Some interesting metal working tools

BBShark

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I did the same thing on a smaller scale. Had to make a tight 180 degree bend in 1/2 inch stainless. I couldn't find a mandrel that small. I had the mandrel bend to keep it from collapsing and/or cracking. Took a while but I finally got it done.
 

rtj

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The dies are so pricey, I’m looking for ideas to build my own when I pick up a bender. I already bought a tool to cut circular grooves on the lathe, but this mill method is way more flexible. It was not obvious to me.
 

rtj

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I remember a discussion about splines, this might be a way to make your own axles etc. I didn’t really study it or look at any axles, but has potential.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDQLIEV3IpA[/ame]
 

rtj

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He makes a small table top bandsaw out of a handheld. Blades are pretty reasonable. I bought one recently.


[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrMhZEIweA0[/ame]
 

BBShark

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I need to set up something like that. Bought a horizontal band saw years ago and have never used it because its a pain to retrieve from where its stored and setup. Plus I usually tilt the saw up vertical and cut stuff. That's always a challenge. Never have used it to cut off bar stock.
 

rtj

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That stand is pretty straight forward. I bought the hf knock-off bandsaw and some blades to cut 4” alum tube. After I thought I should have spent more and got a better bandsaw, but this idea might be perfect. I always hated breaking bandsaw blades and having to butt weld them and aneal. These you probably just throw them away.

His idea for setting angle is perfect for me. I wish I hadn’t thrown out that old table saw the last time I moved!
 

rtj

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A very basic design.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga_JTkQy1gY[/ame]
 

rtj

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[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNaNbhQJ84o[/ame]

This guy shows some detail. Pretty clean. I’d want the guide notch so I could cut angles.
 

BBShark

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I'm thinking about getting one of those. I have a horizontal cutoff saw for cutting sheet steel by tilting the blade up 90 degrees. It is stored under a bench and I have not used it for years because I'm too lazy.
 

rtj

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I like the swag design. Pretty simple, I need a guide slot.

The HF unit is pretty solid, with a coupon it was pretty cheap. All I need is to cut thin alum tube.
 

CollegeKevin

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I like the swag design. Pretty simple, I need a guide slot.

The HF unit is pretty solid, with a coupon it was pretty cheap. All I need is to cut thin alum tube.

Perfect for that. I've been using cut off wheels, jig saw, sawzall, and hacksaw for a long time. I'm working out of a storage unit so I had to pass up on many good used deals for a proper bandsaw. My buddy had one of these saws so I started researching, that's where I found swag. USA made and for that price, I couldn't pass it up. Got some good blades and the things a champ at what it does.
 

rtj

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Thanks, I ordered the version 3. I found a couple of the angle guides, so I’ll be good to go. Free shipping for our state!

Here’s one more vid. For 120$ I just isn’t worth making myself.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIXI8EYxpuk[/ame]
 

CollegeKevin

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Thanks, I ordered the version 3. I found a couple of the angle guides, so I’ll be good to go. Free shipping for our state!

Here’s one more vid. For 120$ I just isn’t worth making myself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIXI8EYxpuk

Exactly. USA made and cheap. I would spent more time gathering materials and probably a day or 2 building plus probably spending 3/4 the cost buying the materials. Did you go with Swag?
 

rtj

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Thanks, I ordered the version 3. I found a couple of the angle guides, so I’ll be good to go. Free shipping for our state!

Here’s one more vid. For 120$ I just isn’t worth making myself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIXI8EYxpuk

Exactly. USA made and cheap. I would spent more time gathering materials and probably a day or 2 building plus probably spending 3/4 the cost buying the materials. Did you go with Swag?

Yes, version 3. Uncoated, I’ll rattle can it. Thanks for the tip. Most others don’t have a guide.
 

rtj

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Shop tools, not metal working. I bought their lawn tractor tire changer and have used it a lot.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvKGkh9U1Yo[/ame]


[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmXVeLamRgU[/ame]
 
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rtj

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Still looking at used tire machines, seems like there are a lot at reasonable prices. Probably won’t go with HF.

This guy has some good videos. Sort of throws in some dry humor, but this one I really like. Get a huge vice pretty quick and easy.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UGY8iJH_aY&t=1s[/ame]
 

BBShark

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The company I work with for prototypes made my plenum. Everything they make is one off with sacrificial temporary tooling. The part below is clamped on both ends but the part is double side taped to MDF. I have seen them do smaller parts just taped. The accuracy is incredible. And you can profile cut down into the MDF.

They make a lot a surgical products that can't be clamped.

46032e67169b7b.jpg
 
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