HF Bead Roller Upgrades

[Bib Overalls]

Did a search and did not find anything.

About a year ago I was at a trade show and bought a low end bead roller from Woodward Fab. I got a really smoking deal price wise.

The one I got is essentially the same (or exactly the same) as the one sold by Harbor Freight.

I did not go into this with a blind eye. There have been a number of threads on these bead rollers on the HAMB. The general consensus is that the mechanical components and the dies are capable of more than acceptable results but the plate frame is understrength and needs reinforcement.

After initially setting mine up we did some test runs and got the predictable results. In one case, the upper and lower dies moved 1/2" off center.

After watching how the arms deflected I made some strong backs and a web out of 3/8" plate steel. Subsequent tests and a couple of small jobs produced more than acceptable results with no deflection. I'm really pleased.

The adjuster in the 4th picture is junk. I am going to replace it with a block of steel drilled and tapped for 1/2" fine thread. I'm also planning on replacing the crank with a steering wheel.

Once I am sure further reinforcement is not required I will have the frame and stand powder coated.

 

[reedwesd]

Looks awesome. Got any picture of anything you have made with it.

 

[Brad54]

I've wondered what laying some angle iron down the arms: Lay the angle on the arms so the two sides of the angle contact the arm, with the corner of the angle acting as a "spine" running the length of the arms.

I had the same issue with the arms flexing apart, and did a REALLY cheap and quick fix: Since I was just putting a step along the edge of a bunch of sheetmetal pieces for a floor brace in my Duster, I didn't need the full throat. So I took a short piece of scrap angle iron, drilled two holes in it, and secured it to the back side of the bearing blocks next to the dies.
It keeps the arms in perfect alignment, and keeps them from spreading when you crank down on the jaws. Limits the tools ability to only do outside edges though.

I'll work up something better when I get my shop cleaned up and have some room to work and store a big roller... I'm looking for an engine stand for the base.

-Brad

 

[ZRX61]

A few years back there was a great thread either here or on HAMB by a guy who really did a number on modifying one of those.

 

[Jim Stabe]

Go here http://metalmeet.com/forum/index.php
or here http://www.allmetalshaping.com/index.php
or here http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=5

and search on bead roller modifications, powering bead roller or Harbor freight bead roller and you will be reading for days.

 

[Mike_C]

I just welded some tubing along mine, drilled a few holes to get to the bolts. It was a simple mod and really helped. I do want to make a better adjuster for it as well, and maybe a steering wheel crank.

I bought it so that I could rib a floor panel in my 4runner, it worked pretty well. I didn't measure anything, it was a very crude panel. Its not a show truck, and with the vinyl floor over it you don't even see it. I just wanted something that was strong, and would not click up and down as I put my feet on it.

 

[ZRX61]

Thinking about it a bit more I'm now sure that thread I refered to earlier was on here, it may even be what lead me here in the first place. I shall investigate...

 

[ZRX61]

Found it! I found the first link here & that lead me to HAMB:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118726&highlight=roller

 

[jarhead]

so glad I did a search, just bought one of these today on sale

 

[lilredex]

I just welded some tubing along mine, drilled a few holes to get to the bolts. It was a simple mod and really helped. I do want to make a better adjuster for it as well, and maybe a steering wheel crank.


I bought it so that I could rib a floor panel in my 4runner, it worked pretty well. I didn't measure anything, it was a very crude panel. Its not a show truck, and with the vinyl floor over it you don't even see it. I just wanted something that was strong, and would not click up and down as I put my feet on it.

Just a note about this picture...............it is never a good idea to spray this stuff inside a vehicle. It really burns fast, hot and toxic. Imagine being trapped inside with your vehicle catching fire.

The containers usually have warnings on them about using it in occupied spaces.