Bead Rolled Pannels

[V8Ranger]

I'm trying to show a friend how nice bead rolled pannels look but I'm having trouble finding good pictures. I looked through the skunkz articles but didn't come up with much. If you have any can you please post them, their link or email them to me?
Thanks,
Matt

[Jordan]

The center console in my truck has bead rolling on it. www.Jordansrealm.com (http://www.Jordansrealm.com) click on JR Chase Truck.

[BradM]

I don't have any good pictures handy but consider using a set of step mandrels as opposed to a bead. You can do a lot with some practice.

[gosouth]

Jordan -
Props on the center console. That thing looks pretty clean.

GOSOUTH

[Rprice]

I'am going to be doing my center console in a week or two and i want to know where can i get a beadroller i think harbor freight has them??? anyone got a picture of one? also what size alluminum do most people use? i have a Giant road construction sign thats 1/8in. and it polished up good, thanks

[BradM]

1/8 is way too thick if you want to roll any beads, especially with a H/F tool. You should be more like 0.050 to 0.063 depending on your application and the tools that you have to work with. Also, use a softer alloy like 5052 or 3003 in a half hard condition.

As for tools, I haven't seen anything from H/F that much worth having in the long run. You can get fairly cheap crank operated beaders from Lowbuck Tools and probably others. Look at Mitler Bros. from some pretty nice power bead rollers. I have one and it is pretty good. They also have a wide selection of mandrels if you don't want to make your own. Whether you use a power bead roller or a hand crank bead roller, attach it to something solid and get some practice before you start rolling your actual parts. It sometimes takes a little practice to get smooth turns and straight lines, especially if both the tool and the part are moving.

[dadomin8r]

Ebay baby!! They always have deals on bead rollers. Just make sure the one you want is the one you are bidding, in particular, make sure the throat is as deep as you want. Usually you can get one for about $100, thrash it, then get a nice one.

[SpareChangeRacng]

Many bead rollers have a very thin maximum capacity. You're looking at like 22 ga max on alum and 24 on steel - that's pretty thin stuff. You'll have to have a very heavy duty one to run .050 or similar. Also - as somebody stated, stay w/ the softer stuff like 5052 and avoid 6061 as it is a little more brittle/harder - it tends to crack when you try and bend it.
If you can find a pexto roller on ebay for a good price go for it.

[Jordan]

Thank you very much.

[Jordan]

Harbor Freight has them.

[NicksTrix]

www.irvansmith.com (http://www.irvansmith.com)
nice tools, resonable prices for something quality