Antique bead roller?

[1Bad55Chevy]

I found this piece online and I am thinking of purchasing it. The description says its a metal crimping/cutting tool but I think thats incorrect. I believe its a bead roller with a 12" throat but maybe I am wrong?

Anyways I cant find anything online that looks similar. It appears to be branded "American" on the side but googling terms like "American bead roller" returns results of no real value.

What is this machine?
Would I still be able to buy dies for it?
How old is it?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I bet that was used for duct work. At one time I had a similar item and the rollers on it looked like for crimping and turning up an edge.

 

[cvairwerks]

Might be a combination slitter and crimper....

 

[RTM]

Looking at other manufacturers might give you an idea as to use.

I doubt parts are available, but again other mfgrs parts MIGHT fit.

Here is a PEXTO catalog.

Pexto Machines and Tools for Sheet Metal Work : Catalog No. 35 A : Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

116 p., illus., 27.9 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Would it be similar to those machines?

I am looking for a machine where I can do offset bead rolls on sheetmetal panels. I want to be able to do things like this.

 

[cvairwerks]

Going to take something more like this for larger panels. A 24" or 36" throat unit will get you to the center of a 48" panel. For doing that style work, you really need it to be powered, or you need a second person to crank...

36

<p>This Bead Roller Kit features everything you need to get started! Includes:</p> <ul> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.mittlerbros.com/36-adjustable-upper-and-lower-shaft-variable-speed-industrial-bead-roller.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">202-36NV-B...

www.mittlerbros.com

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Or router out your pattern in MDF and use an air hammer with a ball attachment.

 

[K13]

It's not a bead roller. Bead rollers have a way to adjust the pressure between the two shafts out at the end where the dies are. This looks like if there is any adjustment it is right at the back and spring loaded which you definitely don't want on a bead roller.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Going to take something more like this for larger panels. A 24" or 36" throat unit will get you to the center of a 48" panel. For doing that style work, you really need it to be powered, or you need a second person to crank...

36

<p>This Bead Roller Kit features everything you need to get started! Includes:</p> <ul> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.mittlerbros.com/36-adjustable-upper-and-lower-shaft-variable-speed-industrial-bead-roller.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">202-36NV-B...

www.mittlerbros.com

I am not trying to do panels that large. I was trying to show the style of panels i want to make. That mittler bros machine is bad ***!

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

It's not a bead roller. Bead rollers have a way to adjust the pressure between the two shafts out at the end where the dies are. This looks like if there is any adjustment it is right at the back and spring loaded which you definitely don't want on a bead roller.

I was thinking about that also. This might not be what I am looking for...