Shape the Metal Recommends: The MetalAce 22B - Your Best Benchtop English Wheel Solution

Like many out there, my first English Wheel was a Harbor Freight English Wheel (I still have it!)  - it is no different to those from JEGS, KAKA and many others out there just diferrent colors. It isn't a completely horrible wheeling machine, but after using it a bit, you quickly figure out that when you buy cheap English wheels, you get cheap English Wheels!

One of the most frequent searches we see on our site is for people searching for anvils to go with their Harbor Freight English Wheel - because it only comes with one, so almost the first thing people do is get on the web and start searching for lower anvil kits to suit. Unfortunately there are not a lot of options out there, with the main one being the lower anvil kit from JEGS which was a bit of a game of roulette - they had 2 different styles of lower anvils, with one of them suiting (kinda) the Harbor Freight English Wheel and one not, but there was no way of telling what was going to turn up until it got to you. 

Even if you got lucky in the lower anvil lottery and got a set that came close to fitting, there was still the issue of poorly finished shafts that needed filing down to fit into the yoke on the Harbor Freight English Wheel, the bearings likely needed changing and the wheels most probably had dents in them - this was because they were not packed very well on the trip from China and either made out of softer steel and not hardened or they were chrome plated which made it look like they were hardened and polished but in reality weren't. 

The yoke wobbles and rotates when you don't want it to, the cam release is dubious and there is no adjustment to line up the wheels. But it was still a place to start and you could still get decent work out of it if you took your time. 

Why the MetalAce 22B is Our Top Pick for Best Benchtop and Beginner English Wheel

Here at Shape the Metal, we're passionate about empowering metalworkers of all skill levels. That's why we proudly recommend the MetalAce 22B English Wheel as the best bench-top English wheel on the market, especially for beginners and experienced professionals alike.

Why We Love the MetalAce 22B:

• Unmatched American-Made Quality: This English wheel is built to last, featuring a robust, heavy-duty construction that stands in stark contrast to flimsier, foreign-made alternatives. Invest in a tool that will be your reliable partner for years to come, not one that needs frequent replacements.
• Precision Results: The hardened and polished anvil wheels minimize friction and ensure smooth operation. This translates to flawless curves and contours in your projects, a crucial factor often missing in lower-priced options.
• Fine-Tuning Control: Unlike many cheaper English wheels, the MetalAce 22B features adjustable anvil yokes. This allows for precise alignment of the anvils, a critical factor for achieving superior results on a wider range of metal shaping tasks.
• Flexibility and Expandability: The MetalAce 22B can be mounted to a bench-top, held in a vice or you can add the optional Stand for a more traditional setup. There is also a great selection of high quality lower anvils to complete the package. 

The Perfect Choice for Beginners:

The MetalAce 22B isn't just about brute strength; it's also designed with beginners in mind. Its intuitive operation and user-friendly design make it easy to learn the ropes of metal shaping. Here are some projects you can tackle as a beginner with the 22B:

• Custom metal accents for your home decor
• Motorcycle tank repairs and modifications
• Simple automotive body panel shaping
• Creating unique metal art pieces

A Valuable Asset for Pros:

While the MetalAce 22B excels as a beginner's tool, its capabilities extend far beyond basic shaping. Experienced sheet metal workers and professionals will appreciate the following benefits:

• Compact and Efficient: The benchtop design is ideal for workshops with limited space.
• High-Quality Performance: The robust construction and precision components ensure professional-grade results.
• Versatility: Handle a wide range of smaller metal shaping tasks with ease.

Investing in Long-Term Value:

While the initial cost of the MetalAce 22B might appear higher than some budget-friendly alternatives, consider it an investment in your metalworking journey.

• Durability: Avoid the frustration and wasted materials that come with low-quality tools.
• Precision: Produce professional-looking results that you'll be proud of.
• Long-Term Savings: The MetalAce 22B's build quality minimizes the need for frequent replacements or upgrades.

The MetalAce 22B isn't just the best benchtop English wheel; it's a gateway to a world of creative possibilities. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned professional seeking a compact, high-quality solution, the MetalAce 22B is the perfect choice. Skip the cheaper options and invest in a tool that will help you produce high quality work for a lifetime!

Ready to unlock your metal shaping potential? Take a look at the MetalAce 22B English Wheel today! Click HERE