Model T Project I’m working on. Built the chassis a while back. Have started on body metal fab. Removed the original wood structure & started replacing with metal.
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You do the bead work with a Pullmax?
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Yes. Engine recess is 1/4" step for strength & a little clearance. Plus it looks better than just a flat panel.
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A Pullmax style machine has been on my list of equipment I want for years…
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They are definitely a great addition for sheet metal work. There is a decent variety of dies available. But if you can make your own custom tooling it is a real game changer.
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Problem is they are not easy to find.
I find them on FB Marketplace but they don’t usually last long. Some have tooling some don’t. Stan Fulton (bndr70 on IG) makes tooling & occasionally has one for sale. I bought mine from him around 20 years ago.
Are they typically 3 phase?
All original Pullmax machines that I’ve ever seen are 3 phase. Also have seen them ran with a phase converter or the smaller ones swapped with a 220v motor (which is slightly more expensive to use). There are some newer scaled down versions being made now that are 110v & 220v machines. The throat isn’t as deep & may not do as thick of material but could do 18 & 20 gauge easily.
I have this weird connection with old equipment. I think its the stories they could tell. When I get one at some point it will likely be one with some age. Anything I need to look out for when buying a pullmax? They typically hold up pretty well?
They are pretty basic as far as the mechanics of it. Factory attachments are always a plus (circle fixtures, guides, etc…) Factory tooling is nice to have but the aftermarket dies are a little geared towards the automotive world. There are 2 different lower tool holders, a centered & offset. Centered is common with beading, joggles, profile dies. The offset was originally for cutting but opens up possibilities for custom made dies. A center is mostly used but an offset is nice. While you can shape metal on it (shrink & stretch) it isn’t a power hammer that would have a spring to absorb the solid hits from hammering shape like a true power hammer. Since Pullmax machines are a reciprocating machine it’s a fixed stroke. If you adjust the dies to tight you are basically flexing the frame (similar to over tightening a bead roller). Like anything else it has limitations, but once you spend some time with it you can do things other tools can’t. Pullmax is also just a brand name. There are brands like Lennox, Trumph, Nibbler & a few others. All do the same functions just different die holder styles & other adjustments.
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If Pullmax is the brand name what are the machines called? If I were to search for one regardless of the brand…
I know that the Baileigh power hammers claim to be able to work like a Pullmax but not sure I want to go that route.
I’d love to have a bead roller English wheels and so on. Maybe in the future. I do have access to some nice stuff at my friends shop but I don’t have the skills yet.
They are all a reciprocating or nibbling machines. Most in original form were a 2 speed machine (high & low speed). Some later machines were variable speed from factory & some people convert older ones to variable speed by changing the motors to a VF drive. There were a few eras of Pullmax models but the P series were the most well known. The tool post shank size is somewhat related to the size material thickness it can handle. Most common older ones were P3, P5, P7 & P9. Later common were P13 & P21. Lower the number the thinner capacity of material thickness. Also the lower number will reflect tool shank size. 16MM shank on P3 & P13 machines were the smallest. P5 were 19MM & P7 were 22MM. P9 & P21 were 25MM. I have a chart that breaks them all down to size & thickness capacity somewhere in my collection of stuff. Of course there are a few other models & features, they just aren’t as common. I have a P13 & it will walk through 16 gauge like it’s nothing. There is tons of info on most machines on the internet but seems like you have to search for it. I’ve learned a lot over the years but it’s hard to type it all out quickly. Or at least it is for me 
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