I'm looking at buying this libert machine co. High speed shear and had a few questions. First is I'm curious if you can modify it to shape metal like a pullmax for bead work. I know I can make the dies with the shapes I want but I'm not sure if this machine is capable of doing that kind of work, any input or pictures will be very helpful thanks for looking.
Just looking at the pictures, I would be afraid that by converting to a hammer, you would end up breaking the lower support off. If you could beef that entire portion up, to take the impacts from a hammer, then I would think that it has potential. Keep us posted, and show us some of your work if you get it working. Good Luck.
Yeah I thought the same thing in one of the pictures if you look close the lower part unbolts so I was thinking about building a stronger base and adding some supports like the Yoders have, I'm curious if the upper mechanism has enough power to shape metal or if I would have to do something different. I have zero knowledge on metal shaping tools but I'd like to learn.
The lower horn appears to be bolted on so its not a problem to make something more beefy to bolt in its place to carry the lower die. But its not going to be as simple as bolting on a set of dies and hammering. You're going to have to allow for adjustment of the shut height of the die set to function like a pullmax where you pass a piece thru more than once to get to the final contour rather than just slamming full shut and forming your shape in one lick. Simplest way to make it adjustable IMO would be to use a screw like the lower screw adjustment on an English wheel. Adjusting the height of the lower fixed die would be the way to go as that would be a lot easier than trying to make any adjustment of the upper moving die. To get it to live over time, the adjustable parts carrying the load, as well as the actual dies, should be made from S7 tool steel and heat treated. The C frame itself looks as if it would be plenty stiff to work. I've got an old ring shear about the same size. Only real difference is that a ring shear had a movable pivot that allows you to mount a piece of steel and rotate it to shear a circle. The C frame is very similar to the one in your pic, and its massive.
using some high carbon steel make you a new horn and adapt from there... Should be good to go... will take some tinkering... hows your fab skills?
Yeah that was my other concern was how to work up the adjustment I didn't know if the upper portion had adjustment or if it was fixed but I like the idea of making the lower die adjustable. Also it being a high speed shear I wonder if the head will be moving to fast with not enough power behind it to shape metal?
Yeah the price is right that's one reason I'm trying to see if its possible but like you said hotroders find a way.
I have never done any type of machine work but I do know a few machinist that could probably help me out.
After taking a second look at the pics, the attachment for the top die looks pretty flimsy. Probably fine for cutting or nibbling, but IMO, not strong enough for hammering.
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