Abstract: A method of forming a generally cylindrical part from a generally flat, rectangular metal blank in a punch press constitutes the steps of primarily forming the blank by bending two opposite longitudinal edge portions of the blank to predetermined configurations with respect to the remainder of the blank in a first die section. The primarily formed blank is transferred to a second die section wherein it is secondarily formed downwardly over a mandrel having an axis parallel to the two longitudinal edge portions. In the secondarily formed blank, the two longitudinal edge portions are thus turned inwardly toward each other. The secondarily formed blank has a generally oval or U-shaped transverse section. The secondarily formed blank is then transferred to a third die section wherein the part is formed by curling the blank so that the two longitudinal edges are adjacent one another.