english wheel

[kb426]

Who sells the best kit for the best price and components?

[river1]

you know about this one right?

http://www.roddingroundtable.com/tech/articles/12ewheel.html

later jim

[kb426]

Yes, I'm thinking I need something with a 24" throat. Being inexperienced with this tool, I really don't know what I can build with the 12" model.

[unklian]

You can find kits,and parts,to suit any budget.

But be carefull,some of the lower end commercial stuff
is cheaper for a reason.

Some of the low end frame designs could stand to be beefier,
particularly in the vertical column.Which isn't a problem,if you
are supplying your own tubing.



If you check out the links in my signiture,you will find a lot of
good info and ideas on English Wheels and metalshaping in general.
If you search the Albums with my nick name,you'll find pics and
details on the English Wheels I've made.

[kb426]

Thank you.

[unklian]

Several suppliers listed here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/metalshapers/links

If I decided I really needed a kit,I'd consider the one from Metalcraft:
http://www.metalcrafttools.com/btenglishwheel.html
and fine tune the design to suit.

[unklian]

Suggestions based of personal preferance and observation:

-I'd prefer if the yoke for the upper wheel was bolted to the frame,
instead of welded.That way I can use shims to adjust the alignment,
quick and easy.Ideally,you can rotate the upper and lower yokes 90 degrees.

-On the upper wheel,I'd like to take some weight out.Ideally
machine a deep recess in each side,and/or drill it full of large holes.
The "flywheel effect" sounds good,to the marketing types,but actually works against you when you are trying to change directions every few seconds as you wheel a panel.

-On the lower anvil wheels,the axles appear to be loose,ready to
fall on the floor.If you add a piece of fuel hose,that is a snug fit
over the axle,in between the bearings,you get around that annoying problem.

These ideas can be applied to a lot of commercial machines.