FORM

The ability to 'round over' parts - in aluminum and steel - is a critical step in many metal shaping projects. The High Crown Dome allows you to do just that with its gentle oval shape and three different radii located at top, front and rear of the forming head. It also provides the fabricator extra usefulness in those hard to reach areas.

SHAPE

Shaping smaller projects and individual components just got a whole lot easier with the help of this compact, versatile forming head!

Offering a distinct shape at each end, the Blunt Teardrop has a large, full radius and a tapered, gentle slope. Custom metal shapers find it ideal for shaping the end of an air scoop, fenders or small cycle tanks.

Head Dimensions: 6-1/2" L x 3" W, 2-1/2" thick. 15 lbs.
Blunt Teardrop, # MFH08, $98

A forming head designed specifically for making motorcycle fenders! Head has a 10" radius and a 2" radius to form or smooth over. One side has a long flat area perfect for shrinking.

Head Dimensions: 9" L x 4" W, 2" thick. 23 lbs.
The Fender Maker, # MFH01, $125

Shaped like a small cycle tank, it's no wonder that this forming head is excellent for shaping tank sides. But you just might be surprised at how many other parts you will find it useful for due to its large, low-crown top surface!

Dimensions: 10-½" L x 4-½" W, 2" thick. 25 lbs.
The Tank Shaper, # MFH03, $125

ALL OF OUR FORMING HEADS FEATURE:

• Cast from malleable iron for long-term durability
• Superior quality castings allow you to use them "as cast", or give them a quick finish with your sander if you choose to
• Each forming head has a 6" mounting post.
  
  MORE INFO: Mounting Post is 6" long with nicely radiused corners. Dimensions: 2-¼" square at top, tapering to 1-¾" square at the bottom. Forming heads will mount in a vice, but are best used with our NEW METAL SHAPING STATION. May also be dropped into a piece of square steel tubing that has a 2" inside dimension.

HOT TIP

Polishing Forming Heads

1. Begin by roughing off the casting with 24 grit, 8" grinding disc, on a Porter-Cable (or similar) body grinder that spins around 3,500 RPM. Use this tool to remove all casting bumps or porosity.

2. Next, move to the "soft pad sander" (Fournier Enterprises part #858D) Mounted on a Makita variable speed sander/polisher that spins between 0-3,000 RPM. Use a 36 grit adhesive-backed 8" sanding disc. This paper will remove the 24 grit marks and put back some of the shape.

3. Continue to polish with the same setup, gradually moving to finer sandpaper. After using 36 grit, then go to a 60 grit, and then a 100 grit for the final surface. You may continue with even finer sandpaper mounted on a DA Sander, if you wish. The result will be an attractive shine and appearance, but it will no have any practical benefit.

We have introduced a handy set of 8" Self Adhesive Sanding Discs!

What is a forming head?
A forming head is a large, stationary tool that is used to form and / or smooth metal. They come in many sizes and shapes and are made of steel or iron. The name "head" comes from the tool's early use forming helmets for suits of armor.

How is a forming head used?
Chose a forming head that has shape similar to the shape you are trying to make. Place the metal over the forming head and hit it using a hammer or slapper. The hammer blows force the metal to take the general shape of the head. More hammering will smooth the metal for an improved final surface. Hammer choice is important, and should be considered before beginning any project. Steel hammers will stretch the metal. Soft face tools, like wood slappers with leather faces, will smooth the metal without stretching it.