Harbor Frieght Bead Roller

[Neverdone]

So I am looking for a bead roller, don't want to spend much on it. I was in Harbor frieght the other day and saw they have one for $185 that has an 18" throat and seven sets of dies with it. Also they have a 25% off coupon for any one item on Thanksgiving day, of course I grabbed one. So I was thinking for $150 out the door that wouldn't be a real bad deal to give it a shot.

Before I go blow the cash on this thing, has anyone ever used one? Are they worth it? I I know it isn't something I would use everyday, but thought it would be something neat to play with.

Any Thoughts?

 

[Bonehead]

It will work, but you will probably have to strengthen up frame. They have a tendency to flex over time. Usually a piece of 1/2 inch plate around the outside fixes them pretty well.

 

[EnglishBob]

Canadian version of harbor Freight modified for better use.

 

[Neverdone]

so does it work pretty well besides havening to strengthen the frame? Have either of you seen the Louver dies on eBay? Have you ever thought about trying them out? I read some where else that they need to be reinforced.


Really like the stand you built bob. Saw a couple others like that also. I thnk if I get one I am going to build a stand like that to put it on also, but I also have a small english wheel (HF also, clearance for $15!!) that I want to mount on the stand as well.

 

[EnglishBob]

It works really well for me,I've used powered ones and personally like the control of the manual.

 

[Neverdone]

I have never used one before. I just thought it would be a neat toy to play with, if you know what I mean. Concept seams pretty simple so..... figure I can handle it alright

 

[Neverdone]

So has anyone tried the louver dies on eBay for one of these?

 

[moparcowboy]

Works ok

 

[cornfield customs]

louver dies on a bead roller are tricky no matter what roller you have. i have a baileigh industrial bead roller and i still havent been able to roll out a nice set of louvers yet........

 

[liljgoneman]

i got the very same 1 last year to use on a couple patch panels and i liked it enough that i'm plannin on doin my own bedsides with reinforcing beads and accent beads that follow the tire diameter. the patch panel thing was only about 2 ft of total bead length so i'm glad i read about the reinforcing thing before i went all 1/4 mile o' bead crazy