Technical Vintage bead roller opinion wanted.

I have an opportunity to pick up one of the below machines. They were technically not bead rollers. The Ingels Elbow double sided machine was used to to form duct work elbows.
They both have a 7/8 shaft...but only a have a 15 to 16 throat depth... I would have to add a motor, speed control, and a foot control.
After buying the machine, the 1hp motor and controls, I would be in to the whole setup for around 700-800.

I would like to get opinions from the forum...pros...cons. I know I can get into an Eastwood elite bead roller powered for around 650. The Miller Brothers and Baielgh bead rollers with power would be around 1250.

I do like the thought of saving vintage equipment...I know it’s built to last.
I look forward to reading what you guys have to say.

 

Those look like nice machines. If it were me they would already be in the back of my truck.

 

WOW! That thing is cool. You need it.

-Abone.

 

Certainly Cool, but you maybe limited with your work by the throat depth.

 

If I'm after a true working tool and not a mantle piece to walk around and stare at I'd buy the new piece complete with motor setup.

The above is a cool piece but you can buy something newer with motor, deeper throat and takes up a lot less space.

Don't get me wrong, I like the old stuff. In fact I picked up an old ammco 2000 brake shoe grinder as a winter project but it's not something I have plans for other than a working art piece.

 

I wouldn't even have to think about it!

 

The machines that you mention do not even come close to a machine like this in quality, the throat depth is not a handicap you can work from both sides of the sheet. If I had the chance that machine would be in the back of my truck so fast it would make your eyes water.

 

this^^

 

The biggest thing is do you have a source or the ability to make rolls to fit a 7/8" shaft as most of the aftermarket ones like Mittler Bros are 3/4". Would get pretty costly to have to have someone make custom rolls every time you need a new profile.

 

I have the twin to the second machine. I shit canned the cast iron base fabricated a new base and put a DC variable speed on it. Its very versatile with the 3 powered heads. I will take some pics and put them on here later.

 

I also extended the throat on one side. I bought this at an auction about 25 years ago, I was the only bidder paid $10