I just finished my louvre press today, named it Big L because its so dam heavy. I started with a set of dies purchased from local machinery shop and some heavy tube that were offcuts from a local factory, Paid $100 for 9 x 1metre lengths of 6 x 3 RHS with a 1/4 wall. I fabricated head unit from 3 inch solid and heavy wall pipe, I used an air over hydraulic setup from my pipe bender. During my first demo runs there was to much flex so I had to double up the tube on the spine - now its cuts through 1mm steel with ease, also put it on casters to make it easier to move around. A few pics Glen
That looks great, I'd be real shy of punching contaminated metal like that rusty stuff. That may damage your dies.
The efforts will surely pay off when it's time to vent. I wonder, how many punches do you plan for that Topolino?
No punches for the Topolino as it may crack the fibergl***, I built this unit for my new 34 5 window - plans for Bonneville style build, may also fabricate a new louvered deck lid for my 31. Glen
So would I be considered as just an incredible wimp if I suggested running a loop of safety cable thru the center of those two coil springs?
I also built my own louver press yes they do flex a lot. If you want a deeper louver turn the panel over and punch it on the same cut line and you will get this.
Probably a wimp (only joking), there is not that much tension on the extension springs to warrant safety wire. Glen
From your pictures, I was only guessing that those springs were going to be under more stress. And you're correct in your ***umption. In the last 10 or 12 years I've become a bit more of a wimp, at least concerning my eyes.
I used Big L in anger for the first time today when I punched 74 louvers into my 34 bonnet, Big L performed flawlessly. A few pics, Glen
Yep, you bet I was, it went real smooth until my last 3 louvers when the bonnet would not fit in machine - throat depth not enough at wide end of bonnet, had to turn dies around, but it worked out ok. Glen
Thanks guys, it was extremely rewarding when I finished this job, Big L done everything I needed with ease, as this was the first real test it could not have gone any easier. I am glad I went to the trouble of over engineering Big L. I was also happy with the design I used for the louvers, the outside louvers are angled a little more than the inside ones so they all line up facing the same direction. As this was my first ever attempt at this process, you bet I'm proud of myself. All the cool projects and knowledge I have gained from the build and tech threads on this awesome site have served as inspiration for my builds, weather its tools, machines or hotrods. Thanks again all involved, Glen
The answer to your question is yes, you would be considered an incredible wimp. Grudgingly, because I really don't want to share the IW ***le with you, I think the cable loop is a good idea.
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