SD Metalworks
My First Reciprocating Machine
The original 'Shopdog' machine
This is the first reciprocating metalforming machine I built. It was completed in September 2003. The design is a blend of information I gleaned from a variety of internet sources. The mechanism is a toggle linkage similar to the Pullmax nibblers used in industry in past years. Metalshapers had adopted the pullmax machines, and with a variety of modifications and shopmade dies were forming automotive and motorcycle panels. At the time I could not afford or locate a Pulmax, so built my own. This machine had an adjustable stroke and held 5/8" square tooling shanks in collets fabricated in my workshop.
As a result of viewing a number of peoples attempts at constructing shrinking dies, I saw how useful they would be. Examing photos and phone calls to some shapers willing to share information, allowed me to successfully fabricate shrink dies.
This machine and another were sold at the 2003 Metalmeet hosted by Randy Ferguson near Robinson, Illionois.
As a result of viewing a number of peoples attempts at constructing shrinking dies, I saw how useful they would be. Examing photos and phone calls to some shapers willing to share information, allowed me to successfully fabricate shrink dies.
This machine and another were sold at the 2003 Metalmeet hosted by Randy Ferguson near Robinson, Illionois.
The First Shopdog Product
Following the apparent interest in a compact reciprocating machine, the Shopdog 12 was born. This metalformer was designed to be simple to construct, yet effective in ability and size to fit the needs of the automotive builder/ restorer. Plans for this machine were made available at Metalmeets, swap meets and other automotive events.
The machine used many off the shelf parts and standard stuctual steel shapes. The mechanism was a simple adjustable eccentric machined of bar stock. The powerhead was belt driven and raised and lowered by a locking lever. Tooling was secured in 5/8 square collets. The lower toolholder could be adjusted fore and aft and side to side for tool alignment. the height of the lower tool adjusted verticaly by an elevation screw in the bottom of the tool holder.
The design was such that it was easy to fabricate and allowed anyone somewhat familiar with welding and fabrication to enjoy a quality machine with average skills.
During 2007 a complete set of plans was posted on the www.metalmeet.com site for free use by one and all.
The machine used many off the shelf parts and standard stuctual steel shapes. The mechanism was a simple adjustable eccentric machined of bar stock. The powerhead was belt driven and raised and lowered by a locking lever. Tooling was secured in 5/8 square collets. The lower toolholder could be adjusted fore and aft and side to side for tool alignment. the height of the lower tool adjusted verticaly by an elevation screw in the bottom of the tool holder.
The design was such that it was easy to fabricate and allowed anyone somewhat familiar with welding and fabrication to enjoy a quality machine with average skills.
During 2007 a complete set of plans was posted on the www.metalmeet.com site for free use by one and all.
A similar machine is "invented" four years later
I showed the "Shopdog 12" on the Metalmeet website and the Metalshapers website in early 2004. At the October 2004 Metalmeet in Robinson the machine was available for gereral use.
In late 2008 I was refered to the Cook enterprises website where a "New" machine was introduced and reportedly developed by Loren Richards.
The picture to the right is from the Cook wedsite as is the text below:
"The mini Max is a fifth generation design by well known and respected metalshaper Loren Richards. Loren, not being in the manufacturing business, contacted C. Cook Enterprises builder of Proline Tools to take his design and build a new, small, versatile machine that performs like larger machines."
The mechanism is of the same type, the dimensions match my plans very closely, the configuration of the adjustable back gauge furthers my curiosity. Apparently great minds think alike. If you would like to build your own "Shopdog 12" or "Minimax" I will be posting plans here during October.
In late 2008 I was refered to the Cook enterprises website where a "New" machine was introduced and reportedly developed by Loren Richards.
The picture to the right is from the Cook wedsite as is the text below:
"The mini Max is a fifth generation design by well known and respected metalshaper Loren Richards. Loren, not being in the manufacturing business, contacted C. Cook Enterprises builder of Proline Tools to take his design and build a new, small, versatile machine that performs like larger machines."
The mechanism is of the same type, the dimensions match my plans very closely, the configuration of the adjustable back gauge furthers my curiosity. Apparently great minds think alike. If you would like to build your own "Shopdog 12" or "Minimax" I will be posting plans here during October.
Other Shopdog Recip machines 2004 to 2006
Shopdog Shrinker 8 inch throat dedicated machine
