Di Acro 24 roller, shear, and brake

[blunosr]

Hi, I posted this on OMWM but there wasn't much response. I'm really hoping to get some ideas for practical uses of the roller.

I recently bought these three machines on auction from a government lab. It seems that they may never have been used. I'm quite excited about them. I have used each of these types of machine on occasion, mostly a brake, and it really is a joy to use a heavy, quality machine.

I've looked around a bit to see what folks use rollers for, but I have't seen much for practical use. Any suggestions? Someone on OMWM said for rolling cones (but for what purpose?), and rolling rings (why would I want rings?). I made an air hose hanger, and an extension collar for my sump pump...

Also, what kind of space do I need around each when I place them in the shop? I'd like to bolt them to the concrete floor.

Thanks for any advice,

Troy
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Some of the spare fingers for the brake.
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[Iron-Iceberg]

Wow very nice set of tools. Seems like the hose holder would have been a good use for the roller. If you do much sheet metal work it will not be long before you will want somthing with a round side to it.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Nice find! I'd love to have a set like that.

TheGrooveking

 

[bsg]

Hi, I posted this on OMWM but there wasn't much response. I'm really hoping to get some ideas for practical uses of the roller.

I recently bought these three machines on auction from a government lab. It seems that they may never have been used. I'm quite excited about them. I have used each of these types of machine on occasion, mostly a brake, and it really is a joy to use a heavy, quality machine.

I've looked around a bit to see what folks use rollers for, but I have't seen much for practical use. Any suggestions? Someone on OMWM said for rolling cones (but for what purpose?), and rolling rings (why would I want rings?). I made an air hose hanger, and an extension collar for my sump pump...

Also, what kind of space do I need around each when I place them in the shop? I'd like to bolt them to the concrete floor.

Thanks for any advice,

Troy




Some of the extras

Nice score, it ***** that they slathered paint all over them!

Here's a Link to some Di-Acro literature that gives you some ideas on what to use the roller for.

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/4049/5512.pdf

That slip roller is desirable because of the fourth roll, you can use it as a radius brake......

I have a similar setup and all three machines are on one table!

Kevin

 

[crguy]

Those are great machines. I have the same 24"brake & shear plus a 24" Pexto roller. The brake & shear get the most use, and the roller only a few times. I won't part with any of them until I can no longer work in the shop.

 

[nickelmore]

Those are great pieces. I have the roller and brake.

To be honest the only time I have used the roller was to make radius sides for a tool box on an old truck.

The stock was way too thick for for the roller but we took it nice and slow. and it came out nice.

I may be interested in buying one of the spare fingers for the brake. I think I need a 1 inch one if you are interested in selling one.

Keep them oiled up.

 

[Warrenator]

I have the 12" version of the brake, DiAcro makes great stuff. I mean really great stuff. My finger brake came out of a school and was a little neglected and whaled on but after cleanup and lube operates smooth as silk. I coated all the bare steel parts with paste wax just on general principles to keep the rust down.

Might watch some youtube videos to get some idea of what to use the slip roller for. I got a tiny one with the same auction lot and have no idea what to do with it.... other than start curves for patch panels.

 

[Tinner]

Really nice old machines, you're a lucky man.

 

[blunosr]

Hi, thanks for the replies. I still haven't got many ideas for the roller, but here are a couple.

Embossing

and curved artistic metal

I'm sure I'll use it for some projects, I like the idea of using it as a radius brake (bending a 90, but with a radius corner).
Thanks,

Troy

 

[justanengineer]

Those are beautiful machines. You shouldnt need to bolt them down, properly used they wont need enough force input to tip them and as I'm sure youre aware theyre heavy despite the small size. Regarding use of the roller, panel forming/shaping often starts with a radius or two rolled into sheet and then stretched to form domes or other curves.

 

[nine4gmc]

You scored!

 

[DenisG]

Sometimes I use my rollers to "iron out" used sheet metal so that I can re-use it. I did that not long ago with some aluminum gutter rain guards that I took down. I've also used it to make pieces for ductwork.

 

[nickelmore]

We also made the rear inner fenders for a tow truck

The second picture of is of the corner that we rolled. (Same corner different body on a different body). It was a very tight bend and the material was way too thick but we took it real slow and keep rolling it until it came out. On the last body we had to do both corners

[/ATTACH]

Great find. I have the roller and finger break. The roller was mounted on a large steel workbench on the end, the brake was bolted down 90 degrees from that.