With Jeff's knowledge and Dom's determination you just know that the half-sized Ranalah wheeling machine is going to be absolutely spot on. I am in awe of these two as a team.
Great to see the half wheel is progressing! Always great to see Geoff Moss doing what he does best! All the work you’ve put into the half wheel would be a waste if you made any changes to it at this stage, Dom. It is what it is. A great little version of a fantastic wheeling machine but ideal for smaller projects or parts.
Fascinating to see someone so Competent on the wheel, that he can transition so effortlessly, to the Half Wheel, and can comment on the smallest detail ! With regard to the comments, can you not just alter the gap between the wheels, {not by Hacking apart the main frame}, but by shaving off, the lower bearing surface, and Opening up the gap between the wheels ? I realise it"s work to be done, but it could be the lesser of two evils ? I loved watching a MASTER at work ! Stay Wheeling ! Stu xx
I'm 56 and grew up hearing a man working with his hands on something he loves doing, is the best mental health care. i love shaping metal. thanks u for your time.
I started as a panel beater at Aston Martin at 16 and recently retired at 62 after working for various companies and have used a wheeling machine for most of that time. I completely understand what Jeff is saying about the size and more importantly for me the weight of the top wheel it's the weight that gives me the feel of whats happening if you can understand what i mean. But rather than change the back bone of the casting and change all the geometry of a machine that works but could be better. Could you not look at the casting for the hand wheel and cradle assembly and move it down to give more clearance and save the geometry you have. I hope I've explained it enough for you to understand what I'm thinking 👍
Thanks, Dom. I so enjoy watching a craftsman do his thing, with a durry in his mouth and knowledge in his hands. And getting an E Type to look so sweet - happy happy joy joy!
I do hope you don’t mind but I did chuckle! The ever optimistic tigger travels hours down to Cornwall with goodies and Eeyore is there being grumpy! It is always thus!!😂😂. Thanks for the great videos!
I used one of these English wheels when I was at the government's skill centres learning a late apprenticeship in 76 and my instructor an old shipyard fabricator could make anything anyone wanted, he made body parts for cars, spitfires, sunbeams etc that people were doing up and couldn't find good reputation body parts, he was form the era when working men had special trades that are nearly almost all extinct now, he was the same as Geoff, roll up then roll steel,
Geoff is a true master of his craft and thank you Dom for a fantastic video . May I suggest a crank handle on bottom wheel adjustment to make changing wheels quicker. Cheers mate from Rick in Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 👍
When you watch Geoff work, it becomes patently obvious that you’re watching 40+ decades of focused experience. Thanks for sharing his expertise with us Dom 👍
Now, this is the video topic I come here for. Master and the student learning from else others. Fitting idea, talking things out. Seeing skills you wouldn't see in 'everyday 'life in action
As always, a pleasure and inspiration to watch your videos particularly this one showing Geoff the master craftsman wheeling up a panel on your machine with consummate ease. Geoff isn’t a person easily pleased so to have his approval is such a compliment to you and what you have produced. I’m sure he is absolutely correct with his comments about how it could be improved but do they warrant a major redesign with all the effort and cost involved? I’d be interested to hear what others think.
Hello Dom. I count myself as an artisan . But Geoffs skillset is mindboggling . But you have to think hard about all the extra work that Geffs suggested.. After all by definition your half size is for hobbyists who will never put the demands on the tool that Geff does . Thanks Dom.
So great to see Geoff once again, took his course years back, absolutely amazing. Would love to go and see him sometime soon! and love the half size Ranalah !!
The bottom wheel cradle has a lot of unused space below the wheel, if you shorten the cradle would that give you enough room to increase both wheels without changing the main casting? You will only need a small increase in top wheel diameter to make it feel chunkier. Great content as always!
Thank you SO much Dom. for this slightly unexpected Xmas/New year posting. Geoff is just one of those characters ousing talent that make the modern day UK still great on the international stage. What a tradesman! Follow his advice and you just cannot go wrong; but you already realised that, didn't you!
Dom, the Mini Ranalah is a superb tool. It may not be the tool to make large single piece panels, but it is a great tool to make smaller repair panels etc. I would love one in my workshop. Geoff makes it look all too easy……..
Mr. Chinea, a couple of suggestions. Instead of modifying your frame, you could explore a few different options. Firstly you could machine recesses into both sides of your top wheel and then pour in molten lead to increase the weight of the wheel. If you are not allowed to use lead in this way you could also drill and tap blind holes into the sides of the wheel and fill them with lead shot and close the holes using set (grub) screws. This would also increase the weight of your top wheel. Secondly you could have an offset shaft machined to change the height of the center of your top wheel . This would allow for a larger top wheel without having to modify the frame. Just some thoughts.
I've never smoked, but to make a little roll-up last for several hours is amazing and adds to Geoff's skills. So pleased for you Dom that Geoff was really impressed with the half-sized machine, "You want to get it right" the man said!
Back in the sixties it was common for a working man to keep a lit cigarette in his mouth all day so every breath included smoke. (Too busy with their hands to take them out). My father was one and my Factory foreman was another.
Thank you and John also for sharing your journey on your channel. Thank you also for restoring the Austin J40. My wife's uncle worked at the J40 factory in Pengam South Wales and I passed it every day as I drove to work. It wasn't a very big place but kept disabled miners occupied. The site is now a small housing estate. Very best wishes for 2025, Clive
Dom, I think Geoff was very complimentary about the mini Ranelagh. It’s a hobby wheeling machine. It works fine. Don’t spend any more money on it - you won’t get it back. Spend it on the Porsche instead ! 🎉
How many people do you think are about like Geoff? True master more needs to be done so these skills are not lost what you're doing Dom is a mazing to put a spotlight on old boys like this
Master at work, if thats not a good advert for Geoffs classes I dont know what is. Just a dream to watch ...and your little mini ranalah is fantastic but yes a lot of work ahead. I'm totally hooked Happy new year Dom and Geoff if youre reading
Fascinating - yes you’ve got some changes to make but you’ll get a much better product. Watching Jeff form that piece of metal was brilliant. I hope he let you take it with you - you can look at it and be inspired as you work on the changes. Your product works Dom! That’s a massive win. Well done.
Just an idea: if you need to get additional weight into the top wheel without making in larger, perhaps a series of lead-filled holes around the perimeter? Relatively cheap and could be sealed with a steel set screw?
Dom, developing new product is often a 1 step forwards and 2 back process. Jeff’s advise is obviously very valuable, but before you start remaking the pattern why not make a testbed out of one of the existing small castings you have had made. ie cut one in half and add a fabricated spacer to test the theory. It doesn’t need to be perfect just a test piece. It could take more than one attempt to get it right so easier to modify. Just a thought!
Proper! Did a bit of English wheel stuff at Mancat in Openshaw in the late 90s.Made a rear valance for a Lanchester being restored for Gaydon. They also did cars for Royal family!
Dominic. I admire the effort you put into what you do. I have no knowledge of wheeling machines but it makes me sad that the smaller machine seems to need being made bigger. I was worried that you could end up producing something very similar to the original machine with little saving in production costs.
Geoff is definitely a Jedhi master when it comes wheeling, its a pity but as you say you need to get it right. You could always use the same process for fitting the wheels, so not all might be lost, 👍
What a craftsman Dom , how lucky are you getting knowledge ( not lucky I know because thats the reward for your hard work )That would have been me a few years ago with the ever present roll up necessary for the concentration . Thanks Graham
Is he the master alone in the workshop or is James still with him as an appreciative student? It is nice to see that Moss is in good shape and keep the shop warm.......
Dom, I'd cut the timber mould at the bottom anvil bracket area so you can slide it down but keep the same plane for the wheel. That will keep it looking the same but allow you to do the mods you need to keep it the same as a original. A simple type fix really.
It looks like there is quite a gap between the lower wheel and its cradle; couldn't you redesign the lower cradle to hole the lower wheel further away from the upper wheel, thereby allowing larger versions of each? Great to see some mini Ranalah progress: thanks, Dom!
When I look at the mass that holds the lower bracket I do wonder if you could remove an inch off the top to allow the top wheel to be bigger, seems like it’s over built even, that way the frame stays the same and most of the jigs would work? Love watching the processes
The unfortunate reality is, is that both the top and bottom arms need to be reengineered to keep the same shape and get the correct contact angle. I can't wait to see the new casting.
Awesome work, my grandfather was a metalworker way back and I expect he used the very same equipment, also my uncle (his son) who made breastplates for the household cavalry. I would have loved to know what they used. Fantastic work on all levels, go that extra yard Dom, the final machine will be second to none :-)
Excellent video for Twixtmas Dom and great to see how well the mini wheel has performed. However, I think you'll have problems upscaling the frame to allow for the bigger wheels that Geoff has suggested. As the rear of the frame is not vertical, merely cutting the frame and splicing in an extra section will move the positioning of the upper wheel such that it will become out of alignment with the lower wheel. This will need some way of moving the top wheel horizontally to bring it back into alignment.
I don’t know too much about an English wheel. But I surly the solution is to refine the wheels before committing to modifying the casting. It would be annoying for the user but the bottom wheel could be changed by removing the top wheel until it’s all ironed out, then the casting could be altered once rather than multiply times potentially as the wheels are fine tuned. I love that you have saved the brand! Happy new year!
Thank you Dom and especially John for sharing his expertise with you and the rest of us! It will be worth the extra effort to get it right. Just good enough is not good enough!
Spent a week earlier in the year at Geoff's being his elderly 'apprentice'. Nice to see the workshop again on this video. It did look to me that it would be difficult/impossible to get an 'Onion' wheel loaded in the cradle on the 'small' Ranalah even with the existing top wheel diameter. IMO, well worth doing some woodwork on the pattern(s) to increase the 'daylight'
HI DON . well done with the smaller version , just a thought would possible machine the wheels out and fill with lead to give weight to the wheels to save altering the frame ,well done
You have to admire the continuation of old skills. Its truly amazing. But the skills are imparted from craftsmen who are aging very fast. Factor in the incredible cost in man hours to do this sort of work - and the fragility of the final panels on today's busy roads & potholes. And few people can afford it. All this could be done by younger craftsman using CAD but using carbon fibre and finishing in an autoclave. The results are truly beautiful far lighter and even stronger. Make the first, the next 50 are ready to go straight away. With aluminium, once the first one is built, the next takes as long and may not be as good. You're breeding a beautiful racehorse in the age of the supercar.
sounds like you just need to make the 1/2 wheel basically scaled down BUT large enough to use the full size wheels and cradles. Maybe that would allow you to keep the cost down to just the pattern for the forge. If so could you use the full size jigs ? Just a Thought . Great work !
It's Awesome! In the hands of a master, works so well!. It's a good size for hobbyists! Surely, By making the cradle smaller. i.e. lowering the lower wheel (But Wider), you can increase both the wheels diameter? There's a 1/2 inch under the cradle at the moment. By increasing the wheels diameter by even 10% you increase the mass by 50%? (I haven't done the maths but you get my point?) The expense of all the patterns and fixtures being changed when an experimental cradle lowering and new wheels might be all it needs? A beginner would not miss the mass of full size wheels having never used a full size machine, and might develop a lighter touch? Good work. Good luck.
Geoff is an absolute master totally amazing and fascinating to watch your doing absolutely amazing Dom. Can you make a new cast mould, leaving the half size Ranalah mould as it is to maintain the original shape as long as its understood that you can only produce certain size repair panels with the mini Ranalah. You could market the new pattern a midi size Ranalah ❤
If the half Ranalah is for hobbyists or small jobs do you really need to make alterations? Bloody good advert for them and a joy to watch a master at work. Happy new year everyone!
He's a perfectionist, his goal is to make somthing as good as the full sized one, and just because someone is a hobbyist doesn't mean they should only have an inferior quality tool, especially when it cost as much as these likely will just to save some time and effort
Make the big wheel bigger and wider and the cradle for the smaller wheel just a bit lower. It can also raise the hole for the bigger wheel a bit. When you wider the wheels you will get a much more inertia .... but anyhow good work done a keep it on.
Dom, i think although MK2 is a pain it will be well worth the effort. Geoff has the experience to give the best advice on what would be better. I would love one as the size is perfect for a small workshop but after listening to the reasoning for the bigger wheels would like to know that was still possible. Having modified a milling machine to take a different head i wished i had now given it more throat and will be making a MK2 adaptor to achieve it. Good luck with your journey.
To avoid the redesign of the casting can you not adjust the lower wheel cradle shape to gain your increased wheel size? Looks like you have some space below the lower wheel axle to play with?
Nice job, very interesting machine. Why don't you modify the lower anvil holder to accommodate the bigger upper wheel instead of cutting the main frame?
Interesting. I think I'll need a half size Ranalah as my workshop is low in the roof. Hope you had a good Christmas, and looking forward to seeing your videos in the new year.
Can you make the lower wheel cradle in two parts? Basically just a retaining plate on one side to hold the axle in place held on with socket head screws and washers. It might take an extra minute or two to change out wheels, but you could then increase the diameter of the upper wheel and not have to make any drastic changes to the frame. Seems like an easy work around since you'll be re-making the cradle anyway...
Really good progress. Love the horn for all the naughty words :) Make sure you talk to the pattern maker first before modifying anything. If you have a CAD model make sure you try and salvage as much of the jigs & fixtures too. I would hope they could modify the bottom pick-up from the top of the inner radius and tweak the angle to get the extra gap, may mean the jigs are reusable.
The wheel master Geoff was trying to make the small machine do the same work as the big machine, I would say leave well alone, it's a hobby machine for small workshops.
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Fantastic watching a Master at work
Glad you enjoyed it
With Jeff's knowledge and Dom's determination you just know that the half-sized Ranalah wheeling machine is going to be absolutely spot on. I am in awe of these two as a team.
I really appreciate your commitment to “getting it right”.
What a master Jeff is 👍.well done dom for sticking with perfection
Thanks 👍
Wow, that jag was beautiful even in bare metal, a work of art to get those curves. Amazing work.
Couldn't you just sit and watch a master craftsman at work all day, Geoff must belong to the Magic Circle👍👍👍👍👍
I would go crazy 'just watching'.
I'd want to get my hands on it and give it a try.
That's regardless of the 'craft'.
I learn best by doing.
Always love a “Geoff” video. He is so interesting to watch as well. Loved the car horn expletives 😂 Thanks Dom
Thanks 👍
I'm suddenly in need of a Cornish pasty. Thanks for that.
I can't think of a better person to evaluate the Mini Ranalah!
He is absolutely the best person for the job!
Great to see the half wheel is progressing! Always great to see Geoff Moss doing what he does best!
All the work you’ve put into the half wheel would be a waste if you made any changes to it at this stage, Dom. It is what it is. A great little version of a fantastic wheeling machine but ideal for smaller projects or parts.
Fascinating to see someone so Competent on the wheel, that he can transition so effortlessly, to the Half Wheel, and can comment on the smallest detail ! With regard to the comments, can you not just alter the gap between the wheels, {not by Hacking apart the main frame}, but by shaving off, the lower bearing surface, and Opening up the gap between the wheels ? I realise it"s work to be done, but it could be the lesser of two evils ?
I loved watching a MASTER at work !
Stay Wheeling !
Stu xx
I'm 56 and grew up hearing a man working with his hands on something he loves doing, is the best mental health care. i love shaping metal. thanks u for your time.
You might go blind though!!😁
Keep at it Dom - you have the persistence, care and enthusiasm to get it just right.
I started as a panel beater at Aston Martin at 16 and recently retired at 62 after working for various companies and have used a wheeling machine for most of that time. I completely understand what Jeff is saying about the size and more importantly for me the weight of the top wheel it's the weight that gives me the feel of whats happening if you can understand what i mean. But rather than change the back bone of the casting and change all the geometry of a machine that works but could be better. Could you not look at the casting for the hand wheel and cradle assembly and move it down to give more clearance and save the geometry you have. I hope I've explained it enough for you to understand what I'm thinking 👍
Agree. Looks like room to bring the lower wheel down in a more compact cradle, allowing both wheels to be sized up a bit.
I think the modification to cast pattern would be easier to do on the 'back bone' to keep the right proportion.
Thanks, Dom. I so enjoy watching a craftsman do his thing, with a durry in his mouth and knowledge in his hands. And getting an E Type to look so sweet - happy happy joy joy!
I do hope you don’t mind but I did chuckle! The ever optimistic tigger travels hours down to Cornwall with goodies and Eeyore is there being grumpy! It is always thus!!😂😂. Thanks for the great videos!
I used one of these English wheels when I was at the government's skill centres learning a late apprenticeship in 76 and my instructor an old shipyard fabricator could make anything anyone wanted, he made body parts for cars, spitfires, sunbeams etc that people were doing up and couldn't find good reputation body parts, he was form the era when working men had special trades that are nearly almost all extinct now, he was the same as Geoff, roll up then roll steel,
Geoff is a true master of his craft and thank you Dom for a fantastic video . May I suggest a crank handle on bottom wheel adjustment to make changing wheels quicker. Cheers mate from Rick in Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 👍
When you watch Geoff work, it becomes patently obvious that you’re watching 40+ decades of focused experience. Thanks for sharing his expertise with us Dom 👍
There is something so zen about watching a craftsman like Geoff.
Now, this is the video topic I come here for. Master and the student learning from else others. Fitting idea, talking things out. Seeing skills you wouldn't see in 'everyday 'life in action
Glad you enjoyed it!
As always, a pleasure and inspiration to watch your videos particularly this one showing Geoff the master craftsman wheeling up a panel on your machine with consummate ease. Geoff isn’t a person easily pleased so to have his approval is such a compliment to you and what you have produced. I’m sure he is absolutely correct with his comments about how it could be improved but do they warrant a major redesign with all the effort and cost involved? I’d be interested to hear what others think.
Awesome skills Geoff could watch his work all day
Hello Dom. I count myself as an artisan . But Geoffs skillset is mindboggling . But you have to think hard about all the extra work that Geffs suggested.. After all by definition your half size is for hobbyists who will never put the demands on the tool that Geff does . Thanks Dom.
Geoff was wheely good . . . stick at it Dom.
You can’t have better advertisement then this!
I still can’t comprehend how Geoff does it. It’s pure sorcery.
Ahh great to see Jeff doing what he does best, hopefully ill get down to see him again this year 👍🏼 sign looks great in the garage.
Watching Geoff was amazing and its only a little change with a massive amount of work but you will smash it 💪
There's nothing like watching a craftsman demonstrating his skills.
Don't be disappointed Dom, you're doing a fantastic job.
That was a joy to watch. Hearing you both talk in detail about what is important to getting it dialled in was brilliant. Thanks
Geoff wheeling skills are remarkable. Happy new year.
Yes it’s amazing how 50 years of practice helps!
So great to see Geoff once again, took his course years back, absolutely amazing. Would love to go and see him sometime soon!
and love the half size Ranalah !!
Same her and he is very likable guy.....
The bottom wheel cradle has a lot of unused space below the wheel, if you shorten the cradle would that give you enough room to increase both wheels without changing the main casting?
You will only need a small increase in top wheel diameter to make it feel chunkier.
Great content as always!
Thank you SO much Dom. for this slightly unexpected Xmas/New year posting. Geoff is just one of those characters ousing talent that make the modern day UK still great on the international stage. What a tradesman! Follow his advice and you just cannot go wrong; but you already realised that, didn't you!
Dom, the Mini Ranalah is a superb tool.
It may not be the tool to make large single piece panels, but it is a great tool to make smaller repair panels etc.
I would love one in my workshop.
Geoff makes it look all too easy……..
Oh Dom. So good. So near, yet so frustrating. And you took the feedback so well!
Thanks so much! Mk2 won’t be far away!
@DominicChineas we'll look forward to it! (At least my mini one is 100% fit for purpose!)
Mr. Chinea, a couple of suggestions. Instead of modifying your frame, you could explore a few different options. Firstly you could machine recesses into both sides of your top wheel and then pour in molten lead to increase the weight of the wheel. If you are not allowed to use lead in this way you could also drill and tap blind holes into the sides of the wheel and fill them with lead shot and close the holes using set (grub) screws. This would also increase the weight of your top wheel. Secondly you could have an offset shaft machined to change the height of the center of your top wheel . This would allow for a larger top wheel without having to modify the frame. Just some thoughts.
I've never smoked, but to make a little roll-up last for several hours is amazing and adds to Geoff's skills. So pleased for you Dom that Geoff was really impressed with the half-sized machine, "You want to get it right" the man said!
Back in the sixties it was common for a working man to keep a lit cigarette in his mouth all day so every breath included smoke. (Too busy with their hands to take them out). My father was one and my Factory foreman was another.
Jeff makes wheeling look like a ballet, what a talent, and only able to wheel with a roll up😂😂😂
I love the quality and attention to detail that you put into these machines. Great video!
Thank you very much!
It is still amazing what Geoff was able to do with the smaller machine, at true craftsman and Don excellent work.
So so close, well done l'm very impressed, keep going!
Thank you!
Thank you and John also for sharing your journey on your channel. Thank you also for restoring the Austin J40. My wife's uncle worked at the J40 factory in Pengam South Wales and I passed it every day as I drove to work. It wasn't a very big place but kept disabled miners occupied. The site is now a small housing estate. Very best wishes for 2025, Clive
Dom, I think Geoff was very complimentary about the mini Ranelagh. It’s a hobby wheeling machine. It works fine. Don’t spend any more money on it - you won’t get it back. Spend it on the Porsche instead ! 🎉
How many people do you think are about like Geoff? True master more needs to be done so these skills are not lost what you're doing Dom is a mazing to put a spotlight on old boys like this
Master at work, if thats not a good advert for Geoffs classes I dont know what is. Just a dream to watch ...and your little mini ranalah is fantastic but yes a lot of work ahead.
I'm totally hooked
Happy new year Dom and Geoff if youre reading
Fascinating - yes you’ve got some changes to make but you’ll get a much better product. Watching Jeff form that piece of metal was brilliant. I hope he let you take it with you - you can look at it and be inspired as you work on the changes. Your product works Dom! That’s a massive win. Well done.
Just an idea: if you need to get additional weight into the top wheel without making in larger, perhaps a series of lead-filled holes around the perimeter? Relatively cheap and could be sealed with a steel set screw?
Was like watching a masterclass by Geoff lol just awesome
Dom, developing new product is often a 1 step forwards and 2 back process. Jeff’s advise is obviously very valuable, but before you start remaking the pattern why not make a testbed out of one of the existing small castings you have had made. ie cut one in half and add a fabricated spacer to test the theory. It doesn’t need to be perfect just a test piece. It could take more than one attempt to get it right so easier to modify. Just a thought!
Proper! Did a bit of English wheel stuff at Mancat in Openshaw in the late 90s.Made a rear valance for a Lanchester being restored for Gaydon. They also did cars for Royal family!
Dedication to quality has its price. I'm looking forward to seeing the second version. 😊
Happy New Year to you Dom, when I spoke to you at Revival you said that the half wheel still needed some work, makes sense now.
Dominic. I admire the effort you put into what you do. I have no knowledge of wheeling machines but it makes me sad that the smaller machine seems to need being made bigger. I was worried that you could end up producing something very similar to the original machine with little saving in production costs.
Geoff is definitely a Jedhi master when it comes wheeling, its a pity but as you say you need to get it right. You could always use the same process for fitting the wheels, so not all might be lost, 👍
Dom, as you are going to modify the mini pattern, how about modifying it to take the full size wheels? You won't need to modify it again after that.
The “MEN WITH DIRTY HANDS”, built everything we enjoy, love, and is necessary for modern life, from housing, food, transport and education. Respect!
What a craftsman Dom , how lucky are you getting knowledge ( not lucky I know
because thats the reward for your hard work )That would have been me a few years ago
with the ever present roll up necessary for the concentration . Thanks Graham
Hi Dom, just alter the lower wheel mount part of the pattern. Quick easy fix😎👍👍👍
Recently did my first fabrication using an English wheel to make an ally aircraft skin - quite therapeutic.
All the best Dom 👍👍
This video was a treat. Happy New Year Dom. Cheers
Is he the master alone in the workshop or is James still with him as an appreciative student?
It is nice to see that Moss is in good shape and keep the shop warm.......
Dom, I'd cut the timber mould at the bottom anvil bracket area so you can slide it down but keep the same plane for the wheel. That will keep it looking the same but allow you to do the mods you need to keep it the same as a original. A simple type fix really.
I’ll eye that up once I’ve got the patterns! Thank you
Hi Dom such clever men binging skills back into Automotive construction. Happy New Year
It looks like there is quite a gap between the lower wheel and its cradle; couldn't you redesign the lower cradle to hole the lower wheel further away from the upper wheel, thereby allowing larger versions of each? Great to see some mini Ranalah progress: thanks, Dom!
When I look at the mass that holds the lower bracket I do wonder if you could remove an inch off the top to allow the top wheel to be bigger, seems like it’s over built even, that way the frame stays the same and most of the jigs would work? Love watching the processes
Dominic, The top wheel on mine is 2 3/4" wide and 7 3/4" in diameter. The anvils are 2 3/8" wide. and the wheeling machine has a 24" Throat.
The unfortunate reality is, is that both the top and bottom arms need to be reengineered to keep the same shape and get the correct contact angle. I can't wait to see the new casting.
Great to Geoff again. Good stuff Dom.
Glad you enjoyed it thank you
Great work, Dom.
Happy new year
Happy new year Dominic. Thanks for 2024. Looking forward to more Porsche 🎉🎉🎉
Very lovely. Never forget, shrinking means changing. You have to go different. Find out if the main frame is flexing now in the half size machine.
certainly looks to be very flexible
Awesome work, my grandfather was a metalworker way back and I expect he used the very same equipment, also my uncle (his son) who made breastplates for the household cavalry. I would have loved to know what they used. Fantastic work on all levels, go that extra yard Dom, the final machine will be second to none :-)
Excellent video for Twixtmas Dom and great to see how well the mini wheel has performed. However, I think you'll have problems upscaling the frame to allow for the bigger wheels that Geoff has suggested. As the rear of the frame is not vertical, merely cutting the frame and splicing in an extra section will move the positioning of the upper wheel such that it will become out of alignment with the lower wheel. This will need some way of moving the top wheel horizontally to bring it back into alignment.
I don’t know too much about an English wheel. But I surly the solution is to refine the wheels before committing to modifying the casting. It would be annoying for the user but the bottom wheel could be changed by removing the top wheel until it’s all ironed out, then the casting could be altered once rather than multiply times potentially as the wheels are fine tuned.
I love that you have saved the brand! Happy new year!
Thanks so much, I think I have a plan, stay tuned!
Thank you Dom and especially John for sharing his expertise with you and the rest of us! It will be worth the extra effort to get it right. Just good enough is not good enough!
Good luck with the development of the solution. You'll get there I'm sure. Lots of good suggestions in the comments already
All the best!!
Spent a week earlier in the year at Geoff's being his elderly 'apprentice'. Nice to see the workshop again on this video. It did look to me that it would be difficult/impossible to get an 'Onion' wheel loaded in the cradle on the 'small' Ranalah even with the existing top wheel diameter. IMO, well worth doing some woodwork on the pattern(s) to increase the 'daylight'
I would go with his initial assessment, being 'a good machine for the hobbyist'
HI DON . well done with the smaller version , just a thought would possible machine the wheels out and fill with lead to give weight to the wheels to save altering the frame ,well done
You have to admire the continuation of old skills. Its truly amazing. But the skills are imparted from craftsmen who are aging very fast. Factor in the incredible cost in man hours to do this sort of work - and the fragility of the final panels on today's busy roads & potholes. And few people can afford it. All this could be done by younger craftsman using CAD but using carbon fibre and finishing in an autoclave. The results are truly beautiful far lighter and even stronger. Make the first, the next 50 are ready to go straight away. With aluminium, once the first one is built, the next takes as long and may not be as good. You're breeding a beautiful racehorse in the age of the supercar.
Happy New Year, Dom. Keep up the great work. I always enjoy your videos.
sounds like you just need to make the 1/2 wheel basically scaled down BUT large enough to use the full size wheels and cradles. Maybe that would allow you to keep the cost down to just the pattern for the forge. If so could you use the full size jigs ? Just a Thought . Great work !
Yes nice idea but it’s not really possible without making the casting look nothing like a ranalah,
I had exactly the same thought. If he has to make the wheels bigger anyway, I also thought using the full size wheels would be an easy win.
It's Awesome! In the hands of a master, works so well!. It's a good size for hobbyists! Surely, By making the cradle smaller. i.e. lowering the lower wheel (But Wider), you can increase both the wheels diameter? There's a 1/2 inch under the cradle at the moment. By increasing the wheels diameter by even 10% you increase the mass by 50%? (I haven't done the maths but you get my point?) The expense of all the patterns and fixtures being changed when an experimental cradle lowering and new wheels might be all it needs? A beginner would not miss the mass of full size wheels having never used a full size machine, and might develop a lighter touch? Good work. Good luck.
Geoff is an absolute master totally amazing and fascinating to watch your doing absolutely amazing Dom. Can you make a new cast mould, leaving the half size Ranalah mould as it is to maintain the original shape as long as its understood that you can only produce certain size repair panels with the mini Ranalah. You could market the new pattern a midi size Ranalah ❤
I’ll have one of those signs for the garage Dom! A little smaller though…
Superb Dom!
If the half Ranalah is for hobbyists or small jobs do you really need to make alterations? Bloody good advert for them and a joy to watch a master at work. Happy new year everyone!
He's a perfectionist, his goal is to make somthing as good as the full sized one, and just because someone is a hobbyist doesn't mean they should only have an inferior quality tool, especially when it cost as much as these likely will just to save some time and effort
Make the big wheel bigger and wider and the cradle for the smaller wheel just a bit lower. It can also raise the hole for the bigger wheel a bit. When you wider the wheels you will get a much more inertia .... but anyhow good work done a keep it on.
You could make the top wheel from tungsten for some added mass. Nice design sir.
@@stevemurphy402 Better to have some German company making it out of old used uranium.
Dom, i think although MK2 is a pain it will be well worth the effort. Geoff has the experience to give the best advice on what would be better. I would love one as the size is perfect for a small workshop but after listening to the reasoning for the bigger wheels would like to know that was still possible. Having modified a milling machine to take a different head i wished i had now given it more throat and will be making a MK2 adaptor to achieve it. Good luck with your journey.
How about boring holes and filling with lead in the top wheel? That would save changing the cast frame.
To avoid the redesign of the casting can you not adjust the lower wheel cradle shape to gain your increased wheel size? Looks like you have some space below the lower wheel axle to play with?
Really enjoyed that Dominic
Nice job, very interesting machine.
Why don't you modify the lower anvil holder to accommodate the bigger upper wheel instead of cutting the main frame?
Would love to see some aircraft construction history about the Ranalah
Interesting. I think I'll need a half size Ranalah as my workshop is low in the roof. Hope you had a good Christmas, and looking forward to seeing your videos in the new year.
Can you make the lower wheel cradle in two parts? Basically just a retaining plate on one side to hold the axle in place held on with socket head screws and washers. It might take an extra minute or two to change out wheels, but you could then increase the diameter of the upper wheel and not have to make any drastic changes to the frame. Seems like an easy work around since you'll be re-making the cradle anyway...
Really good progress. Love the horn for all the naughty words :)
Make sure you talk to the pattern maker first before modifying anything. If you have a CAD model make sure you try and salvage as much of the jigs & fixtures too. I would hope they could modify the bottom pick-up from the top of the inner radius and tweak the angle to get the extra gap, may mean the jigs are reusable.
The wheel master Geoff was trying to make the small machine do the same work as the big machine, I would say leave well alone, it's a hobby machine for small workshops.