Changed the title of the Thread: metal crafting Book by Casimir Nawrocki, 2012 Group Buy: Lost contact but my Friend is still kickin!! Options

[rick 918-S]

The first checks arrived today! I updated the list.

Worn, I'm sorry you found the book less that satifying. Cass does have broken english. He used a woman as an editor. During the writting of the book she developed cancer. She did her best but really wasn't up to the task nor did she have a working knowledge the craft. So really she was doing as good as she could under the circumstances.

I agree you are looking at atleast a half million in equipment. But you need to realize that Cass purchased this equipment broken and worn beyond use. He then not only refubbed the equipment but then had to train himself to use it. This is a glimps into the lifes work of a master craftsman. He has many photos with diagrams showing the proper movement of the metal. So in addition to the text he tries to explain with pictures.

The fact of the matter is, many of the processes in hand crafting and moving metal requires some special tooling. Stuff like this is just not on the shelf at Lowes or your local FLAPS. Many times home built tooling doesn't work and needs refining. I found it an absolute joy to not only see the end product but the thought process that went into making the tooling that brought the part into a usable form.

You have to agree there are several examples of building simple bucks and forming metal with a come-a-long, torch and hammer or pulling and stretching metal with port-o-power.

Sure there are some complex forming dies for making trim and moldings. But have you ever wondered how it was done? When would you ever have a chance to even see that?
An example here is the window trim Mark is forming for our windsheilds. Ever wonder what type of dies were used or how that stuff was even formed?

After you receive your copy of the book take a good look at it. If anyone has any questions about how and why Cass is doing a project a certain way PM me. I will spend as much time on the phone as needed to explain his meaning and method.

I'm sure there will be many hours of pleasure thumbing though this book.

I plan to start a conversation in a couple weeks when the books get mailed out. I'm looking forward to the general impression from the group.

[ChrisFoley]

I couldn't wait for the group buy so I went ahead and ordered mine online.
First of all I want to thank you Rick for bringing this to our attention!!!!!!
You are very priviledged to know Cass personally!

The book is an amazing reference of how sheet metal components with complex shapes can be made using specialized machinery - both manufactured and hand made.
I am absolutely in awe of Cass' knowledge and skill.

The book is not a how to, or a proper reference book, by any means.
It is merely a glimpse into what one can do, given the motivation to succeed.
To truly appreciate the depth of his knowledge one has to already be somewhat experienced with metal forming equipment and technique.
I already know I must find an Eckold Piccolo or similar machine, somewhere, someday. Or maybe I'll make my own. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Yes there are numerous typos, and I'm sure worse errors in the text. I've only scanned through the book once.
I know where witch is written it means which, and when I see tub it means tube.
I'm the type who learns best by one or two examples and lots of personal trial and error, with occasional redirection from a master craftsman.
I'll be poring over the text and pictures for a long time to come, trying to absorb as much as I can of the knowledge Cass has unselfishly shared. The contents of this book are worth far more than the cash price. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smiley_notworthy.gif)

[rick 918-S]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) This is an overview of the lifes work of a master.

He did not get a publisher in the formal sense. This was self published. There are 750 copies in the first run. He told me he sold 300 so far. If he ever gets this in the hands of a real publishing company and it hits Barns & Noble or Amazon. They will be flying off the shelf and we will have signed copies of the original unedited version.

[rick 918-S]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_bump.gif) Last day to get in on this. See the first post for instructions!

I'll be out working on the Ravenna car all day but I'll check in from time to time and up date the list if I need to. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[rick 918-S]

OK boys and girls. The deadline has passed. No more members will be in on this unless you get to the post office ASAP. I want to deliver the checks to Cass on Friday. I will update the first post as I receive checks. When the checks get here I will head over to see Cass and have him sign your copy of the first printing of his book.

[worn]

The first checks arrived today! I updated the list.

Worn, I'm sorry you found the book less that satifying. Cass does have broken english. He used a woman as an editor. During the writting of the book she developed cancer. She did her best but really wasn't up to the task nor did she have a working knowledge the craft. So really she was doing as good as she could under the circumstances.

I agree you are looking at atleast a half million in equipment. But you need to realize that Cass purchased this equipment broken and worn beyond use. He then not only refubbed the equipment but then had to train himself to use it. This is a glimps into the lifes work of a master craftsman. He has many photos with diagrams showing the proper movement of the metal. So in addition to the text he tries to explain with pictures.

The fact of the matter is, many of the processes in hand crafting and moving metal requires some special tooling. Stuff like this is just not on the shelf at Lowes or your local FLAPS. Many times home built tooling doesn't work and needs refining. I found it an absolute joy to not only see the end product but the thought process that went into making the tooling that brought the part into a usable form.

You have to agree there are several examples of building simple bucks and forming metal with a come-a-long, torch and hammer or pulling and stretching metal with port-o-power.

Sure there are some complex forming dies for making trim and moldings. But have you ever wondered how it was done? When would you ever have a chance to even see that?
An example here is the window trim Mark is forming for our windsheilds. Ever wonder what type of dies were used or how that stuff was even formed?

After you receive your copy of the book take a good look at it. If anyone has any questions about how and why Cass is doing a project a certain way PM me. I will spend as much time on the phone as needed to explain his meaning and method.

I'm sure there will be many hours of pleasure thumbing though this book.

I plan to start a conversation in a couple weeks when the books get mailed out. I'm looking forward to the general impression from the group.

I spent the weekend with the book fascinated. The man is ingenious beyond belief. Furthermore he has a feel for things - you can just tell. If he weren't such a master, I would probably have settled for less, but with all of that at stake, he has the potential for a really great book and stops short. I can understand that. As I said, my copy isn't going anywhere soon. I am a scientist and I work producing technical articles about our research. I have worked with native Poles, Albanians, Belgians, Germans, Russians, and hardest of all Americans to get their language into line and their graphics so as to explain what is meant. So I know what it takes. It is just as much a craft as pushing metal.
The man is a metal God. But to be honest some chapters just turned out un-understandable.
Of course you have to chalk up some of this to pure and simple ENVY!

[rick 918-S]

This is a self published effort. It is extremely diffecult to get published and extremely expensive. I'm sorry his book and discriptions are over your head. Take it at face value and enjoy it for what it is. Who knows, maybe he will have a workshop again you could attend.

Also, all of the metal forming technics he uses now with large equipment he used to execute by hand with hand tools. As he grew as a specialist his tool box grew with him. This allows a person to work smarter not harder. So don't let the tools intimidate you into thinking you can't make something he shows you in the book because you don't have the Pull Max. Let the book inspire you and work on your imagination.

[euro911]

Rick, I mailed you a check on Saturday.

I agree with 'Worn', that technical writing is a craft. I used to write technical articles and operating procedures at work (retired now). Found it necessary to proof-read and edit numerous times before publication and mass distribution. Pretty sure I'll read past any typos and get the gist of it.

Coincidentally, while looking through some boxes of books for a misplaced MSO (for a custom bike I started constructing back in 2006), found several old books on metallurgy, metal casting, metal shaping and machining. Cass's book will make a good addition to the 'metal' library.

Now, if I could only find those old Metallica albums ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[rick 918-S]

I'm not disputing the fact that there is likely type errors but metal work is more an art form than word smithing. Lets try to look beyond the written word and appreciate the book for the effort it is. I have always dreamed of writting something or doing something that would live on well past my life. Actually, I would just like to see the book again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I won't actually have a copy myself until I go back out there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[rick 918-S]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) Please everyone Check the list in the first post to be sure I have you listed and you have received my return PM. I don't want anyone that expressed an interest before Sunday to miss out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[charliew]

My isp was down all of saturday and came back up sun morning so this was a new thing for me. I'm sure I will enjoy the book very much and will get many new ideas from it. I've been trying to form metal for rusty cars for a long time and any new teachings are very appreciated. Reading about it is only the starting point though and trying to shape a part with poor success will make it much easier to understand a better process and more interesting. Beating on a piece of metal only to have it crack or oilcan and then starting over is pretty frustrating.

[rick 918-S]

Thanks everyone for the prompt attension in getting oyur checks outs. Please check the first post. I have been updating everyones status. I had a couple late players to the game. That's fine. I'm going to Cass's shop on Friday and delivering all the checks. I already spoke with Cass and he will be in the shop.

If I don't receive your check by Friday (my mail arrives like 11:00 am) I will make another trip next week sometime. It's 100 mile round trip but I want to make sure that everyone that took the time and had the interest gets a personally signed copy.

[rick 918-S]

This is a reminder (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_bump.gif) . I'm off to see Cass tomorrow with checks in hand. If yours doesn't make it in my incoming mail by 11:00 am Friday I will make another trip next week sometime. So don't sweat it if your name is not marked as paid. If it isn't it's because I have not received your check. Look at your status in the first post.

[rick 918-S]

More checks arrived today (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[rick 918-S]

I just returned form Cass's shop. I delivered all the checks. I purchased two copies of the book myself. Ones signed and one I will bend the pages on and study many times.

Everyone that is shown on the first post as paid should start receiving their books next week.

[rick 918-S]

I received Two more checks today. Check the first post for status.

Unfortunately I went to vist Cass yesterday. No big deal. I'll go back out the end of next week. There are still three checks not in yet so I am waiting for them too.

All other checks are delivered.

[ruby914]

Dude,
Got a killer book in the mail today. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif)
Got lot's of learning to do...
Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Cass (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

Mike.

[ArtechnikA]

Apologies for the delay - it's been crazy here.
No excuse.
USPS promises you'll have my check NLT 1500 LCL tomorrow (Saturday).

[rick 918-S]

Apologies for the delay - it's been crazy here.
No excuse.
USPS promises you'll have my check NLT 1500 LCL tomorrow (Saturday).

No worries, I was just out at Cass's shop this morning and I will be going back next week. I'll bring your check out to him then.

I have to go back out. I owe him some money. He sold me his tooling for Mercedes SL aluminum door skins, tooling for a 911 door skin and tossed in a pile of half finished skins!

Books should start arriving! Please take the time to read the introduction and specially the section about the author.

[Gint]

Mine was in the mailbox when I got home. Thanks Rick.