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Looking at an English Wheel

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TRMark

TRMark

Jedi Knight
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Any advice on buying one? I see them from less than $300. at HF to what looks like almost the same thing for $600.00. I need to make some aluminum parts for my old sports/racer and heck it is a tool I don't own.
 
They say start with a basic wheel. By the time you waste a few pieces of metal and get the hang of it, you won't need another one.
 
Do the more expensive ones come with more than one wheel set?
Stronger Frame?

HF seems to be trying to improve their products and in a lot of cases us non pro users their tools are just fine. Some tools you need the best you can afford.

David
 
The more expensive ones have more accessories and are heavier, some are not able to be broken down for moving. I have to make the panels for my 64 Plymouth but I bought repair panels for the Jag. I have an assortment of HF tools for destruction or modifying tools. My Craftsman are for normal junk use, but my SnapOn, MatCo and Mac are for more precise grip on bolts and nuts. I did buy a Woodward Fab bead roller, as HF was the same price and Fab's shipping was cheaper. If you do an HF wheel, might check with HF and see if they have more rollers. Summit Racing, Eastwood and Jegs have basically identical wheels with available rollers. If you plan on doing more than what you are doing, go for the gold.
 
seems like the rigidity of the frame is key for these and bead rollers. Have seen HF ones reinforced and others who coughed up for the heavier ones.
 
I have several concerns about the HF and other inexpensive wheels (youtube and other reviews): wheel roundness, alignment and wobble. It is difficult enough to learn to use this machine so I don't want to have to fight with it. HF no longer supplies a selection of anvil wheels, but I understand these can be purchased other places; huge variation in price for these also. I envision some China manufacturing as a giant Quonset building with with differing colors of the same product coming out different doors. I don't want to pay more for the same inferior product with different color powder coat determining the price. There is the problem.
 
Unfortunately that is the way it goes these days. Almost everything is made in china in the same factory and the seller choses the level of quality.

It took 2 engine hoists from Tractor supply before I got one that worked. The first one the cylinder would not lift the arm let alone an engine.

David
 
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