Rolling Sheet Metal

[msterner]

Hello, I am new here. Looking forward to joining discussions though!

I am wondering if anyone knows if you could theoretically roll beyond the capacity of a sheet metal roller by passing the sheet through multiple times?

I am wanting to roll 14 or 16 gauge 316 stainless, but can't afford a roller that would do that. I am wondering if something that is set up to do 16 gauge mild steel would be able to achieve this if I did multiple pass-throughs and just added to the radius each time.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[rockwithjason]

yes, if you are willing to invest the time. take it easy on the machine, you don't want to break any cast parts

 

[msterner]

Thanks RockwithJason!

I guess there is one more part to this question... If a 16 gauge roller is rated to do 16 gauge across its entire 50" wide roller, would it be able to do thicker metal across only half of that roller? Like 25"?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[yaidunno]

Thanks RockwithJason!

I guess there is one more part to this question... If a 16 gauge roller is rated to do 16 gauge across its entire 50" wide roller, would it be able to do thicker metal across only half of that roller? Like 25"?

Thanks,
Mike

The problem is that you will want to keep your 25" piece centered in the machine to evenly distribute the forces. At that point, the rollers will start to flex and the end pieces will not be happy.

Also, as you might already know, the ratings for sheet metal equipment are when using mild steel. A 14-16 ga. stainless piece will require a tool in the 12-14 ga. range, possibly even 10-12. And as you've quickly found out, prices for that kind of equipment are out of reach for most hobbyist/small shops.

I'm not sure how familiar you are with stainless, but it also has a tendency to work harden, from my experience. I can't say for sure that it will, but just something to keep in mind.

I think your best bet would be to have a capable shop do the rolling work for you in this case.

 

[ez-duzit]

Ya pretty much said it.

 

[machine_punk]

The manufacturer of my roll (a Baileigh, 5216 Shear Brake Roll Combo Machine...52" wide capacity in cold-rolled steel at 16 gauge) is very clear that they do NOT recommend using the roll for 'narrower pieces of thicker sheet goods.

That being said, I've done 3/16" of 500x aluminum that was 12" wide. Not recommended, but your mileage may vary.

Kev

 

[Tucko]

Thanks RockwithJason!

I guess there is one more part to this question... If a 16 gauge roller is rated to do 16 gauge across its entire 50" wide roller, would it be able to do thicker metal across only half of that roller? Like 25"?

Thanks,
Mike

This is true for hand brake capacities when it comes to mild steel, but I wouldn't go that heavy of a gage stainless in a 16 ga roll unless I was only putting a slight roll in it.

 

[rockwithjason]

yeah, it would take like a million passes to get any real roll but it could be done.

 

[msterner]

Thank you everyone. All of your feedback is extremely helpful.

I will look up a sheet metal fabricator in the area and have them make the parts I am looking to get.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[lilredex]

Depending upon what you are making, you might be able to make something to do the job......just an idea. This was made up to roll some 16Ga. steel into 6" cylinders.





gif upload

 

[dr_clyde]

I find rolling enough of a hassle that I outsource it. I prefer to have some things done by someone else in order to maintain my self imposed quality standards. Sure, I could figure out a way to do it myself, but for not a lot of money I could have someone do it properly with equipment designed to do the job.

It tends to break less **** this way too.

 

[chris fresh]

Depending upon what you are making, you might be able to make something to do the job......just an idea. This was made up to roll some 16Ga. steel into 6" cylinders.





gif upload

I've thought of this myself,I to need a slip roller for 3 or 4 projects,some copper work,some stainless work and then some regular sheet metal.I've looked at imports,older American made and new American made stuff.

The prices as you know are through the roof and not great for a small guy/home shop.Another minus is huge price for a short (24")machine.

So now i'm thinking about building my own.I have a large enough lathe and am thinking of making rollers out of 2.5" diameter tube with a .250 wall thickness,then use press in bearings for the ends.As for gears and handle,perhaps a hand crank found of the front of a boat trailer.

Just thinking out loud.

 

[Kevin54]

It can be done, and we did it at work on our rollers quite a few times, but it does take multiple passes. You don't want to horse it through the rollers.