Bead Roller...

[clarke1]

What are some suggestions as far as brand goes for these? It will not see alot of heavy use. I dont have a problem using a manual, but would like to hear some tips, advice, and info. regarding bead rollers.

Also, what are the most commonly used sizes used for "step" type and regular "bead" type dies?

Thanks for the info and help.
-Morgan

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[D-rek]

Get the harbor freight one and weld the gussets on it. There are companies that make various edges for them. Google how to do the mods to it and you can convert to electric.

[DesertGuy1]

I have a Williams Low Buck bead roller (manual) with step and tank roll dies as well as half round. For limited use and relatively smaller panels, the manual unit seems to do the job. On larger panels, it can get tricky and require additional people to work well. An electric unit would be ideal, such as a Mittler or similar, if possible. Mods can be made to the manual to convert them but looks like after all is said and done...price would be similar as an electric unit. Of course that depends on how much you pay for the motor.

As far as using it, it just takes patience and practice. There are many Internet resources that show how to use them and set-up... In the end, each roller has a "personality" and you just need to run through some scrap to learn how your roller behaves.

[clarke1]

thats a interesting idea. I saw the HB one the other day, but its harborfrieght machinery and I just dont know about that... as far as mods go to it, I thought this was some great stuff:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ghlight=roller

...I would like to know what others are using, brands that are proven and maybe already come with electric or air power.

[NicksTrix]

irvan-smith makes a nice elec one. once you go elec it's hard to go back to a manual since it's so much easier.

[D-rek]

I think you can use a variable speed pedal and motor from a sewing machines. I think you can get the harbor freight unit for around $100 on sale I bought an edge rounding die and works really good

[Precision Metalcraft]

I've got an old Pexto 7 inch cast iron roller that I have used the snot out of for 15+ years. Zero issues, dies can be hard to find but it can be done or you can make your own. A Few years ago an employee of mine told me how much better a certain popular brand was, I foolishly listened spent $800 with dies only to have the motor go bad in a few days. They did step up and sent me a new motor only to have the gear reduction inside of it self destruct in less than another week. At this point I cut my losses and sold it. I even included 2 bad motors. There are people that swear by these things but I will stick with a real industrial machine.
Thanks, Jeff

[clarke1]

Thanks for the replies. I always lean towards getting what I pay for, especially with tooling. If I had the time I might try to modify something, but I just dont.

-the Irvan-Smith looks to be just @600 w/out dies. That is pretty reasonable. Im still open to suggestions or comments, looking like a 2 or 3 week window before becomming a neccesity.

-morgan

[DBMETALWORX]

Irvan Smith, Mittler Brothers, or Pro-tools all have reasonably priced powered rollers.

[atomicjoe23]

thats a interesting idea. I saw the HB one the other day, but its harborfrieght machinery and I just dont know about that... as far as mods go to it, I thought this was some great stuff:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ghlight=roller

...I would like to know what others are using, brands that are proven and maybe already come with electric or air power.

Great link! Thanks for sharing!!!