MetalMeet Librarian/Advertising
11-13-2005, 02:29 PM
MetalMeet 2005, Oblong Illinois, October 18-25
Being somewhat of a new member to MetalMeet having found the group only six months earlier, I was very interested in this concept of an Internet Based Group getting together once a year, and actually doing what the group talks about all the rest of the year, Shape Metal. Having never made the distiction between Metal Fabrication and Metal Shaping, it was a real eye opener as I read thru the forums and took in all the galleries and posts, and began to see what set the two apart. That is when I decided to attend the Meet in Oblong Illinois in October 2005. I was still at a loss as to what really went on, but as I went on to find posts and descriptions including pictures of past activities, I began to get a picture of the real magnitude of the event. At first glance it struck me that it was a Metal Shaping trade show of some kind, but boy was I ever wrong. What I have found MetalMeet to be, whether online or at one of the Regional meets, or at the International MetalMeet itself, is a friendly group of like minded Craftsmen, Artisans, Novices and Masters alike, that all have something to contribute, and to gain from each other. I am always impressed when I see a "new poster" come online with their first post, and so many folks welcome them, and encourage them to "jump in" and, Oh yea, "what's your real name, we like first names around here, it's more friendly". I have found that to be one of the "backbones" of this group, the ability to create friendships among straingers, and to ultimately bring these "strangers" together face-to-face once a year at MetalMeet.
Understanding the MetalMeet concept of Giving and Sharing
Before going too much further, I want explain what I find to be a most astonishing thing about MetalMeet. The people who attent MetalMeet come from all over the globe. Obviously it would be difficult for some folks to "bring all their equipment and materials" with them, so what happens is those who can, bring their tools and supplies, and those who come from very far away, are welcomed and encouraged to use the tools belonging to others, taking the same care and consideration that would be given their own tools. I have yet to hear of a missing or broken tool, and everyone seems to be able to participate at what ever level they are comfortable with. One thing I noticed while attending this years MetalMeet, was that everyone had something to contribute. Whether a Master or a Beginner, it seemed to me that everyone helped everyone else. One-on-one help was always just a question away. There was always someone more skilled or experienced to help you, and there always seemed to be someone to help, even for a beginner like me. And the incredible number of pieces of "heavy equipment" that was hauled in from all over the country by folks at their own expense and efford was, to say the least, an example of "sharing" beyond my wildest imagination. And these folk do all of this for love of craft.
Monday was setup day
Upon arriving in Oblong on monday evening, I was greeted by the huge MetalMeet.Com sign that the town put up across the main street next to the fairgrounds entrance, where the Meet was being held.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5261678.jpg
At the Fairgrounds, things were being set up in the buildings, and heavy equipment was being brought in and placed around the work floors. Project cars had been brought in, and things were beginning to get organized.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221541.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221550.jpg
Bennet Chapman and Dutck Comstock catch up, while John "Boogiemanz" Brown and Archie Acevedo discuss one of John's latest tool creations.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221542.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221548.jpg
Kirk "Capainkirk" Demandaler has plenty of help unloading his new E-wheel, and later has a discussion on Wheel Engineering with Kerry Pinkerton, Jeffery "Gonejunking" Mindt, and John "jvo" Oostenbrugge.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221539.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221551.jpg
Tuesday - Let the games begin
Tuesday morning started with a flurry of registration activity, and setup for all the guys coming in that morning. Charlie Kish, Roger "roger n cindy" Pfalzgraf, Paul Jensen, and John "Uncle johnny" Pfalzgraf taking a little down time at the registration booth. Later Jacob Spradley gives Roger a hand welcoming folks to MetalMeet.
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We were greeted each morning with hot coffee and assorted offerings from Sue at "Fat Jacks" mobile cafe. It was a big hit all day, everyday. Thanks to Sue for keeping the coffee hot, and the Nacho's hotter.
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Projects were getting underway, and the noise level was increasing buy the minute. David Derer, Bob Baisden, and Gary "Duck" Drake try out the selection of E-wheels provided by Imperial Wheeling Machines, (Thanks Kerry), while Doug Ganschow starts work on a "doorskin" replacement.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241572.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241568.jpg
Lannie Fentress worked hard making "flexible shape patterns" of various parts of the 1940 Willis Coupe brought in by Randy Ferguson. Seems Lannie has one at home that needs some body panels made, and this seemed like a great opportunity to get patterns. Brian Lopus and Stan Lobitz took a few minutes to discuss Sprint Car Racing behind the RC Model Sprinter that Brian built.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241578.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241593.jpg
John Jordan gets going on a Motorcycle Tank project to hone his metalshaping skills, while Harold Seaman checks out Dutch's E-wheel.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241576.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241598.jpg
Jerry "Ham" Hamby spends some time practicing "tuck shrinking" while Bob "Nosire" Erison (on the right) get a hand from Larry Robinson (center) and John Forney (left) on his project to widen a roadster fender.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241589.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241596.jpg
We had fantastic supporting Vendor participation at MetalMeet 2005
As project work was getting well underway inside the buildings, our great supporting Vendors were arriving and setting up there mobile stores. Jim Spradley (Henrob Jim) and his family are all set up to do demonstrations and teach seminars on welding with the DHC2000 Torch. Jerry Gulley (Gulley Performance Products) brought in an incredible display of fine Hand Tools and metalworking machinery.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241584.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241551.jpg
Keith and Dennis from Hot Metal Customs moved in several of their Anoka Power Hammers, and demonstrated the machines, and worked with members as they tryed their hands with the equipment.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271751.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251648.jpg
Richard Kleinschmidt of ShopDog Tools demonstrated three of his machines, spending countless hours working with members with hands on training.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271753.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271741.jpg
Joe Andrews set up his displays of Hoosies Patterns line of E-wheel upper and lower wheels, planishing hammer dies, tucking forks, and other accessories. Craig Peterson brought his Daggar Tool trailer, and offered a huge inventory of metalworking Hand Tools and machinery.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271778.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5261691.jpg
Daily "All Hands" group meetings kept things going along smoothly
Each day at the same time the Board of Directors called a "All Hands" meeting so that announcements and general discussion could be taken care of. The group on wednesday was getting rather large and took up most of the main hall.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/medium/P5241609.JPG
By thursday the group had outgrown the main hall and had to move to the grandstands to have the "All Hands" meeting.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251638.jpg
We had catered Evening Meal Fundraisers thanks to local citizens groups
One of the very special events (or actually a series of events) that was added this year was evening meals catered by local groups from the town of Oblong. Each evening Wednesday thru Sunday, fundraisers were put on at the Grange Hall next door to one of our activity buildings, where we had the opportunity to sit down with members, and visitors from the local area who came down to see what MetalMeet was all about. From 5pm - 9pm each evening, guests could take tours and see first hand what was going on, ask questions, view progress on the projects, and in general get a feel for what we do. Thanks to the "Morning Glories", the "United Methodist Church", the "Crawford County Humane Society", the "Oblong Lake Committee, and the "Oblong Fire Department", for providing wonderful meals at a great price, and the friendly atmosphere that went along with it. One night, there was desert left over, so the ladies brought trays out into the activity hall to serve it to whose you were still hungry. That was typical of the friendly way we were treated here in Oblong. I feel like there were many friendships developed with the local citizen groups, that will help to keep the MetalMeet/City of Oblong relationship strong and constructive for years to come.
Jerry Kennedy giving a "very special" tour, while "Tour Director" Roger Pfalzgraf explains metalshaping to guests.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241616.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251644.jpg
Charlie Kish demonstrates the use of a form buck, while Randy visits with friends.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241620.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251643.jpg
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Seminars and Demonstrations started Wednesday, and went thru Sunday
The seminar schedule started Wednesday morning with "Metal Shaping 101" by Kerry Pinkerton. This was a very popular seminar, being repeated each day at the same time. Kerry has been giving this particular seminar for some time now, and it showed in the detail and presentation of the subject matter. This seminar was of particular interest to the Beginner Metalshaper. It was interesting to see some folks attending the seminar more than once. Not surprising though, considering that the seminars did tend to take on a life of their own, depending on the group attending. You never really knew what was going to happen.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241559.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241562.jpg
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271727.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271728.jpg
Dutch Comstock put on a very popular seminar on "Leading Application" for those interested in learning lead body work. He demonstrated the techniques and then assisted as members from the group tryed their hand at the process.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251630.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251623.jpg
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251634.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251636.jpg
Jim "Henrob Jim" Spradely held daily demonstrations on "Set-up and Use" of the DHC2000 Oxy/Acetylene Torch, and provided "hands on" seminars on Aluminum Sheet Metal welding, and was always ready to answer any general welding process questions.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251656.jpg
Rick "Gator" Helmick did a great job with a seminar on "Sheetmetal Layout and Fabrication". Many attendees, myself included really got an education on the "fine points" of project layout including "bend allowences", and "sequencing" of bends and "use of brakes".
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271768.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271769.jpg
Steve Hamilton and Randy Fergusen did a presentation on "Metal Bumping", that took on the flavor of a "Two Man Vaudville routine". It was one of the most entertaining and instructional seminars I had ever attended. And I must say that Steve and Randy really know their craft. Learning from the "experts" is what MetalMeet offers to each and every attendee. It is this desire of all our members to "Share and Teach" that sets our unique group apart from all the others.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271810.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271809.jpg
Another interesting thing happened that kinda supports the MetalMeet concept of "Sharing". I saw a group of guys huddled in front of Henrob Jims trailer, so I wandered over to see what was up. There was Dutch, in the middle of a spontaneous seminar on the use of a "shrinking disk". Jim had asked Dutch a question about a fender project that he had brought to work on, and next thing you know Dutch is there with a "shrinking disk, and twenty people watching "The Master" at work. That is the sort of thing that went on everywhere, all week long.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271779.jpg
Randy Ferguson held a seminar on "Flexible Shape Patterns", and then proceeded to encourage guys to "feel free" to make patterns of the entire 1940 Willis he had just finished prior to MM05. Randy ended up with a complete set of patterns of the entire car. "BONUS"
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Another very popular class that Randy hosted was the "Buck Making" seminar, which featured "Fabricating Bondo Bucks". It was no secret that Randy wanted to end up with a complete set of Bucks and Patterns, to enable him to re-create a complete '40 Willis body from scratch. And the guys were more than willing to help.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251654.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5261718.jpg
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251645.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271744.jpg
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Bill Hamilton's 1950 Merc Project
One of the ongoing projects that drew a lot of attention was the work on Bill Hamiltons 1950 Merc. It seems that Bill had done the rear window on his Merc some years back, and wasn't happy with it, so he decided to bring it to MetalMeet, and see what could be done to improve on the roofline a bit. Well, with help from from friend James Apt and others, and a good bit of consultation with Dutch, Bill was able to reposition the rear window, and really achieve a beautifully streamlined rear deck profile.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241608.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241601.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post52215411.jpg
This shows the Merc on monday when it was brought in off the trailer, Bill is preparing the window frame after it had been cut out of the body. James is getting the existing body ready for re-positioning of the window frame.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5261712.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5261713.jpg
After the window frame had been re-positioned, the new panels were made and tacked in place. The Merc had undergone a remarkable facelift, and Bill was extremely happy with the transformation.
Rose Gardening with Stan Lobitz
A real highlight of the event was the Rose Garden. Stan Lobitz offered the sculpture craft, and showed everyone how to make beautiful roses out of copper flashing material. During the week, darn near everyone at MetalMeet took their turn in the Garden, and I bet there were some very happy wives and girlfriends after the event was over, and members returned home.
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Stan showed everyone the steps and techniques involved in the process, and helped everyone be sucessful.
The big "Door Prize Drawing" and "Handmade Tool Exchange"
Each year, a very popular event is the "Door Prize Drawing", and this year was no exception. Dan Shady was enlisted to put the event together, and I must say, he did a "bang-up" job. It seemed like the table just kept growing and growing. The response from everyone was incredible. Donated items were from individuals and vendors alike, and to top if off, because of a very generous donation by Barry Kives, who is the owner of Southern Polyurethanes, over $2000 was freed up to purchase some very nice items from the vendors who had been there supporting us all week. To say the least, everyone was stunned by the selection of items to be given away. Dan turned the event over to Master of Ceremonies Roger Pfalzgraf, who always lends a bit of "comic relief" to any event.
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The "Handmade Tool Exchange" was once again a great event, where items that were donated by individuals, were exchanged through a drawing, with other individuals who had donated items. Each person you gave a handmade tool, received a handmade tool. It was a wonderful success, and everyone had a great time.
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Lee Swisher, Nevada Silva, and Gary Tisdelski strike it rich as Bugley Tool CEO Roger Pfalzgraf does the MC honors.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271806.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271807.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Posp5271793.jpg
Peter Miles, Steve Hamilton, and Tim Doty take home treasurers from the prize table.
"Plank Owners"
One of the great moments of fridays Door Prize drawing, was when the group took a few minutes to recognized nine members attending this weeks event, that attended the very first annual get together five years ago in Huntsville, Alabama. From that first event till now, these individuals have worked hard to spread the MetalMeet message from coast to coast (literally), and promote the Metalshaping Craft. Our thanks to them for helping to get this whole thing started.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3824/medium/P5271782.JPG
Left to right are: Dan Shady, Jim Rettick , Jerry Gulley, Steve Hamilton, Randy Fergusen, Mike Rouse, Dutch Comstock, Tony Sanchez, and Rye Pierce.
In Summary
It's been a few months now since MM05, the holiday season has come and gone, and for the most part, our group has settled into the new year. I still have on occasion the pleasure of trying to answer the question "what was it you did last year, you know that metal bending thing?". It seems to bring back every memory and thought of that week in Oblong. MetalMeet is back to the controlled chaos that seems to keep everyone enthused and excited everyday. For me, it's a place I can go and stay in touch with new friends that now have faces and personalities. It is the MetalMeet phenomenon.
I want to take just a minute to thank Wray Schelin for all his efforts in bringing this group together, and keeping it going so successfully. Wray was unable to attend MetalMeet 2005, but was ever present, and in everyones thoughts. I would have enjoyed meeting "The Master", and will look forward to next year in Oblong, IL. I would like to thank all the Board Members who attended MM05, and helped to put on such a wonderful event, as well as those Board Members who kept MetalMeet running smooth and taking care of the MetalMeet Family business.
Being somewhat of a new member to MetalMeet having found the group only six months earlier, I was very interested in this concept of an Internet Based Group getting together once a year, and actually doing what the group talks about all the rest of the year, Shape Metal. Having never made the distiction between Metal Fabrication and Metal Shaping, it was a real eye opener as I read thru the forums and took in all the galleries and posts, and began to see what set the two apart. That is when I decided to attend the Meet in Oblong Illinois in October 2005. I was still at a loss as to what really went on, but as I went on to find posts and descriptions including pictures of past activities, I began to get a picture of the real magnitude of the event. At first glance it struck me that it was a Metal Shaping trade show of some kind, but boy was I ever wrong. What I have found MetalMeet to be, whether online or at one of the Regional meets, or at the International MetalMeet itself, is a friendly group of like minded Craftsmen, Artisans, Novices and Masters alike, that all have something to contribute, and to gain from each other. I am always impressed when I see a "new poster" come online with their first post, and so many folks welcome them, and encourage them to "jump in" and, Oh yea, "what's your real name, we like first names around here, it's more friendly". I have found that to be one of the "backbones" of this group, the ability to create friendships among straingers, and to ultimately bring these "strangers" together face-to-face once a year at MetalMeet.
Understanding the MetalMeet concept of Giving and Sharing
Before going too much further, I want explain what I find to be a most astonishing thing about MetalMeet. The people who attent MetalMeet come from all over the globe. Obviously it would be difficult for some folks to "bring all their equipment and materials" with them, so what happens is those who can, bring their tools and supplies, and those who come from very far away, are welcomed and encouraged to use the tools belonging to others, taking the same care and consideration that would be given their own tools. I have yet to hear of a missing or broken tool, and everyone seems to be able to participate at what ever level they are comfortable with. One thing I noticed while attending this years MetalMeet, was that everyone had something to contribute. Whether a Master or a Beginner, it seemed to me that everyone helped everyone else. One-on-one help was always just a question away. There was always someone more skilled or experienced to help you, and there always seemed to be someone to help, even for a beginner like me. And the incredible number of pieces of "heavy equipment" that was hauled in from all over the country by folks at their own expense and efford was, to say the least, an example of "sharing" beyond my wildest imagination. And these folk do all of this for love of craft.
Monday was setup day
Upon arriving in Oblong on monday evening, I was greeted by the huge MetalMeet.Com sign that the town put up across the main street next to the fairgrounds entrance, where the Meet was being held.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5261678.jpg
At the Fairgrounds, things were being set up in the buildings, and heavy equipment was being brought in and placed around the work floors. Project cars had been brought in, and things were beginning to get organized.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221541.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221550.jpg
Bennet Chapman and Dutck Comstock catch up, while John "Boogiemanz" Brown and Archie Acevedo discuss one of John's latest tool creations.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221542.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221548.jpg
Kirk "Capainkirk" Demandaler has plenty of help unloading his new E-wheel, and later has a discussion on Wheel Engineering with Kerry Pinkerton, Jeffery "Gonejunking" Mindt, and John "jvo" Oostenbrugge.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221539.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5221551.jpg
Tuesday - Let the games begin
Tuesday morning started with a flurry of registration activity, and setup for all the guys coming in that morning. Charlie Kish, Roger "roger n cindy" Pfalzgraf, Paul Jensen, and John "Uncle johnny" Pfalzgraf taking a little down time at the registration booth. Later Jacob Spradley gives Roger a hand welcoming folks to MetalMeet.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271777.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241582a.jpg
We were greeted each morning with hot coffee and assorted offerings from Sue at "Fat Jacks" mobile cafe. It was a big hit all day, everyday. Thanks to Sue for keeping the coffee hot, and the Nacho's hotter.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271748.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271749.jpg
Projects were getting underway, and the noise level was increasing buy the minute. David Derer, Bob Baisden, and Gary "Duck" Drake try out the selection of E-wheels provided by Imperial Wheeling Machines, (Thanks Kerry), while Doug Ganschow starts work on a "doorskin" replacement.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241572.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241568.jpg
Lannie Fentress worked hard making "flexible shape patterns" of various parts of the 1940 Willis Coupe brought in by Randy Ferguson. Seems Lannie has one at home that needs some body panels made, and this seemed like a great opportunity to get patterns. Brian Lopus and Stan Lobitz took a few minutes to discuss Sprint Car Racing behind the RC Model Sprinter that Brian built.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241578.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241593.jpg
John Jordan gets going on a Motorcycle Tank project to hone his metalshaping skills, while Harold Seaman checks out Dutch's E-wheel.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241576.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241598.jpg
Jerry "Ham" Hamby spends some time practicing "tuck shrinking" while Bob "Nosire" Erison (on the right) get a hand from Larry Robinson (center) and John Forney (left) on his project to widen a roadster fender.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241589.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241596.jpg
We had fantastic supporting Vendor participation at MetalMeet 2005
As project work was getting well underway inside the buildings, our great supporting Vendors were arriving and setting up there mobile stores. Jim Spradley (Henrob Jim) and his family are all set up to do demonstrations and teach seminars on welding with the DHC2000 Torch. Jerry Gulley (Gulley Performance Products) brought in an incredible display of fine Hand Tools and metalworking machinery.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241584.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5241551.jpg
Keith and Dennis from Hot Metal Customs moved in several of their Anoka Power Hammers, and demonstrated the machines, and worked with members as they tryed their hands with the equipment.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271751.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5251648.jpg
Richard Kleinschmidt of ShopDog Tools demonstrated three of his machines, spending countless hours working with members with hands on training.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271753.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271741.jpg
Joe Andrews set up his displays of Hoosies Patterns line of E-wheel upper and lower wheels, planishing hammer dies, tucking forks, and other accessories. Craig Peterson brought his Daggar Tool trailer, and offered a huge inventory of metalworking Hand Tools and machinery.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5271778.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/Post5261691.jpg
Daily "All Hands" group meetings kept things going along smoothly
Each day at the same time the Board of Directors called a "All Hands" meeting so that announcements and general discussion could be taken care of. The group on wednesday was getting rather large and took up most of the main hall.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3859/medium/P5241609.JPG
By thursday the group had outgrown the main hall and had to move to the grandstands to have the "All Hands" meeting.
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We had catered Evening Meal Fundraisers thanks to local citizens groups
One of the very special events (or actually a series of events) that was added this year was evening meals catered by local groups from the town of Oblong. Each evening Wednesday thru Sunday, fundraisers were put on at the Grange Hall next door to one of our activity buildings, where we had the opportunity to sit down with members, and visitors from the local area who came down to see what MetalMeet was all about. From 5pm - 9pm each evening, guests could take tours and see first hand what was going on, ask questions, view progress on the projects, and in general get a feel for what we do. Thanks to the "Morning Glories", the "United Methodist Church", the "Crawford County Humane Society", the "Oblong Lake Committee, and the "Oblong Fire Department", for providing wonderful meals at a great price, and the friendly atmosphere that went along with it. One night, there was desert left over, so the ladies brought trays out into the activity hall to serve it to whose you were still hungry. That was typical of the friendly way we were treated here in Oblong. I feel like there were many friendships developed with the local citizen groups, that will help to keep the MetalMeet/City of Oblong relationship strong and constructive for years to come.
Jerry Kennedy giving a "very special" tour, while "Tour Director" Roger Pfalzgraf explains metalshaping to guests.
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Charlie Kish demonstrates the use of a form buck, while Randy visits with friends.
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Seminars and Demonstrations started Wednesday, and went thru Sunday
The seminar schedule started Wednesday morning with "Metal Shaping 101" by Kerry Pinkerton. This was a very popular seminar, being repeated each day at the same time. Kerry has been giving this particular seminar for some time now, and it showed in the detail and presentation of the subject matter. This seminar was of particular interest to the Beginner Metalshaper. It was interesting to see some folks attending the seminar more than once. Not surprising though, considering that the seminars did tend to take on a life of their own, depending on the group attending. You never really knew what was going to happen.
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Dutch Comstock put on a very popular seminar on "Leading Application" for those interested in learning lead body work. He demonstrated the techniques and then assisted as members from the group tryed their hand at the process.
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Jim "Henrob Jim" Spradely held daily demonstrations on "Set-up and Use" of the DHC2000 Oxy/Acetylene Torch, and provided "hands on" seminars on Aluminum Sheet Metal welding, and was always ready to answer any general welding process questions.
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Rick "Gator" Helmick did a great job with a seminar on "Sheetmetal Layout and Fabrication". Many attendees, myself included really got an education on the "fine points" of project layout including "bend allowences", and "sequencing" of bends and "use of brakes".
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Steve Hamilton and Randy Fergusen did a presentation on "Metal Bumping", that took on the flavor of a "Two Man Vaudville routine". It was one of the most entertaining and instructional seminars I had ever attended. And I must say that Steve and Randy really know their craft. Learning from the "experts" is what MetalMeet offers to each and every attendee. It is this desire of all our members to "Share and Teach" that sets our unique group apart from all the others.
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Another interesting thing happened that kinda supports the MetalMeet concept of "Sharing". I saw a group of guys huddled in front of Henrob Jims trailer, so I wandered over to see what was up. There was Dutch, in the middle of a spontaneous seminar on the use of a "shrinking disk". Jim had asked Dutch a question about a fender project that he had brought to work on, and next thing you know Dutch is there with a "shrinking disk, and twenty people watching "The Master" at work. That is the sort of thing that went on everywhere, all week long.
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Randy Ferguson held a seminar on "Flexible Shape Patterns", and then proceeded to encourage guys to "feel free" to make patterns of the entire 1940 Willis he had just finished prior to MM05. Randy ended up with a complete set of patterns of the entire car. "BONUS"
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Another very popular class that Randy hosted was the "Buck Making" seminar, which featured "Fabricating Bondo Bucks". It was no secret that Randy wanted to end up with a complete set of Bucks and Patterns, to enable him to re-create a complete '40 Willis body from scratch. And the guys were more than willing to help.
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Bill Hamilton's 1950 Merc Project
One of the ongoing projects that drew a lot of attention was the work on Bill Hamiltons 1950 Merc. It seems that Bill had done the rear window on his Merc some years back, and wasn't happy with it, so he decided to bring it to MetalMeet, and see what could be done to improve on the roofline a bit. Well, with help from from friend James Apt and others, and a good bit of consultation with Dutch, Bill was able to reposition the rear window, and really achieve a beautifully streamlined rear deck profile.
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This shows the Merc on monday when it was brought in off the trailer, Bill is preparing the window frame after it had been cut out of the body. James is getting the existing body ready for re-positioning of the window frame.
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After the window frame had been re-positioned, the new panels were made and tacked in place. The Merc had undergone a remarkable facelift, and Bill was extremely happy with the transformation.
Rose Gardening with Stan Lobitz
A real highlight of the event was the Rose Garden. Stan Lobitz offered the sculpture craft, and showed everyone how to make beautiful roses out of copper flashing material. During the week, darn near everyone at MetalMeet took their turn in the Garden, and I bet there were some very happy wives and girlfriends after the event was over, and members returned home.
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Stan showed everyone the steps and techniques involved in the process, and helped everyone be sucessful.
The big "Door Prize Drawing" and "Handmade Tool Exchange"
Each year, a very popular event is the "Door Prize Drawing", and this year was no exception. Dan Shady was enlisted to put the event together, and I must say, he did a "bang-up" job. It seemed like the table just kept growing and growing. The response from everyone was incredible. Donated items were from individuals and vendors alike, and to top if off, because of a very generous donation by Barry Kives, who is the owner of Southern Polyurethanes, over $2000 was freed up to purchase some very nice items from the vendors who had been there supporting us all week. To say the least, everyone was stunned by the selection of items to be given away. Dan turned the event over to Master of Ceremonies Roger Pfalzgraf, who always lends a bit of "comic relief" to any event.
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The "Handmade Tool Exchange" was once again a great event, where items that were donated by individuals, were exchanged through a drawing, with other individuals who had donated items. Each person you gave a handmade tool, received a handmade tool. It was a wonderful success, and everyone had a great time.
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Lee Swisher, Nevada Silva, and Gary Tisdelski strike it rich as Bugley Tool CEO Roger Pfalzgraf does the MC honors.
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Peter Miles, Steve Hamilton, and Tim Doty take home treasurers from the prize table.
"Plank Owners"
One of the great moments of fridays Door Prize drawing, was when the group took a few minutes to recognized nine members attending this weeks event, that attended the very first annual get together five years ago in Huntsville, Alabama. From that first event till now, these individuals have worked hard to spread the MetalMeet message from coast to coast (literally), and promote the Metalshaping Craft. Our thanks to them for helping to get this whole thing started.
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Left to right are: Dan Shady, Jim Rettick , Jerry Gulley, Steve Hamilton, Randy Fergusen, Mike Rouse, Dutch Comstock, Tony Sanchez, and Rye Pierce.
In Summary
It's been a few months now since MM05, the holiday season has come and gone, and for the most part, our group has settled into the new year. I still have on occasion the pleasure of trying to answer the question "what was it you did last year, you know that metal bending thing?". It seems to bring back every memory and thought of that week in Oblong. MetalMeet is back to the controlled chaos that seems to keep everyone enthused and excited everyday. For me, it's a place I can go and stay in touch with new friends that now have faces and personalities. It is the MetalMeet phenomenon.
I want to take just a minute to thank Wray Schelin for all his efforts in bringing this group together, and keeping it going so successfully. Wray was unable to attend MetalMeet 2005, but was ever present, and in everyones thoughts. I would have enjoyed meeting "The Master", and will look forward to next year in Oblong, IL. I would like to thank all the Board Members who attended MM05, and helped to put on such a wonderful event, as well as those Board Members who kept MetalMeet running smooth and taking care of the MetalMeet Family business.