Baileigh BR-18M-18 Manual Bead Roller 18"
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Baileigh BR-18M-18 Bead Roller
The Baileigh BR-18M-18 is an entry level manual bead roller designed to help you strengthen sheet metal panels and create professional beads without outsourcing the work. Perfect for hobbyists and startup shops looking for an affordable solution to panel forming and strengthening.
Are you just getting started in metal forming, or are you tired of paying someone else to bead your panels? The BR-18M-18 manual bead roller gives you the power to do it yourself. This robust machine is built from heavy gauge plate steel and features a generous 457mm (18-inch) throat depth, which means you can reach deep into large panels like car hoods, roof sections, truck bed floors, and deck lids.
Unlike flimsy alternatives, this bead roller is designed to handle the rigors of real workshop use. You'll operate it with a simple hand crank that drives both the top and bottom rollers simultaneously, giving you precise control over every bead. The adjustable top roll lets you dial in exactly the depth you need whether you're creating shallow decorative lines or deep structural reinforcement beads. The drive shafts ride on quality bronze bushings that are built to last for decades, and convenient grease fittings make maintenance straightforward so your machine keeps running smoothly year after year.
What really sets this machine apart is what comes included. You're not just getting a bead roller - you're getting a complete metal forming station. The heavy duty steel stand keeps everything stable during operation, and the integrated roll rack can hold up to 10 tooling sets, keeping your most-used dies within arm's reach. Plus, Baileigh includes six of the most commonly needed die sets right out of the box, so you can start working on your projects immediately without hunting for additional accessories.
Applications
- Automotive Restoration Projects: Create replacement floor pans, firewalls, trunk floors, and inner fender panels with professional-grade structural beads that match or exceed original equipment strength
- Panel Strengthening: Add rigidity to roof panels, deck lids, hood sections, and truck bed floors by rolling strengthening ribs that eliminate flex and warping
- Custom Fabrication Work: Design and produce one-off custom parts, decorative door panels, dashboard components, and unique metal artwork with precisely formed beads and patterns
- Prototype Development: Test and refine designs for small production runs without the expense of outsourcing or investing in powered equipment
- Ductwork: Form flanges, channels, and reinforcement beads in ventilation components and custom ductwork
- Repair and Maintenance: Reproduce damaged or rusted panels for classic vehicles, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery
Key Features & Benefits
- 457mm Generous Throat Depth: Reach the center of a 914mm (36-inch) panel, which means you can work on large automotive panels like hoods and trunk lids without limitations. No more awkward positioning or settling for beads only at the edges.
- Complete Die Set Included: You get six essential forming dies right out of the box: 1.6mm, 3.2mm, and 6.4mm step dies, plus 6.4mm, 9.5mm, and 12.7mm bead dies. This covers the most common metal forming tasks, saving you hundreds on additional tooling purchases.
- Built-In Roll Rack Storage: Keep up to 10 die sets organized and within reach on the integrated rack. No more hunting through drawers or dealing with misplaced tooling when you're in the middle of a project.
- Bronze Bushing Construction: Unlike cheaper machines with plain bearings that wear out quickly, the BR-18M-18 uses quality bronze bushings on all drive shafts. This means decades of smooth, precise operation with minimal maintenance.
- Easy Grease Fitting Maintenance: Convenient grease fittings let you deliver lubrication directly to the bushings in seconds. Proper lubrication is easy, which means your machine will keep performing like new for years.
- Adjustable Bead Depth Control: Fine-tune your bead depth with the simple top roll adjustment. Whether you need subtle styling lines or deep structural reinforcement, you have complete control over the final result.
- Heavy-Duty Steel Stand Included: The robust floor stand provides rock-solid stability during operation and positions the machine at a comfortable working height. You'll appreciate this when working on large panels or extended projects.
- 1.2mm Mild Steel Capacity: Form 18-gauge mild steel and comparable thickness aluminum with confidence. This capacity covers the vast majority of automotive and fabrication applications you'll encounter.
What's in the Box
- BR-18M-18 Manual Bead Roller - Complete assembled unit
- Heavy-Duty Steel Floor Stand - With integrated roll rack for 10 die sets
- 1.6mm (1/16") step die
- 3.2mm (1/8") step die
- 6.4mm (1/4") step die
- 6.4mm (1/4") bead die
- 9.5mm (3/8") bead die
- 12.7mm (1/2") bead die
- Operating Manual - Setup and safety instructions
Baileigh BR-18M-18 Specifications
| Model Number | BR-18M-18 |
|---|---|
| Throat Depth | 457mm (18 inches) |
| Maximum Capacity | 1.2mm mild steel (18-gauge) |
| Operation Type | Manual hand crank |
Baileigh BR-18M-18 Manuals & Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between step dies and bead dies?
Step dies create a raised offset or step in your sheet metal - perfect for forming flanges or creating mounting surfaces. Bead dies create rounded, raised lines that add structural strength and decorative styling to flat panels. You'll use both types regularly depending on your project needs.
Can I use die sets from other manufacturers with this machine?
Yes! The BR-18M-18 uses a standard 22mm shaft diameter, making it compatible with most commercially available die sets. This gives you tremendous flexibility to expand your capabilities as your skills and project demands grow.
Do I need any special skills or experience to use this bead roller?
Not at all. The BR-18M-18 is specifically designed for beginners and those new to metal forming. The manual operation gives you complete control over the process, allowing you to work at your own pace. Start with test pieces to get a feel for the pressure and depth adjustments, and you'll be creating professional results quickly.
How do I maintain the bronze bushings?
It's remarkably simple. The machine has convenient grease fittings that let you deliver lubrication directly to the bushings. A few pumps of grease every few months (or more frequently if you use the machine heavily) will keep everything running smoothly for decades. The manual includes a complete maintenance schedule.
Is this machine suitable for production work, or just oneoff projects?
The BR-18M-18 is ideal for one-off custom pieces, prototypes, and small projects. If you're planning regular production work with higher volumes, Baileigh recommends stepping up to their BR-18M-24 manual model or the motorized BR-18E-24, which offer greater capacity and efficiency for repeated operations.