[TheForge] Twister

[Ries Niemi]

The German machine I have is programable by the degree- and generally 
what you do is program step 1 to twist something like 10 degrees more 
than you want, then program step 2 to twist back the other way that 10 
degrees. This takes care of springback, and allows for a perfect 
alignment of the two ends.
The trick, of course, is a motor that has braking built in, so it 
actually starts and stops where you tell it to.
Also, the slower the bettter. 7 to 10 rpm is just fine for twisting, 
and at that speed, you can stop it where you want it much easier.
The germans have really thought this out, and their twisting machines 
are by far the best available- they are the equivalent of cnc mills. 
Mine weighs something like a ton.
Now obviously, unless you are as crazy as I am, you arent gonna spend 
the money one of these costs- 12 to 15 grand- but if you study how the 
best machines are made, you can usually skip a lot of mistakes in 
building your own.
When I copy something, I always try to copy the best.
Mine is a hebo- check out their websites-
http://www.heboe.com/
http://www.usahebo.com/contact.htm
http://www.glaser.de/seiten/start.htm
These guys have spent the money and time to build the best machine 
possible- this is something the germans often do- as opposed to buying 
the cheapest one on the market from Harbor Freight, which is something 
we are guilty of.
Me, I just get a sense of satisfaction and glee when I am running a 
really fine tool. So when I can , I buy good ones, either new or used.
I can always figure out a way to make money with a tool, as long as I 
have it in the shop.
But I cant make a dime off the leather interior or digital compass or 
climate controls on a new pickup. So unlike many ornamental iron 
contractors, I drive a basic truck, and spent the 20,000$ difference 
between it and the King Ranch version on tools.
I am always amazed when I see these guys show up on jobsites with 
$40,000 4WD pickups that have never been off road, and the cheapest, 
lousiest tools you can buy. Its kinda the american way. The germans 
will take the bus, and buy a Deckel-( Deckels are the most amazing 
swiss army knife of milling machines)

Ries Niemi
Industrial Artist

http://www.RiesNiemi.com