How do I use the Shrinking / Stretching machine?

How Do I Use the Shrinking / Stretching Machine?

STRETCHING JAWS IN DETAIL
SHRINKER JAWS IN DETAIL
Stretching jaws
The Frost stretching/ shrinking machine is a clamping device which, under the influence of the lever, will squeeze whichever jaws are mounted in it. The jaws can be swapped for different jobs.
Shrinker Jaws
Shrinking with this device uses the same method as stretching, but with different jaws fitted – swapping jaws takes seconds.
A bespoke stand is available, but it’s easy enough to bolt the machine body to a bench or simply to hold it in a vice. Shown here are the stretching jaws which, when compressed, will grip and pull the metal apart. The actual area that is stretched and the degree of stretching are pretty small for any given stroke of the lever. So the way we control the curvature of the work-piece is a matter of placing multiple stretches where they will be most effective.
It’s certainly more elegant than doing the job by hand, and less skilful, but what counts is the result – usually pretty neat. The scope for what can be done with this machine is governed by the size of its jaws. A range of larger machines is available with deeper throats.


PLACE THE WORK-PIECE   START LEVERING
MOVE ALONG
The section of the jaws where the actual shrinking or stretching process takes place is slightly off-centre, so take care to place the workpiece where you need the effect to occur. Larger panels would benefit from another pair of hands.
The lever needs a bit of wellie to really make it work initially. It’s almost worth taking on an apprentice for this part. You will soon find that keeping the work slightly away from the machine allows it to curve more easily. Excellent fun.
As with the manual techniques, move the work along and repeat the process until the desired curve is produced. Once acquainted with this machine, it does the business pretty quickly, and it is much neater than the hammer method.

STRETCHING COMPLETE
SHRINKER COMPLETE
The results from the stretching process using the Frost machine are impressive. The new edge has an even thickness which would allow for easy spot- or MIG-welding without a high risk of burning through. With the hammer technique, hardening and thinning are not uncommon, and this in turn can lead to a few minor problems.
The result is a neat job, with even thickness and no obvious lumps and bumps. The shrinking/stretching machine works on a different principle to the old fashioned method of cold-shrinking with hammers, but the results are favourable.

Read the full article in the October 2008 issue of Practical Classics (page 71)

Shrinker / Stretcher Available online

The Shrinker / Stretcher tested by Practical Classics!

# quickly and easily pull shape into either steel up to 1.2mm [18g] or aluminium up to 2mm [14g] # Use it to fabricate repair panels anywhere on your car but especially those awkward areas around headlights, around the edges of window frames, door edges, rain channels, wheel arch rims etc. # Produces radii as small as 76mm [3inch] # Body has two 3/8 UNC threaded holes for bench mounting or bolt it to a piece of heavy angle iron for quick mounting in your vice # Complete with instructions Shrinker / Stretcher Combo Shrinker / Stretcher Combo Shrink or stretch the metal into smooth even curvatures in a fraction of the time

The Shrinker Stretcher with a stand!

includes 2 separate pedal driven shaping units, one to Stretch, one to Shrink, mounted on the above stand, which is manufactured in our factory here in Rochdale. Complete Shrinker Stretcher Stand Set

The Professionnal Shrinker Stretcher

# 70mm throat, a stronger frame and toughened jaws allowing you to reach further into the job and get a more positive grip. # So robust it comes with a 5-year guarantee, making it suitable for schools and industrial use. # Comes complete with both jaws, one body, one handle and instructions. Comes unpainted. Professional Shrinker Stretcher Combo Profesionnal Shrinker Stretcher

The Pro Foot Shrinker Stretcher!

# Foot operated Shrinker Stretcher designed to give control and feel, whilst leaving both hands free # The jaws, which are changeable in seconds, are made of a special hardened high performance steel, with a unique surface design. # Working depth/reach: 6” (155mm). # Delivered with 2 jaw kits. One Kit for shrinking and one Kit for stretching, tools for changing jaws, floorstand and footpedal. Professional Foot Shrinker Stretcher See How to Use the Pro Foot Shrinker Stretcher Pro Foot Shrinker StretcherVideo Online