Looking for a metal break and shear

[McVicker]

I've been looking for some time, but haven't found anything small enough. I don't need a large break and shear right now. I'm making small 1/8th inch thick x 3/4 inch aluminum brackets and need something to accurately bend and cut. Any suggestions would be appriciated. Right now I'm using a miter saw to cut and a vice and dead blow hammer to bend :willy_nil

Thanks,
Dan

[danski0224]

I've been looking for some time, but haven't found anything small enough. I don't need a large break and shear right now. I'm making small 1/8th inch thick x 3/4 inch aluminum brackets and need something to accurately bend and cut. Any suggestions would be appriciated. Right now I'm using a miter saw to cut and a vice and dead blow hammer to bend :willy_nil

Thanks,
Dan

Yeah, but to cut and bend the material you describe requires pretty stout tooling... the el cheapo stuff at the Chinese Tool Store ain't gonna do the job.

Once in a while, small benchtop shears and brakes meade by DiAcro show up on eBay that would be perfect for what you are describing, but the normal asking price is around $1k for each.

Another item, depending on the accuracy of the bend that is needed, would be a Strapmaster (AKA Bohn-Combi): http://eaglemorlin.com/strapmaster.html

This type of tool is quite a bit cheaper (less than $800 new), and also shows up on eBay for under $300 frequently. Be warned, if abused and bought used, they are pretty much junk.

[McVicker]

Thanks for the info. I didn't think it would be much of a problem to cut and bend since it is aluminum and not mild steel or anything too hard. That strapmaster looks like it does everything I need, but won't hold up. I noticed that it could twist, another thing I could use.

-Dan

Edit: Looked at those DiAcro products on e-bay and DAMN they are expensive for itsy bitsy little brakes and shears.

[danski0224]

The Strapmaster is a fine tool, and it will hold up fine.

They are common in the HVAC trade and are subject to lots of abuse- that's why I suggest avoiding a used one unless you try it.

[McVicker]

Great, I'll look into a new one then....it seems like a damn good tool if it works on the 1/8th inch aluminum I'm using.

Thanks
-Dan

[danski0224]

I know it will cut, twist, bend and punch 1/8" x 1" steel just fine...

[McVicker]

Then aluminum won't be a problem :)

[tassue]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=266&pricetype=

has some pretty small brakes

[Elroy]

This may not be exactly what you're looking for but Elroy tends this link for your consideration:

http://www.tricktools.com