Projects Overkill Shrinker-Stretcher stand

I just can't seem to do anything simple, not even the purchase of a simple Eastwood shrinker/stretcher. It's not purely about frugality that makes me do these things rather the satisfaction of doing something trick just for own enjoyment. The Eastwood deep throat shrinker is not a very nice piece for sure; but the stand is freaking horrible. It didn't even work right and looked like poop in my shop. So, the solution is to re-engineer it to work like I want it to.

I did a few measurements and started fabricating on my Alibre' software and came up with this... Fully adjustable and upgradeable. I intend on building four of these, three for the shrinkers I have and a fourth to make into a tucking tool. And if at any point I get fed up with them they will be easy to re-purpose into other machines.



Then blew it out on my CNC plasma table and bent up the pieces. Tack welded for a trial fit.



I had to sideline the project as customers want stuff done and I need to eat. But this weekend was the perfect excuse to finish it, and we did this afternoon and are putting it into use immediately.

New stand next to the old one.



The action is freaking sweet! Very little effort to get big results and it's so tunable. Check out the vid!

 

make that 6! I'll take 2 PLEASE!

 

cnc plasma table... you baller. i thought i was all cool making my shit with a dooall bandsaw... pppffttt....

 

Looks like a marketing opportunity to me! Nice!

 

We were joking about this very thing, making high quality shop equipment. I would have to run my numbers to see what this cost me to make and the shipping would be killer, the base has to weigh more than 75 pounds! I wanted it mobile but didn't want to chase it around the shop while I used it.



Interested in a knock down version?

LOL, yeah I have some high tech tools around. I cut a half inch thick table top 3X6 in dimension and had various holes on the ends for Pexto stakes or setting your hammers in for a guy on Saturday with my Plasma table. He was completely blown away with how nice that thing cuts and how fast.


I have some other plans for more tooling, just need the time and cash to do it. And of course I will share with you guys.

 

Yes.

That looks really good...

 

No... but I sure need to use it!!

 

I see you went to Opie's School for Gingers to find your model.

Have you had any problems with the head unit? I don't like my little Eastwood stretcher/shrinker.

jw

 

No kill like overkill!

Looks nice. The talent there never ceases to amaze me.


jerry

 

nor I...

way to go Steve

 

We broke the upper drive wedge anvil seconds after I posted this. The dies that were shipped had cast drive wedges but they failed to send the stretcher part. I bitched and they sent a new set with machined steel drive wedges. It works pretty damned well so far. The body does flex a bit but, if this one does shit the bed so to speak, I can chalk it up for the experience. The quality is very much sub-par to the older non-deep throat stretchers I have.

 

very nice steve.

 

So the quality is sub-par... all that means is your next project is going to be making a better shrinker/stretcher!

-Brad

 

You said poop......haha....

That looks killer!!!!

 

Elpolacko this guy http://gogitzit.com/
stiples dies and "fixes" the new crappy shrinkers Neil is the man maybe he can help out your situation. You might consider a copy of an Erco style die? Hope that helps
Dave Hitch

 

Nice work, it's nice to see something made better, very well engineered. You should make these and sell them to Eastwood, then basically all your tools from them will be free.

 

I am with you Jerry.
Nice work Steve.
Typical innovative and high standard or product.

 

very nice indeed

 

Knowing Eastwood they will just steal the design and make their own.

Very cool design by the way looks like it would work killer.

 

Just without the quality! Good stuff Steve.

 

That's so bitchin Steve! Grizzly bears would be in danger if you built a mouse trap!!

 

Really Cool!!! what a great design, looks to work smooth and easy. You da Man

CNC plazma table? Hell Ya Im jelous, But even if I had one it would just take up space
cause Ide have no idea how to use it. FEDER

 

Nice work! b

 

I was concerned about the wheels also. When I designed it I paid attention to the center of gravity, it's really heavy at the foot. If it were top heavy, I could see it being a problem to move but this thing is super easy to maneuver, like a two wheeled dolly. The foot at the rear has an 1/8" rubber pad glued to it and even on my polished concrete floors it doesn't scoot around.

We have already formed some sheet just playing around with it. 16 and 18 gauge material moves really fast if you want it to. I do want to put one of those low profile bumpstops under the arm to keep it from clacking while you use it. And a nicer set of dies like suggested in the near future, otherwise I'm really proud of it.

I cant stop staring at it...

 

We had a set of these jaws at the MetalMeet in the Redwoods last month and they worked great. They don't destroy the metal like the serrated jaws do.

 

Exactly! Polacko if you want I can post some pics of my erco jaws maybe you can copy them? The equipment to stipple them "not serated" is expensive so with your talent make em yourself, then get em stippled might be the best way to go.
Dave Hitch

 

Please do!

 

So stop by there today and tried this out and put my order in for a stand. The stand is like the titanic next too what eastwood sells. I can't wait for mine.

 

very crafty indeed.