[TheForge] instructions for tire bender

Thu Apr 11 12:28:00 2002

Russell,

I looked through my catalogs to see if I could find a picture of your bender
but I could not find one.  I have a #3 bender that has no name on it but
appears to be the same as one made by The Geo. Worthington Co.  I don't
believe the numbers are universal in reference to the benders size but it
does appear that the larger number will bend a larger tire.  The Giant #1
bender is listed for 4" and lighter with no thickness given.  Also listed
with capacities are Giant #1-1/2 - 6", from Worthington a #2 - 5", a
#2-1/2 - 6" and a different style from Worthington #3 - 5", from K&R a #5H,
#5P, #6H & #6P all doing 6 x 1-1/4.  All of the Worthington units are listed
as 30" diameter or larger.

I've not seen any instruction manuals and only a few accounts of using these
tools but here is what I've learned.

All of the roller type benders work in a similar fashion.  The diameter of
the bend is based on the diameter formed by the tangent of three rollers.
Two that support the outside and one on the inside.  The diameter of the
bend is based on adjusting the distance between these rollers.  On some
rollers, the only adjustment is on one roller that has a toothed platform
setting on a rack of opposing teeth.  To adjust, you just move the roller to
a different set of teeth.  On other rollers, one of the outside rollers may
have 2-3 fixed positions where it can be located and the inside roller has
adjustment on its axle to give a graduated spacing between the fixed roller
settings.  The inside roller is removable so you can remove the completed
tire.

You can bend a full tire with stock that is longer than needed but if you do
that, you risk introducing a twist that will remain in your completed wheel.
Usually the tire is cut to length ahead of time.  If you are going to forge
weld the ends, you will want to scarf the ends ahead of time.  Just remember
to scarf from opposite sides so they align when rolled.

If you are bending thick material, you will have to bend in increments.
Experiment with your bender using light stock (1/8-1/4") before you try
anything heavy.  Start at the largest setting and work in.  Measure the
resulting chord and determine it's diameter for future reference.  You don't
need to do every tooth on a rack style bender - maybe 2" increments.  Make
sure you mark those positions on your bender.  Continue until you reach the
smallest diameter.

From these experiments, you will get a feel on how much bend / thickness you
can get.  It is basically how hard do you want to crank.  Some benders came
with two cranks so you could use a helper.

To start the rolling process, set your initial spacing and feed the stock in
straight using the side as your guide.  You may have to introduce a slight
bend in at the lead end to start the process.  Crank the stock through
keeping it straight.  Any cross feeding will result in a twist in the final
tire.  You will only be able to roll to where the stock is tangent to the
starting roller.  Back the stock back and repeat the process.

You may want to reverse the direction to get the bend as close as possible
to each end.  The first time you use the bender you will see the reason for
this.  The primary bend occurs between the two closest rollers and the
result is that one end will have a graduated curve rather than the diameter
you want to end up with.

Hope this helps.

Walt

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected]
> [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of lama
> Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 11:37 PM
> To: TheForge
> Subject: [TheForge] instructions for tire bender
>
>
> has anyone heard of or know where to get instructions for
> using a tire bender? send your replys to  [email protected]
> dave m.
>
> Hi,
> I recently purchased a tire bender at an auction and I am
> interested in
> finding out additional information regarding its operation.
> Do you have or
> know where to find any type of user manual for tire benders?
> The one I
> purchased is made by
> Champion and says Columbia #1 on it, but at this point
> information on any
> make of bender would be helpful.
> Thankyou in advance for any assistance you can provide.
> Russell Jenkins
> [email protected]
>
>
>
>
>
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