New Guy From Australia (lotsa Pics)

[kenb]

Originally Posted by David Gardiner

My observation about your machine design is that changing the tools on the frame between planisher, wheel and 'beader' would get old very quickly.

I agree with David on this point. The big problem with a combo machine is the setup time required every time you need to change over, which can sometimes happen more than once on the same afternoon. I suspect you might end up disliking that aspect pretty quickly.

My other concern is the suitability of an open english wheel frame for supporting the functions of a bead roller. Bead rollers need lots of rigid frame support to prevent the rolls from wandering side to side, as well as up and down when under load, and I'd be concerned about the flex an english wheel frame will likely display under the pressures of a beading operation.

You might be OK if you went with just the e-wheel and the hammer combo though. Got any more of that tube left? Maybe you could knock off a dedicated frame for that bead roller idea you have in the drawings.

Ken

[Joe Hartson]

Even simple combination machines like Lancaster style shrinker/stretchers gets old quick. The more complex the machine the quicker you wish you had dedicated machines.