[spitek60]

I found this link on the Off Road Fabrication Network, thought I might share, as it looks like an inexpensive way to dimple die:
A bearing race, receiver ball, and piece of scrap tube. I've used all these same pieces on 1 1/4" hole all the way through 1 5/8 hole.
http://www.offroadfabnet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9879

 

[duaneb55]

Necessity has and always be the mother of all inventions. Pretty neat.

I've done similar on a smaller scale with a large steel ball and piece of pipe for the base die.

 

[spitek60]

How well did it work out? I would like to try dimpling some 20 GA SS, for a stool in the shop, still playing with methods that are possible. Suggestions?

 

[duaneb55]

Mine was for a different application but the same principle. I think the steel ball is only 1/2" - 3/4" in diameter and used 3/4" pipe for the base die. Used to make custom welch plugs and/or reclaim same when new pieces couldn't be found.

 

[killdozerd11]

Nice , Simple , Inexpensive

No down side to it

I like it

 

[mwshaw]

I would sure worry about that hardened race fracturing under pressure some time in that press. That's why bearing removers have a cover over them to keep the pieces contained and not imbedded in you. Maybe just a ring of 3" pipe the same height as the race would be good enough.

 

[MikeGyver]

I would sure worry about that hardened race fracturing under pressure some time in that press. That's why bearing removers have a cover over them to keep the pieces contained and not imbedded in you. Maybe just a ring of 3" pipe the same height as the race would be good enough.

It's not really flexing in that arrangement, plus the sheet metal yields fairly easily. I wouldn't be scared to try it.

 

[JN4120]

At least put a couple of hose clamps around it...

 

[SMC Weldcraft]

I'm about to become a dimpler!
Got some ideas popping around in my head that I will put to the test this week. But they will not include a bearing race. In my opinion...that's an accident looking for a place to happen. A slice of mild steel pipe is all that should be needed for a die. I've experienced some bearing explosions in my press several times over the years...very scary sh!t. Never had a piece of mild steel explode. Had a few pieces spit out because of "unsquare" conditions....but nothing has ever shattered. Great thread, though. Gonna spend more time I don't have on something I really don't need. Yet. Thanks.

 

[Voodoo504]

I would sure worry about that hardened race fracturing under pressure some time in that press. That's why bearing removers have a cover over them to keep the pieces contained and not imbedded in you. Maybe just a ring of 3" pipe the same height as the race would be good enough.

When they shatter it is awful......

 

[larphead]

Neat trick, I will have to file that away in the grey matter. Hopefully it goes to the save file and not recycle bin :laugh:

I wouldn't think there would be much chance of the race shattering in that application. I HAVE had bearings and races blow up on me in a press. Almost every time it was either doing something I shouldn't have or putting WAY too much pressure on it.

 

[spitek60]

Sounds like a 3" pipe is the way to go. Great advice, thanks.