Pioneer Nibbler (Bachofen & Meier) Help and Info needed

[CoH]

Hello fellow metal crafters,
I'm new to this site and was hoping some one may be able to help me out with some info.
I have just bought a Pioneer nibbler and as this machine appears to have all the attributes of a basic Pull max machine ( 2 speeds with variable stroke ) I obviously wish to see if it can be used for beading and other forming processes in addition to its nibbling capabilities . Also does any one have an operators mannual that I could possibly copy ? Although B&M of Bulach are still in existance they do not offer any info on their nibblers of yester year just simply offer a passing reference and the Net directs me to the Trusted Metalmeet Forum.
Look forward to recieving any information no matter how small on my new Toy !
J .

[anders nørgaard]

Hi J... got a real name?
Welcome to Metalmeet :)

Take a look at this thread http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/showthread.php?p=80167#post80167 post #4 and onwards

I'm sure the machine is capable of doing everything a Pullmax or similar machine is. The sky and your imagination is the limit ;)

Don't know what tool holder shank size is on the Pioneer/Bachofen & Maier

[doug_walter2002]

J, I saw one for the first time last wed. night and was really impressed with the design as well as the size ( it was less than 1/2 the size of my trumph)
It can be used for making beads and anything else a pullmax can do.
As soon as I got home I started to search for one for myself.

[mindover]

Hi Julian, The guys on here prefer a first name. Julian was one of my early students more than twenty years ago and has done work for me for many years on and off.

David

[CoH]

Hi David,
Nice to hear from you. You know I thought "J " would be easier for you then you wouldnt accidently call me James "j" is so much easier :grin: !

I have to say David has been a Teacher / Employer in a Million and I have seen his buisness grow steadily through the years, experienced the trials and tribulations that all Metal Men here will at some time or other have experienced ( The tears, the laughter as hammers and practice pieces ;) flew gracefully through the air !!) allong the Artisans journey ( for that is what we are 8-) ) !

Any way I'm a new boy, but I did think Thread postings were for help and interesting tips with an added laugh :p,

I'm still looking for that "Pioneer" user manual Any one out there Heeeeeeeeeelp ! :( and make me :).

[Flattracker94]

You are in luck brother, I just purchesed a B&M nibbler and I have the manual. I also have a sales broshore as well. Let me know how I can get you the copies. This machine is better then a Pullmax.

[Pat]

Hi Flattracker
I was looking for some info on this machine which I have just found and picked up. It's very hard to find anything on it. I've read some forums and couldn't believe my eyes when I read that you had a manual. I was hoping you could help me out as I live in Australia and there would be absolutely no way known of finding anything on this machine here. I wouldn't be surprised if this was the only one in Australia. If your able to help me out with any info or put me on to anyone that could I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Pat

[Flattracker94]

You got yourself a fine machine. These machines are so simple and very well made. This big plus with these machines is the infinite stroke adj. from 0" to 3/8". Also the bottom tool post holder with its quick release and ability to be moved anywhere you want it to be. YES I can help you out all I can. Are you missing anything to the machine and do you have the bottom tool post?

Curtis Fisk

[Pat]

It was trucked interstate and is now in a holding yard so I can't check it out properly until early this week. I'm pretty sure it has the bottom post. Has a shelf with a few rusted up tools. I'll try and post up some pics which should give a better idea of what's there. I bought it unseen and on the advise it was all complete. Looking forward to learning more about this machine. I've never used one so its going to be interesting.
Pat

[Flattracker94]

Well, If this makes you feel better, I was skeptical when I bought mine. I had never seen one before and information on them (even online) is rare. I was able to get in contact a while back with a man that has a few of these and swears by them. He gave me a little info before I made the purchase on my machine. I was introduced to the Pullmax machine (a P-5) while employed a few years back working for a high end antique auto restoration shop. After I that I was hooked on this type of nibbler machines. After owning my B&M machine, I like it a lot better then a Pullmax due to the fact of the infinite stroke adj and fully adjustable bottom tool post. Even the guy that I talked to that has a few of these, got rid of his Pullmax machines.

[Pat]

Curtis, your machine definitely looks like my machines twin brother so I'm pretty excited. I'm very impressed with it and your work. Very inspiring.
I do need to read up on it and get my head around its working capabilities and servicing requirements. Anything on paper or point in the right direction would help greatly.Cheers

[Flattracker94]

These machines are so simple. They don't use oil like a Pullmax does. No oil at all. They have grease fittings that require the machine to be set at 0" stroke and then all fittings pumped with a couple shots.

[James(Western Canada)]

Here's a deal for someone, it's in CT

http://hartford.craigslist.org/tls/3598260110.html

[Flattracker94]

That must be a early one, and a small one at that. Would be cool to have for sure...! Some one should jump on it...!

[Flattracker94]

Did you got your machine yet????

[booberdog]

You got yourself a fine machine. These machines are so simple and very well made. This big plus with these machines is the infinite stroke adj. from 0" to 3/8". Also the bottom tool post holder with its quick release and ability to be moved anywhere you want it to be. YES I can help you out all I can. Are you missing anything to the machine and do you have the bottom tool post?

Curtis Fisk
hello i had asked for some info on a pullmax p5 i have been offered how does the b&m compare to the pullmax.is the tooling easy to make frame size etc any info would be much appreciated.thanks boober

[neilho]

Here's a deal for someone, it's in CT

http://hartford.craigslist.org/tls/3598260110.html

This machine is still for sale, as of last week. I was mildly interested, being within 4 hrs of it, but bought the same machine at an auction a bit closer. It's a Pioneer NA 600, 23 " throat and according to the manual will nibble 11 gauge mild steel, 16ga SS and form up to 16ga mild steel.

The price was right, but it had fallen over and broken/bent a few things. Does anyone out there have or know where to get parts for these things? I've emailed the factory in Switzerland, but as nibblers aren't even listed in their products list, I'm not holding out any hope.

And I was lucky enough to get a manual with the machine, so if someone out there needs one, PM me.

And an introduction: I'm a machinist and fabricator who has been frustrated by sheet metal most of my life and have decided to learn it. I've taken a seminar and read a lot, made a lot of dents in a lot of metal, and am having a lot of fun in my spare time. All with hand tools, so now to get tooled up, so I can make a mess faster and with more noise.:)

And to those who post here and who run and moderate this site. I've spent quite a bit of time lurking here, and have learned a lot.

THANKS!

Neil Hochstedler

[Flattracker94]

You will not get anything from the B+M company as they are only in the business of farm equipment these days. I have not seen any parts or extras, but that does not mean they aren't floating around somewhere. I had to machine and repair a few parts on my machine. These machines are rare compared to a Pullmax. If I can help you in any way feel free to ask me. Good Luck with your new toy. Curtis