Where to get mini rolling bars?

[tomstaf]

Hi,

I need to get hold of a set of rolling bars. I'd like to get the 'mangle type' ones so I can feed the etches through. Ideally something like this: http://www.cherryclan.com/locos/standard-4/boiler.html

Anyone know any manufacturers or where to get them please?

Cheers

Tom

 

[adrian]

Well that set of Rolling Bars I made myself - at that time my Dad was making them under the Cherry Scale Models banner. The design and stock was eventually sold to Metalsmiths, although they still do a rivet tool and folder they don't seem to advertise the rolling bars.

The only other ones I'm aware of is by G.W. models, who do a 6" (£52.50) and a 10"(£60) version.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a357/Horsetan/DSC01712.jpg

 

[Osgood]

There are a variety of foreign metalworking products in the smaller sizes suitable for modelling, available through WARCO and other importers, for example -

http://www.warco.co.uk/rolls/86-mini-slip-rolls.html

Not sure what to think of these foreign machines - anyone had any experiences? I would think the quality of the GW Models units might be somewhat better?

 

[tomstaf]

Thanks for the pointers .

Cheers

Tom

 

[adrian]

The other option is to find a local club - they sometimes have tools like that you can use.

The rolling bars remind me of one incredible job by the post office. Bear in mind that my set of rollers are 5/8" steel bar, 10" in length. We posted one set out to a customer who rang up a few days later to say that he'd received the bars but they got "slightly bent in the post" and didn't work very well. Well when we got them back they were definitely knackered, the bars were bent in the middle such that the bottom bar was virtually touching the bottom of the frames. A good 1" deflection over a 10" length. Bent like a banana. I still haven't a clue how they managed it but it was impressive bit of destruction.

 

[adrian]

Whilst searching for slip rolls I found these
http://www.stakesys.co.uk/product/sta112_sheet_metal_roll/

At a minimum diameter of 32mm it might be too big for some people but they do look heavy duty.

Also they have an "entry level folder" at £37
http://www.stakesys.co.uk/product/sta107_sheet_metal_folder/

looks simple but well made and a UK firm to boot.

 

[SteveO]

That folder is superb value for money!

 

[adrian]

That folder is superb value for money!

Don't forget to factor in the cost of some G-clamps if you haven't already got some.

 

[SteveO]

I've got several of those!

I recently acquired one of these, which is very nice but quite flimsy and size-restricted. It does its job but is more suited to small wagon parts than loco sides and coaches.
http://www.paragrafix.biz/product_detail.asp?MainCat=Tools&SubCat=blank&PPartNum=PFT-5

 

[daifly]

Tom,

If you're after the Metalsmith Rollers, see here:

A Metalsmith sheet metal folder is available from the same source here.

Dave

 

[tomstaf]

Thanks Dave

Cheers

Tom

 

[adrian]

Following a request for plans from a couple of people, I've drawn up some simple plans to make your own. Although access to a good lathe and milling machine are required.

These are for a set of 8" rolls, we used to make a set of 12" rolling bars which used 3/4" steel bar and dimensions scaled up appropriately. The length of the spigots on the end of the rollers will be dependant on the gears and handle you have. The gears on mine are marked SHM 24D 15T.

Attached is a pdf of the drawing or the CAD *.dxf file is available from my dropbox area https://www.dropbox.com/s/rmh273zwg7vpmmr/rolling_bars.dxf

Please let me know if there are any queries.

 

[Dog Star]

Thank you Adrian, very useful. Some questions if I may.

I think that there are to be tapped holes into the voids which hold the bearings for the top and back rollers... if that is correct then there is no thread data for the back roller adjsutment. What do you recommend for the adjustment screws? (allen key socket head set screws possibly)

Unless I am missing some part of the drawing, what do you use as a handle to rotate the rolls?

 

[adrian]

Sorry - yes I missed off a few details about the screws. 4BA screws are used through out, 4 x allen key countersunk to attach the end plates to the base. 6 x allen key cap head screws, 2 are used to clamp the top keeper plate in place, the remaining 4 as you suggest for clamping and/or adjusting the rollers.

I didn't draw the handle as there are many permutations. I've seen some people make a small crank handle with a few lengths of steel. The original Cherry rolling bars used a handle that looked remarkably similar to the handle for the front quarter light on a Rover P6! Just source whatever you can lay your hands on basically.

For example there is a suitable selection here, something about 2" diameter would be ok.
http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Machine-Spares/Machine-Handles

 

[richard carr]

Tom

The GW models rolling bars are ideal for us I have had mine for over 10 years, they don't get used very often but when they are needed they are ideal. After that you are looking at some seriously big rolling bars, I have a set of metal smith ones on loan from a friend at the moment but it took 2 of us to lift them out of his car.
I need them to roll the tanks on the PRMRP TEA kit.

Richard

 

[Dog Star]

I need them to roll the tanks on the PRMRP TEA kit.

What length rollers are needed for the TEA tanks?

 

[D G Williams]

I have a set of Metal Smith rollers and they certainly don't need two strong blokes to lift them! Its worth looking on their website to se if the smaller ones are still available - they seem to have a habit of discontinuing things.
Also - I hade to fettle the bearing things with a file to get them into thier slots. Wrote (or e-mailed - I forget which) to them about this but didn't have a reply.
Despite that the rollers are a good product and worth getting hold of.

 

[richard carr]

What length rollers are needed for the TEA tanks?

Graham

Over 18 inches, thats big and there are not many options around. Theya re supposed to come pre rolled but the one I originally built was not well rolled.

Richard

 

[richard carr]

The metal smith ones I have at the moment are 24 inch rollers and they are very heavy.

Richard

 

[Eastsidepilot]

I have had a set of G.W. rollers for years and never needed anything bigger, they have been ideal

Col.