http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100759&highlight=bead+roller and http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/search.php?
A buddy's got one from Harbor Freight...we had to reinforce it to keep anything from walkin' in it, but now it's smooth as a rail....literally. heheh
Check out allshops.org http://allshops.org/cgi-bin/community/communityalbums.cgi?action=openalbum&albumid=9980104562330 http://allshops.org/cgi-bin/community/communityalbums.cgi?action=openalbum&albumid=9980184732760
We cut a 1/4" plate doubler out that was just a bit smaller than the original plate that hold the rollers, and did a partial pen weld all the way around. For instance, it looks like a U right?? So we cut a smaller U and welded it to one side. Works like a dream now.
Can you swap dies on the Harbor Freight model? Also, the last time I went to HF's website I couldn't find the bead roller anymore. All I could find was the edger and a stand for a bead roller. did they discontinue it?? I hope not! I had plans of my own for that thing! Good stuff here! Metalshapers rule!
Yup...$99 for the hand crank. The dies do swap out, and I believe they carry a die kit for it as well. It'll do 22-24ga w/ no reinforcement and do a good line. It's not bad on 20ga....but you put a piece of 18ga in it w/o reinforcing it, and it'll roll the "slipper when wet" sign. heheh It's a cheap and easy fix, or you can go out and spend $300 on a nice one. Just what I've found out.
You could spend a week and $500 making one, Or you could buy a HF one for $99. I own a HF one. It works good for the hobbyist. If you're a pro...maybe get something better. I just wanted some beads in some sheet metal. It does that. I like it.