Shrinker-Stretcher

Do you metal fab maniacs have a bench, stand and or a comfortable way to mount a shrinker, stretcher for your shop? I just need some ideas? Thanks.

 

i have mine on a "T" with a heavy base
one on each side at a slight angle so the handles dont hit

works good!
Zach

 

I bought the Eastwood set...it came with a stand. For garage work, it's done me right....Someday, I'll build a cart for the brake, hand shear, stretcher-shrinker and whatever else is hiding in the garage. Having a single car garage can be a bit of a challenge.
Pat

 

I just used some scrap and made a stand.[/URL][/IMG]

 

I made mine much like Stu D Baker did his. I made the legs removable so I can sto it away. I cut about 2 1/2 inch pieces of square hevy wall tubing, can't remember what size (I think 3/4 inch, whatever a 1/2 inch black pipe will fit into.) drilled and tapped a 1/4 hole in each one, welded them to the four corners and cut legs from 1/2 inch black pipe. Slip legs in and tighten set screw. Does that make sense?

 

i made a stand that bolts to the ground and lets the heads spin. a foot pedal works each head

 

Mine is very similar to Stu D Baker. I plan on making a foot operated stand for them one of these days. Here are a couple of pictures that I saved of some foot operated stands.

 

I put it on a stand attached to my workbench. It's hinged so I can put it out of the way... I have only one base and I have to switch the whole jawset going from shrink to stretch.

 

Best way to go is foot-operated so you can use your hands on the workpiece and not have to try to reach around it (sometimes impossible, sometimes hazordous for your back). Plus you can get more leverage with your foot.


I also recommend a deep-throat frame so you can shrink or stretch more than just the edge if need be, and I also recommend having two separate heads so you don't have to switch jaws back and forth. Best way to mount is in a free-standing manner with one head facing one way and the other facing the other way.

 

Cold water will shrink it. A Porn DVD will get the wrinkles out.

 

mounted mine in my shot bag stand to save space. it comes right out if it is ever in the way. just have the one and change jaws when necessary..... figured I'd show my vice stand while I was at it. weighs 285 lbs.

 

Hey,

Mine is bolted to a 2X4 made of hardwood. When in use it's clamped
in the bench vise, when not, it's stowed below and out of the way.

Swankey Devils C.C.

 

I mounted mine on a GM spacesaver spare by welding a piece of 1/4" plate over the center hole, puttting a 3' length of 4" dia. tubing vertically with a top plate that accomodates both units facing opposite directions.
to relocate it to another area in the shop simply lean it over and roll it on the tire.

Frank

 

I have mine mounted back to back on a small floor mounted stand.

Foot operated units are the way to go. Believe me your arms and side starts to hurt after a while.

 

Thanks a million you guys, great pics and ideas.

 

I don't know how often you use it, but if it's a lot you should check out metalshapers.org and have a look at Jim Bailie's - he uses an air operated cylinder controlled by a foot switch I think. The cylinder is similar to those used on tractor trailer air brakes. Smooth!

 

My shrinker-stretcher just has a built in stand

 

thats alittle more then just a built in stand.

 

Now that's just showing off! Shrinker envy!
Pat

 

Holy shit man I give up you win!!!!