[Land-speed] Tubing Straightener Design Parameters

[Larry Mayfield]

Ok, so here I am, in Pahrump, just fiddling around and decided to build a
tube straightener.  So I does a google search and find a zillion photos of
the things, but sadly, no real design considerations.   I know the basic
layout of a single axis doohickey, but there are a few details missing.
Such as the diameter of the wheels (pulleys?), the spacing between them, and
so forth.    Now, I know that commercial units, powered even can be had, but
heck building one is more fun! So, any of you guys have one or more that you
could measure and then send me the rough basic dimensions?   I made one
yesterday and it sorta works, but improvements are needed, lol. For the
frame work I used some very flimsy 1/8 inch thick angle iron. And for the
wheels I used popular wood! Made some pulleys to fit the tubing diameter
(-8 aluminum) and used just plain bolts for the axles of the pulleys.
Definitely needs to be stronger.   The wheels were made as I said from
popular wood available at home depot, and I used my 4 inch diameter hole saw
to cut the basic wheel from the plank. Then used my very old lathe to make
them all the same size and to cut the u shaped groove.  I made the two upper
wheels the exact same way and used the same frame material. I made it
adjustable for squeeze on the tubing with a couple of all thread rod pieces,
one at each end.  As I said, this sorta worked and needs major rework.
Especially in the frame area. I have that covered, but am sorely in need of
a reality check for the sizes and spacing or the stuff. 

Any help out there? 

MTIA,

mayf

_________________________
drmayf
Worlds Fastest Sunbeam, period.
204.913 mph flying mile
210.779 mph exit speed