Cheap Bead Roller gets some Quality Modifications

My cheap HBM Bead Roller needed some modifications to work good. I decided to take my time and do a propper rebuild. Is this still called modification....?

[@Ricardofromage]

Blown away by your skill level and quality of work, as a joiner of 30+ years breaking into metal work and fabrication later in life, this gives me much food for thought, I need more toys, I mean tools.... kudos my man!!

[@rickh6963]

Bart! Thank you for taking the time to record, edit and post the video! Your modifications were well thought out and your craftsmanship is next level.

[@StandinHolyPlaces]

My favorite build of a cheap bread roller so far. I love the depth guide, that's brilliant. The whole thing is very well done.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@jefflewis5852]

wow, what a job, just looking to buy a bead roller and some of your ideas are going to get put into my project BR, cheers for the Fab video.

[@philofab]

I've been metal working for over 20 years and I just picked up a couple of tricks watching you. Thanks!

[@jakespeed63]

Spectacular! The manufacturer should pay you and build it this way, from day one. Brass tag, with screws all facing same direction, was icing on the cake. Thanks for sharing. JT: Orlando Florida

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@matthewmoilanen787]

Hey Bart, like they say, it's your welder and you can play with it as much as you want! It's your time and materials. Oh and your finishing work on your projects is becoming so impeccable I would be afraid to use it!

[@richardreynolds9389]

You are really good at design, fabrication and TIG welding. Enjoyed watching this project from start to finish.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you!

[@wyliemacbean1157]

I know I am a little late to this video but ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC job. Very, very impressed. Thank you for posting.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Never too late 😉. Thanks

[@TrojanHorse1959]

About fully welding everything, I had a teacher in our "middle" school that was fond of telling us, "It's your little red wagon, you push or pull it as you see fit." to tell us that some things were just our decision and we had to decide for ourselves. I think that fits here too.

[@samuelramirez3183]

Nice job!!! Craftsmanship is top notch! Especially liked the name plate. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@beef539]

Your workmanship is 1st class. I have the same bead roller and I’ll be putting your ideas to good use. Also, top marks for your video.well done and explained.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@Juanmaguachon]

Todo es super perfecto! La rueda más preciosa y útil que vi! Felicitaciones!

[@billklym6192]

Thanks for the great video. I was planning on beefing up my cheap bead roller and I plan on using many of your ideas. I mig weld mostly and am concerned about heat and warping the main plate. I have the same tig welder you have the V205T but have not done much tig and definitely need more practice. Really like the stand idea with the roller die storage. Very nice work, it is appreciated that you share this!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks. And for welding MIG also works fine. Just clamp the main plate or use some welding/heat to straighten it.

[@ddistrbd1]

This is one the best video I've seen on bead roller modifications, it is built like a tank ,well worth the time you spent on it.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you

[@paulmuff9883]

A great job well executed truly highly skilled work done ✅✅

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@Mrwagzilla]

I wish I had a metal scrap yard You really did get lucky good for you and nice job

[@nickbaird1867]

You are an artist. I have to admit when you painted it I was a little disappointed. It was so beautiful bare metal with all the weld blueing. But it looks fantastic! Nice job to you sir! Anyone who could thumbs down this video is simply a hack who can't appreciate the quality.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@7050579]

oh my goodness... what a beautiful work... maaaaaaan you are presenting the quality of the old europeans... God bless you

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you

[@melkalyetv7751]

You have amazing tools to modify a piece of equipment

[@dentwatkins2193]

Very nice work on that bead roller. I love the way you fully welded all the components. It will, as you said, avoid leaving any crevices where corrosion could start but apart from that it just looks damn smart. It's good to watch a perfectionist at work. Thank you for the video.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@Handmadeextreme]

Love the new handwheel, what a great idea. Just found your channel, I'll be watching some more tomorrow night I think. 👍

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks. Have fun 👍

[@Motown454]

Nice work That should make a world of difference in the operation and finish product. A lot of great ideas.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks, and yes it makes a big difference.

[@110welding]

Very nice modifications... excellent workmanship.....

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@chuckster6513]

That was interesting to watch ! The improvements are great. I have access to both a cheap bead roller And a quailty bead roller. Neither has a motor, but there are times I wish I had the ability to move the work with a foot controled motor freeing both hands for moving the part being worked on. Thank you for allowing us to view your ideas. Be Safe and Well

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks! Yes for most jobs this would work fine but a motor makes it more relaxed. I will add one in the future.

[@DB-dm6jl]

Fabulous job my friend, loved watching you work !!

[@joescully566]

Hi Bart, loved it, just come across you and looking forward to your other vids, Joe

[@andyb7754]

Very nicely done, GREAT modifications!!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@terrylagrave9771]

Well you certainly turned a $50 tool into a $1000 tool. You did a very nice job and a whole lot of work, but that’s how we make ourselves happy. Good job

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you.

[@josha8511]

Wow, you have some talent and nice tools. You took a $100 bead roller and made it into a $3000 one.😎

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@itsalldoable]

Hi Bart, Thank you for sharing this with the KZbin audience. I found your video very helpful in my research for my first bead roller. I too have see wheels instead of a handle and wondered why. But now I know. Kind regards Paul from 48SPOKES (UK)

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks. Thats nice to hear.

[@kalleklp7291]

Well, that's what I call a substantial improvement. :) Very well done...

[@tonycummings5427]

Brother I don't know how you could improve it other than putting a motor on it. You do great work and I really like the work table you built for it. Agen great job.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

@@tonycummings5427 thanks. And agree. Motor would be the next step

[@mikecondoluci53]

WELL GOTA SAY THATS BY FAR THE BEST BEAD ROLLER MODIFICATION VIDEO , GREAT JOB THANK YOU

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@paulsmith2960]

Enjoyable video Bart and inspiring too. I have the same bead roller. Nice touch with the split screen shots. 👍

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@markman63]

Love the curved hand wheel, here in California it’s getting more and more difficult to find scrap yards that let you roam around. People have been suing scrap yards for their injuries and now the fun is over.

[@charlescamen5225]

I agree I that the equipment looks better all enclosed and joints welded.

[@gregfedirko9631]

Great job on the bead roller, thanks for posting!

[@abjacques9463]

Just bought a similar bead roller.....wow...I can probably do a few of your ideas...really enjoyed your video!!!! 😜🍁

[@Preso58]

Nice work. Full marks for considering the long term durability of the machine. Regards, Mark Presling

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you Mark

[@Afrodizyak47]

Gee beautiful workmanship and you have a great machine shop as well.. Enjoyable and I wish that I had your talent and skills.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you. The shop is build slowly over many years. Just start somewhere and the skills will develop with it.

[@jeffpitzer8521]

Great job! I did similar mods to my cheap bead roller.. you really have some great ideas, features, and quality workmanship. I used a cheap 1/2" variable speed high torque drill motor to power mine. I geared it down using a13 tooth gear on the drill and 110 tooth gear on the shaft..it will go really slow for intricate work but still have speed for long straight runs.. you don't want to just use the variable speed to slow it down so you don't burn up the drill motor..

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks. One day i will add a motor or build a new version with motor.

[@mrjohnnydrinkard322]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Another great personal preference for me is to fill my sealed machines with sand...., shot, or concrete works too. Adds good weight dexterity and sound damper. Again great build ,thanks

[@indianxbullet]

Outstanding work, and great job documenting everything.

[@richardross7219]

You do very nice work. It's making me miss my old equipment that has been packed away for 20 years. Good Luck, Rick

[@davidmcduffie1398]

Awesome job Bart ! The three things I saw today is careful thought, over built and as close to perfect as you can get. The bead roller will work much better and have more adjustability than before and its looks good too, its blue ( can't go wrong with Blue ). I had to subscribe !!!

[@stevelescom4336]

Wow Great job !! I have to get back to finishing the one I built from scratch . Other projects have gotten in the way so maybe this winter I will have more time ...

[@tompas11A3n52KkX]

You did an awesome job on that bead roller. Very nice!

[@836dmar]

That’s a dandy! Strong work, my friend.

[@waynejohnson7134]

I would make it the same way and would worry what the peanut gallery comments were.keep up the good work looking forward to more of your projects.

[@slashsplat]

Excellent work. Thanks.

[@larrysperling8801]

nice job looks great. i found myself doing the same thing about 20 yrs ago. i added a right angle variable speed gearmoter (scrapyard find) with a foreward and rev foot pedal.for a true one man operation i also made a thicker 3/4"mount plate with enough depth to reach 24".i just recently dismantled it to gain shop space for tools i will use more often. hope you get more use out of yours

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks. I think I will use it for some nice projects and costumer jobs.

[@dennischryst4174]

Beautiful job❤

[@glassblastcollision]

What a fantastic over kill! I plan to add 3 small bearings on the face of the fence so that it will roll rather then glide and possibly hang up on a cut edge and kick out while trying to make a straight line bead roll. Food for thought.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks, and good idea about the bearings

[@JonDingle]

I like that, well done young man!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you 👍

[@alphabob8156]

I like your explanation regarding the full welds - "that is my preference"! Absolutely! That is why we make tools for ourselves! Unrelated, I LOVE the Pullmax cameo - would like to see it in action. And I know that we live halfway around the world from each other, but I have the same bead roller - also modified, the same cold saw, and the same Pullmax (I think. Mine is a P5)! And maybe the same welder - mine is a Millermatic 350P!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Haha nice. Good machines and tools. My miller is a 383

[@davidcashin9194]

Nice job a motor and foot control is well worth the effort if you are working alone makes life so much easier I have added that to mine works fine.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Yes I think I will add one in the future.

[@Group-Five-Industries]

Amazing craftsmanship!

[@allergictoasphalt11]

Amazing work Sir!

[@hebertesquiaqui3266]

the bead roller came out spectacular,thanks for sharing

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@williamellis3961]

Very nice workmanship.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you

[@nikolateslaa8899]

I see It is Made with a lot of Love Very Nicely and Professionally Made! Good luck in some new project Greetings From Alex from Germany

[@thedude4632]

Who very very nice ! Excellent work . 10 of 10 !!!

[@kevintaylor7614]

I am thinking about building one and you have helped me . Thank you so much. I enjoyed your video very much

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks! If you have any questions then let me know.

[@triples4good]

Amazing workmanship.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks

[@ПульГильзович]

Крутой станок получился! Основательный предусмотрел возможные нюансы в работе! ЛАЙК + подписка!!!

[@barretharms6948]

If you're planning on doing long straight stripes the motor helps but speed makes for fast problems. The beauty is in the eye of the hand rolled product

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Yes, I found that the 'pointer' works great for longer beads. Even with hand power. But very slow speed motor would work even better.

[@paco1008]

This is a little old but I recently bought a cheaper unit & plan to use some of your updating on my rig. Thanks.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Good to hear. Maybe old video but still usefull. I still enjoy mine.

[@rexdavis1487]

Crazy bro…absolutely Crazy!😎

[@AA-69]

Windscreen motor is the best upgrade of them all ... Cheap Chinese spreed control costs £5... Computer 19v power supply works a treat... Then you'll realise what a pain the handle was 👍

[@ajkolodziejski118]

Nice job! My wife loves how clean your welds are. I only have a mig and stick welder. And less experience.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you. I just bought a MIG welder two weeks ago. Need to practice on that.

[@thunderstruck1078]

Are you sure your wife is watching at his welds? :)

[@buddynewman8949]

Beautiful job, you're like me, start out with a moderate approach and before you know it you've gone overboard with the modifications.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@charlesrosa179]

Wow!! You’re amazing man! Nice set of tools and nice set of skills!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you 👍

[@joeblough70]

Wow. Lots of work and fabrication. Could have bought a good one with s power feed and got to work on projects a week earlier!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

The high quality ones with power feed are to expensive for me. This took me a few days and I have the tools to do it. I will design and make my own roller with motor in the future and this was a good step in between.

[@metromoppet]

I too dislike open frames. I prefer your way. nicely done !

[@JeepTJay6]

9:11 Damn! If I could weld like that I'd do the same. That's simply beautiful.

[@Bicongerman]

Amazing job man!!! Very detailed!! Really nice welding!!! Congrats!!!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@kenjackson4177]

Very nice....looking forward to seeing the motor addition

[@michaelrosenlof1084]

Nicely done ✅👍

[@black_sheep_fab9411]

Nice work. You are very thorough.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@melgross]

Very nice. I didn’t build a floor stand, but i did motorized mine with a variable speed drive. I prefer having two hands available to hold the sheet.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks, and I do think I will add a motor in the future. For now I will use it without on some projects that I need to make.

[@melgross]

Barts Metalwork ah, in my case, the benefits of being retired. I need to make things, but only when i want to (grumbles about how long it’s taking to finish the welder/plasma cutter cart).

[@Farpointhold]

Fantastic helpful ideas. thanks for the very nice info.

[@marcsenteney3160]

That is quite the modification! Well done sir!

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you

[@danmoreton1788]

Nice project, impressive skills!

[@litocapistrano3571]

Great job sir ,

[@BadPennyDogBoy]

Excellent job! Well done.

[@Jpcars636]

Well done mate looks great

[@lowtidecustoms1166]

Holy ow... your fab work is stunning!!

[@clist9406]

Nice work , I would have done some of the mods a bit differently, however some of the mods were pure genius outside of the box thinking . I am going to have to make an adjustable stop like yours . I used a wheelchair motor to power mine along with foot controls made from the hand controller. Much easier to step on the power than trying to hold the work and hand crank it

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks. And sound like a good plan.

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

That looks amazing! I'd love to own that!

[@LuisEnriqueMartinez-rc7km]

Jonge jongen, je hebt het echt goed gedaan!!, niet alleen maar sterker maar ook functioneler, peetje af 👍👍

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Dank je!

[@rocksolidhugo]

Excellent job. love the detail

[@dennisschickling5759]

Great Upgrade. NICE WORK.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@mahmoodbahramzadeh3772]

Very beautiful 👌👏👏

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thank you

[@griefy419]

That’s unreal I just reinforced mine etc but the other mods you have done are out of this world

[@BC5391]

Great job Bart

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks!

[@ruraltraveler8652]

Very nice great work

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@louisdale7115]

A REALY NICE JOB,KEEP IT UP.

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks 👍

[@paulwoodward7954]

Nice work 👍

[@ronrea6426]

u r definately a thorogh craftsman...nice job

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

Thanks

[@robertorafaelvillanueva4864]

Excelente diseño y muy buena gráfica pasó a paso . A pesar que no entiendo inglés lo entendí todo .Sugiero poner subtítulos en castellano.