Has anybody used (or got) one of these?

[meyrickt]

Hand Operated Metal Scroll Bender



http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hand-Operated...3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:3|65:1|39:1|240:1318

Capacities:
Flat Steel – 30mm x 10mm
Round Steel – 10mm
Square Steel – 10mm



Not cheap at £355, but seems good value for the capicity

Rick...

 

[English Steve]

It does look to be fairly substantial, and if it will handle the claimed capacities it's not really a bad price.
Not easy to see exactly how it works from the photo. It looks as if you would need to adjust it during the formation of larger scrolls, and it also looks like any small scrolls will spring open quite a bit (depending on the temper of the steel) because the adjustable roller doesn't look like it would go in far enough? As I say, hard to tell from a photo, but I would also like to hear from anyone who has one of these.

 

[wyn]

From the pic it looks like it is made of 3 sections. bend the scroll round the inner bit then pop the other sections on once you have gone past where they are located. probably held in with dowels.

It makes sense in my head, don't know if what i've written matches it though

It does seem an expensive bit of kit, but maybe you could make up more shaped formers to make it a bit more versatile.

 

[English Steve]

Yes, the one I have is in sections as you describe Wyn, but when pulling the tight part of the scroll you need to be rolling the steel fairly close to the former, otherwise it springs back too far.
The one pictured may well adjust far enough to do that, but it's not obvious from the pictures.

 

[meyrickt]

I suspect it operate like the one on the video at
http://www.shopoutfitters.com/Universal_Fabricator_files/Universal_Bender/scroll_attachment.html

I did think of getting that one (the stand alone version), but with the crappy exchange rate, shipping and possibly a customs "hit" at this end, I figured it wasn't worth it.

Rick...

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

Metalcraft in Hull do similar and a lot cheaper but they may be aimed at the DIY market.

Regards
Peter

 

[astro_al]

Aren't these the things that leave a crappy looking flat bit at the end of the scroll (in the centre)?

Better in my opinion to get a hammer, anvil and make up a small forge, or even get a decent gas set for the same money.

Al.

 

[chunkolini]

I have used the Metalcraft Master strip metal worker massively over the last few years, a fantastic piece of kit, cant find a photo on my computer, curses. Cant fault it either.

It is a simple tool for forming curves in steel strip and bar, and highly reccomended, it can roll 25x5mm strip into a circle about 80mm in diameter if you take your time. A great example of British engineering at it's best. Have a look at www.artinsteel.co.uk just about everything curved on there was done with this tool.

Astro Al does have a point, this type of pseudo wrought iron is left with ugly straights on the ends of any curves made, they can be lopped off after but it is not wrought iron. I am happy using this kit because I am not making imitation wrought iron.

I would say if you want to make curves in steel strip and bar buy a strip metal worker, but dont buy a 'scroll maker' they are very limited by definition, all they can do is make scrolls.

Example below, all of this was made in 10mm round bar with the strip metal worker.

as was this


I think spending lots of cash on a scroller you are in danger of trying to compete with factories in eastern europe and Italy selling 'wrought iron' components at bonkers cheap prices, stuff that can easily be imported into the Uk and assembled in 'custom' designs, I know people who do this. Hmmmm....
Here is a link to the tool described above.
http://www.metal-craft.co.uk/strip-worker.asp

I forgot it also shears and punches up to 5mm thick strip as well.

I have also done some serious work on 10mm Stainless Steel bar, gently.

Chunko'.