Bead Roller from Harbor Freight

[ThomasT]

G' day fellows, I could not find a thread about the Bead Roller from Harbor Frieght. Has anyone used or own one and if so, did it work OK.

 

[dodge610]

I have one seems to work well I have had it in the #2 shop for a few years. I use it for all my own body work.

 

[RCman]

I have the Woodward Fab bead roller (Link) Works pretty well. It was cheaper than the HF model and seems to be slightly heavy duty (thicker main plate). I bought it from Summit Racing and made my own stand to go in a receiver hitch.

 

[lilredex]

Here is one, with lots of good stuff..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167209

 

[ThomasT]

RCMan thanks, I read up on this unit and it does appear to be a bit heavier made. Nice looking stand also.

 

[RCman]

Haha, the stand isn't anything fancy whipped it up in a few minutes but thank you.
I haven't had a need to reinforce it like lilredex posted but then again I have only used mine for thin sheetmetal.

 

[ThomasT]

Lots of good ideas from everyone, thanks. I sure like the "wheel" in place of the handle, looks to be much easier to use.

 

[PCO6]

Lots of good ideas here ...

http://allmetalshaping.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32

 

[yaidunno]

I've got the Woodward one as well. I've done some slight modifications. The dies that come with are rough machined, and not concentric. But what do you expect for cheap Chinese ****. Some time spent turning them on the lathe and polishing will give you much better beading results. It leaves much to be desired in stock form. Looking back i would have probably been time ahead making it from scratch. Live and learn i suppose.

 

[ThomasT]

yaidunno, your mods are outstanding and I like the wheel added in place of the handle.

 

[22george]

l got one from eastwood and powered it with a 1/2 pneumatic drill