Ring Roller - Done!!

[Vipernut]

Here are some action pics of the ring roller. I just threw a piece of 5/8" square tubing in it and cranked away. It worked really well. The ring is not perfect because in my haste, I forgot to tighten the pillow block bolts This caused a little wandering and a few kinks. Once I get all that sorted out tomorrow it'll be put to work.

Kevin

[etinti]

Nice job! Very professional looking! Any chance I can get a copy of the plans and material list emailed to me at etinti@earthlink.net. Thanks

[Vipernut]

I didn't work from plans - I used Jason's pics as a guide. If you post something directed to him, he will probably send you his plans.

[storts]

Here are some action pics of the ring roller. I just threw a piece of 5/8" square tubing in it and cranked away. It worked really well. The ring is not perfect because in my haste, I forgot to tighten the pillow block bolts This caused a little wandering and a few kinks. Once I get all that sorted out tomorrow it'll be put to work.

Kevin

NICE JOB,,YOU SAID JASON HAD PLANS, WILLING TO PAY!!! Not to be nosie, but I dont think im the only one wondering,,What was the total cost? Thanks, Jack

[AZCoyote]

Cool! I noticed you didn't power the center roller. How does it work being powered by the bottom rollers?

[Vipernut]

Jack,
I figure I have about $375 CDN. into it. The biggest expense is the pillow blocks @ $18/ea and the 2 struts which would cost you $20-25, cost me $53 because I couldn't find them locally.

Kevin

[Vipernut]

Matt,
It works awesome! The only thing I noticed was if I pump the jack more than twice, the stock will slip. I didn't find this to be a problem because I was going nice and slow anyway, so there was no need to pump it more than twice. It could also be that the rollers are still smooth. I figure after a little use they'll roughen up a bit.
I'm going to get the rollers squared up and set the proper distance apart tomorrow, then I'll play with it a bit and let you know.

Kevin

[speedycheater]

For anyone else that is building one of these, Princess Auto has 1" pillow blocks are around $6 each. That should save you some money.

[Vipernut]

Speedy,
I've seen those and all I can say is blaaaaah! Those things don't even stand up straight when you put them on a level surface because they are machined so bad. I'm glad I talked to a buddy at Canadian Bearing because I almost bought the super-cheapies. I'm really glad I didn't. It probably saved me a lot of time and frustration.

Kevin

[Sandy]

Good looking roller. Bet your kinda glad to have it done. Sometimes these "little" projects end up being big projects.

Be interesting to know if anyone has ever used those real cheap die cast bearing blocks for something like this. Wonder what the actual forces really are ??

[speedycheater]

I'm going to be using a set of them, just becuase I can't afford to drop $350 on this thing. I'll throw them in a mill and true them up, well see how they stand up to the abuse.

[Vipernut]

Sandy,
I was just playing with it and was able to arch some 1" .125 square tubing without a problem. The rollers turned nice and easy and there was no binding or slipping. I used middle of the road bearings that I got a good price on - high end bearing were $60 each!! I'm glad I didn't see any movement from the bearing - or popping noises

Kevin

[Vipernut]

Speedy,
The cheap ones should be fine - I didn't use them because I don't have access to a mill to true them up. I wouldn't worry about the bearing itself, it's the cast housing. If all else fails, just buy 2 good ones for the middle roller. That's the one that would come apart.

Kevin

[AZCoyote]

I used six of these

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...506476952&rd=1

[storts]

Jack,
I figure I have about $375 CDN. into it. The biggest expense is the pillow blocks @ $18/ea and the 2 struts which would cost you $20-25, cost me $53 because I couldn't find them locally.

Kevin

Thats still reasonable, You did a gorgus Job,, Ps the struts they sell here in a auto parts tore, looks about the same, they hold up a tailgate on a expedition,Just need the plans,,Thanks again, Jack