Tool transformation question

[PatrickJay3]

I just have to ask.
Is it possible to transform an English wheel into a bead roller by just switching the dies?

 

[140mower]

I don't think so..... They are quite different in operation....

 

[Dan Dubeau]

Yes and no. I'm sure you could roll SOME profiles and some operations you could on a bead roller, but for the modifications required, you'd be much better off putting that effort into building your own bead roller from scratch, or buying one on sale, and modifying it (search the required modification for commercial rollers). The function is pretty different, and you'd lose the synced driven wheels which are vital for rolling profiles.

Besides, you're not short cutting this process here man, that's not how this metalworking thing works....You want to do one simple thing like form a panel and tip the edges, you need to buy/build/repair 12 tools in order to do it. Trying to circumvent the money and space requirements by making multipurpose tools will cause a rift somewhere in the space/time continuum or something........

 

[Tom O]

It is possible although the dies would be a problem the second pic could do it with the hand crank but I believe it’s more for crushing welds while rolling.

 

[140mower]

I bought a cheap one from either princess auto or kms, can't remember for sure. Beefed if up a bunch and haven't been back to it to actually put it to work yet. Although, I did buy a bunch of new dies a few days ago, so maybe I am getting closer to getting back at it.....