Roller bender

[Aesgarth]

I've decided to make one of these:

Got the RSJ from eBay for a quid.

Cut it, and some flat plate and 30mm bright round bar to suit

And started assembly. Let down by rubbish 15mm drill bits which simply refuse to drill anything. I have the holes at 14mm, which is a tiny bit too small for the bolts. No more progress until I can get a decent 15mm drill bit.

Where I'm at right now..

 

[Chillitt]

I have one of those half built! need to sort out some plummers blocks for it next.

 

[Aesgarth]

Got a replacement drill bit and finished drilling holes, I have some alignment issues and a bit of welding to finish but it bends 40mm*10mm flat bar with no issues at all. I'll be using some of that to make the handle. Hopefully have it finished this weekend.

 

[Aesgarth]

I have one of those half built! need to sort out some plummers blocks for it next.

I got mine off eBay, 30mm bore, around £40 for the 6. Not the world's best but they seem more than up to the job.

Also on reflection 30mm is too big. 25 or maybe even 20 would have been adequate.

 

[Revs1972]

Never mind the roller. That table in the floor is genius

 

[Aesgarth]

Yes, table in the floor is something I'll definitely be planning on if I find myself fortunate enough to be building my own workshop.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Got the RSJ from eBay for a quid.

Was that on condition you carried it home on your shoulder?

 

[Aesgarth]

Was that on condition you carried it home on your shoulder?

I carried it home in my van but for that price I would have given it a go on my shoulder.

 

[Aesgarth]

Well, I made a handle, using some maths...

Center is a bit of 40mm cds tube with 5mm wall. Fits perfectly over the 30mm round bar. Except I'm an idiot and welded it up before putting it on the bar, so now it's shrunk and dosen't fit.

So I'm going to have to make a new one.

 

[AdrianH]

Round file, or burr or small stone in drill, even emery on a bit of wood in drill!.

Adrian

 

[Aesgarth]

I've got the 30mm bar stuck inside it

 

[AdrianH]

Then you are not hitting it hard enough with a piece of 25mm bar up the middle!

Adrian

 

[Aesgarth]

That's because I don't have a bit of 25mm bar. And hitting it hard (with a 25lb hammer) is what got it stuck in the first place. I'll have another go at getting it out when I'm feeling more productive...

 

[Kent]

I've got the 30mm bar stuck inside it

Big drift n hammer. Stuff the maths and use more brute force and ignorance

 

[mechman]

Well, I made a handle, using some maths... View attachment 115109 View attachment 115110

Center is a bit of 40mm cds tube with 5mm wall. Fits perfectly over the 30mm round bar. Except I'm an idiot and welded it up before putting it on the bar, so now it's shrunk and dosen't fit.

View attachment 115110

So I'm going to have to make a new one.

Do I see Jake the peg in one of the Foto's

 

[Aesgarth]

Regrettably I have only 2 legs, and the extra leg you can see belongs to an extra person.

 

[Sarto]

Can't you heat the assembly to loosen it?

 

[Aesgarth]

I got a friend to remove it with a large press.

Much sanding, grinding, hammering and cutting later. Now for paint.

A few points I'd make for anyone thinking about making one...

Don't over do the rollers, at 30mm mine are too big, as are the bearing blocks.

Do over do the hinge, especially if you want to use the rollers outside the bearings at the back. I've twisted mine already trying to make the wheel with 40*10mm flat bar, as the bearings are too close together to loop it right through.

De-burr the ends of what you're bending after you cut it, i made a nice mess of one of my fingers that narrowly avoided needing hospital treatment. Not helped by having filthy hands at the time.