OK, TT wanted a debate. What would you...

[CARS]

What would you experienced shapers want to see us noobs learn first?

From the other thread, bowls are so "10 years ago". So tell me what I should learn first. I have basic tools, some metal, and some time. What should I do?

Let's just say I have a 26" E wheel and a P-hammer. Shot bag, stump, etc. (you know, the items we should have)

[Dawai]

Here's what I decided to do. I got FSP of Doc's cowl still on the wall here.
Build the cowl, go from there.. as a wall hanger or a build.

[Peter Tommasini]

hi Chris all you need to start with is, a blocking hammer, a sand bag, and a stump. Learn how to shrink on the stump and stretch. Preaps a litle tuck shrinking with forks. From there you can practice paper pattern and how to read it, learn how to transfere all the information from the pattern to your sheet, and last but not least verry important to learn how to planish with a hammer and dolly. lots and lots of practice. I would leave for the moment the P hammer and the E wheel, after all they only tools..... You need to understand shapes and how metal works first. When you have master you skills with hand tools you can procede with your toys
Peter

[godspeed]

I have seen fenders tried. They work great for those who can stay at it for a weekend (not a one day project)

[Carbuilder]

I agree with Peter 100% learn to use you basic hand tools & how to stretch, shrink & form. What kind of vehicle sitting around do you have that needs a patch panel made, make a paper pattern make it so you know what has to be done where then cut your steel & start your forming. When I do that I start the middle or center & work to the outer edges last. That is what I saw also in Peters DVD's & all the others I have seen or been taught by.

[oldgoaly]

oooppps i sure speeled that wong, OH Lord! I sure messed that up......
I'll see if I can fix it.

[oldgoaly]

I sure didn't see that, most of the time spell check works, other times well.... got to admit that is bad spelling! it's a wonder it doesn't happen more

[CARS]

Honestly, I think the poll was a bad idea Terry. I didn't ask what medium (is that the right term?) makes a great first project. Other than dealing with CARStoo's alloy, (honorary cutter of the Queen's copper) , I only work in steel.

BTW: Here is the first item I made at a metal meet thanks to Dan forcing Gene to guide me in the art of copper:



(Thanks Gene!)

It's a thing of beauty that holds my shop's pens and keychain freebies. Every few months someone asks me about that simple bowl. I AM PROUD TO SAY I MADE THAT!!!!!

[CARS]

Not a great pic.... It really does look better in person (to someone who buys bowls )

[Hairy-Neil]

The last two complete novices (both had previously done the 'weld the patch at the corners and beat it with a hammer till it fits' type restoration.... ) that I helped with starting out I got making a copper rose. Both were really inspired by the experience. Both got a positive feedback from their respective partners. Both want to try some more advanced work. I've seen a fair heap of half built bowls on the scrap pile after a couple of hours, whilst their makers move on to the coffee machine/bench racing mode.