Question about motor to use for a bead roller

**outsider74** · Jan 18, 2017, 11:48 AM

Hi. I am looking for a motor to use with my HF bead roller. I have several motors at home that I have scrounged from here and there but they are all too fast. Any suggestions?

**Jon** · Jan 18, 2017, 12:34 PM

Hi outsider74 - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Good question; I'm going to move this discussion into our Tools in Progress subforum so you can get some ideas for your build.

Also, check out this link: Homemade Bead Rollers - HomemadeTools.net

**McDesign** · Jan 21, 2017, 06:51 PM

I have the same bead roller. The best idea I've seen was to use a Milwaukee right-angle drill, with a string hooked between a foot pedal and the variable-speed trigger. I've been meaning to do this - saw it on YouTube!

**athomp** · Jan 21, 2017, 08:28 PM

I use a cheap 1500 winch motor with a Chevy 350 timing chain and sprockets as a 2:1 speed reducer. The speed is just right and the hand-held reversible switch is convenient. The only drawback is it requires a battery that needs to be charged.

Originally Posted by outsider74

Hi. I am looking for a motor to use with my HF bead roller. I have several motors at home that I have scrounged from here and there but they are all too fast. Any suggestions?

**RickT** · Jan 22, 2017, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by athomp

I use a cheap 1500 winch motor with a Chevy 350 timing chain and sprockets as a 2:1 speed reducer. The speed is just right and the hand-held reversible switch is convenient. The only drawback is it requires a battery that needs to be charged.

I also use a cheap winch. You can make a foot pedal with a couple of strap hinges-this frees up both hands for guiding your metal.
Haven't tried it yet, but I wonder if the 12 volt winches could be powered with an old computer power supply. Used this on my mill table with no problems.
Cheers,
RickT