SD Metalworks
Who is "Shopdog" or SD Metalworks
Hello, my name is Richard Kleinschmidt. For a number of years I was active in the online metalshping community. I had a keen interest in metalshaping machine design and development. Although I am not a degreed engineer, many years of employment as such and self study provided a basis for this sort of undertaking. I was also fortunate to have aqquired a nice assortment of machine tools and fabrication equipment.
In 2002 something led me to explore metalshaping and I soon discovered a couple of Yahoo groups focused on the craft. in 2003 I built a couple of reciprocating machines around the principles of the Pullmax machines, on a smaller scale. In a few years and many, many hours I constructed more than 50 machines of both the reciprocating and power hammer variety. During that time period, a sort of renisance of the metalshaping craft occurred. Many of those who had ressurected the panelbeating art in the 90s were involved in the online groups and various club meets. They generously shared what they had learned with those of us yearning for knowledge of a craft secretly practiced by a few experts in years past. The meets and online groups created a synergy that propelled the craft and its participants into a frenzy of projects and skill development. Times were exciting; perhaps the rapid influx of new people kept the pot at a boil. As time wore on the crowd changed. Some used their skills to start business ventures, others began doing their own thing; less dependent on the groups knowledge and ability to problem solve. Others just seemed to fade away.
To the many people who helped me directly and indirectly, I wish to say thanks for taking me and others under your wings. To the many members of groups and attendees at meets; even those who quietly stayed on the sidelines, I also extend a thanks. Your were and are a part of the adventure.
In 2006 I retired from self employment and enjoyed more involvement in the internet metalshaping community. Last year, 2008, I decided to spend more of my time pursuing my metalshaping and machinist skills as a hobbyist.
Shopdog was a corporation I owned for a few years but was shut down in 2006 concurrent with my retirement.
In 2002 something led me to explore metalshaping and I soon discovered a couple of Yahoo groups focused on the craft. in 2003 I built a couple of reciprocating machines around the principles of the Pullmax machines, on a smaller scale. In a few years and many, many hours I constructed more than 50 machines of both the reciprocating and power hammer variety. During that time period, a sort of renisance of the metalshaping craft occurred. Many of those who had ressurected the panelbeating art in the 90s were involved in the online groups and various club meets. They generously shared what they had learned with those of us yearning for knowledge of a craft secretly practiced by a few experts in years past. The meets and online groups created a synergy that propelled the craft and its participants into a frenzy of projects and skill development. Times were exciting; perhaps the rapid influx of new people kept the pot at a boil. As time wore on the crowd changed. Some used their skills to start business ventures, others began doing their own thing; less dependent on the groups knowledge and ability to problem solve. Others just seemed to fade away.
To the many people who helped me directly and indirectly, I wish to say thanks for taking me and others under your wings. To the many members of groups and attendees at meets; even those who quietly stayed on the sidelines, I also extend a thanks. Your were and are a part of the adventure.
In 2006 I retired from self employment and enjoyed more involvement in the internet metalshaping community. Last year, 2008, I decided to spend more of my time pursuing my metalshaping and machinist skills as a hobbyist.
Shopdog was a corporation I owned for a few years but was shut down in 2006 concurrent with my retirement.
Why a "SD Metalworks" Website
I still have some stuff to share. I plan to post some construction plans for reciprocating machines and Power Hammers. Anything posted here will be free to download and use for individual purposes. I hope having pictures of my machines together on this site make for easier access rather than scattered across the internet. Maybe someone contemplating a machine project can use an idea from something in the past.
I will need to dig up some info off old computers for plans but I believe most all of the plans are still here. I'll also be adding some pages of metalshaping projects I am involved with.
I will need to dig up some info off old computers for plans but I believe most all of the plans are still here. I'll also be adding some pages of metalshaping projects I am involved with.
