Cadflat Bead Roller Project.

[Oddbod]

Well, I've started constructing my homemade bead roller.
I have scanned several sites and looked at numerous pictures on the internet which eventually had my head spinning.
I figured a bead roller could be a handy piece of equipment to assist with the making of patch panels a floor repairs etc.

I made a check list of the features I thought might be useful which included, that it be;

Powered
On a stand
Relatively easy to move
Have a throat of at least 24 inches
Have a side offset adjustment
A quick release which holds existing settings
Run 1 inch shafts which step down to 7/8" for dies
An adjustable guide
Made mostly from stuff that I have in my stash
Run standard 2 inch dies
Run keyways on all shafts, even if not used
Next post will have some pic's of my first steps.
__________________
Russ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQ8Ujaq7MY

The more that you learn, the more your realise that you don't know...

[RiverPatrol]

This will be an interesting project to watch.

[Oddbod]

Got my electric 1/2HP motor and reduction box.
I needed to remove the double pulley and source and attach a small chain sprocket.
Turned out the sprocket keyway did not match my reduction box keyway so I hand filed the smaller keyway and customised my key to get the right fit.
The original key was also pinned into the keyway, something that I had not anticipated...

I believe in an earlier life my motor and reduction box came from a clay pigeon launching tower.
Maybe somebody out there recognises its type.

__________________
Russ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQ8Ujaq7MY

The more that you learn, the more your realise that you don't know...

[Esteban]

A project for the projects!

This will be very interesting to see. Congratulations on your fabrication abilities.

[Oddbod]

Started to work out what plate I can use for the main body.
I had a 7 foot length of 1/2" plate which is 8" wide that I decided to use.
I did some quick calcs and cut two long pieces with a small piece 1" wide to space the long pieces apart.

I then got cut 4 bearing blocks 2" x 2" x 1 1/4" drilled them to take a bush that I purchased on line.
The bushes basically pressed in and then I just reamed them to take my 1" shaft.
The bearing blocks were also drilled centrally from the side and tapped so they can be bolted to the main plates.

I also got to figuring out my adjustable pressure device with the quick release.

So far so good, no drawings.


__________________
Russ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQ8Ujaq7MY

The more that you learn, the more your realise that you don't know...

[Oddbod]

I worked out my shaft lengths and machining needs and acquired all the gears and sprockets I think I need.

During this process I also purchase a keyway cutting broach and cut all my own internal keyways with it.
I then hand made all my own keys from cutting up some mild steel flat bar, which worked out good.
I am using 3/16" keys.


__________________
Russ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQ8Ujaq7MY

The more that you learn, the more your realise that you don't know...

[Oddbod]

After reading posts on machinery forums, I decided to bite the bullet and acquire myself an electronic speed controller unit known as VFD or Variable Frequency Drive Inverter.
There are numerous brands to choose from out there.
My choice was based on price and hope that the supplier was capable of supplying me with support if/when required...

I live in hope that this unit will provide me with variable speed control, forward and reverse ability and accept a foot control pedal.


__________________
Russ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQ8Ujaq7MY

The more that you learn, the more your realise that you don't know...

[Oddbod]

It seems my pic would not attach, so I try again this time.

[Oddbod]

I am getting ready to weld up my plates into the C configuration.
I am concerned about warp age and movement, so I dug up an old free stand I was given and added a decent piece of 1" thick steel plate I picked up years ago.
My plan is to tack weld all plate pieces into position and then complete my main welds in the hope that everything stays straight and true.

Previously, when selecting my plate of choice I discovered that it was not too straight and spent some time with a buddy of mine with his 30 ton press straightening the pieces.


__________________
Russ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQ8Ujaq7MY

The more that you learn, the more your realise that you don't know...

[Oddbod]

I have a set of 6 x 2" dies I secured and have also purchased my VFD from an ebay seller .
Before buying my device I did seek comments from another forum, but I also consulted an electrical engineer friend who also gave this unit a tick of approval.

The shaft gears are suitable to match my 2" choice of dies...
My sprockets are American and my gears are from China via ebay.
My shafts are sourced locally and I know them as 1" diameter bright mild steel.
My bearings also came off ebay, but could be sourced from numerous sources, they are supposed to be self lubricating so I am not sure that I need grease points.

Since I have only ever used a bead roller once previously about 20 years ago, it is difficult for me to really have a list of demands for this machine, I just took what I considered good features that sounded like they may provide versatility to performance.

I am into hot rods and old cars and think owning a bead roller maybe a useful machine to have in my shop.

Just to explain my thread title of "Cadflat Version", I have made several YouTube videos titled "Cadflat" of which I have four.
The name Cadflat comes from a couple of parts I have made to fit and modify a flathead Cadillac engine which was made from approx 1938 thru to 1948 and besides being used in Cadillac cars it was also used in a WWII tank. I am using one in my current hot rod project.

There is a link below to one of them and the others will pop up as well.
__________________
Russ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQ8Ujaq7MY

The more that you learn, the more your realise that you don't know...