Cadflat Tube Bender Project.

[RiverPatrol]

Creative!

[Oddbod]

Since I liked my drawer install, I decided to use the 2nd drawer I had and make back to back drawers each side of the table.

This 2nd drawer is a little shorter but I'm sure it will get used.

In addition, I was now in a position to replace the top piece of heavy plate back onto the table, where it will stay and hopefully I will not need to take it off again.

My next task as you can see in the pic's, is shortening the drive chain between the two reduction gearboxes.

I also intend to add an idler sprocket so I can get the tension just right and ensure maximum tooth to chain contact on both sprockets...

[Oddbod]

I know this is taking some time, actually it has taken more effort than I did originally anticipate and of course posting is slow because I am doing it in real time.

Not like some threads I've seen where the guy has already finished the project and is just releasing pic's daily to make it look like he is working on it...

While I was in a storage frame of mind, I went one step further and made a tray in a lower portion of my frame that offered more useable space for tossing heavier stuff in when not being used.

While down on my hands and knees I also shortened my drive chain and I've come to the conclusion that I may not required an idler sprocket at all.
Now all the house keeping is done, I can turn my attention to the tube holder mechanism which will prevent the tube tail from following the form around and will feed and align the tube with the form.

It needs to be both height and width adjustable depending on what size tube and what form I am using.
It will need to be able to hold various shaped guides that match up with each size tube OD.

Time to go fossicking thru my scrap metal stash and see what I have that will work...

[Oddbod]

Contemplation time now I guess, so I expect to be off the radar for a few days, so I can figure out the best way to retain my tube and incorporate adjustments...

[Oddbod]

I have started to figure out exactly what I want from this machine and decided to cover as many bases as I possibly can to accommodate my mish mash of forms etc.
I've spent a lot of time maching bits and pieces and digging thru my scrap for pieces of metal that will help keep me moving in the right direction.

So far this is what I have worked out.
More to follow soon.

Thanks for your patience.

[Oddbod]

Well more progress in the right direction.
Never easy and it has been slow, but it is starting feel like a test bend will happen soon.
I've been doing quite a bit of figuring out, as to how things need to sit and function.
I have started making an adjustable guide I guess it could be called which will align the tube with the rotating table.

I have also come to the conclusion that this machine needs to be capable of performing the original roll around bending function, but with a quick change over of idle shaft plates it will also be able to perform the wiper style bend process.
I purchased (ages ago from an estate sale) a box of mixed up dies, guides and roller stuff andhave been trying to accommodate these items if possible, since it adds value to what I am trying to do.
Making any of these items is time consuming and may not even be possible with my limited equipment.
To purchase this stuff would be out of my reach, but it remains worthless unless I can attach it to this machine and be able to use it at some point in time.

[Oddbod]

Time for a bit of humour, while I drag my feet...

I hope the wrong people dont see it.

[RiverPatrol]

[Oddbod]

I started work on a 2nd turntable component which will become the wiper arm as I have heard them called.
This will be a secondary method or pulling the tube around the form.

The arm with have an adjustable slide that initially will accommodate a guide roller but the roller will be removeable and could be replaced with a clamping device depending on whether the form is locked to the frame and does not rotate or if it is locked to turntable and does rotate.

[Esteban]

Amazed at all your work. Congratulations!


Esteban