View single post by Art DeKneef
 Posted: 06-12-2013 03:49 am
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Art DeKneef

 

Joined: 03-12-2005
Location: Mesa, Arizona USA
Posts: 338
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 It depends on how bad they are. It's generally better to try and smooth out the metal with a hammer and dolly before going to the wheel. Dents are easier to smooth out then a crease. Keeping in mind that the metal has stretched and you need to shrink it to fix it.

Working a dent with a dolly and hammer or "slapper" can get the metal pretty smooth. Finishing with the wheel usually removes the indentations. The thing you have to watch out for is the curvature of the metal, the pressure on the metal and which wheel you use.

I think of a crease having a very distinctive edge and sharper edges. The metal has really been stretched and needs to be shrunk back to its original size. Using a torch and the hammer/slapper and dolly will get the initial shape close. The wheel will smooth it out.

For those of us that don't do this often it is a slow process. It's a skill that takes time and why it's a wonder to watch someone who has that skill.