Shrinker - Stretcher question

[flt-blk]

I am getting ready to make a bigger fuel tank this winter.
To do this I want to invest in a metal shrinking tool like
the one in the Eastwood catalog.

What are my options besides Eastwood?

Is it as simple to operate as it looks?
TZ

[Unkl Ian]

Simple to operate.Many different sources for exactly the same tool as Eastwood sells.
Find out how much shipping will be before ordering.
Ron Fournier (http://www.fournierenterprises.com/)
Ron Covell (http://www.covell.biz/)
Trick Tools (http://www.vansantent.com/index.htm)
lowbuck tools (http://www.lowbucktools.com/)
pro-tools (http://www.pro-tools.com/)
Mittler bros (http://www.mittlerbros.com/)

[36-3window]

here is where i bought mine,they are great to deal with:

http://www.toolsplus1.com/

[flt-blk]

I found some of these with a Google search, I prefer to go
with recommendations though, thanks.

Since it will be for home use only I am thinking one
machine and both sets of dies shrink/stretch, and make my
own table.
TZ

[Unkl Ian]

The jaws are pretty easy to change.
I would color code them,red for stretch and Blue for shrink.
Saves trying to read to small print,or trying to remember what's in there.

[uncleAud]

$249 will buy both sets on e-bay all day long...

[Blownolds]

Do yourself a favor and buy two. One for shrinking, one for stretching so you don't have to swap jaws. Then, mount them back to back on a portable 4-legged floor stand so you can work off either side. Then, rig them up so that you can operate the lever by a foot pedal! This is the BEST way to rig these up. This is the way they were in use when I was apprenticing with a metal man.

[Morrisman]

Don't want to appear dumb, but how the hell does a metal 'shrinker' work? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Paul

[Brickster]

You don’t always need a shrinker to build a fuel tank, unless the tank has some compound curves in the shape. Tell me what shape and I might be able to suggest something, although it is always handy to have a shrinker/strecher around.

[Brickster]

morrisman,
There is a set of four jaws (two on top & two on bottom) that grip the metal, as you apply pressure the jaws squeeze together vertically and horizonally and effectivly make the metal in the middle thicker.

[atch]

i dont own a set, but have borrowed a friend's. i recommend that you buy both units, rather than switching jaws. when i've used them i shrink for a few strokes in one location then stretch a few strokes somewhere else until i get the desired shape. i would never get done if i were switching dies.

[flt-blk]

Thanks for the feedback, Looks like I need two units and
build a back to back table.

Ron Covel is one of the better deals and made in USA too.

I know I don't NEED one to make a fuel tank, but I want
one!! Just like I want a bead roller so I can make floor
boards for my Ranchero. Most of these sites have all the
sheet metal equipment and dies, makes for a big wish list.

Thanks Again
TZ

[Deuce Rails]

[ QUOTE ]
Do yourself a favor and buy two. One for shrinking, one for stretching so you don't have to swap jaws. Then, mount them back to back on a portable 4-legged floor stand so you can work off either side. Then, rig them up so that you can operate the lever by a foot pedal! This is the BEST way to rig these up. This is the way they were in use when I was apprenticing with a metal man.

[/ QUOTE ]

The foot pedal idea is fantastic. Do you have any pics? Is there a pedal for each, or one pedal for both?

[Morrisman]

brxter,
Why doesn't it buckle up in the gap between the two sets of jaws, where it's compressed, or are we just talking of a tiny little gap?. Like .010"?
Thanks, Paul

[flt-blk]

Morrisman, As it was explained to me, the compression
actually squishes and compresses the metal enough to make
it thicker, there is little distortion to the bent flange.

This is a stand with foot pedal from the Rob Fornier link..
Thanks Unk

[Blownolds]

There isn't much distortion to the piece at the area of direct shrinkage/stretching, but--

1)there will be a lot of tool marks that will need to be sanded out (no real big deal)
2)you can tear the metal, especially when stretching aluminum

I did take a pic of that stand and other really great things he built, but can't post them here, sorry.


BTW, is Covell still offering the power heads for the stretchers?

[Ragtop]

I think Jim Bailie from Bailie Customs has some pics of the foot pedal deal posted on the metalshapers website. I think it's www.metalshapers.org. (http://www.metalshapers.org.) Been a while since I've been there. If you need pics I can ask Jim to send me some and post them.

[FEDER]

FLTBLK I got My shrinker -strecher from Mittler Bros.Also got there power bead roller. We are VERY pleased with ALL the stuff We recieved so far.Prices are fair and products are good.They are very helpful over the phone and speedy delivery.I highly recomend them.--Feder

[metalshapes]

We all bitch about companies with bad customer service.
So lets do the oposite for once...
Mitler Bros is absolute first rate!
There was something wrong with my beadroller that I only found out after a while, they send me all the parts, no charge, no hassle.
And when I needed special stuff to build my own jigg to narrow BMC ( English ) Rear axles, They got me the part.
My customer had to get his car ready for a race, so I only had like 2 weeks to get the parts for the jig, build the jig, and build the axle...
Thanks to them I could make it happen.

[Deuce Rails]

[ QUOTE ]
If you need pics I can ask Jim to send me some and post them.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd really appreciate that, Ragtop.

I can't believe that I've never seen that before or thought of it myself. It makes so much sense. It's a revelation for me.

The Ron Fornier stand is far too expensive: $320 plus $75 shipping. But thanks for posting the pic, flt-blk. That gives me ideas...

[John_Kelly]

I recommend Ron Covell for tools. He is a great guy! To limit marking of the panel with a shrinker you can put sand paper between the jaws with the grit grabbing the metal. You must change out the paper frequently to keep from gumming up the serrations in the jaws.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com (http://www.ghiaspecialties.com)

[flt-blk]

Here's the pneumatic one from Mittler.
I think I can build this one pretty cheap.

[Unkl Ian]

There is only 1 manufacturer of Lancaster type shrinker/stretchers.
All the American made machines are the same.
[ QUOTE ]
I recommend Ron Covell for tools

[/ QUOTE ]
Ron Covell is a real class act.Everything else being equal,I get my stuff there.
Ron Fournier is another class act.

[Blownolds]

The power heads Covell used to sell were different. They were being made by a guy in the Mojave, CA area I think it was. I don't know if Covell still makes them. I think they were pneumatic, not hydraulic, and would be very easy to operate with a pneumatic foot pedal and shop air.

[Blownolds]

Oh, yeah-- some more input. The Lancaster machines can only shrink/stretch at the edge because there is no depth to the jaws. I have known of some folks purchasing just the jaws and then proceding to make their own deep-throat C-frame out of very thick plate. Someone was also selling a deep-throat shrinker but I can't remember who. I've been away from the metalcrafting scene for a while now.

[fab32]

The Covel power heads were made using a power brake booster hooked up to a foot controlled air valve. Not real hard to duplicate.

Frank

[Unkl Ian]

Blownolds:This the one?
http://www.metalshapers.org/store/stan/power-shrinker-wp.jpg
Stan Carter makes these.$275 plus $25 shipping.Jaws not included.