Tubing Roller Q:

[false_aesthetic]

Hey Folks,

I need to buy another set of dies for my tubing roller. There's a set of 5/8" and 3/4" available locally for a song. . . but they're made out of delrin.
My understanding is that delrin is used on softer material like aluminum. Am I looking for trouble if I intend to use them on .035" and .049" 4130?

Thanks

[false_aesthetic]

Closing the loop on this for future searchability and reference:

The MFG of the dies, Swag Off Road, kindly responded to my question: delrin dies will work perfectly for thin walled 4130. They did note that the dies will wear out faster than steel but with care it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

[Rody]

Tom,

For bending: Just for confirmation, I have a number of delrin dies that I made for intended "one off" pieces, but have used them numerous times on both ti and 4130. As long as the tube encapsulation is maintained, they do the job.

That said, delrin and aluminum dies have not been as successful with hardened thin wall material, typically requiring both steel dies and a mandrel.

For Rolling: Delrin are plenty substantial as long as the "ears" that wrap the tube are thick enough to prevent lateral expansion under pressure.

cheers,

Rody

[false_aesthetic]

Thanks for following up Rody. I was hoping you’d add info.

[steve garro]

I had one I got from Carl Strong that i later sold as it was redundant and the delrin rollers worked just fine, just keep them clean

- Garro.

[false_aesthetic]

Thanks Steve!