Powered Bead roller worth it?

[Stooge]

Ive been trying to pick up a bead roller for a couple years now, but like most non-essentials, theres always something to come up and decide it needs that money instead. im pretty set on a Mittler bros, made here in the US, super high quality, and out of the few bead rollers ive used, it was my preference. after speaking with a rep from them, buying the dies and some other stuff, he said i could get a break on the price, not much of one, but a break nonetheless. i'd really like to get the powerdrive model as i generally work alone, but its an extra $200-250 for the power over the manual. cant say how much i'll be using it, but if its easier to use with the powerdrive then i'll probably use it for more projects vs being a pita and not used as much.

for the people who have manual and powered, is there much of a learning curve/ frustration point inherent in the manual ones? just start with the powered version? will i be happy/ get along good enough with the manual version? if i get the manual one and want to upgrade, it goes from a $200 difference to a $350 difference in price to buy their motor and pedal.

 

[MP&C]

I have a manual Fasti (german made circa 1962) that was bought used on CL with a grunch of dies for 600. I have done quite a few different things with it, but when it comes to longer items that need to be supported, it is almost a must to have a helper. My helper is 12 years old.... but sometimes she needs to get her fingernails dirty..

I will say at times her speed and mine don't align where she needs to stop while I re-group... So for someone working primarily alone, I would say the motorized version is a definite plus. BTW, there have been some Mittler bead rollers pop up for sale on metalmeet, allmetalshaping, and even the HAMB, in good used condition. This option may put a better light on your budget...

 

[aggierailroad]

I'd say absolutely! My wife gets tired of helping most of the time, and like Robert says, we don't always jive on our stops and starts.

 

[rsanter]

The powered one is night and day better as you can go alone with the work.
I have looked at the mittler bead rollers and they are nice but before spending the money why don't you look over at metalmeet.com and see the ones the guys have made and the HF ones that they have modified into some really nice machines.
Also, if you shop around you can get a slow moving gearmotor surplus for about $100 to power one yourself.
Of all the bead rollers I have used the best one out there is the Lazzie one from Lazzie metal dreams. It is the rolls Royce.
My bead roller design was based on the Lazzie unit with some improvements so I have a hopped up rolls Royce I guess.
It was built by a friend of mine for me and since others have seen his unit he had had people wanting him to make one for them. If you want I can get you in contact with him for what he would charge

Bob

 

[K13]

Definitely get a powered one for the price difference you will regret it. If you don't you will end up spending an extra $150 in the long run when you decide you made a mistake the first time.

As for fixing up the cheap ones to me it comes down to how much you value your time. Do you want to spend your time working on your projects or fixing crappy tools so they work properly. With the limited time I have it was an easy choice. The other problem I found with the cheap ones is different dies are not as readily available and those that are are about twice the price of Mittler Bros or Baileigh dies.

I bought the Mittle Bros 24" Aluminium bodied roller and have been more than happy with it. I would have bought the Baileigh but shipping to Canada was a deal breaker for me.

 

[Stooge]

MP&C; i dont think i'll ever get tired of looking at what your working on, truly impressed anytime i open your thread.

Awesome, EXACTLY what i wanted to hear, makes the extra a bit easier to justify. ive only ever used manual ones, and since i dont own one, theres always been a helper, at my shop though, an extra set of hands isnt a guarantee. ive considered getting the HF one, and while i usually have no problem making projects out of other projects, i think with this one, i just want to treat myself to an easier time and something that might not handicapp my inexperience.

...Of all the bead rollers I have used the best one out there is the Lazzie one from Lazzie metal dreams. It is the rolls Royce.
My bead roller design was based on the Lazzie unit with some improvements so I have a hopped up rolls Royce I guess....

ive lost many, many hours studying Lazzie's videos, that guy is such an incredible talent, its almost hard to appreciate how easy he makes everything he does look. i dont think with the exception of his dvds, theres much in his offerings that even come close to my budget. i appreciate the offer for your friend who's making them, but i think for now i am going with an MB machine.

i had looked at the Baileigh machines, for the price and being made in Taiwan (usually not a COO snob) i have a better feeling with the Mittler machine, although the baileigh is just an exact copy. list price is actually $100 cheaper than the Bailiegh equivelent and its made domestically...although it doesnt come with a stand.

 

[kazlx]

Cranking by hand and trying to work a sheet with one hand seems like a pain. I don't have one, but when I buy one, it will be powered.

 

[rsanter]

Are you going to get the billet aluminum one from MB?
I have used that one and it is a very nice machine. I'm sure you will not be unhappy with it.
I would rate it as a Cadillac but will still tout how good the Lazzie and Lazzie type machines are.
I can tell you I never though they were worth the extra money...till I used one.
And BTW, I have had the chance to meet Lazzie a couple times and even did some learning from him. Amazing talent and super nice guy

Bob

 

[K13]

i had looked at the Baileigh machines, for the price and being made in Taiwan (usually not a COO snob) i have a better feeling with the Mittler machine, although the baileigh is just an exact copy. list price is actually $100 cheaper than the Bailiegh equivelent and its made domestically...although it doesnt come with a stand.

The biggest reason I wanted to go with the Baileigh one was the fact that Shane does a lot to support a number of forums, like this one, with giveaways for contests and I thought that was pretty cool. Yes in the end it is an advertising gimmick of sorts but I still give him credit for it.

That being said I am very happy with my MB machine.

 

[K13]

Are you going to get the billet aluminum one from MB?
I have used that one and it is a very nice machine. I'm sure you will not be unhappy with it.
I would rate it as a Cadillac but will still tout how good the Lazzie and Lazzie type machines are.
I can tell you I never though they were worth the extra money...till I used one.
And BTW, I have had the chance to meet Lazzie a couple times and even did some learning from him. Amazing talent and super nice guy

Bob

I am sure his stuff is great but the $4000-$5000 difference in price is a pretty steep jump.

 

[HMCFab9]

Absolutely get a powered one, especially if you will be by yourself. There is No way you can guide the piece & turn the rollers at the same time.
I thought about getting the cheapo HF one, but would need to power it somehow as I work by myself many times.
I went to a Baileigh training class & used their basic powered bead roller & I figured that would be good enough for me.
Then I used their bigger quick release bead roller & WOW is that feature nice! If you are doing a lot of bead rolling & need to change directions often, this machine is a must have!!!
If you talk to anybody at Baileigh, talk to Shane.

The biggest reason I wanted to go with the Baileigh one was the fact that Shane does a lot to support a number of forums

 

[bullnerd]

Watch all his vids. good stuff.