I am trying to find or make a forming block of sorts... To be used with a blocking hammer to stretch sheet metal to form my own panel repairs. I have seen huge 400mm squarechuncks of hardwood used or even leather sand bags. I was thinking of making a timber block one but have been told that I need to kiln dry the timber to stop it splitting and not only that where does one find a piece of timber 900mm high? I also do not know where to buy a sandbag. Has anyone made up some thing like this before or can tell me where to get a hold of one.

Strex, cheapest way to get a beaterbag is to use a leather handbag and fill it with sand.
Otherwise give this guy a call http://www.rodsandrelics.com.au/site/index.php?cat=beater_bags_&sub=tools 
This guy also makes and sells heaps of other tools

Cheers
Dino

2 minutes searching and viola!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/30-cm-PANEL-BEATER-BAG-SHOT-BAG-ARMORY-BAG-SCA-LARP_W0...

Thanks guys yep last night I found Nifty Notions and placed an order .. It took me2.5 minutes!!