Greetings, I've got some homemade intakes manifolds that need a bead rolled into them to ***ist in clamping the radiator hose/hose clamp. The tubing is 1.75"OD 16ga mild steel, and currently I have two of these to do. I've checked around everywhere that should have one within about a 25 mile radius without much luck, either they dont have a roller big enough, dont want to mess with it or want a kidney to do it, or a combo of the three. I'm located in southeast iowa. Thanks!
It might come down to that, I was slightly concerned about the leak potential of a non uniform weld though. Initally, this seemed like something any HVAC shop could do, but then again, I also thought any cabinet maker should be able to resaw boards too.... Equipment, knowhow, and interest seem to be hard to find in one spot lately!
The typical bead roller won't do this, there is another tool, Eastwood sells them, maybe someone here hase one?
dude just clamp the damn hose on the tube. you dont need a bead in it as long as the tube is the right size. there should not be that much pressure on your radiator hose, if its clamped properly it will hold.
I wouldn't worry about leaks from a non uniform weld, cuz the bead isn't what seals it. The hose is sealed to the pipe with the clamp, the bead just keeps it from blowing off at high pressure.
I agree. The tool I was thinking of is $550! Probably don't need it. http://www.eastwood.com/bf-ii-creates-080-bead-on-2-4-dia-steel-tube.html
Check into one of the local sheet metal shops specializing in fabrication of ductwork. They may have an old manual Pexto hand edger that has beading wheels capable of getting it done. However the small diameter and "heavy" 16 ga may be your problem. Most of the new beader/rollers are only designed to handle up to about 18-20 ga and diameters smaller than 2-2-1/2 inch really create a problems.
You absolutely need the bead, everytime I've seen a hose pop off it's because there was no bead. If you've got a 15# cap, that's 36 pounds trying to push it off.
I have dies that goes into the tube and as you crank down on the expander nut and roll the die inside the tube ball bears come out from the sides and create that dimple you are looking for. the more you crank down the more the ball bearings protrude. when i don't have the right size i weld 3 dots, spaced equally, on the tube. It is neat, clean and professional and nobody has ever blown one off that i am aware of. The expander gizmos are avaiable from earls plumbing supply, i have them from 3/8 thru 1", i don't know if they go to 1 3/4", but the welded dots do the job for sure.
The Jalopy Journal
