Roll former

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Anyone ever build their own roll former?  I saw a hand made one on Monster house and would like to build one.  I would think it is complicated enough to need plans or drawings.
Reply:You need to roll sheet metal or flat bar ?
Reply:Roll formers aren't complex tools, actually nothing more than 3 wheels and some plate.  One of the wheels forces the metal between the other 2, and a curved piece comes out the back.Take a look at this site, the wheel/tire former this guy sells is just a simple roller, and if you have a torch and welder, you can build one yourself.  Half of the fun in this craft is building the tools ya need to accomplish the job.www.palouse.net/mcctwigg/geninfo.htmThere are some nice and yet simple tools here that are easy to copy.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:Originally posted by fredo You need to roll sheet metal or flat bar ?
Reply:Doing a ring roller capable of rolling large radius arcs out of 1x3/8 and 3/4 sq tube  is my next big project. I'm still in design phase.Things I have learned in the course of research: Chord style are hard to shop fab. One drive wheel is easy. There are two approaches, multipass, and single pass. Trying to do one single pass generally will require hydraulics for the ram, and unless you build a 6 foot wheel, some power assist for the drive.I think i've about settled on a design, a cross between these two: http://www.metalsmith.org/pub/mtlsmith/V20.3/roller.htm and http://www.metalsmith.org/edu/equipm...re-roller.html  The trick now is figuring out what to make the drive wheel out of. Rubber/Plastics seem to deform, Steel slips, and knurled marrs the material. Some useful links i've collected to show operation, and designs. http://www.pro-tools.com/3_roll.htmhttp://metalworking.com/DropBox/_200..._all_files.ziphttp://www.metalsmith.org/pub/mtlsmith/V20.3/roller.htmhttp://www.mtechsales.com/products/RingRollers/http://www.metalsmith.org/edu/equipm...re-roller.htmlhttp://www.artmetal.com/brambush/fab...oj02/index.htmhttp://www.artmetal.com/brambush/fab...j03/page04.htmhttp://www.reverendgadget.com/gpage1.html.html  <-- note this is the dude from monster house you saw
Reply:Thans for the links Joehobart.  I think the one for sale would be the easiest to copy.  I would use steel roller you might be suprised at the traction you get when you get the steel under compession.  Looking at the size of rev gadgets input wheel there can be a lot of pressure and force needed.  I always assumed that I would have to drive two wheels.  If one will do the task is much simpler.
Reply:Hey Guys, Have had some experience in building roll formers. Look at the one I make. might give you an idea.Toolmaker  www.rolxtools.com