New to Metalmeet? Wondering what the annual Metalmeet is about?

[3 Chiefs]

There are many new members this year. I was wondering if any of our new members wanted a better picture of our annual event. I think some folks might like to know more about the meet we have in the big city of Oblong Illinois. This year will be my fourth year. The one thing I want all new people to understand is that you do not have to be good at metalshaping to come here. Maybe you have never formed a panel or a patch. It does not matter. Every great artist the world has ever known was once a beginner. With that said, there are some great metalshapers at this event too. The great part is that these experienced metalshapers want to teach the new folks some metalshaping skills. It is my opinion that the majority of people who join Metalmeet, do so to learn the proper techniques for making panels for their old cars. The fact that you are reading this post on this web site tells me that a bondo filled old car is not in your plans. You want something better. The annual meet is the place to get started.
I have also met a lot of wonderful people at this meet. It has led me to other meets at other members homes. I call these people my friends and I am happy to have met them. Metalmeet members are friendly giving people.
Oblong is a really cool mid west town. It's clean and the people are friendly too. Food is easy to get and so are hotels in the area. I like the camping though. It's on the fairgrounds. You can talk to people making things or you can help someone working on something if you don't bring your own project. When you get tired walk over to your campsite and go to bed.
The reason I wanted to post all this is to try to answer the questions of those who have never been to the meet. If you have a question about anything ask it here. I or someone else will answer your question.
If you are a member who has been to the meet please tell us about it here. What did you do when you were here? Post some pictures from the past if you got them. It is a good time and every member is welcome. You will be happy that you came.

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My first year there was great. Randy Ferguson brought this partial Willys body and let anyone who wanted to, try to make a panel for it. Randy made the roof in 7 pieces I think. I beat and wheeled on a piece with another guy and I realized early on that this metalshaping is hard work.

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This is Randy's roof buck. The buck alone is something that was interesting to see.

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This buck is for the rear fenders.

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Well not everyone is making car parts. Old airplanes need to be restored too.

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If you are camping bring a tent or camper. If you happen to have a big bus you can bring that too.

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Always some cool old cars. Some finished and some in progress.

Ask your questions.
Tell us about your Metalmeet experience.
Show us your pictures.

Paul

[Hotrod1932]

Thanks Paul for posting that! For those of you that haven't attended the meet at Oblong, or meets in other places be assured that you are in for a real treat, and a wonderful experience.

This year will be my 3rd trip to Oblong and I can assure you that it is a fantastic event. The experience is amazing, the location is great, and the knowledge that is there is fantastic. It doesn't matter if you make it for a week, a weekend, or even a day it is an experience you will never forget.

Try this link to pictures from some of the metalmeets that I have been able to attend. The photoshow contains both music, pictures, and graphics so give it some time to load and enjoy.

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/JZ3vG...xio&lo=1&la=en

[mmacmmac]

that was a great vid. thankx for making it and uploading it for every1 to see. that does look like a great time and hope i can make 1 in the future...

[Doug Hawkins]

Yep, at MetalMeet in Oblong you can wander around with your hands in your pockets or you can get involved with learning metal shaping. Jump in on a project for hands on practical experience with someone else or make a bowl. Then make another bowl to match the first.

This is not an event to watch someone else shape metal (unless you want to) it is about learning the craft and making connections with other metal shapers. Practice tig welding, planish a weld or make a copper rose, chop a top or make a motorcycle gas tank. Attend some seminars Old Goaly is organizing, visit with the exhibitors to buy some tools and equipment.

I've heard some say this is like a car building show. It is hanging out with your best buddies in a shop. So do some bench building, share tools and ideas on how to do that really difficult panel with the reverse curve and a reveal line.

And don't be afraid to meet some people. I've made the best freinds and have met the greatest people through MetalMeet in Oblong.

So you can get out of the event about as much or as little as you want.

[godspeed]

Man Ray! that brought back some memories!
Metal Meet is a great time for all those that attend. We'll see if I can make it this year...
If you can...... go!!

[Hotrod1932]

Ron for me one of the highlights of Oblong for me is always catchin up with friends.

Folks Ron is the man if you don't know that beats dragons out of flat steel, makes skull dust pans, and is always kind enough to let me use tools!!

Sure hope you can make it my friend, won't be the same for me with out being amazed by you in some way!!!!

[godspeed]

That's very kind of you to say Ray. <sniff>I going to try and make it, just won't be for the whole week this year. Gang schoolin' is getttn in the way of my fun!