Metal shrinker

[somyunguy]

Well , I have been lurking for years , I needed a Shrinker to do some Ally shaping and being as they are obscenely expensive here , and then , not that well made , i decided to make one.

The unit is based on plans I think I found on Jalopnik with some licence taken around material sizes as i used what i had lying around.

Still to paint! Have'nt decided on a color as yet!

"Many Thanks" to Brianhw for his assistance and response to my many questions!

[Paul Jones]

somyunguy,

I have to admit I know nothing about these types of metal working techniques but you did make me curious. I used YouTube to learn more (e.g., the channel by Metal Shaping with Lazze ) and wow this is pretty cool. I have a new appreciation for small and deep metal shrinkers along with English wheels. Thank you for posting your work. I definitely need to learn more.

Regards, Paul

[C-Bag]

What make of jaws do you use?

[somyunguy]

What make of jaws do you use?

Jaws are home made on my mill. Also still to harden and temper , but quite good enough for Aluminum at this time.

I honestly did'nt even consider commercially made parts , here in RSA i would'nt even begin to know where to look!

[DIYer]

Thanks somyunguy! We've added your Shrinker to our Metalworking category,
as well as to your builder page: somyunguy's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Shrinker by somyunguy

tags: shrinking

[brianhw]

Well done, somyunguy, you've made made a really lovely job of your shrinker, and it's deep throat as well ! Having one of these opens up many possibilities for sheet metal jobs hitherto not possible as mine certainly has. Enjoy.

[davegsc]

Great project, excellent execution. I've been drooling over this tool and it's mate the stretcher, for years. Just haven't been able to justify the very high prices - even at Harbor Freight - for the one or two times a year I might use it. You've inspired me to get back in the shop and just build the thing. The stretcher must be a similar build, just reversing the action.

Thanks someyunguy!
davegsc

[brianhw]

Hi, davegsc, You don't need to make an entire new stretcher machine, just a set of jaws for your shrinker, and then you can do the lot, although having two separate machines would make for quicker work, without the need to change jaws around every time. Depends on anticipated usage, I suppose. Don't forget to do a post of it here when you get it done !

[davegsc]

Hi, davegsc, You don't need to make an entire new stretcher machine, just a set of jaws for your shrinker, and then you can do the lot, although having two separate machines would make for quicker work, without the need to change jaws around every time. Depends on anticipated usage, I suppose. Don't forget to do a post of it here when you get it done !

Hi Brian,

Long time since I read your thread - how's the shrinker project going? I've finally got some time to play in the shop for more than an hour or so at a time, so I'm hoping to get a shrinker project of my own started.

You mentioned that you found the plans for it in Jalopnik - could you please send details? I've searched their site with many varieties on the theme, but no joy so far. I'd really appreciate a link if you have it.

Thanks!
davegsc

[somyunguy]

Hi Dave, I actually printed these plans from a file which I must have saved on a flash or external drive, if I can't find you the link , I will endeavour to find and upload them for you. Please though, give me a day or two, I have a lot going on right now!
Hamish.