, maybe we'll try another one sometime.

Butch.

[Welding_Engineer]

Greetings Butch,
I would be interested in attending the meet. I am in North Attleboro, MA. I have a Jeep Cherokee with plenty of room to car-pool a couple of local attendees and their tools, if needed.

Dave

[butch foster]

Dave - Glad to hear from you. Been missing your posts. It would be great if you could make it up here. Wouldn't be much more than 90 minutes from N. Attleboro for you on a Saturday morning.

It would be great if you could come up and school us on TIG technique. I have an old Miller 50 Amp TIG machine (DC only) but it will handle the kinds of materials we would be dealing with. I'd love to have you walk us through TIG welding copper.

For those of you debating whether to make the effort, Dave is a master welder. I've cruised his website and the stuff he is doing is amazing (click on Welding Engineer next to his avatar to get to his site).

With Dave, Travis and Josh in that makes four including me. We could still handle 2 - 4 more folks if others bring tools (hammers, bags, wheels). I'm still thinking either the 17th or the 24th of September. You guys let me know your preference and we'll settle on a date that works for everyone.

Lunch is on me.

Butch.

[Hairy-Neil]

I'm from near Boston and would love to attend, sadly its Boston England so I guess its unlikely. Ho hum. :sad:

[butch foster]

Neil - You will always be welcome state side and I'm happy to spring for lunch, but a round trip ticket from Boston, UK to Boston, USA isn't in the budget. Why don't you host one for the Brits, you guys all live within a couple hours of each other don't you? We'd all love to see the pics of what you guys are up to. You might even be able to talk Anders into coming over the channel.

Butch.

[Welding_Engineer]

Greetings Butch,
Sounds good to me. There is nothing I enjoy more than sharing knowledge and gaining knowledge about metal fabrication. About my web site, I had to take all my customer parts off due to security issues. I still have some titanium scrap parts I welded for examples. I look forward to meeting everyone and shaping some metal.

Dave

[Hairy-Neil]

you guys all live within a couple hours of each other don't you?

England may only be a speck on the map compared to the USA but its a little more than 2 hours across. :-P

We'd all love to see the pics of what you guys are up to.

Rest assured, I'll post some up just as soon as I get a chance. ;)

Neil

[jetdctr]

Hello Butch,

That's really nice of you to open your shop up for a metal meet.
I'd be interested in attending. I'm up in the Bangor Maine area, about a four hour drive.

Thanks Bob

[butch foster]

Bob - If you are up for the ride down from Bangor, we'd love to have you. I'm no more than 20 minutes or so from the NH border off Rt. 95.

If Bob makes the drive, we are up to 5 guys. Still have room for a few more but if just the 5 of us show, we have enough for a card game.

I'm still waiting for feed back on dates. Either the 17th or the 24th of September, any opinions? I'll let you think about it until the end of the week and if there isn't a consensus, I'll pick the date so you can all plan accordingly.

Butch.

[Envy Inc]

Hi Butch,

I'd love to make it down for a Meet in your area, but I'm not sure I'll be able to make it. I'm scheduled to work the 17th until 5pm, and I already have a prior engagement planned for the 24th. I'll see what I can do, but I have a feeling I'm going to miss this one.

~Adam Clarke

[jetdctr]

Either of the dates you mentioned is good for me, at the moment!

I was hoping to pick up Adam (Envy Inc) on my way through the lower part of Maine. Hopefully he can work out a deal and get a day swap or something.

I have my fingers crossed for you Adam, Good luck!


Butch:
I have a Shrinker/Stretcher set if you want me to bring that along.?

[butch foster]

Adam - You are more than welcome if you can make it, but it does look like we are homing in on either the 17th or 24th.

Bob - Bring you shrinker/stretcher if you like. I've never used one, so it would be cool to play with it. Also bring hammers, a bag and a wheel if you have them. Thats where we will be short on stuff. I spoke with Dave this afternoon and he is going to bring a small TIG machine and extra welding helmets (I have 2), so it looks like we will be doing some TIG work.

Butch.

[planemech302003]

Hi Butch, I normally work Saturdays, but maybe I can get the day off. I can bring an ewheel, shot bag and stuff. John Forney

[planemech302003]

Hi Butch, forgot to say I can bring some 19 G CRS if we need it.Even some 16G, it'll be lots of fun bangin' on that! (LOL) John

[butch foster]

John - I just read your post on the "Lets Try This" thread, very impressive resume. We'd love to have you if you can get the day off and would welcome the materials and tools although I won't be joining you in beating on 16 ga crs. Been there, done that, no thanks. Where are you located? We'll settle in on a date by the end of the week so keep me posted on whether you can make it.

The current tally of interested parties is Travis, Josh, Dave, Bob, Adam (maybe), John (maybe), me and a good friend of mine who is an ace fabricator. If everyone showed, we'd be at about the limit, but I'm assuming come game day, we'll have some no shows. If there's anyone else out there who is interested - sing out.

Butch.

[underdog57]

Hi ,
I might be able to show up , am in vermont , not too far off ....
If can't make this one maybe the next !!!

My skills are at ground zero really , but would like to get hammerin and making sparks !!!

Have painted cars and done normal bondo needed metal work . Would like to learn to do no bondo repairs , patches . etc ..and body parts ...

pretty busy now , but put my check out to go to MM2005 !!

Chat soon
Bob Rascoe
802-796-4434

[planemech302003]

Hi Butch, and all. Forgot to include, my name is John Forney, and I live in Tewksbury Mass. I don't think my resume's impressive, but thanks. I grew up in farm country and there's always something needing fixing, usually with minimal tools. Currently I have most of the tools necessary to build whatever I need, and when my shop gets further along I intend to have some MM's here if folks are interested. Hopefully by then I'll have the Yoder clone up and running. Anyway, count me in for a Saturday, and we'll have some fun! John

[Welding_Engineer]

Greetings all,
I TIG welded some 0.023� thick copper, that’s about half the thickness of a dime.
We can over copper welding and any other metals at the meet.

Check out the pictures below.

Dave

[tdoty]

Hi Butch, and all. Forgot to include, my name is John Forney, and I live in Tewksbury Mass. I don't think my resume's impressive, but thanks. I grew up in farm country and there's always something needing fixing, usually with minimal tools. Currently I have most of the tools necessary to build whatever I need, and when my shop gets further along I intend to have some MM's here if folks are interested. Hopefully by then I'll have the Yoder clone up and running.

If this is the John Forney I met at MM04, don't let him kid you about his knowledge and skills!

Tim D.

[butch foster]

Bob Rascoe - You are in if you can make it. If you show and the guys from New Hampshire and Maine come, all we'll be missing is someone from Rhode Island in order to lay claim to having all New England states representing. Anyone from the island out there want in?

John - You're over in Tewksbury? For pete's sake that's practically next door. Glad you were able to rearrange your schedule.

Dave - Thanks for posting those sweet pics of the copper beads.

I'll make the call on whether its the 17th or the 24th on Saturday unless you guys have a strong preference.

Butch.

[slob]

resident rhode islander checking in :-P

I deffinately want in....but right now I am not sure what my schedule will be....and I probably wont know for sure until the friday of the meet. I will try to make it if there is still room open. but dont be suprised if I'm a no show

Rob

[daninghram]

I would like to go if I can make it. I live in northern NH. \Please keep me informed.
Thanks
Dan

[Ernie Ferrucci]

Hi Butch

Nice of you to host a New England Meet. I'd like to attend but my son and I are racing on the 17th, and the last show is on the 24th. So I'll look forward to another New England meet, maybe one will develop over the winter.

Ernie F.

[butch foster]

Rob - You are more than welcome. Would enjoy having someone from the island representing. Come if you can.

Dan - Stay tuned. I will make the call on a date tomorrow. Its looking like the 24th, but the little lady needs to confirm her work schedule.

Ernie - I was wondering if this meet might draw you up from East Haven. I lived in Branford for a year back in '93 - '94 and ran one of our operations in New Haven. It would be a haul for you. Sorry you can't make it. You would be a welcome addition. If this one goes well, maybe we can set one up for another time when you're available.

Butch.

[1450Racing]

I am interested in attending as well. I think either weekend mentioned should be no problem for me either. I'd be coming from the northwestern Connecticut area.

Bob Legere

[butch foster]

Bob Legere - You are more than welcome to attend if you can make it. If half the number of guys show as have expressed an interest, we will be short on tools unless at least some of you bring along some stuff. Suggest bags, hammers and ewheels if possible.

The date is set for Saturday, September 24th.

As we get closer to the 24th, I will be looking for a confirmed head count and I will PM you directions.

Thanks to everyone who has expressed an interest.

Butch.

[rockflyer]

Look's like you people are going to have a great time! All that energy, interest, and ideas can only give top results! Sure wish I could make it.
If my schedule has any chance of changing I'll be asking to get in on it. It would be great if we all could do a meet like this in the future.

Dick

[butch foster]

Dick - Consider yourself in if you can make it.

Butch.

[underdog57]

Hi Butch ,
Sounds like it will be very interesting . Will try to be there...
Some major house building going on here , but a break from that is welcome !!
Thank you
Bob

[jetdctr]

Thanks Butch,

I'm marking the date on my calender and informing the wife not to make any plans for me! hahaha

Let me know if the plans change.

If any other Mainiacs, are on the same path as me (heading south on I95), i can pick up on the way through your area and save a bit on gas.

Also what are we looking at for a meeting time?

Bob

[butch foster]

Bob (jetdcter) - Haven't really given much thought to a start time yet. Some guys (incuding you) have some miles to travel so I'm thinking we'll start at 9:00 am. That way not everyone has to get up at 0'Dark-Thirty. I don't have far to travel, so you guys let me know what's good for you.

Once we get a little closer to the date, I'll poll for a head count. We can see who is coming, what they would like to focus on, what tools they're bringing, etc.

I'd like to keep things loose and adjust on the fly based on attendence and interests. Only things that are fixed right now are; the date (Saturday, September 24th), place (my shop in Boxford, MA), the shop (enclosed and well lit), my tools (I've listed them before, so keep your expectations low), my skills (marginal on a good day), food and drink (you won't go hungry or thirsty). Other than that, its the folks who show that will make it a card game.

Based on the interst that's been expressed so far, I have a feeling its going to be good.

Regards. Butch.

[butch foster]

Ok Folks - Its time to separate the wheat from the chaff. The Boston meet is one week from tomorrow. Saturday, September 24th at my place in Boxford, MA. First, lets get a count of people who are going to attend. Next, tell me what tools, projects and/or materials you can bring. Finally, give me some insight as to what things you would like to focus on given you're experience.

Here's what I can tell you about the day.

I will be there.

The Shop. A three bay garage (insulated and lit but no heat). The 47 Chev PU has dibs on one bay but we can move her out if we need the room.

Tools I Have. A bench wheel (20" plus or minus throat), a mini wheel (plus or minus 12" throat), assorted Hoosier Pattern lowere anvils including the sharply radiused profile anvils I worked with Joe Andrews on, a beater bag, assorted hammers, some stakes and an anvil, a Hoosier Pattern tucking tool as well as several I have made, a Beverly shear, a Millermatic 210 Mig, a Miller 50 amp Tig, (2) steel fabricating benches, (1) other shop bench, a welding table with bench grinder for sharpening tungstens, a compressor, assorted hand tools and files, a Baldor buffer (with wheels and rouge), a 12" Powermatic radial sander and (2) welding helmets.

Materials and Projects. All (4) fenders for Chevy pu's ('47-'54) complete with dents that could be used for demos if anyone has the skills. Some 20 ga crs and some copper sheet. I will try and get some reinforced packing tape for flexible patterns, although I have yet to get my hands on any transfer tape.

Tools I Don't Have. A Yoder, a Pullmax, a helve hammer, a planishing hammer, a set of torches, a steel slapper.

My Skills. Rudimentary at best. I can show you the little I know about sinking, forming and crushing tucks. If you've never used an ewheel, I can walk you through the very basics. If you're interested in the silver roses I've made, I'd be happy to show you how I make these and the techniques I've worked out with respect to making sterling and copper flower shapes. I have a pitch bowl and some chasing tools, so you can play around with these as well. My skills are not proficient enough for me to assume any role as an instructor. I'm a rank amateur on a good day.

Agenda and Format. Let's start at 9:00 am and I'd like to call it a wrap by 6:00 pm so I can spend some time with the boys before they go to bed. Other than that, I'm keeping it loose. Let's see who shows up and adjust on the fly. I can tell you that Dave (Welding Engineer) is coming and he's bringing a Tig machine. Dave makes a living doing high quality welding for aero space applications and he's promised to do a hands on tutorial on Tig welding light gauge crs and copper. At a minimum, we will spend some time on this subject. I'm hoping folks bring other projects that we can play around with but if not, we can spend some time sinking some bowls or other shapes, tucking shrinks and trying some wire edges. I can do a tutorial on the flower thing if anyone's interested.

Things to Bring If You Have Them. Ewheels, bags, hammers, tucking tools, 19 ga crs and/or some aluminum, a project (don't show up trailering rusty parts to a '34 Ford and expect to leave with a paint ready body, but bring a fender or two and maybe someone will have the skills to get you pointed in the right direction).

Things You Should Bring. Ear and eye protection, a welding helmet, gloves and a willingness to share what you know and learn what you don't.

Food and Drink. I have you covered. Just don't start telling me about you're food allergies.

Disclaimer. Come and have fun. Don't get hurt. I was pre-med a long time ago, but I ain't no doctor.

Reply to this post over the next several days so I can get a rough head count and some idea relative to the tools, materials and projects you intend to bring. Also give me some idea as to your skill set and expectations.

If you're serious about coming, PM me and I'll give you directions. Oh yea, don't worry about the dog, unless you look like a chipmunk.

Butch.

[josh]

Hi, Butch.

I'm still interested. I can bring some hand tools, shrinking disc, etc. As far as a project, I have a rear panel for a car i'm working on that i thought would be interesting to try to repair (it has a dent and some rust along the bottom)

Skills-wise, i'm quite a newbie. I've done a lot of reading and at least a little practicing. Would like to learn more about the english wheel and both mig and tig welding.

--Josh

[butch foster]

Josh - Glad to hear you're still interested. Bring your stuff and PM me for directions. If memory serves, you're coming from NH. Let me know if you're coming down 93 or 95.

Butch.

[jlrussell4]

Hi Butch,
I saw your S.O.S. for transfer tape http://206.125.208.236/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif Try this if nothing turns up locally. (I checked locally and the local sign shop wanted to retire on my purchase http://206.125.208.236/forum/images/icons/icon8.gif)

http://www.jsisign.com/products/transfertape.html

[FriarTuck]

Hey Jim, or anyone else who has done these flex patterns, in Jim's link above, which is more desirable, the R-type regular tack, or the Hi-tack tape. Or is there applications for both?
Thanks

[jlrussell4]

Hi Rick,
I got the R type. Works good, and seems to be the same as the others are using. I don't know how tacky the hi tack is, but if it sticks too good you'll stretch and distort your pattern when you remove it.

[butch foster]

Jim - Thanks for the link. The prices are way better than what we've been hearing about lately. I got a line on a distributor to the local sign makers around here and I'm going to give that a try first. If I strike out, I'll order some up from your guys. Thanks again.

Butch.

[planemech302003]

Hi Butch and gang. I'll be there with my wheel, hand tools all that stuff. I'll bring an O/A welding setup. I'll have to lay the bottles down in my truck so will have to leave standing for at least 4 hours. I have a MECO and Smith that'll come. Also rod and flux for steels and aluminum. I'll bring a couple of sheets of 19 CRS and some 3003. We can give steel and aluminum gas welding a shot if anyone's interested. I have a set of Kent White's lens and headgear, that's the best for aluminum welding. Other than that, I'll be there before 9. I'll bring the doughnuts too! (LOL). John

[jetdctr]

I'm still interested in attending.

My skills are minimal, but I'm eager to learn.

I can bring a shrinker stretcher set and some basic tools.

I have a small project (Mini Bike gas tank) i'd like to finish putting together if that's ok?

If all goes well, I'll see you Saturday!

[twoodbury]

Butch,

I'll definitely be there.

Skills: mediocre fabricator and welder(MIG). Newbe to shaping but I did take Wray's one day class. Ill bring the pieces that Wray and I made at the class, in case somone is interested in what he teaches.

Tools I'll bring: A few hammers and dollies. I'm not sure what else yet...

See you all on Saturday!

-Travis

[FriarTuck]

Hi Rick,
I got the R type. Works good, and seems to be the same as the others are using. I don't know how tacky the hi tack is, but if it sticks too good you'll stretch and distort your pattern when you remove it.

That is exactly what I was looking for. Later

[butch foster]

John - Glad you're bringing a wheel, some materials and the torch rig. PM me and I'll give you the directions. Let me know what direction you're coming from.

Travis - Bring your stuff and PM me for directions. Let me know if you'll be coming down 93 or 95.

Butch.

[twoodbury]

Where does everyone in the NH/MA area get their 19 gage CRS? I had planned to pick some up to bring this weekend but can't seem to find it anywhere locally. So far I've heard everything from 'never heard of 19 gage' to 'good luck' to 'we could probably get some made if you ordered enough'. I knew it wasn't too common, but didn't expect this much difficulty.

TIA

-Travis

[Wray Schelin]

Where does everyone in the NH/MA area get their 19 gage CRS? I had planned to pick some up to bring this weekend but can't seem to find it anywhere locally. So far I've heard everything from 'never heard of 19 gage' to 'good luck' to 'we could probably get some made if you ordered enough'. I knew it wasn't too common, but didn't expect this much difficulty.

TIA

-Travis

Hi Travis,

I get mine out of RI but I have to buy 1000lbs at a time. I can sell you a single sheet if you want to drive down.

I usually buy 3' x 8' sheets but the last load I had to get 4'x 8'.

[josh]

Hi Travis,

I get mine out of RI but I have to buy 1000lbs at a time. I can sell you a single sheet if you want to drive down.

I usually buy 3' x 8' sheets but the last load I had to get 4'x 8'.


Since i'll be passing by wray's on the way up from CT, I could stop and pick it up for you if you are interested in doing this. (I'd love an excuse to see wray's shop ;-)

--Josh

[twoodbury]

Josh, that sounds great. We'd have to figure out compensation of some sort. Are you a beer drinker?

Wray, would early Saturday morning be an OK time for Josh to pick up the metal? I'd Paypal you the money first...

-Travis

[rockflyer]

Hello Butch,
Sorry I'm so late responding, I did manage to get Saturday off so I'll be there. I only have a few hammers ,a bag and some dollies for shaping tools but I will bring some stainless drops ,and CR that I have in the garage. What are the interests so far? Is there a project we're going to attack? :)
I have some old forming tools from sheetmetal fabrication.If Saturday morning doesn't work for Wray I can swing by Friday after work. Can't be 4x8 sheet though, has to fit in the back seat of a 95 Taurus :) I will pull the seat out.More then happy to share some of the expense too !
Dick

[butch foster]

Dick - Don't worry about the late response. Glad you got the day off. Bring you're stuff. I believe Josh has coordinated picking up the 19 ga. from Wray, so leave the back seat in. No real projects planned, although I have some fenders for '47 - '54 Chev Pu's that can use some help if anyone has the skill set. Dave is going to run us through some TIG welding skills and we can just see where the day takes us. PM me for directions. I'm assuming you'll want to come up 290 east to 495 north.

At this point the confirmed attendees are; Josh from CT, Bob from ME, John from Tewksbury, Travis from NH, Dave from N. Attleboro, Dick from Dudley, me and I believe a friend of mine from CT will be coming up. If everyone shows, we have 8 guys. If anyone else wants in - speak now or forever hold your peace.

Butch.

[1450Racing]

If anyone else wants in - speak now or forever hold your peace.

Butch.

Bob from CT is still interested. If you could PM me an address or directions that would be great.

Bob Legere

[twoodbury]

I believe Josh has coordinated picking up the 19 ga. from Wray

Can someone confirm this has been worked out? Josh? Wray? If yes, I'd like a full sheet. Just tell me who to pay. If not, myself or possibly Dick will need to work something out with Wray.

-Travis

[Wray Schelin]

Can someone confirm this has been worked out? Josh? Wray? If yes, I'd like a full sheet. Just tell me who to pay. If not, myself or possibly Dick will need to work something out with Wray.

-Travis

Hi Travis,

I e-mailed Josh but I haven't heard back from him. He said he would be willing pick up the 19 gage sheetmetal here on the board ( he has to go right by me to get to Butch's). Butch said he would take a sheet as well. The sheets are 19 gage 4' x 8' . In addition I can send a bunch of small pieces along, they would be free ( 20, 19 and 18 gage steel).

I was hoping to attend Butch's NE Meet but I can't make it this time.

[twoodbury]

Wray,

Thanks for the update. I had seen Josh's offer but hadn't heard that the details had been worked out. Now I know it's because they haven't been.

If you send me a PM with the price for one sheet I'll Paypal it to you.

-Travis

[josh]

Hi, Wray-

Got your email, hadn't had a chance to call you today. I will tomorrow and we'll work it out.

--Josh

[butch foster]

Wray - Thanks for the generous donations. Sorry you can't make this one, you will be missed.

Josh - If you can pick up the stuff from Wray, great. If not, don't get all bound up over it. John is bringing some 19 ga and some aluminum and I have a fair bit of copper we can play with.

It looks like we will have at least eight and possibly nine guys. If there is anyone else out there lurking, you are more than welcome to drop in.

Thanks to all who have expressed an interest.

Butch.

[rockflyer]

Butch, I sent a message for directions .... second attempt said your box is full. :(
Dick

[butch foster]

Dick - I sent you directions yesterday. I've had trouble with others not getting them. I'll try again now. If you don't get them, PM me and we'll try that.

[josh]

Josh - If you can pick up the stuff from Wray, great. If not, don't get all bound up over it. John is bringing some 19 ga and some aluminum and I have a fair bit of copper we can play with.



Picked it up today. I'll see you tomorrow!

--Josh

[butch foster]

Dick - I pm'd you directions. Please confirm that you got them. If not, call me on my cell at 11:00 pm. The number is 617-306-9201.

Butch

[rockflyer]

Butch , I got them and sent confirmation via PM. Thank's see you tomorrow. Dick

[Welding_Engineer]

I had a great time the meet. I learned a lot from watching and doing projects. Thanks for a great meet Butch and all who attended.

Dave

http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/5.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/31.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/11.JPG

http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/41.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/21.JPG

[josh]

I had a great time as well. As always, I learned a lot from everyone, got to play with some nice tools, and have a bunch of new ideas for future projects.

Thanks again to Butch for organizing and hosting this!

--Josh

[twoodbury]

It was a very good event. Thanks again Butch

-Travis

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[jetdctr]

I just got home from the Boston Meet and WOW what a good time!

Thanks Butch for Hosting this event, I really learned alot and met a great bunch of people!

Your shop is Awesome!

Thanks John and Dick for the extra help on my Gas Tank project.
Swinging those hammers is tough work. haha

[rockflyer]

Had a great time, did a little of everything! Lot's of energy getting things done. Tig Welding,hammer forms Tuck shrinking , Wheeling O+A welding aluminum. A great group to hang with. Can't wait for MM05! Thanks again Butch and everyone who attended. John thanks for being so helpful and willing to share!
Dick
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/Rockflyer/minitank.jpg
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[Boogiemanz1]

Great photos guys, but we weren't there, how about telling us who is who?.................john

[butch foster]

Guys - I can't tell you all what a pleasure it was to host this meet. Everyone brought a unique skill or perspective.

What isn't readily apparent from the pictures is the amazing results Bob (Jetdcr) made on a gas tank for his son's mini bike. He showed up with pieces for the sides and tunnel and by the end of the day had formed the top and had the tank welded up and ready for tabs, bung and petcock.

Thanks to John and Dave who spent most of the day helping the rest of us, Josh for delivering the 19 ga from Wray's, Travis for helping me get the 47 started, Dick for the collets and Bob for driving 5 hours each way just to beat on some metal.

As I was closing up the shop, it appeared that I had more tools than I started with this morning. (1) shrinking disk and grinder (John?). A very nice steel slapper (Josh?). 12" of 19 ga crs outside the door (Travis?). (1) pair of TIG welding gloves. I'll PM you guys and we can figure out how to get your stuff back. Let me know if you're missing anything else and I'll check Clark's pockets.

I'd be willing to do this again in the spring if you guys are game.

Butch.

[josh]

What isn't readily apparent from the pictures is the amazing results Bob (Jetdcr) made on a gas tank for his son's mini bike. He showed up with pieces for the sides and tunnel and by the end of the day had formed the top and had the tank welded up and ready for tabs, bung and petcock.



I was really impressed by that tank too, the welding really turned out excellent.



As I was closing up the shop, it appeared that I had more tools than I started with this morning. (1) shrinking disk and grinder (John?). A very nice steel slapper (Josh?). 12" of 19 ga crs outside the door (Travis?). (1) pair of TIG welding gloves. I'll PM you guys and we can figure out how to get your stuff back. Let me know if you're missing anything else and I'll check Clark's pockets.



The thin bar-stock kind of light slapper? It wasn't mine, but i did like it a lot, and may well be making one :)

--Josh

[planemech302003]

Hi Gang, just got in so catching up! Boston MM05 was a Great Success! Got a lot done, and had a wonderfull time. And many thanks to Butch and his family for putting up with us for the day.!! We all learned, met new friends and most of all had a great time! I just wish I could say my shop was as clean and neat as Butch's.(G) Thanks again to all who made the trip, and thanks again to Butch and family. John

[Dutch Comstock]

Hi Butch and group. It was nice to see everyone getting together.It is a lot of fun to have a reginol meet at your own shop.There are very few people in our large group who do this . This is a super experience for all involved . Everyone shares knowledge and experiences and has a great time.Thanks Butch, Dutch

[Wray Schelin]

Guys - I can't tell you all what a pleasure it was to host this meet. Everyone brought a unique skill or perspective.

What isn't readily apparent from the pictures is the amazing results Bob (Jetdcr) made on a gas tank for his son's mini bike. He showed up with pieces for the sides and tunnel and by the end of the day had formed the top and had the tank welded up and ready for tabs, bung and petcock.

Thanks to John and Dave who spent most of the day helping the rest of us, Josh for delivering the 19 ga from Wray's, Travis for helping me get the 47 started, Dick for the collets and Bob for driving 5 hours each way just to beat on some metal.

As I was closing up the shop, it appeared that I had more tools than I started with this morning. (1) shrinking disk and grinder (John?). A very nice steel slapper (Josh?). 12" of 19 ga crs outside the door (Travis?). (1) pair of TIG welding gloves. I'll PM you guys and we can figure out how to get your stuff back. Let me know if you're missing anything else and I'll check Clark's pockets.

I'd be willing to do this again in the spring if you guys are game.

Butch.]

Hi Butch,

A good time had by all, lots of great pictures, and learning by everyone-that is what MetalMeet is all about. Thanks for hosting. I'm sorry I couldn't make it this time, I will attend the next one in the Spring.

[butch foster]

Dutch - What little I know about hosting a meet I learned from you and Wray at your shop back in April. Get a bunch of folks with diverse interests and experiences in metal shaping, give them an enclosed space with lights, electricity and benches, throw in a few tools and raw materials and don't forget cold drinks. Having someone there with a project (like Bob's mini bike tank) which can be completed during the day makes a huge difference. We could all help him out as needed yet spend time on our own projects and at the end of the day a guy left with something in a fairly finished state. Very satisifying for all involved.

Hey Dutch, any chance of us getting you back east for the one in the spring?

Wray - Thanks again for hooking up Josh with the 19 ga and the drops. It would have been great to have a Zen master or two to help answer questions and keep us from straying into uncharted territory. I'll try and schedule the spring Boston meet so it doesn't conflict so badly with some of the other stuff going on.

For anyone considering hosting one of these events here are a few other observations.

Benches. You can't have enough bench and tool storage space. There were 7 of us and I have (2) steel fabrication benchs (about 3' x 5') and a lighter duty shop bench as well as the welding table. By the time everyone got their tools and projects in the shop, I sensed we were short on benches. Couldn't do anything about it, but next time I would consider shooting for a bench for every guy.

Wheels and beater bags. You can't have enough of them. If John hadn't brought his large wheel and bag, we would have been pouched.

Tools. Someone will always need something you don't have. Can't sweat this one too much. The cool thing here is that folks manage to improvise around the problem.

Noise. Holy s---, its deafening when 2 or 3 guys are wailing away on projects. Bring ear protection and use it. My head was ringing at the end of the day like I'd been camped out next to the speaker stacks at a Metallica concert.

Time. Never enough. Next time I'll set the start time earlier and let it run longer. Seemed like we we're a bit rushed at the end of the day. Sorry, but the natives in the house were getting restless.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed their time and energy. It wouldn't have been possible without a great bunch of guys.

Butch.

[edwardd_]

Butch,

Great desciptions and the photos by the others were very inspiring.

I have made several sets of folding ( to a little over 1" ) saw horses. They arer made from electical conduit from construction dumpsters. I have made a couple of different heights and diameters of conduit.

Just add an old hollow door or as I do, a dumpster piece of formica covered particle board. I weld, grind etc. on mine. I use them all the time.

I can send a doc file describing if you are interested.

David Edwards

[jetdctr]

Hey Butch,
I'm game for another go in the Spring!
Just keep me informed.


The whos who:
Bob=Jetdctr (Gray Long sleeve shirt and Welding jacket)
Butch=Butch Foster (Black shirt, Gray Beard)
Dave=Welding Engineer (Black Long sleeve shirt)
Josh=Josh (Gray Short sleeve shirt)
Travis=Twoodbury (Blue Polo Shirt)
John=Planemech302003 (White T shirt)
Dick=RockFlyer (Red T shirt)

[jetdctr]

I have a question about the beaterbags on hand at this Meet.

What were they filled with Sand or Lead Shot?

I need to make one and wanted to know whats the best or a good but economical fill to use.

Thanks Bob

[butch foster]

Bob - I don't know about John's bag, but mine (the square one) is a bag I bought from Eastwood and filled with play sand from Home Depot. If I was in the market for a bag, I'd buy one of Wray's. I believe John said that's where his came from.

Butch.

[tdoty]

Wray's bags are nice, but I make my own. At Wray's suggestion, I tried using the suede side, but found I prefer the smooth leather bags ............ personal preference. I made a couple with one suede side, one smooth side - sold both of those at MM04. The one I use now is smooth on both sides, made from leather I bought off ebay.

I use Black Magnum blasting abrasive crystals as filler these days. I find the slightly coarse texture more pleasant than the finer stuff I was using. Play sand, around here, tends to be wet ..................... and patience is not my strong suit :) .

Tim D.

[anders nørgaard]

Play sand, around here, tends to be wet ..................... and patience is not my strong suit :) .

Tim D.

Hey Buddy,
Don't you have an owen :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.gif

[Peter Miles]

Anders said: Hey Buddy,
Don't you have an owen :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.gif

Anders, Here in the U.S. Owen would be the guy who comes to fix our oven.

:lol: (only one because it isn't very funny) Peter Miles

[anders nørgaard]

Thanks Peter,

Then I guess it would be:
Don't you have your own oven?http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif

[tdoty]

Don't you have your own oven?http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif

Well, ummm, actually, no I don't :lol: I'm living with a friend - it's his oven. Oh, wait, correction, it's his wife's oven :D .

The Black Magnum stuff has a nicer feel to it too. I used to use play sand - dried mine the old fashioned way ................ in the sun :D .

Tim D.

[Boogiemanz1]

Tim, if that black magnum is the same as the black beauty I used in a blasting cabinet, it will turn to dust in short order. Of course sitting on your bench it won't just when you use it!!!!!!!!!!http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif./............john

[anders nørgaard]

Well, ummm, actually, no I don't :lol: I'm living with a friend - it's his oven. Oh, wait, correction, it's his wife's oven :D .

The Black Magnum stuff has a nicer feel to it too. I used to use play sand - dried mine the old fashioned way ................ in the sun :D .

Tim D.

Tim,
I know. Just had to do some "back stroke" on my lousy spelling http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif
How about using sand blasting sand? In DK we can get that in 100 lbs bags for around $4.... and it's dry.http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif

If not: Use your friend's wife's OVEN, when she's not at home:evil: :evil: :evil:

[tdoty]

Around here, if you ask for sandblasting sand, they'll try to sell you white silica sand ......................................... which has numerous warnings printed on the bag NOT to use it for sandblasting :) .

Even dry, that stuff tends to feel like wet cement really quickly :) .

Had to make some smart alec comment Anders .................. couldn't just let you get away with it :lol:

Tim D.

[anders nørgaard]

Around here, if you ask for sandblasting sand, they'll try to sell you white silica sand ......................................... which has numerous warnings printed on the bag NOT to use it for sandblasting :) .

Even dry, that stuff tends to feel like wet cement really quickly :) .

Had to make some smart alec comment Anders .................. couldn't just let you get away with it :lol:

Tim D.

Hey Tim,
In DK we use QUARTZ sand for blasting.... don't know if QUARTS makes any sense to you guys????

What is: smart alec comment? http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif

[tdoty]

Smart alec = smart a^# ............... umm, sarcastic?

Quartz sand? Dunno if that's the same stuff - I'm dumber than dirt when it comes to sand.

Tim D.

[anders nørgaard]

Smart alec = smart a^# ............... umm, sarcastic?

Quartz sand? Dunno if that's the same stuff - I'm dumber than dirt when it comes to sand.

Tim D.
OK, Thanks :lol: :lol: :lol:
Quartz!!!!!! My spelling...... again http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif:lol: That's it!!http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

Dumber than dirt when it comes to sand. http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif Did it again, didn't you http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif