Originally Posted by
KatzeKatze
How come you guys don't use that?
You'll find in field level sheetmetal work on aircraft most repair work is performed without the need of a planishing hammer or even an english wheel. While those items are found in some shops unless you are performing extensive fabrication work, you'll spend most of your time with layout, bending, drilling, and riveting vs flattening out metal.
As to the A&P certificate, its not a simple test and you have it. It can take from 24 to 30 months to obtain the experience required depending on what route you follow to qualify for it. And if you only plan to concentrate on the sheetmetal side, perhaps look into only pursing the A (airframe) portion of the certificate which would take about half the time.