Technical Any recommendations on a tubing bead roller?

Got a crowbar out and prised my wallet open, and bought a set from Graham Tool (US made, similar to the old Parker WW2-era ones). They make beautiful beads.
View attachment 5353184 Cheers, Harv[/QUOTE]
is that difficult to use, been looking for something like that. (dont buy Aeroflow chinese buy Australian made Speedflow)

 

I have a tendency to buy the best tooling I can, if it is cost effective. I have to look at how much it will be used and if Incan justify it. I’d rather do without than buying something that never works right. That just leads to frustration.

 

You know in a cost effective move a couple three or four welds of about 1/16th" high some what evenly spaced around the od of the tube would prove effective and I won't tell too many people.

 

If someone hasone of those inexpensive plate style (HF) bead rollers and access to a lathe............

Make an extra shaft with a small end on it that has a raised bead. If it is small enough to fit in a 5/8 tube, it will also fit in a 2" tube. It can be kept strong by making the step down short so it just goes a little way into any tube. The larger outside roller can be the stock one that came with the machine and mounted on the stock shaft. Switch the stock lower (or upper) shaft temporaily and someone should be able to put a bead on any size tube and its probably stronger than the small ones that are for sale.

 

I have one of the Furick bead rollers from an early run of them. I think he's done some improvements since then...it does what it's supposed to, including on 304 stainless tube.

 

Thanks for the input. Looks like this may be the ticket.
https://furickcup.com/product/k2-bead-roller/

 

is that difficult to use, been looking for something like that. (dont buy Aeroflow chinese buy Australian made Speedflow)[/QUOTE]
Very easy to use (similar to a tube cutter - clamp it on and roll it around, slowly increase the pressure).

I hear you on Proflow... try to buy their gear when I can.

Cheers,
Harv

 

Made my own to fit my bead roller.
The attached pic's are not mine, but were the inspiration for me to make one.
I've only used it twice but works pretty good.
Since one roller is much larger than the other, one roller needs to run free and does not engage with the keyway.