Bernardo English wheel and KGR 500 air hammer
The KGR 500 English wheel is an indispensable tool for sheet metal working and creating curved surfaces, suitable for body shops, restorers, and specialized workshops. Thanks to its large work surface and included accessories, it allows for precise shaping of steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. It is particularly useful for producing fenders, doors, hoods, and components for vintage vehicles.
The machine is equipped with a removable planishing hammer and adjustable pressure via a handwheel, allowing for a wide variety of bending radii. Thanks to the quick-release system for the lower wheel, the workpiece can be easily removed. Included are rollers, dies, and a polishing hammer, with a practical integrated holder on the machine body.
Key Specifications
Throat depth 500 mm with internal height of 395 mm
Maximum capacity: steel up to 0.75 mm and aluminum up to 1.0 mm
Adjustable working pressure via handwheel
Removable polishing hammer for extended applications
Hammer strike frequency: 1800–4600/min
Compressed air operation (6.2–8.2 bar, consumption 200 l/min)
Quick-release system for the lower wheel for quick workpiece removal
Set of rollers and dies for different bending radii included
Robust, stable structure suitable for professional use
Technical table
| Features |
Data |
| Planishing hammer |
|
| Throat |
500 mm |
| Internal height |
395 mm |
| Max. sheet thickness* |
2.0 mm |
| Stroke frequency |
1800–4600/min |
| Air pressure |
6.2 – 8.2 bar |
| Air consumption |
200 l/min |
| English wheel |
|
| Throat |
500 mm |
| Internal height |
395 mm |
| Max. steel thickness* |
0.75 mm |
| Max. aluminum thickness* |
1.0 mm |
| Main roller (Ø x width) |
114 x 38 mm |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) |
1300 x 320 x 1600 mm |
| Weight |
approx. 70 kg |
| *Material with strength |
400 N/mm² |
Package contents
3 forming dies (1" / 2" / 3")
Planishing hammer
Foot pedal control
3 lower rollers (anvil wheels)
1 upper roller
Logistics
Bernardo shipping: 5–9 business days (7 days to the South). Original spare parts available with 3–5 business day shipping. Customer service in Italian available.
Frequently asked questions
What is an English wheel and what is it used for?
The English wheel is a machine for forming sheet metal with double curvature: two opposing rollers (upper and lower) press the sheet metal, which is moved back and forth, progressively creating curved surfaces such as fenders, hoods, body panels, and boat hulls. It is the fundamental machine for artisan coachbuilding and the construction of aluminum components with complex surfaces.
What is the difference between RSM 450, RSM 560, RSM 700, RSM 830, RSM 960, RSM 1040, and RSM 1100?
The number indicates the useful working width in mm — that is, the maximum distance between the roller centers where the sheet metal can be worked. RSM 450 (450 mm) is the most compact for small pieces; RSM 1100 (1100 mm) is the largest for standard-sized body panels. The choice depends on the maximum width of the panels to be formed.
What sheet metal thicknesses does the RSM series work?
In aluminum: up to 1.5–2.0 mm depending on the model. In mild steel: up to 1.0–1.5 mm. For thicker sheets, the required force increases significantly — check the specific model's limits in the technical table. The RSM 1100 × 1.5 indicates a width of 1100 mm with a 1.5-inch lower roller.
Are replacement rollers available?
Original spare parts available with 3–5 business day shipping. Customer service in Italian available.
Is specific training required to use the English wheel?
Yes. Forming with an English wheel requires technique and practice: the sheet metal tension, direction, and pressure of the passes determine the final shape. An inexperienced operator can create uneven undulations that are difficult to correct. It is advisable to start on scrap material to gain confidence before working on definitive pieces.