Leather Panal Shaping Bag Questions

From searches I've read that sand works well in these bags.I know lots of practice is required to get any results out of this.Are there any books or printed material out there on this technique.What are the limits on thickness of metal being used.Any tips will be appreciatied.Thanks.

 

Steel or lead shot also are common fillers .......


Older vehicles usually are 19 ga. The stiffness of metal rises rapidly with thickness.

 

Depending on the size of the bag, might be harder to lift.

 

Mine are filled with shot, don't remember where I got it though.Although sand works well also, most body panels are 18.19 20 guage, these all work pretty well, you can shape 16 guage but it's a lot more work.

 

X2 I bought shot from a gun shop. You can also look for small leather purses with zipper closures at second hand shops to use for hand held shot bags or to weight something down.
John

 

Thanks for the replys.

 

I've got a heavy 12" round bag with lead, great for holding stuff down & banging on big stuff. Got a couple of smaller bags with sand that are handy for lighter shaping.

 

I like lead shot. No rust, seems to move just right. Made the stand turn. Don't need to move the piece as much.