Steel Rollers?

[scar]

Since I have this project coming up soon, I might as well ask...

I have a circular saw to cut steel bars on a home made stand (don't know if there's a specific name for it) - you know the one which has low revs and sucks up oil with water to squirt it on the blade while cutting, anyway, I need to make two roller stands on either side of it. The left side to rest the length of the steel bar while it is clamped and the right side to rest the cut piece.

I was thinking of constructing these myself since the ones I found on sale were too expensive and also too short. The simplest method would be an angle iron or hollow section frame about one foot wide and as long as....uhm the available space in the garage with rollers at, say, every 2 to 3 feet apart.

The frame isn't a problem. The rollers are though! How do I go about constructing them? Preferably a length of steel tube with bearings at each end...but I don't have a lathe to turn the internal diameter of the pipe. Maybe I could find bearings which already fit snugly but I have to be more than lucky!!

Any great ideas?

 

[Paul.]

You need some conveyor rollers, known as gravity rollers, buy them ready made in a variety of lengths and diameters, they aren't worth making especially for a simple application, this is who I use, but there are loads of suppliers of this stuff

 

[steeo]

If you were in Ireland i'd be able to get you loads, think I actually have 8 -10 in the shed at the minute gathering dust.

 

[scar]

Hi Paul and thanks for your early reply. I thought of buying them ready made to save a lot of hassle but i couldn't find individual rollers for sale. They are only supplied to the customers already bolted to a metal frame with legs - which is exactly what I require ...if it weren't too short & too expensive.
Thanks for the info mate. As soon as I log off, I'll email them and request for a quote.

Oh and thanks steeo...I wish I was up North too --for the rollers ..but also for the countryside. We have a lack of it over here... Only if..Only if...Sigh!

 

[Sam]

Since I have this project coming up soon, I might as well ask...

I have a circular saw to cut steel bars on a home made stand (don't know if there's a specific name for it) - you know the one which has low revs and sucks up oil with water to squirt it on the blade while cutting, anyway, I need to make two roller stands on either side of it. The left side to rest the length of the steel bar while it is clamped and the right side to rest the cut piece.

I was thinking of constructing these myself since the ones I found on sale were too expensive and also too short. The simplest method would be an angle iron or hollow section frame about one foot wide and as long as....uhm the available space in the garage with rollers at, say, every 2 to 3 feet apart.

The frame isn't a problem. The rollers are though! How do I go about constructing them? Preferably a length of steel tube with bearings at each end...but I don't have a lathe to turn the internal diameter of the pipe. Maybe I could find bearings which already fit snugly but I have to be more than lucky!!

Any great ideas?

I have a Mec Brown saw similar to what you are describing the rollers on that are 20mm dia with a spigot turned either end, the arm is fixed to the saw and pivots it has a 12mm bolt in the ctr of the arm to adjust the height. Will take a photo to show easier to see that way.

 

[excossack]

How about rollers of a Winch Fairlead?, the bit that the winch wire comes out of and rolls on.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-...rlead.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=124&t_pt=5143&t_pl=6379

 

[scar]

Hi Sam,

Nice pics mate...I understood it the second I saw them. Very simple and straight forward. That's what I was referring to...only I would like to make lots of rollers on a frame which will support a whole uncut length of steel bar...19 or 20 feet if I'm not mistaken.

The rollers from a winch fairleads are also a good idea but I would have to buy a dozen of them, dismantle all and take the top & bottom rollers only - which would also make it expensive.

I have two options - one, just had a tip this morning from a friend who knew of a company which has run out of business lately and they're selling all at next to nothing prices. Will have a go at that to check for any used conveyers...if my luck runs out - as is usually the case, I'll email the guys Paul told me about. Had a quick look at their website and they do export stuff.

Thanks for all the info guys. This forum really has a lot to offer..

BTW Sam,, nice avatar - you a fellow enthusiast offroader? I was a member of our local offroad 4x4 association and attended regular events. My landy takes everything in its stride he he, though there are people more equipped with modified vehicles than I have. The events are still held but unfortunately I had to stop this activity due to lack of time..

 

[Sam]

Dont know yet! I am going to give autocross a go but work and the kids buggies are getting in the road hope to have theirs finished in the next month a couple of weeks late for their birthday.