44 replies to this topic

[aquarius]

Since we are talking about rolling tubes, I'll share my way, shamelessly adopted from David Sleeters book:

Basically I use two methods, depending on use and paper/kraft.

First I use a paintroller and roll on a 50/10/40 solution of strong woodglue/water/alcohol to both sides of the paper
When dry, I roll the "gummed" paper over a heavy metal rod or thickwalled pipe, rolling on the same solution of glue/water/alc in one go.
I avoid glue on the rolling rod, and after the tube is finished, I swab the inside of the tube with the same stuff to avoid "the flap"-problem (if there is such a problem..)

Now, I have found that for me this does the trick. The alcohol does not swell the paper, and dries quickly.
When using preglued virgin kraft paper these tubes are incredibly strong.

The other method is to use thicker recycled kraft, and roll on the same solution without pregluing the paper.
Dries fast, very cheap tubes, but not as strong as the virgin kraft method obviously.

I hope to test the strength of these tubes one day on my hydraulic press...

[bigtonyicu]

I assume that most of you have seen the tube rolling machines shown on youtube

vid 1
vid2

I'd love to get a close up of how the machine start the wrap, I'd love to see how they get the edge of the sheet (the part that become the inside flap) tucked in, that's the part that I've found very had on a dry mandrel, hopefully when I get to roll some tubes later this week with the glue covered mandrel it's makes it a little easier.

I'd love to use gummed tape to make small spolette tube but I can't seem to find gummed tape anywhere around here (nothing more entertaining than asking for it and being looked at like your are asked for something that doesn't exist) so I've been thinking, has anyone thought or tried to use Drywall paper tape to make tubes with?

If they make decent tubes I might try using it to past a shell with it.

[Rip Rap]

I'd love to use gummed tape to make small spolette tube but I can't seem to find gummed tape anywhere around here (nothing more entertaining than asking for it and being looked at like your are asked for something that doesn't exist)

Maybe different in Canada, but in the UK, gummed tape is sold in post office's. Worth a go if you haven't tried already.

[digger]

I'd love to get a close up of how the machine start the wrap, I'd love to see how they get the edge of the sheet (the part that become the inside flap) tucked in, that's the part that I've found very had on a dry mandrel, hopefully when I get to roll some tubes later this week with the glue covered mandrel it's makes it a little easier.

I'd love to use gummed tape to make small spolette tube but I can't seem to find gummed tape anywhere around here (nothing more entertaining than asking for it and being looked at like your are asked for something that doesn't exist) so I've been thinking, has anyone thought or tried to use Drywall paper tape to make tubes with?

If they make decent tubes I might try using it to past a shell with it.

Keep us informed as to how you get on with the wet mandrel method. I think that is key to how the machines work in the vids. Once the paper is under the mandrel two rollers rise to push the paper in contact with the mandrel and then a third roller comes down to press the top in contact with the mandrel.

I am trying to work out how to make a smaller simpler version of the machine shown in the video (hand cranked).

[pyroduck7]

when in doubht .... luberacate!

haha and i really like the simplacisity of thses mashines, im going to make one

[bigtonyicu]

when in doubht .... luberacate!

Success!!!, While I manage to get one good looking tube out of it... ok I only tried one, I need to do a few modification on my machine. I need to create some back tension on the roll; I see some of you guys seam to use a few extra rods and zigzag the paper for friction. I'm thinking of using something different, a broom head on the roll of paper, any thoughts?

Edited by bigtonyicu, 24 July 2008 - 11:09 PM.

[dr thrust]

bloody tubes, tubes, tubes, nearly out of tubes but this low tech tube roller looks promising spiral roller, looking at more pro machines to make a thicker tube just add more tapes whilst overlapping the tapes as there fed in, looks pretty simple for the "home engineer" to make, with fast results

[karlfoxman]

Just a quick note on tubes and the glue to use on them, I now use only flour paste to make my tubes and shells. Its much stronger and I find easier to work with. To make boil 3 cups of water in a pan, in a mixing bowl mix 1 cup of plain flour and 3 cups of water. Mix this very well, when the water in the pan is boiling add the flour/water mix and stir for a good 5 mins. This will get thicker and thicker. Once thickness is reached pour and store in the fridge, this stuff works really well for tubes and cases.

[Mortartube]

I can't recall if it was posted on here or elsewhere, but I did read that someone rolls up a sheet of plastic within their tubes as they are rolling them, then holds them together with wire.

After that they bake them in the oven, the plastic melts and glues the tube together. They claim you can stand on the tubes and they don't deform. I haven't tried it myself but sound interesting.

[Bonny]

I can't recall if it was posted on here or elsewhere, but I did read that someone rolls up a sheet of plastic within their tubes as they are rolling them, then holds them together with wire.

After that they bake them in the oven, the plastic melts and glues the tube together. They claim you can stand on the tubes and they don't deform. I haven't tried it myself but sound interesting.

I think this is the article you were referring to:
http://www.skylighte...sp?Item=130#art

[BrightStar]

I think this is the article you were referring to:
http://www.skylighte...sp?Item=130#art

Ned mentions polythene coated kraft - it's a thermoplastic so I can't help thinking it might start to melt and unravel in long end-burning drivers or fountains. Interesting that it apparently makes servicable tubes regardless.

Does anyone know if there's a UK equivalent to 'Minwax Wood Hardener' or what it contains?

Edited by BrightStar, 07 May 2009 - 07:55 AM.

[portfire]

I'll try that method Karl (for shells) but I'm fine using my 2 rolling machines for tubes........... My hands

[Rip Rap]

Does anyone know if there's a UK equivalent to 'Minwax Wood Hardened' or what it contains?

I use this from B & Q.

After the tubes dry they are extremely hard!

As to whats in it - click here (acetone). I use it outdoors.

Edited by Rip Rap, 06 May 2009 - 06:07 PM.

[dr thrust]

hmm, well ive got 1/2" tubes boxed off, but my 3/4" tubes always end up slack in the winding when they dry, so has anybody used a "tube rolling board" which essentially is just a... say twenty inch long piece of thick timber/boarding with a handle on top which you hold and basically when you have finished rolling the tube by hand and its still on the mandrel.
you can give it a final dam good hard rolling between the bench and the board in your hand, which in effect applies more pressure uniformly, just asking Ive just tried it tonight but have to wait now a few days for the tube to dry!

[fruitfulsteve]

i had a go at tube rolling myself a couple of days ago it's a lot harder than it looks, they didn't come out to well so i've decided to fill them with chemicals and set light to them that'll learn em i'm gonna try this board method next time.