Got to thinking, I guess having multiple bearings side to side to
increase the width would not be a good idea?

Yep, bad idea. The working area of an english wheel is the point where
the tip of the rollers meet. The bottom roller is not flat, it has
various radii depending on what you are trying to do. The top roller is
usually flat as possible.

The suggestion of the bearings is to give you something to try out for
less money than buying a big wheel.


Here is a multipurpose tool that wouldn't be hard to weld up.
I would add a top and bottom brace to the wheel unless you have really
thick steel. Flex in the frame is the limiting factor with a wheel.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e6...ictures001.jpg

The planishing section can be lighter because it doesn't depend on
constant high pressure. I would make the bag table removable so you
could use different anvil dollies with it.

--
Steve W.