ADVERTORIAL - Hare & Forbes
Images: Hare & Forbes Machinery House
If you’re in the business of classic car restoration, then stocking your workshop with the equipment needed to fabricate rust repair sections and replacement panels is a fact of life. It’s especially true if you’re dealing with older and rarer cars that aren’t supported by the aftermarket, as well as hot rods and custom builds.
Getting the right equipment is only part of the story, though. You also need to know how to use it. Hare & Forbes, the workshop equipment specialists, understand this, so they introduced a series of ‘Masterclass’ training classes, focussing on the electric Metalmaster Power Hammer, but including other machinery in their range.
The first classes, conducted by master coachbuilders Vaughan Ryan and Georgio Rimi of MotoRRetro, were held in Sydney and New Zealand. Demand has led Hare & Forbes and MotoRRetro to expand this training programme for 2025.
Classes will be held in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, kicking off in Adelaide in mid-March and concluding in Perth this August.
While overseen by MotoRRetro, these new classes will include industry specialists from each city.
Buy and Learn
Purchase a Metalmaster Power Hammer from Hare & Forbes and you can take part in a Masterclass training course. The offer applies to the following models:
- PHM-560MK2 (560mm throat depth, for 1.2mm mild steel)
- PHM-760HD (760mm throat depth, for 2.0mm mild steel)
- PHM-940HD (940mm throat depth, for 2.0mm mild steel)
For the PHM-560MK2 and PHM-760HD, entry to the Masterclass adds a small fee to the purchase price, but on the PHM-940HD, the training class is included free of charge.
“Our class helps you to get the best value for money out of your purchase,” Vaughn Ryan explains. "You'll learn the correct procedures when setting up your tooling, which material to use for various applications, correct processes and procedures, as well as the all-important do’s and don’ts, which include custom-making dyes.”
Two Days, Hands-on, Full-on
The focus of these classes is on the Metalmaster Power Hammer, but will include time on other Metalmaster equipment, like planishing hammers, shrinker/stetchers and English Wheels, as well as hand tools. That’s why each class covers a full two days.
“The class takes in a lot, and some may find the first day super difficult,” Ryan adds. “But by lunchtime on day two, the guys are flying!”
Only 12 places are available for each class, ensuring proper, one-on-one attention and guidance for each participant.
“We find an intimate group works well,” Ryan says. “And we usually get the guys to team up in pairs, starting with bigger panels and sharing the one machine, which is great as they learn from each other.”
While the focus is on shaping panels relevant to automotive repair and refurb, the instructors will also demonstrate how this equipment can be used for motorcycles, light aircraft and even artistic endeavours, like sculpture.
In addition to all the processes and procedures you need to use the Metalmaster Power Hammer and other equipment to get the best out of them, these classes devote time to equipment service and maintenance.
Experienced fabricators can use these classes to take their abilities to the next level, by learning how to get the most out of their tools. If you’re new to metal shaping, these classes are a great introduction, with the bonus of learning on the machine you’ve purchased.
For more information on these classes, including terms and conditions, go to www.machineryhouse.com.au
Book your Place
The Hare & Forbes 2025 Masterclass training classes will be held on the following dates:
14-15 MARCH – Adelaide (Woodville)
4-5 APRIL – Melbourne (Dandenong South)
25-26 JULY – Brisbane (Coopers Plains)
8-9 AUGUST – Perth (Kewdale)
For more details, go to the Hare & Forbes website – www.machineryhouse.com.au – and look for ‘National Metal Masterclasses’ under the Events tab.
