Harbor Freight Doesn't Sell English Wheels Anymore – Where To Get Them Cheap Instead
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Very few hand-powered tools can be as big or effective as the English wheel. These heavy-duty devices, also known as wheeling machines, can transform flat sheet metal into complex shapes. Harbor Freight, which has 5 exciting products coming out in 2026, once sold an English wheel kit with stand for $319.99 under its Central Machinery house brand. But it's no longer available. If you're wanting an English Wheel with a floor stand and you need to keep the price under $400, you unfortunately won't be able to do so unless you buy used. Third-party sellers like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are good places to search.
If you're willing to spend a bit more, you can get the 27-inch English Wheel setup from Jegs for $510.99. Or, you can get the Code Auto Tools English Wheel kit with stand for $549.99 at Walmart. For name brands like Eastwood, you'll pay around $800 or more, depending on the model you choose. If all of these are still too high, you'll probably need to go with a tabletop model, which is much more affordable.
For example, the Grizzly 15-inch Benchtop English Wheel as of this writing is only $195, down from $255. For a bigger selection of tabletop models, you can try Amazon, where you'll spend anywhere from $110 or more. If you do select one of the cheaper models, despite where you buy it, be sure to check the rating and read customer reviews. That way, you know what you're getting beforehand.
Floor stand English wheels versus benchtop models
Choosing between a floor model and benchtop English wheel is not just about space, but about what you need the wheel for. If you're tackling big jobs that require consistent pressure on large metal panels, a floor model is the way to go. This is especially true for automotive bodywork, as mechanics often use gadgets that aren't standard power tools. Plus, floor model English wheels often feature built-in storage racks for an all-in-one solution.
But if you're mostly working on smaller jobs, a tabletop English wheel might be the right choice for you. These smaller units can be easily mounted to a workbench or even clamped into a vise. They can shape panels like the bigger models, but on a smaller scale. They can also stretch and smooth metal panels in the same way as floor units, and some models may include storage as well.
However, if you're shaping wood for furniture or other small woodworking projects, you shouldn't use an English wheel. Wood just doesn't bend the same way as metal, and other techniques are better for creating curves instead. One way is to heat the wood with steam until it's bendable, then clamp it over a form so it cools into a permanent curved shape. There's also bent lamination, which involves gluing several thin wood strips together inside of a curved mold. Once the glue dries and the stack of wood is removed from the mold, it retains its shape.