Abstract: A formed stainless steel steering wheel is produced by a process that includes starting with a linear stock of round tubing which is then formed into a generally circular shape with an oval-shaped cross-section. The two ends of the curved tubing are then welded together to form a circular blank. The blank is then placed into a circular die having forming punches associated therewith to strike the blank to form finger grip indentations therein. The circular die is then rotationally indexed so that the forming punches can form subsequent finger grip indentations around the circumference of the blank adjacent to the previously formed indentations in a predetermined pattern until the steering wheel rim is completed. By utilizing multiple, preferably three, forming punches equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the circular die, the finger grip indentations can be formed without crushing the blank.

Abstract: A rigid hand railing is disclosed having a plurality of compound indentations formed in the underside thereof to facilitate gripping thereof by a human hand. A method of manufacture of such a hand railing is also disclosed wherein a tool having a plurality of individually movable forming punches to be driven into pre-formed tooling stock is used to form the indentations in one side of the tubing stock. Each forming punch is provided with a tip portion having a compound shape formed from two perpendicular oriented and oppositely disposed arcuate shapes. The forming punches are to be alternatively or sequentially driven into the tubing stock to form the indentations.