1978 Roper Whitney No. 390 Manual Slip Roll

Model: 390 | S/N 102-2-78 | 36" x 16 Ga. Capacity

Overview

The Roper Whitney No. 390 is the gold standard for manual sheet metal forming. This 1978 unit comes from the "Heavy Iron" era of American manufacturing, offering a level of rigidity and gear-driven precision that modern equivalents struggle to match.

Designed for professional fabrication, the No. 390 is a true three-roll driven machine. Unlike entry-level rolls where only two cylinders are powered, this model drives all three rolls to ensure a positive grip on material, preventing slipping and ensuring perfectly concentric cylinders every time.

Factory Specifications & Technical Data

• Year of Manufacture: 1978
• Max Forming Length: 36"
• Capacity (Mild Steel): 16-18 Gauge
• Roll Diameter: 2.5" (Precision Ground High-Carbon Steel)
• Minimum Forming Diameter: 3" (approx. 1.25" radius)
• Gear Ratio: 2.4 : 1 (High-reduction for effortless manual operation)
• Wire Grooves: 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 3/8" (Located on rear/forming roll)
• Weight: 457 lbs (Bench mount) / 505 lbs (with optional Pedestal)
• Construction: Heavy-duty cast iron housing with hardened bronze bushings

Key Features & Dealer Benefits

• Full Three-Roll Drive: Ensures consistent feeding of material from start to finish. Essential for precision work and handling slippery or polished metals.
• Quick-Release "Slip Roll" Design: The top roll features a heavy-duty latch that allows the operator to "swing out" the roll, enabling the effortless removal of finished tubes or cylinders without losing the machine's settings.
• Integrated Wire Grooves: The rear roll is factory-machined with four distinct grooves, making this a versatile tool for forming wire, small rods, or rolled edges.
• Vintage Rigid Casting: Produced in 1978, this machine utilizes high-nickel content iron castings that provide a massive vibration-dampening advantage over modern fabricated steel frames.
• Infinite Adjustment: Features large, knurled adjustment screws for precise control over the rear forming roll and the lower pinch roll.