Low-Buck Homemade Foot Operated Lancaster Shrinker / Stretcher Stand

[@FrankAustinLowney]

Excellent design and execution. Clear explanation as well. It doesn't get much better than this. Here is a future challenge: operate the shrinker stretcher as a pneumatic tool where the pressure applied can be more consistent. Adjustable throat stops would be cool as well.

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks for the kind words! I really like the setup and I use it pretty often. The suggestions you have a good ones, but it depends on your application. Personally, when I'm just teasing a curve into shape it's nice to have some feedback from my foot in relation to how much the metal is moving. Also, being able to move the part I'm shaping in and out a bit as I'm operating the shrinker/stretcher is a plus. If I was making the same parts for hours at a time the automation would be great for repeatability. As a hobby guy just doing one-off parts, I'm happy with it the way it is.

[@clifflasater6981]

This is how instructional videos should be. You did an excellent job on this and your idea of taking a sharpie and marking all the measurements on the actual parts was outstanding. I built my own easily with your video. Thanks!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks Cliff! I’m glad it was helpful for you. Other KZbin videos have been helpful for me over the years, just trying to pay it forward. Good luck on your future projects.

[@brucepigeon3671]

Nice job. Finally an example I can copy. Thanks

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks Bruce! Good luck on your build. I hope it meets your expectations.

[@rickhettwer854]

Very nice instructional video, easy to understand, and in the end a great stand.

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks Rick for the kind words! I use my stand quite a bit and I'm glad to have the opportunity to share ideas with others.

[@andrewthompson5040]

Now there is someone who takes pride in their work! This is very well built DIY product. Great detailed information, this is by far the best I've seen and I would love to replicate. Thank you for showing!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Hey Andrew…thanks for the kind words! It was a fun build and I’m glad you like it. If you do a lot of sheet metal work I think you will really like the stand. Good luck on your future projects!

[@AlpacaRenee]

You are amazing! Thank you for this very detailed tutorial!

[@rk2045]

Thanks for your detailed explanation about your fabrication. Done a good job why not you market these products in the hardware shops there are potential buyers for this good tool. Well done thanks for your good video and sharing the same to public

[@terryharper7299]

I use a shrinker every day here in Wichita ks at a aircraft plant . We take a 1" 120 grit sanding belt cut to fit the jaws to eliminate the jaw marks

[@alaskabearhawk]

That's an excellent tip...thanks for sharing! Sounds like a reasonable alternative to the stippled aftermarket jaws.

[@danielbuckner2167]

Good tip on that stipple finish jaw set!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Great you find it useful. They are amazing…well worth the investment.

[@jdwisdom9433]

You've shown in a clear and concise method, like the rest of your followers, exactly what I've been looking for. Thank You and a BIG "Good on you". JD

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks JD! I try to respond quickly to people's comments but for some reason I missed your kind words. Good luck on your projects!

[@guillermonieri4203]

Had to look at it a second time. Thank you.

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks for the look! Hopefully it will be of use for you.

[@michealfigueroa6325]

Certainly one of the best DIY presentations on the net. Well done Thank you

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks for the kind words Micheal! I hope you find it useful in future projects.

[@chrisconley8105]

Great layout and presentation! Thank you

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks Chris! Hope you get a chance to make one...

[@seanflaherty4259]

i never subscribe or comment to anything Ever! that said this was the Best video i have ever watched! thank you for doing such a awesome job. i do a little metal fab and have had a set of these for over 2 years and never used them. i tried to make a small patch panel for my wifes Subaru yesterday and got so frustrated i almost smashed them through her windshield!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks for the kind words Sean! I hope this will be of use to you. I know how frustrating it is to tackle some projects and they just don't turn out like I had envisioned. Good metalwork is an art and just takes practice. There are plenty of other videos out there on metal shaping, so don't give up and practice, practice, and practice some more.

[@AlphaBobFloridaOverlord]

Thank you very much! This is exactly what I was looking for. Just ordered my Lancaster shrinker/stretcher and I am not happy with any of the commercial stands. Yours is virtually identical to what I was hoping to build.

[@alaskabearhawk]

You are very welcome Robert! I hope that your stand is a useful addition to your shop.

[@scratchbuilder5952]

good to see you back in front of the camera, Thanks for taking the time to put this up

[@jasonedwardsflys]

I've been considering a Shrinker/Stretcher for my aircraft shop and this looks like a great build! The info about the Stipple jaws is excellent! Thanks for a great and informative video!

[@alaskabearhawk]

You're welcome Jason! Any time you make useful tooling for your shop it is time well-spent. It's pretty frustrating trying to do something one-handed and this gives you good control. The stipple pattern is easier to dress out than the deep striations.

[@coomohit]

THIS is the way to upgrade tools.State of the art.

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks! Glad you like it...

[@adamgibilaro7198]

Wow excellent video

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks Adam! I appreciate the feedback and hope you get a chance to build one.

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you. You are an excellent teacher.

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thank YOU...kind words.

[@joell439]

Super nice tutorial. I really appreciate the details you’ve documented here. Thank you 🙏

[@alaskabearhawk]

You're very welcome! Sorry for the late reply.

[@martinsteele3259]

Fantastic video, explanation and sizes!!!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks! Sorry for the late reply.

[@thomaspollock4274]

I liked your video and incorporated some of design in fabricating one of my own. I found that the spring rate of the springs you used were too light for mine and changed them for ones with a rate of 27 lbs. Your background with aviation shows in the quality of your work. Thanks

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks Thomas! Good observations. After using the stand I made I also think the springs could have been stronger, but it does function as-is. The only thing I would do different to the one I made is put on stronger return springs and put stops on the main upright to limit the upward travel of the pedals. If in the future I end up using it more I'll make the modifications. YMMV

[@davidwood1923]

I picked up most of the man metals according to you description and dimensions... The Steel supplier cut them off at I have been deburring the stock. I might even start a few tacks. Thanks for Sharing your Great Video.

[@alaskabearhawk]

You are more than welcome and good luck on your build! I've found the stand very useful.

[@Stormin13]

Very cool video - lots of detailed information to help anyone looking to replicate your setup. I'd be interested in seeing you create the Bearhawk parts requiring this tool.

[@HoopsHotRods]

I used your vid and one other as inspiration to build my own stand! I even made a video of it as well! The garage has been my sanctuary during this coronavirus lockdown. Keep up the good work!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks for the feedback. Hope it works out for you!

[@AppalatchieRaised]

I’d feel safe riding that to the moon. Fine engendering

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks! Just noodling things out makes things happen. Sorry for the late reply.

[@jimmeltate2139]

Great job!

[@mikeg5877]

terrific... much appreciated.

[@alaskabearhawk]

Great! I'm glad you found it useful. A friend that is rebuilding a Piper Pacer just borrowed mine. :)

[@reaperwayne]

Awesome video thanks

[@AMbrosWorkshopTips]

great video sir.i just want to know how i could make these shrinker stretcher jaw of my own.

[@BoxcarsGarage]

Another Sub! Awesome video and presentation! I'm gonna build one as soon as I'm done with my chassis table build. Thanks

[@alaskabearhawk]

Good luck on your build and thanks for the comment! I don't use mine that much, but when I do I'm no longer frustrated using it.

[@BoxcarsGarage]

@@alaskabearhawk I just looked at the harbor freight set and there close to half the cost of the Lancaster set.. But I believe I'll hold out for the Lancaster set as not to regret later..

[@alaskabearhawk]

@@BoxcarsGarage Good call. I have made it a priority to buy tools made in the USA. I won't support the CHICOMs with my money and the Made in USA tools ALWAYS hold their value long after the made in China stuff has hit the garbage can. They copy the look but not the quality.

[@marcinstein7405]

Amazing job! I have followed all your steps and still didn't get the same result ;D Greetings from Poland!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thank you! Well, what can I say. I'm sure it is functional though. Sorry for the late reply.

[@craigcaggiano431]

Very cool and detailed video...

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks! It was fun to make.

[@homemadetools]

Sweet!

[@chrisdel157]

Great video! Thank you!

[@alaskabearhawk]

ChrisDel157 _ You’re welcome!

[@stewy-1]

Great video! I liked it so much I made plans for it. If you would like a copy I can send you one.

[@alaskabearhawk]

Sure. Are you planning on selling the plans?

[@stewy-1]

@@alaskabearhawk No I just made them for my own use. You are welcome too though.

[@paulminelga3353]

@@stewy-1 No, that's great! I'm glad you have the skills to do something like this. Hard to find people with such skills. I just wanted to be credited is all.

[@alonsoorona8459]

Genius!!!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks...

[@Chevy-ud1ec]

where did you get your bungs for the pipe?Thanks

[@alaskabearhawk]

I’m not sure what you mean. Where are the bungs you are referring to? A time reference for the video would help me identify the part.

[@cliffwill]

.032 to 0-too-thin. oh-oh.

[@alaskabearhawk]

Indeed!

[@gregorymacneil2836]

Great Job!

[@alaskabearhawk]

Thanks...